BREAKING NEWS
76ers' Paul George diagnosed with bone bruise but no structural damage after hyperextending knee
Read full article: 76ers' Paul George diagnosed with bone bruise but no structural damage after hyperextending kneeThe Philadelphia 76ers say forward Paul George has a bone bruise but didn't suffer any structural damage when he hyperextended his left knee during a preseason game.
NBA says Tyrese Maxey was fouled -- twice -- before turnover that led to Knicks' go-ahead shot
Read full article: NBA says Tyrese Maxey was fouled -- twice -- before turnover that led to Knicks' go-ahead shotPhiladelphiaās Tyrese Maxey was fouled twice before his turnover that led to the go-ahead 3-pointer by Donte DiVincenzo in the New York Knicksā victory over the 76ers in Game 2.
76ers plan to file grievance about officiating during first two games of series against Knicks
Read full article: 76ers plan to file grievance about officiating during first two games of series against KnicksA team spokesman says the Philadelphia 76ers plan to file a grievance related to the officiating during their series against the New York Knicks.
Joel Embiid sits out as 76ers zip past Nets 107-86. Philly will face Miami in the play-in tournament
Read full article: Joel Embiid sits out as 76ers zip past Nets 107-86. Philly will face Miami in the play-in tournamentTyrese Maxey scored 26 points for a Philadelphia 76ers team that played without Joel Embiid and earned a spot in the play-in tournament with a 107-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets with playoff seeding at stake on Sunday.
Joel Embiid limps off the court just before halftime of 76ers' game versus Magic
Read full article: Joel Embiid limps off the court just before halftime of 76ers' game versus MagicPhiladelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid appeared to hurt his left knee in the final minutes of the first half of Friday nightās game against the Orlando Magic.
Officials admit to missed call on final play of Clippers win over 76ers
Read full article: Officials admit to missed call on final play of Clippers win over 76ersOfficials said they missed a foul call in the closing seconds of the Los Angeles Clippersā 108-107 win over Philadelphia, denying the 76ers a possible victory in their fight for better playoff positioning.
'Good likelihood' that injured Embiid will be back before start of playoffs, 76ers' Nurse says
Read full article: 'Good likelihood' that injured Embiid will be back before start of playoffs, 76ers' Nurse saysPhiladelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse said Wednesday that there is a āgood likelihoodā that reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid will be back on the court before the postseason.
Embiid update: 76ers coach Nick Nurse says doctors are 'happy with the progress' following surgery
Read full article: Embiid update: 76ers coach Nick Nurse says doctors are 'happy with the progress' following surgeryJoel Embiid has been re-evaluated by doctors and they are āhappy with the progressā the 76ers center is making following meniscus surgery on his left knee, Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse said Saturday.
1st-time All-Star Maxey scores career-high 51 points to help Embiid-less 76ers beat Jazz 127-124
Read full article: 1st-time All-Star Maxey scores career-high 51 points to help Embiid-less 76ers beat Jazz 127-124Tyrese Maxey scored a career-high 51 points hours after being selected to his first All-Star Game, helping the Philadelphia 76ers overcome star center Joel Embiidās absence for a 127-124 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.
Embiid undergoing MRI after hurting left leg in 76ers' loss at Golden State
Read full article: Embiid undergoing MRI after hurting left leg in 76ers' loss at Golden StatePhiladelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is undergoing an MRI after the reigning MVP hurt his left leg in a 119-107 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Jokic, Nuggets fend off gritty 76ers 111-105 as Embiid sits out for 4th consecutive time in Denver
Read full article: Jokic, Nuggets fend off gritty 76ers 111-105 as Embiid sits out for 4th consecutive time in DenverNikola Jokic had 26 points and 16 rebounds but was denied his rematch with fellow MVP contender Joel Embiid when the Denver Nuggets fended off the short-handed but gritty Philadelphia 76ers 111-105.
Joel Embiid scores 41 points, 76ers hand Pistons 21st straight loss
Read full article: Joel Embiid scores 41 points, 76ers hand Pistons 21st straight lossJoel Embiid scored 30 of his 41 points in the first half and the Philadelphia 76ers handed the Detroit Pistons their 21st straight loss, 129-111 on Wednesday night to open a home-and-home series.
