AL HORFORD

The Boston Celtics couldn’t make a 3-pointer to start the game and found themselves in a deep hole.

NBA Finals Warriors Celtics Basketball Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, left, is caught under Boston Celtics' Al Horford (42) during the fourth quarter of Game 3 of basketball's NBA Finals, Wednesday, June 8, 2022, in Boston. And as soon as he stood up and took a few steps, he knew he would be OK.“I’m going to play. That’s all I know right now,” the Warriors star said on Thursday, a day before Golden State will face Boston in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. “I know exactly what it is,” said Curry, who hurt the same ankle on a similar play in a late-season game against Boston. That gave me a little bit of confidence knowing it wasn’t as bad.”Asked Thursday if he would be sitting out if it were a regular-season game, Curry said he couldn't say for sure.

NBA Finals Warriors Celtics Basketball Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) brings the ball up court against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game 3 of basketball's NBA Finals, Wednesday, June 8, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne)BOSTON — (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 27 points, Jayson Tatum added 26 and the Boston Celtics beat back another third-quarter onslaught by the Golden State Warriors in a 116-100 victory Wednesday night that gave them a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals. Stephen Curry led Golden State with 31 points and six 3-pointers. Feeding off the energy of the first TD Garden crowd to see an NBA Finals game since Boston’s last trip in 2010, the Celtics started fast and led by as many as 18 points in the first half. ___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

NBA Finals Celtics Warriors Basketball Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry passes the ball past Boston Celtics' Al Horford (42) and Marcus Smart during the fourth quarter of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 2, 2022, in San Francisco. The Celtics can take a 2-0 lead — and absolute command — of the NBA Finals on Sunday when they visit the Warriors in the second game of the title series. They recovered to win the 2016 Western Conference finals over Oklahoma City, then lost the 2019 NBA Finals to Toronto. He was 3 for 17 in the series opener — but led everyone with 13 assists. But the Celtics are now favored to win the series, with Tatum slightly favored over Curry to win the NBA Finals MVP award.

APTOPIX NBA Finals Celtics Warriors Basketball Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) celebrates during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Thursday, June 2, 2022. In Game 2, Golden State gets a chance to answer. Over the last two months, no teams in the NBA have shown more of a bounce-back ability than the Celtics and the Warriors. “This series,” Curry said after Game 1, “is just getting started.”The Warriors know they let an opportunity slip away in Game 1. So, you move on to the next one.”Game 2 isn’t a must-win for Golden State, technically.

In Game 1, Boston showed its resilience.

The matchup between the Golden State's blistering offense and the Celtics' juggernaut defense begins tonight. It should be a close series between two teams that weren't expected to make it this far.

Celtics Heat Basketball Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) falls to his knees after winning Game 7 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals playoff series against the Miami Heat, Sunday, May 29, 2022, in Miami. The oldest player — by six years — on the Boston Celtics' roster will savor this trip to the NBA Finals in ways that his teammates simply cannot. We got Al back there, he’s always going to make the right play on both ends, he’s going to calm us down, he’s going to show us what we missed and he’s going to help us learn the game even more.”Horford isn’t Boston’s best player. “We’re here in Miami really close to the DR. Everybody is watching. I’m happy to be able to share this moment with somebody like him.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Al Horford is turning 36 this week.

Somewhere, Gregg Popovich must be pleased.

Jaylen Brown scored 25 points, Jayson Tatum added 22 and the Boston Celtics moved to the brink of a berth in the NBA Finals, running away after halftime to beat the Miami Heat 93-80 and take a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference title series.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne)MIAMI — (AP) — The Boston Celtics are closer to whole for the Eastern Conference finals. Horford missed Game 1 because of those protocols, related to the coronavirus, and Smart also missed the series opener because of the foot injury. “Happy to have two of our starting five back," Celtics coach Ime Udoka said, adding that both are “full go." Miami had been game-planning for both Horford and Smart to be in the Boston lineup. Derrick White, who started and played 29 minutes in Boston's 118-107 loss in Game 1 on Tuesday, will not play in Game 2.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne)MIAMI — (AP) — Al Horford is back. The Boston Celtics are closer to whole for the Eastern Conference finals. Horford missed Game 1 because of those protocols, related to the coronavirus, and Smart missed the series opener because of a mid-foot sprain. Derrick White, who started and played 29 minutes in Boston's 118-107 loss in Game 1 to Miami on Tuesday, will not play in Game 2. “We weren’t prepared to be playing without Al,” Boston center Daniel Theis said.

