Basketball Page 286 - Sports News, Headlines & Highlights

Disgruntled Heat star Jimmy Butler back in action vs. Nuggets
Jimmy Butler has finished a seven-game suspension and will suit up for the Miami Heat's game against the visiting Denver Nuggets on Friday night.,Less than two hours before tip-off, Butler said "I'm back" in a statement his agent Bernie O. Lee released on social media. The statement indicated it was...

Another setback for Joel Embiid as 76ers visit hot Pacers
Around the midway point of the season, the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers are clearly trending in opposite directions.,The Pacers eye their eighth win in nine games Saturday in Indianapolis when they host the scuffling Sixers, who will continue to take the court without their best player.,Phi...

Suns ready to unleash new look in test vs. Pistons
The Phoenix Suns' newest addition could make his team debut on the road against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday afternoon.,Center Nick Richards, acquired in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, is expected to suit up as the Suns continue their five-game road swing. They have won four of ...

Sixers C Joel Embiid (knee) out another 7-10 days
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will be sidelined at least another seven to 10 days with swelling in his left knee, the team announced Friday.,The former league MVP missed the past six contests with a left foot sprain and will not make the three-game road trip to Indiana (Saturday), Milwaukee ...
It Might Finally Be Time to Move on From the NBA Dunk Contest
The NBA Dunk Contest needs a major shakeup due to repetitive dunks and lackluster participants, the event has completely lost its star power in recent years and it needs changed....

Thunder look to keep pressure on vs. Mavericks
The Oklahoma City Thunder put forth a supreme effort on the front end of a back-to-back set, and they will look to play just as well on the second side when they visit the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.,Oklahoma City dismantled the visiting Cavaliers 134-114 on Thursday night and now shares the b...

Knicks C Karl-Anthony Towns questionable to face Wolves
Karl-Anthony Towns' first game in Minnesota as an opposing player reminded the Timberwolves how valuable he was during his nine seasons there.,On Friday night, the New York Knicks might join the Timberwolves in realizing just how tough it can be to win without the four-time All-Star.,New York hopes ...

Hoping to get past tumult, Lakers host hurting Nets
The Los Angeles Lakers insist they are getting their bearings again, and their next chance to show it comes with Friday's visit from the Brooklyn Nets.,Not only are the Lakers continuing to get in sync with coach JJ Redick, they still are getting settled after a tumultuous time in their city followi...

Clippers claim another easy win, blast Blazers
Norman Powell scored 23 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers complete a perfect back-to-back set with a convincing 118-89 win over the host Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.,James Harden added 19 points and six assists for Los Angeles before being rested for the entire fourth quarter for ...

In wild finish, Kings hold on to defeat Rockets
DeMar DeRozan gave Sacramento the lead for good with 2:20 remaining, De'Aaron Fox made five free throws amid two controversial calls in the final 33 seconds, and the host Kings hung on to defeat the Houston Rockets 132-127 on Thursday night.,DeRozan finished with 31 points and Domantas Sabonis had 2...

Clippers claim another easy win, blasting Blazers
Norman Powell scored 23 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers complete a perfect back-to-back set with a convincing 118-89 win over the host Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.,James Harden added 19 points and six assists for Los Angeles before being rested for the entire fourth quarter for ...

NBA roundup: Thunder clobber Cavs in battle of NBA’s best
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 134-114 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday in a matchup between the two teams with the NBA's best records.,The Cavs came in as the No. 1 offensive team in the league, while Oklahoma City ranked atop the NB...

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder romp over Cavaliers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 134-114 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.,The game was a marquee matchup between the two teams with the NBA's best records.,But it turned into a blowout early, as the Thunder reeled off a 22-2 run over t...

Devin Booker (37 points) pushes Suns past Wizards
Devin Booker scored 37 points and Washington, D.C., native Kevin Durant added 23, fueling the visiting Phoenix Suns to a 130-123 wire-to-wire victory over the reeling Wizards on Thursday.,Booker scored at least 30 points for the fourth straight game after sinking four 3-pointers and 13 of 15 free th...

Pacers turn back Pistons' comeback attempt
Myles Turner poured in 28 points and the visiting Indiana Pacers defeated the Detroit Pistons 111-100 on Thursday night.,Pascal Siakam contributed 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals, while Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points and eight assists. Andrew Nembhard added 12 points and si...

Grizzlies, Spurs make quick return for sequel in mini-series
The Memphis Grizzlies will look to sweep a mini-series from the San Antonio Spurs when the teams meet on Friday in the second of two games in three nights in the Alamo City.,The Grizzlies took the first game of the set 129-115 on Wednesday behind 21 points and 12 assists from Ja Morant. Memphis has ...

Pelicans, Jazz trending up despite occupying West's basement
The New Orleans Pelicans have the worst record in the NBA's Western Conference, but they're in the midst of their best stretch of the season.,They have won three of their last four games and five of the last eight as they prepare to host the Utah Jazz on Friday night. They can pass the second-to-las...

Bucks, Raptors clash following lopsided wins
Two teams coming in off big wins match up on Friday night as the Milwaukee Bucks welcome the visiting Toronto Raptors.,This is Game 3 of a four-game homestand for the Bucks. They took down the Orlando Magic 122-93 in dominating fashion Wednesday night. It was their fifth win in their last six games....

Nuggets, Heat await word on stars' status ahead of matchup
Denver Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokic entered Thursday second in the NBA in assists (9.9 per game), third in scoring (30.6) and third in rebounds (13.2), but he may sit out Friday night's game at the Miami Heat.,Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, missed Denver's 128-108 home loss to the Houston Roc...

Struggling Bulls aim to 'take a stand' vs. Hornets
A five-game homestand that started with promise has sputtered for the Chicago Bulls.,Aiming to salvage Friday's finale against the Charlotte Hornets and snap a three-game losing streak, the Bulls will start by looking inward.,"It's right here to define the season. It's going to define the true chara...