You don’t have to be a basketball fan to enjoy the new Netflix series “Running Point” – but knowing some of the background helps.

Loosely inspired by Los Angeles Lakers President Jeanie Buss (one of the executive producers), Kate Hudson plays blonde, beautiful, hoops-obsessed Isla Gordon, only daughter of the callous, now-deceased, billionaire owner of pro basketball’s (fictional) L.A. Waves.

Despite her obvious passion and knowledge of the game, frivolous former party-girl/Playboy model Isla has been almost completely shut out of the family’s franchise by her chauvinistic brothers: cocky Cam (Justin Theroux), dopey Ness (Scott MacArthur) and nerdy/gay Alexander – a.k.a. ‘Sandy’ (Drew Tarver).

That all changes when Cam is ousted from his top position after a cocaine-fueled car wreck that lands him in rehab. In his absence, Cam appoints Isla as his interim successor, running the business which is now in the midst of a humiliating Western Conference losing streak.

Adding to the turmoil, the dysfunctional Gordon family is stunned to learn that young Jackie (Fabrizio Guido), a sweet-natured Waves’ popcorn ‘n’ peanuts vendor, is actually their half-brother, courtesy of their father’s secret affair with the housekeeper.

Created by Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, Elaine Ko and David Stassen, this clever workplace sit-com is endowed with engaging supporting characters – like tattoo-covered, unpredictable point guard/rapper Travis Bugg (Chet Hanks); aging, diva-like Marcus Winfield (Toby Sandeman); hunky, empathetic Coach Jay (Jay Ellis); and Isla’s snappy bestie/chief-of-staff Ali Lee (Brenda Song).

This is a feel-good sports comedy; think “Succession” meets “Ted Lasso.” Each of the 10 episodes runs a taut 30 minutes, as Isla faces a potential setback which leads to a successful resolution, followed by an unintended negative consequence. 

And it’s fun to watch ‘nepo’ adults Kate Hudson (Goldie Hawn’s daughter) chew the scenery with Chet Hanks (Tom Hanks’ son).

On the Granger Gauge of 1 to 10, “Running Point” is an amusing, slam-dunk 7 – with all episodes streaming on Netflix – and it’s been renewed for another season.

What do you call a ghost story that can’t even conjure up a few scares? “Presence,” Steven Soderbergh’s recent attempt at a horror movie. 

His puzzling plot begins as an upper-middle class family inspects an old house in leafy suburbia. The location – a.k.a. school district – is exactly what they want – and they’re the first potential buyers, according to Cece (Julia Fox), their eager real estate agent. 

Assertive Rebecca (Lucy Liu) wants to start negotiating immediately and her compassionate husband Chris (Chris Sullivan) acquiesces as their teenagers – competitive swimmer Tyler (Eddy Maday) and troubled Chloe (Callina Liang) – claim their individual bedrooms. 

There’s a brief foreshadowing of trouble when one of the painters refuses to work in Chloe’s room, sensing a strange, spectral presence there. Perhaps it’s because Chloe is mourning the recent death of her bestie Nadia, along with another girl in her school, in drug-related incidents.

Surveillance reveals how Chloe’s continuing grief pervades the atmosphere, specifically reflected in the 100-year-old silver nitrate mirror in the living room of what’s obviously a haunted house.

Scripted by David Koepp (“Jurassic Park”), it’s a metaphysical mystery propelled by the gliding ghost-in-the-camera that’s wielded by Steven Soderbergh (“Erin Brockovich,” “Magic Mike” and the “Ocean’s” trilogy), who uses the cinematographer pseudonym of Peter Andrews.

Problem is: much of it doesn’t make sense and some subplots are never resolved. It’s bizarre how Rebecca so strongly favors her insolent son Tyler, who is constantly preoccupied with his cellphone. Why? And what about all her secretive financial dealings?

And why does no one seem to notice or take responsibility when vulnerable Chloe hooks up with Tyler’s questionable friend Ryan (West Mulholland), disappearing with him into her bedroom?

On the Granger Gauge, “Presence” conjures a dysfunctional 4 – available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.