The Boston Celtics were hoping to have at least one of their missing starters back for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals Thursday night. Smart's mid-foot sprain has improved to the point where the Celtics are expecting he can play in the series' second game against the Miami Heat. And White, who started and played 29 minutes in Boston’s 118-107 loss in Game 1 to Miami on Tuesday, will not play in Game 2. He tried to get ready in time to play Game 1 on Tuesday, to no avail. “He looked good," Celtics guard Grant Williams said after the team's Thursday morning shootaround practice.

Al Horford and Marcus Smart are coming back.

Things have been working out just fine so far in this postseason for Jimmy Butler and the top-seeded Miami Heat.

Celtics Heat Basketball Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives to the basket between Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and center Daniel Theis (27) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals playoff series, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (Lynne Sladky)MIAMI — (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored 41 points, and the Miami Heat turned things around with a huge third quarter on the way to beating the short-handed Boston Celtics 118-107 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night. A 22-2 run was how Miami started the second half, the run punctuated by steals that led to baskets on three consecutive possessions. ... Butler’s 15th point — a free throw 16 seconds into the second half — gave him 14,000 for his career, including playoffs. ... Tucker left in the second quarter to get his right ankle re-taped, then returned for the second half.

Boston will be without two starters for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, with Al Horford entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols and Marcus Smart unable to play because of a mid-foot sprain.

Celtics Bucks Basketball Milwaukee Bucks' Grayson Allen passes around Boston Celtics' Robert Williams III and Al Horford during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Boston forward/center Robert Williams missed his third straight game with an injured left knee as the Celtics tried to keep their season alive Friday night in Game 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Celtics coach Ume Idoka said at the team’s post-shootaround availability Friday that Williams hurt the knee during a collision with Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 3. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer didn’t offer any indication on whether the three-time All-Star might be available the next time Milwaukee plays after Friday. “He’s doing well,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said before the game.

Boston forward/center Robert Williams missed his third straight game with an injured left knee as the Celtics tried to keep their season alive Friday night in Game 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

APTOPIX Bucks Celtics Basketball Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) blocks a shot by Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second half of Game 5 of an Eastern Conference semifinal in the NBA basketball playoffs, Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (Charles Krupa)BOSTON — (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks are still alive in the NBA playoffs, but star Giannis Antetokounmpo is already joking about his plans for next year. Do you guys know how it works?”Antetokounmpo, 27, was asked how he would spend his sabbatical. I would go to an island in Greece, stay with my family and disappear for a year.”As he walked off, he added: “I'm being serious.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

The Milwaukee Bucks are still alive in the NBA playoffs, but star Giannis Antetokounmpo is already joking about his plans for next year.

Celtics Bucks Basketball Boston Celtics' Al Horford reacts during the second half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series Monday, May 9, 2022, in Milwaukee. It reached a new height in Game 4 during the Celtics’ 116-108 win over the Bucks on Monday night. Equally important, the Celtics have reclaimed home-court advantage as the series shifts back to Boston for Game 5 on Wednesday. After missing an opportunity to take a 3-1 series lead, Bucks guard Wesley Matthews said there’s no time to sulk. The Bucks were outscored in the final 12 minutes in three of the four games, including 43-28 in Game 4.

Grizzlies star Ja Morant is out for Game 5 with a bone bruise in his right knee.

Celtics Bucks Basketball Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo and Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown battle during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series Monday, May 9, 2022, in Milwaukee. Horford scored 16 points and Tatum 12 in the fourth quarter alone to help the Celtics outscore the defending NBA champion Bucks 43-28 in the final period. Tatum scored eight points and Horford had six during a 14-2 run that put the Celtics ahead for good and gave them a 106-96 advantage with 3:33 left. The Celtics tied the game when Horford capped a 10-0 run by driving the baseline and dunking while drawing a foul on Antetokounmpo with 9:51 left. But after Antetokounmpo missed the free throw, Horford started the 14-2 run that put the Celtics in control.

Al Horford and Jayson Tatum scored 30 points each and led the Boston Celtics’ fourth-quarter comeback in a 116-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks that tied their Eastern Conference semifinal at two games apiece.

Celtics Bucks Basketball Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo gets past Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Milwaukee. The defending champion Bucks lead the best-of-7 series 2-1, with Game 4 on Monday night in Milwaukee. Boston trailed 103-100 when Marcus Smart was fouled by Jrue Holiday just before attempting a potential tying 3-pointer with 4.6 seconds remaining. Smart made the first free throw, then missed the second intentionally — flinging it at the rim. Both teams failed to score on their next possessions before Antetokounmpo put the Bucks back ahead.

