NBA

AP Sports WriterNBA coaches prepare for possible intriguing playoff matchupsBy KYLE HIGHTOWERWith NBA games indefinitely on hold there has been a lot of discussion about postseason possibilities - including by coaches around the league.They're preparing for what a resumption of the season that wascould look like in the wake...

AP Basketball WriterTimberwolves name John Thomas VP of community engagementBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIMINNEAPOLIS (AP) John Thomas grew up in Minneapolis, becoming a prep star at Roosevelt High School before playing at the University of Minnesota and bouncing around the NBA for five seasons.One of those seasons toward the end...

That's the Tooth: Celtics guard Thomas has more dental workBOSTON (AP) Isaiah Thomas' mouth is bearing the brunt of the physical playoff series between the Celtics and Wizards.TV viewers watched as one of Thomas' front teeth flew out of his mouth in a collision with Washington's Otto Porter...

Associated PressPelicans' Davis leaves game with apparent ankle injuryBy RICH ROVITOMILWAUKEE (AP) Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans left Wednesday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks after appearing to injure his left ankle.Davis limped off the court and went directly to the locker room in the waning...

Warriors say Green has no structural damage in injured kneeOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Draymond Green has no structural damage in his injured left knee but is still doubtful to play in the Golden State Warriors' next game.The Warriors released the results of the MRI on Thursday and said Green...

Monty Williams to receive inaugural Sager AwardATLANTA (AP) Turner Sports has created a new award to honor beloved longtime sideline reporter Craig Sager, who died in December after a battle with leukemia.Turner announced that San Antonio Spurs vice president of basketball operations Monty Williams will receive the inaugural...

76ers' Joel Embiid missed 3rd straight game with sore backPHILADELPHIA (AP) Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is sitting out a third straight game because of back pain.Coach Brett Brown said less than two hours before Thursday's game against Toronto that Embiid was ''probable'' and would play barring a...

Jan. 5 - 10-day contracts can be signed.Jan. 10 - Contracts guaranteed for rest of season.Feb. 13-15 - All-Star weekend, New York.Feb. 19 - Trade deadline (3 p.m. EST).April 15 - Last day of regular season.April 18 - Playoffs begin.

AP Sports WriterMavs release Barea as veteran guard seeks to continue careerBy SCHUYLER DIXONThe Dallas Mavericks released J.J. Barea on Thursday, turning loose the last piece of the franchise's 2011 championship team to give the veteran guard a chance to continue his playing career.While Barea's virtual meeting with reporters...

AP Sports WriterButler to join Wolves in opener at Spurs, despite asking outBy DAVE CAMPBELLMINNEAPOLIS (AP) Just like last season, Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves traveled to San Antonio for their opener.After all the disruption caused by Butler's trade request that became public a week before training...

AP Sports WriterBob Myers' care for people goes long way as Warriors GMBy JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) When Bob Myers hosts a dinner party, he is the guy who once it's all over has a pretty good read on the entire evening: who had a great time, who...

NEW YORK (AP) Stephon Marbury hopes to finish off his basketball career back in the NBA. The 40-year old guard is playing in the Chinese Basketball Association this season for the Beijing Fly Dragons and when the league ends in February or March he wants to join an NBA franchise. ''I've...