76ers' Joel Embiid out versus Timberwolves with hip soreness
Read full article: 76ers' Joel Embiid out versus Timberwolves with hip sorenessPhiladelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will miss Wednesdayās game in Minnesota with hip soreness and will be re-evaluated Thursday, Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse says.
Police say no video found of alleged hit-and run accident involving 76ers' Oubre; coach backs player
Read full article: Police say no video found of alleged hit-and run accident involving 76ers' Oubre; coach backs playerPhiladelphia police said Wednesday they have yet to find any videotape evidence of an alleged hit-and-run accident involving 76ers guard Kelly Oubre, and coach Nick Nurse is standing by his player.
NBA looking into facts behind Harden's absence from 76ers' nationally televised opener in Milwaukee
Read full article: NBA looking into facts behind Harden's absence from 76ers' nationally televised opener in MilwaukeeThe Philadelphia 76ers went to Milwaukee without James Harden and the NBA wants to know why.
76ers tell James Harden to stay home ahead of season opener in Milwaukee
Read full article: 76ers tell James Harden to stay home ahead of season opener in MilwaukeeJames Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers added another wrinkle to their messy relationship when the team told the disgruntled guard to stay home instead of traveling for Thursdayās season opener against Milwaukee.
NBA season set to begin with ring night in Denver, and a slew of challengers for title
Read full article: NBA season set to begin with ring night in Denver, and a slew of challengers for titleDamian Lillard went to Milwaukee, Bradley Beal went to Phoenix, Jrue Holiday ended up in Boston and Chris Paul ended up with Golden State.
Ben Simmons has his health and his old job back. Now the Brooklyn Nets need to see his old game
Read full article: Ben Simmons has his health and his old job back. Now the Brooklyn Nets need to see his old gameBen Simmons was so ineffective in his return from back surgery last season that he couldnāt even protest much when he was bounced from his normal position, and eventually out of Nets coach Jacque Vaughnās rotation entirely.
James Harden skips 76ers practice, leaving coach Nick Nurse unsure of what comes next
Read full article: James Harden skips 76ers practice, leaving coach Nick Nurse unsure of what comes nextPhiladelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse said he had no explanation for why James Harden skipped practice Wednesday but planned to proceed as if the disgruntled guard will play in the preseason finale.
Sixers wrap up camp in Colorado with Harden situation still up in air heading into preseason play
Read full article: Sixers wrap up camp in Colorado with Harden situation still up in air heading into preseason playThe Philadelphia 76ers are tuning out the noise around disgruntled guard James Harden and his trade demand.
James Harden picks up $35.6 million option with the 76ers, AP source says
Read full article: James Harden picks up $35.6 million option with the 76ers, AP source saysJames Harden picked up his $35.6 million contract option for next season with the Philadelphia 76ers, with the franchise exploring trades to move the veteran scorer, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.
Jordi Fernandez to replace Nick Nurse as Canada coach, source tells AP
Read full article: Jordi Fernandez to replace Nick Nurse as Canada coach, source tells APSacramento assistant Jordi Fernandez is taking over for Nick Nurse as coach of the Canadian menās basketball team that will compete at this summerās World Cup, a person with knowledge of the decision said Tuesday.
Hammon mum on potential interest in Raptors' coaching gig
Read full article: Hammon mum on potential interest in Raptors' coaching gigLas Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon hasn't commented directly on an ESPN report that the Toronto Raptors have received permission to interview her for their vacant head coaching position.
Siakam, Trent help Raptors overwhelm depleted Spurs, 143-100
Read full article: Siakam, Trent help Raptors overwhelm depleted Spurs, 143-100Pascal Siakam had 22 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in just 28 minutes, and the Toronto Raptors beat depleted San Antonio 143-100 on Wednesday night, the Spursā worst home loss in franchise history.
Embiid scores 33 points, 76ers finish off Raptors in Game 6
Read full article: Embiid scores 33 points, 76ers finish off Raptors in Game 6Joel Embiid had 33 points and 10 rebounds, James Harden added 22 points and 15 assists and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Toronto Raptors 132-97 in Game 6 to end the first-round series Thursday night.