Bucks Celtics Basketball Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34), of Greece, dunks as Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, left, and center Al Horford, right, look on in the first half of Game 1 in the second round of the NBA Eastern Conference playoff series, Sunday, May 1, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne)BOSTON — (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had his second career postseason triple-double, scoring 24 points with 13 rebounds and 12 assists on Sunday to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 101-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. The two-time NBA MVP scored eight straight Milwaukee points at the end of the first half to take a double-digit lead into the break. The Celtics led by as many as eight before Milwaukee scored the last 10 points of the first quarter. Antetokounmpo scored the last six of the half to give the Bucks a 56-46 lead at the break.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had his second career postseason triple-double to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 101-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series.

Jaylen Brown scored 22 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and the Boston Celtics rallied from 17 points down to beat the Brooklyn Nets 114-107 and take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.

Nets Celtics Basketball Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, center, grapples for control of the ball with Brooklyn Nets forward Bruce Brown (1) in the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round Eastern Conference playoff series, Sunday, April 17, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne)BOSTON — (AP) — Jayson Tatum made a layup at the buzzer on a pass from Marcus Smart to give the Boston Celtics a dramatic 115-114 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in the Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday. Durant and Irving still found ways to score at times, but they had to exert increased energy to get off their attempts. Brown tied it coming out of a timeout with 38 seconds left. The Celtics immediately went on a 9-2 run before the Nets clawed back to tie the game up at 61 at the half.

Jayson Tatum scored 34 points and Jaylen Brown had 31 points and 10 rebounds to help the Boston Celtics coast to a 134-112 over the Minnesota Timberwolves and take over the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Jaylen Brown scored 34 points and the Boston Celtics beat depleted Cleveland 111-101 on Wednesday night to end the Cavaliers’ winning streak at six.

Jayson Tatum scored 37 points and the Boston Celtics beat Los Angeles 130-108 in Lakers star LeBron James’ return.

Jaylen Brown scored 28 points and the Boston Celtics used an 18-1 run at the start of the second half to break open a close game in a 92-79 win over the Orlando Magic 92-79.

A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that All-Star forward Julius Randle has agreed to a $117 million, four-year extension to remain with the New York Knicks.

Celtics Thunder Trade Basketball FILE - In this May 25, 2021, file photo, Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker (8) looks for an outlet during the first quarter of Game 2 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets in New York. The Celtics traded Walker to Oklahoma City for forward Al Horford, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday, June 18, 2021. Oklahoma City now holds 19 first-round draft picks over the next seven years. Horford returns to Boston and gives the Celtics the frontcourt presence they've lacked since he left two seasons ago. "Thank you to ... the entire Thunder organization for their professionalism during my time in Oklahoma City," Horford tweeted.

Celtics Thunder Trade Basketball FILE - In this May 25, 2021, file photo, Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker (8) looks for an outlet during the first quarter of Game 2 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets in New York. The Celtics traded Walker to Oklahoma City for forward Al Horford, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday, June 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) (Kathy Willens)BOSTON — (AP) — The Celtics traded point guard Kemba Walker to Oklahoma City for forward Al Horford, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday. Horford is returning to Boston and gives the Celtics the frontcourt presence they have lacked since he left two seasons ago. The 7-footer averaged 8.6 points and 8.9 rebounds and tied a team record with 23 rebounds against the Celtics this season.

BOSTON — (AP) — The Celtics traded point guard Kemba Walker to Oklahoma City for forward Al Horford, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday. It is the first major move since Brad Stevens moved from the Boston bench to the front office. 16 overall draft pick to the Thunder and receive center Moses Brown in return. The person, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced, added that more draft picks were involved. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.

The Celtics have traded point guard Kemba Walker to Oklahoma City for forward Al Horford.

(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)HOUSTON – Mired in a long losing streak, the Houston Rockets twice put the ball in John Wall's hands in the waning moments. The Rockets lost their team-record 20th straight game, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 114-112 Sunday when Wall missed two shots in the final 10 seconds. This one hurts.”Dort scored 23 points and Isaiah Roby had 18 for the Thunder, who led by as many as 13 points. They shot a sizzling 14 of 21 on 3s in the second quarter, however, and Oklahoma City led 66-62 at halftime. The Rockets hit a franchise-record 28 3s in a win against the Thunder on Feb. 1, just three days before their last win.

