With an awesome team already and nearly all their own assets available to upgrade it, the Orlando Magic are ready to win now.

Some eight months later, the Ohioans are the best team in the competition with the same group that last year was swimming in a sea of ​​doubts. Thanks to the merit of Kenny Atkinson and the facelift he has given to the attack. But also to the players.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Julius Randle had 23 points and 10 rebounds, Anthony Edwards added 21 points and seven assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Orlando Magic 104-89 on Thursday night for their third straight victory. Naz Reid came off the bench to score 16 points, and Rudy Gobert added 10 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota.

He thought it would happen Thursday. But the Raptors stink and Darius Garland played savior. Not Sunday. Cavs got the loss they “deserved” — and perhaps needed wake-up call with schedule ...

Darius Garland erupted for 40 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers came from behind to extend their unbeaten streak to 12 games with a 132-126 defeat

The Cavs are rolling thanks in large part to Garland's play, but the East — and Cleveland's — backcourt is a crowded one.

The Cavs lead the standings with a 33-4 record, six games clear of reigning champions the Boston Celtics. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Raptors experimented with a center-less lineup in the second quarter, using Scottie Barnes as their de facto big man. It’s a look Toronto has rarely deployed this season, but given Kelly Olynyk’s struggles this year, it’s a wrinkle the Raptors might want to explore more often.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP ... CAVALIERS 132, RAPTORS 126 CLEVELAND (AP) — Darius Garland scored a season-high 40 points, Jarrett Allen had 18 points and 15 rebounds, and NBA-leading Cleveland ...

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Darius Garland is perfecting his playmaking, earning Draymond Green’s recognition for his elite timing in the paint.

The Knicks and Nuggets are surging, while the Warriors watch their window close. Meanwhile, the Cavs and Thunder have their business on lock.

Lasting 22 minutes, Czech starter Vit Krejci tallied nine points to go with three assists and one rebound. Serbian Bogdan Bogdanovic missed all of his nine shots from the field on the way to two points,