Murray has 11th triple-double, Spurs roll past Hawks 136-121
Read full article: Murray has 11th triple-double, Spurs roll past Hawks 136-121Dejounte Murray tied his career highs with 32 points and 15 assists to go with 10 rebounds for his 11th triple double this season, Keldon Johnson scored 26 points and the San Antonio Spurs cruised to a 136-121 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
Nuggets-Warriors off; Rivers, Malone enter NBA protocols
Read full article: Nuggets-Warriors off; Rivers, Malone enter NBA protocolsThe NBA postponed Golden State's game with Denver on Thursday, the same day that Philadelphiaās Doc Rivers and Denverās Michael Malone entered the NBAās health and safety protocols.
Anunoby has career-best 36, Raptors beat Knicks 113-104
Read full article: Anunoby has career-best 36, Raptors beat Knicks 113-104OG Anunoby scored a career-high 36 points and the Toronto Raptors won their fourth straight by beating the New York Knicks 113-104 in the 75th anniversary of the NBAās first game.
Canada basketball loads camp roster for Tokyo qualifying bid
Read full article: Canada basketball loads camp roster for Tokyo qualifying bidVirtually all of Canadaās top NBA players, excluding those who are injured, have accepted invitations to attend training camp next month in advance of that countryās last chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
Knicks extend winning streak to 9, beat Raptors 120-103
Read full article: Knicks extend winning streak to 9, beat Raptors 120-103Julius Randle had 31 points and 10 rebounds, RJ Barrett had 25 points and 12 boards, and the New York Knicks beat the Toronto Raptors 120-103 for their ninth straight victory.
Raptors' Nurse fined $50,000 for mask-throwing, profanity
Read full article: Raptors' Nurse fined $50,000 for mask-throwing, profanityNurse was upset at the end of Toronto's 115-112 loss to the Utah Jazz, a game in which the Jazz took 41 free throws, compared with the Raptors' 14. After the game, Nurse said it ājust didnāt seem like they were going to let us win tonight,ā without offering specifics. The 27-shot difference in free throw attempts between the teams was the second largest in the NBA this season, topped by the 28-shot difference Houston had over Golden State on Wednesday. Entering Sunday, the Raptors were shooting 4.5 free throws per game fewer than opponents this season, the second-largest disparity in the league. Ad___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Raptors-Pistons postponed, tentatively set for Wednesday
Read full article: Raptors-Pistons postponed, tentatively set for WednesdayTAMPA, Fla. ā Toronto's game against Detroit that was scheduled for Tuesday is being postponed until Wednesday, a move that the NBA hopes gives the Raptors time to get back onto the floor. The Raptors were scheduled to play Chicago on Sunday and that game was postponed indefinitely because of positive tests and contact tracing issues. The league cautioned that Wednesday is a tentative rescheduling date for the game against the Pistons, and is āpending additional test results." Tuesday's game becomes the 31st postponed this season because at least one team was unable to play in accordance with the league's health and safety policies related to the coronavirus pandemic. The Raptors have been without coach Nick Nurse and five other staff members since late last week because of virus-related issues.
Raptors' virus issues worsen, game vs. Bulls called off
Read full article: Raptors' virus issues worsen, game vs. Bulls called off(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)The Toronto Raptorsā issues with the coronavirus have worsened, prompting the NBA to call off their game scheduled for Sunday night against the Chicago Bulls. Toronto played Friday without head coach Nick Nurse, several other assistants and staffers and starting forward Pascal Siakam because of virus-related issues. The Raptors-Bulls game is the 30th to be postponed so far this season because of COVID-19 testing or contact tracing. All NBA players and coaches are tested daily. During the season's second half, which runs from March 10 through May 16, the Raptors and Bulls share 19 days without a game on their schedules.
The Latest: U.S. FDA approves J&J single-shot vaccine
Read full article: The Latest: U.S. FDA approves J&J single-shot vaccineTom Moore, the 100-year-old World War II veteran who captivated the British public in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic with his fundraising efforts died, Tuesday Feb. 2, 2021. Commercial applicants will be required to provide evidence that the coronavirus pandemic caused them to lose at least 35% of revenue in 2020. ___RAMALLAH, West Bank ā The Palestinian government announced a 12-day lockdown in the Israeli-occupied West Bank after a surge in coronavirus cases, including new variants. The death toll stands at 3,685, with more than a dozen deaths reported Friday. ___WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. ā The Navajo Nation has continued on a downward trend in the number of daily coronavirus cases.