Morey hasn't had to make any major moves in his first season running the Philadelphia 76ers. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)PHILADELPHIA – Like any top NBA executive this time of the season, Daryl Morey is trying to better his roster. “I just grabbed all the Sixers,” Morey said. “Younger fans want to feel like they’re part of something,” Morey told The Associated Press in an interview this week. “Well, we happen to have the best inside players in the NBA,” Morey said.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) takes the ball from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES – LeBron James hit the tying 3-pointer late in regulation and then broke up the Thunder's final possession in overtime to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their sixth consecutive victory, 114-113 over Oklahoma City on Wednesday night. James had 25 points, seven assists and six rebounds for the defending NBA champions, who survived their third consecutive overtime game. OVERTIME FEATSThe Lakers became the seventh team in NBA history to win three consecutive overtime games. AdLos Angeles hadn't played three straight overtime games since 1991.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots between Chicago Bulls guard Garrett Temple (17) and forward Lauri Markkanen during overtime of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a career-high 33 points and 10 assists to help Oklahoma City beat the Chicago Bulls and former Thunder coach Billy Donovan 127-125 in overtime Friday night. Donovan knew all too well how good Oklahoma City can be under challenging circumstances. ... Oklahoma City scored 19 points off Chicago's nine turnovers in the third quarter. ... Oklahoma City shot 56% in the third quarter and outscored the Bulls 37-27.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, moves around Oklahoma City Thunder forward Isaiah Roby (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)OKLAHOMA CITY – LeBron James scored 26 points and the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-99 on Wednesday night for their franchise-record seventh straight road victory to start the season. The Lakers led by 24 in the second quarter before the Thunder cut it to 58-46 at halftime. James scored 15 points in the half. James made 4 of 6 shots and scored 11 points in the third quarter to help the Lakers take a 93-71 lead.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Darius Bazley had a season-high 19 points, George Hill scored 13 of his 18 points in the third quarter and the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the second half of a 108-99 win over the Orlando Magic on Saturday. The Magic were routed 116-92 by Philadelphia on New Year’s Eve and lost on Saturday after making just 37% of their shots. That allowed the Thunder to outscore the Magic 24-17 over the final 12 minutes to break open a close game. Horford drilled a straight-on 3-pointer with 50 seconds to play, sending the Thunder on their way to the second road victory of the season. Magic: Orlando entered Saturday last in the league in 3-point attempts (26.8) and makes (8.8) per game.

Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Michael Carter-Williams (7) react to a call during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)OKLAHOMA CITY – Nikola Vucevic had a season-high 28 points and 10 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-107 Tuesday night. Oklahoma City made only 4 of 13 free throws in the fourth, thwarting the Thunder’s hopes to rally. The Magic again pushed its lead out, this time to 53-43, but Oklahoma City pulled within 60-56 by halftime. The Thunder briefly pulled even at 80-80 on a 3-pointer by Gilgeous-Alexander but Orlando led 87-85 entering the fourth quarter.

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Boston. Irving scored 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting and had seven rebounds, five assists and two steals helping the Nets rout the Celtics 113-89 Friday night in the final preseason game for both teams. There were no fans in the new Boston Garden on Friday night, and his introduction was greeted with a faint, fake cheer. Precious Achiuwa scored 13 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Heat, while Bam Adebayo scored 13 points and Tyler Herro scored 10. McCollum led the Blazers with 26 points on 8-of-20 shooting and Gary Trent Jr. added 18 points in the loss.

The Lakers, who beat Miami to win the championship Oct. 11, start the new season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. Also on Wednesday, Chicago beat Oklahoma City 124-103, and Portland played at Denver. BULLS 124, THUNDER 103At Oklahoma City, the Bulls took control in the second quarter and didn’t let up. LaVine scored 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting in the first quarter while Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 for Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City couldn’t get into a flow, but part of that was because first-year coach Mark Daigneault gave minutes to 13 players.

Simmons says hes 100% healthy following surgery on his left knee in August that kept him from playing in the postseason. “I mean, you can’t just come into a situation like the bubble if you guys aren’t ready and don’t have that chemistry and accountability already,” Simmons said Friday. The same team Rivers coached last season that blew a 3-1 playoff series lead in the Western Conference semis and led him to leaving Los Angeles? Simmons said accountability -- the new buzzword in Philly - starts with the players. I think Doc would say the same thing, I go out there and make plays.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Pressed on Embiid and Simmons, Morey quipped he was low on the tenure board. “I think they absolutely can work together,” Morey said, “but Doc’s been here a little longer than me. “Whatever my role needs to be, I accept that role,” Brand said. “The goal is not to shoot 3-pointers, the goal is to win,” Morey said. Or Morey and Rivers, who bring decades of sustained winning to Philly and will demand players do it their way?

