NBA

The division rival Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to renew hostilities on Sunday when they meet at Quicken Loans Arena. Oddsmakers currently have the Cavaliers listed as 8½-point favorites versus the Bulls, while the game's total is sitting at 199. Chicago At Cleveland When: 3:30 PM ET, Sunday, April...

AP Basketball WriterNBA, union stiffen virus protocols, another game postponedBy TIM REYNOLDSWith four games called off this week already and more teams dealing with virus-related issues, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association enacted additional rules Tuesday in the hope of keeping the season going safely.For ''at least...

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) For five months, Draymond Green has worked to block out the unrelenting criticism that his Game 5 suspension in the NBA Finals cost Golden State a repeat championship - punishment for a fateful swipe at LeBron James' groin that swung the series for Cleveland. It stings Green...

AP Basketball Writer'A sad day': NBA reacts to Capitol protest, Blake decisionBy TIM REYNOLDSMIAMI (AP) With words and actions, several NBA teams showed dismay Wednesday hours after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump was able to storm the U.S. Capitol and in response to a decision...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Cavaliers to sign forward Larry SandersBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Larry Sanders walked away from the NBA. He's coming back to a team that needs his help.Sanders, who left the league two years ago, will sign with the champion Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, a person...

Associated PressKawhi Leonard expects mixed reception in return to TorontoBy IAN HARRISONTORONTO (AP) Kawhi Leonard expects to hear a mix of cheers and boos when he faces the Toronto Raptors for the first time since helping them win the NBA Finals.Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers make their...

Delta: Bird likely caused damage to plane carrying ThunderCHICAGO (AP) Delta Air Lines says a charter flight carrying the Oklahoma City Thunder from Minneapolis to Chicago apparently encountered a bird early Saturday when it was landing, causing damage that prompted some players to post photos on social media...

AP Sports WriterRockets determined to play better in conference semisBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) James Harden and the Houston Rockets are feeling great heading into the Western Conference semifinals for one big reason.They don't believe they played well so far despite downing the Russell Westbrook-led Thunder 4-1 in the...

AP Sports WriterPelicans acquire Adams as final piece of 4-team Holiday dealBy BRETT MARTELVeteran 7-foot NBA center Steven Adams has agreed to a two-year extension with the Pelicans following his trade to New Orleans as part of a four-team deal that also sent guard Jrue Holiday from the Pelicans...

Nets' Atkinson fined $25,000 for outburst against officialsNEW YORK (AP) Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson has been fined $25,000 for verbally abusing game officials and failing to leave the court quickly enough after he was ejected.The league announced the fine on Saturday.Atkinson was thrown out of the Nets'...

AP Basketball WriterDurant returns from injury - then hurts his AchillesBy TIM REYNOLDSTORONTO (AP) Golden State forward Kevin Durant has an injured right Achilles, a massive blow for the perennial All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP who may be three weeks away from free agency and could also...

TORONTO (AP) When the Toronto Raptors first gathered for training camp, Dwane Casey knew his players wanted to talk about more than basketball. Racial tension was simmering in the United States. Images of police brutality had gone viral. National anthem protests were spreading. The coach was moved by what his players...