NBA

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Chris Boucher, Kyle Lowry and Fred Van Fleet converted eight straight free throws in the final two minutes Saturday night, helping Toronto beat the Charlotte Hornets, 116-113 for the Raptors first two-game win streak of the season. Norman Powell led the Raptors with 24 points, and Boucher...

AP Sports WriterMass on kidney to keep LeVert out indefinitely for PacersBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) Caris LeVert's debut with the Indiana Pacers has been put on hold indefinitely after an MRI revealed a small mass on his left kidney.President of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard made the announcement Saturday,...

Mass on kidney to keep LeVert out indefinitely for PacersINDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indiana Pacers will be without newly acquired Caris LeVert indefinitely after an MRI showed a mass on his left kidney during a physical to complete this week's blockbuster four-team trade.Team officials made the announcement Saturday on...

NEW YORK (AP) The Brooklyn Nets say James Harden is available for their game against the Orlando Magic on Saturday night. Harden had been listed as questionable to play while the players involved in the trade that sent him from Houston to Brooklyn on Thursday awaited completion of their physicals....

AP Basketball WriterMore NBA games off, as league continues struggles with virusBy TIM REYNOLDSAnother three NBA games were postponed Friday, including one in Minnesota only a couple hours before game time, as the league's struggle with increasing coronavirus numbers continuedAP Photo transref:TXJM105, transref:CAJC121, transref:NYDB419, transref:CAJC122, transref:NYKW111, transref:OHTD109, transref:CAJC117, transref:NYKW125,...

AP Basketball WriterNBA fines Irving $50,000 for health, safety violationsBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) Kyrie Irving's absence from the Brooklyn Nets has become a costly one.The NBA fined the point guard $50,000 on Friday for violating its health and safety protocols, and said he could return to team...

AP Basketball WriterMore NBA games off, as league continues struggles with virusBy TIM REYNOLDSThe NBA gave Orlando coach Steve Clifford a call recently, telling him he had to do a better job of keeping his mask on during games.Clifford didn't argue.''Yes, sir,'' he said.Nobody would argue the need for...

AP Basketball WriterCeltics expect to play Friday, as NBA weighs more testingBy TIM REYNOLDSThe Boston Celtics expect their unplanned weeklong hiatus because of coronavirus-related issues to end Friday, when they're scheduled to play host to the Orlando Magic.Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, in a radio interview Thursday, said ''it...

AP Sports WriterJames Harden headed to Nets in blockbuster multiteam dealBy BRIAN MAHONEY and KRISTIE RIEKENJames Harden is heading to Brooklyn, joining old teammate Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to give the Nets a potent trio featuring some of the NBA's highest scorers.The Nets acquired the three-time scoring champion...

AP Basketball WriterCeltics plan to play Friday, another Suns game called by NBABy TIM REYNOLDSThe Boston Celtics expect their unplanned weeklong hiatus because of coronavirus-related issues to end Friday, when they're scheduled to play host to the Orlando Magic.The Phoenix Suns, however, have a bit more time off coming.The...

AP Basketball WriterNets GM: Superstars will sacrifice to make Harden trade workBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) As the Nets were closing in on the deal for James Harden, general manager Sean Marks wanted to know if his two superstars really wanted to share the stage - not to...

AP Sports WriterWalker taking his time as Celtics look to resume playBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) For now the season debut of Celtics point guard Kemba Walker remains in a holding pattern.The Celtics haven't played a game in nearly a week thanks to the recent rash of coronavirus cases...