PHILADELPHIA – Doc Rivers takes over a team tasked not with leading a Process-type rebuild or massaging the egos of two talented — yet frustrating — All-Stars. Enter Rivers, the 58-year-old former NBA guard who coached the Boston Celtics to the championship in 2008 and another NBA Finals appearance in 2010. Just two days after he split with the Los Angeles Clippers, Rivers was in Philadelphia with ownership and general manager Elton Brand, and on Thursday he accepted the job to succeed Brett Brown. If good things are going to happen in Philadelphia, Rivers needs more than social media support out of the talented 7-footer who has battled injuries and struggled with conditioning. “Embiid is a better scorer, obviously, and does things, and size, you can’t plan for that,” Rivers said at the time.

PHILADELPHIA The next coach of the Philadelphia 76ers can count on having Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. I would love to see this group with Ben Simmons, but I dont want to make any excuses. The new coach also has got to find that balance on how to push these All-Star players to that next stage. You have a great mix of veteran players, young players learning how to win in this game. Ive grown as a leader and Ive grown as a general manager, Brand said.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives past Philadelphia 76ers forward Glenn Robinson III (40) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)

Booker became the Suns' career leader with his 91st 30-point game, breaking a tie with Walter Davis. Phoenix pulled away late after leading only 105-102 following back-to-back baskets by Alec Burks, who led the 76ers with 23 points. The Suns continued their high-scoring play in the bubble after averaging 120 points in the first six games. The 76ers also were without Joel Embiid (left ankle), Tobias Harris (sore right ankle) and Al Horford (sore left knee). 76ers: Play the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.

On Saturday, he missed a pair of free throws with 18.6 seconds to go and a 3-pointer with 9.5 seconds left in a 122-117 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Trail Blazers increased their chances of qualifying for the play-in series, which will start Saturday. Richardson missed a 3-pointer for Philadelphia, and the 76ers couldn't get another shot off after a scramble for the rebound. Trail Blazers: Lillard scored a basket in the first quarter when he drove to the hoop and his pass bounced off Philadelphia's Tobias Harris, off the backboard and into the basket. Trail Blazers: Play the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Tobias Harris had 23 points and 15 rebounds, Joel Embiid turned in a strong second half and finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds and the Philadelphia 76ers held off the Orlando Magic 108-101 on Friday night in their first game without All-Star Ben Simmons. Alec Burks had 22 points off the bench and Al Horford stepped into the starting lineup and finished with 21 points and nine rebounds. Evan Fournier had 22 points and Nikola Vucevic had 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Magic, which have lost three straight games in the NBA bubble after starting 2-0. Philadelphia improved to 3-1 in the restart behind a strong second half from Embiid, who scored 18 points after the break. Embiid was particularly effective inside the paint where he was 7 of 10 from the field.

FILE - In this Feb. 22, 2020, file photo, Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Milwaukee. But after 20 weeks of waiting, wondering and worrying, the 2019-20 NBA season is ready to hit the restart button with a champion scheduled to be crowned in October. For the front-runners like the NBA-leading Milwaukee Bucks and West-leading Lakers, the eight remaining games before the playoffs are about tuning up their games. The biggest names are here: reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks, LeBron James of the Lakers, scoring champion James Harden of Houston, plus the reigning Finals MVP and All-Star Game MVP in Leonard. The intensity is going to start to pick up with the games just meaning much more, Philadelphia forward Al Horford said.

FILE - In this a Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts to his shot the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Milwaukee. If Antetokounmpo can shoot like that in real games, maybe the Milwaukee Bucks can finish the job and win the title this season. The Bucks are too, bringing the NBAs best record into the resumption of the season next week at Walt Disney World. The Toronto Raptors exploited that last season, with versatile, big defenders such as Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka who could keep Antetokounmpo from the rim and make him shoot outside. The Bucks believe this season they have enough to go all the way, even without getting to use the home-court advantage they likely would have earned.

On Sunday, February 16, Team LeBron and Team Giannis will compete in the 69th NBA All-Star Game, a midseason showdown between the top players in the league. The 2017 CBA, which will be in effect until the 2023-2024 season, declared that "for their participation in an All-Star Game, players on the winning team shall each receive $50,000 and players on the losing team shall each receive $25,000." In 2018, the NBA doubled the compensation for the winning team, from $50,000 to $100,000, perhaps to make the game itself more competitive. A spokesperson for the NBA confirmed to CNBC Make It that the bonus payout is the same for 2020: $100,000 for the winning team and $25,000 for the losing team. Team LeBron is playing for the Chicago Scholars and Team Giannis is playing for After School Matters.