Depleted Raptors hand Rockets 10th straight loss
Read full article: Depleted Raptors hand Rockets 10th straight loss(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)TAMPA, Fla. ā Norman Powell scored 30 points, Kyle Lowry had a triple-double and the depleted Toronto Raptors beat the Houston Rockets 122-111 on Friday night. AdLowry had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to help the Raptors hand the Rockets their 10th straight loss. Victor Oladipo led the Rockets with 27 points, and John Wall had 21 points and 12 assists. TIP-INSRockets: The last time the Rockets lost 10 straight games was Nov. 23-Dec. 20, 2001 during a 15-game losing streak. Raptors: The Raptors have not been involved in any of the NBA's 29 coronavirus postponements so far this season.
Virus sidelines Raptors coaches, Siakam for Rockets game
Read full article: Virus sidelines Raptors coaches, Siakam for Rockets gameToronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse talks to players during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Minneapolis. Assistant coach Sergio Scariolo was promoted to coach the team's game in Tampa, Florida, against the Rockets. Scariolo had been away from the Raptors while coaching Spain in FIBA's EuroBasket 2022 qualifiers and just cleared quarantine Friday. AdāI don't know how many hundreds or thousands of games he's been a head coach," Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said about Scariolo. Webster said the team isn't certain if Siakam's issue is related to the issue with the coaching staff.
More NBA games off, as league continues struggles with virus
Read full article: More NBA games off, as league continues struggles with virus(AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)Another 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 continued. The Timberwolves' game with the Memphis Grizzlies was called off, as were what would have been Wizards' home games Sunday and Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Washington has seen four of its games pushed back, Boston and Phoenix have had three postponements. The NBA said earlier this week that 16 players tested positive in recent days, which was more than the NBA had seen in the last five weeks combined. The 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.
Sports in 2020: Disruptions aplenty, only constant was loss
Read full article: Sports in 2020: Disruptions aplenty, only constant was lossFILE - In this Aug. 6, 2020, file photo, the Olympic rings for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 pass by on a barge by tugboats off the Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo. Tokyo Olympic officials said Thursday, Dec. 24, they have reached a basic agreement with all 68 domestic sponsors to extend their contracts into next year to support the postponed Games. Facing increasingly long odds, some mega-events ā the Olympics, March Madness, the Boston Marathon and Wimbledon ā pushed the starting line into 2021. ā¦ Continue to push (against) everything thatās the opposite of love.āIf only for a moment, the pandemic receded into the background. āIf we can continue to do that, all of us,ā James concluded, āAmerica would be a much better place.ā
We The South: The Raptors settling into their Tampa home
Read full article: We The South: The Raptors settling into their Tampa homeThe Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat tip off to start during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. The Raptors are playing their home games in Tampa as a result of Canada's strict travel regulations stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. Familiarity is where we thrive,ā said Teresa Resch, the Raptorsā vice president of basketball operations and one of the guiding forces behind the teamās move to Tampa. āThe Toronto Raptors and their fans will not be disappointed here in Tampa Bay,ā Tampa Mayor Jane Castor saidThe last time Tampa was on the NBAās schedule prior to this season was in 2010, when Miami and Orlando were supposed to meet there in a preseason game. At least 17 times in the next 2 Ā½ months, the Raptors will be calling a court in Tampa home.
Popovich knows filling US Olympic roster may be a challenge
Read full article: Popovich knows filling US Olympic roster may be a challengeAnd when presented with this potential scheduling conundrum, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich ā who will coach USA Basketball menās national team at the next Olympics ā came up with a very quick, very lighthearted solution. āI donāt think weāre going to let the finals go seven games,ā Popovich said. Popovich will be head coach of the Olympic team for the first time, succeeding Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. āThe Olympics is always on my mind, just as Coach K told me it would be,ā Popovich said Tuesday. The 2016 Olympic team was picked about six weeks before the start of the Rio Games, allowing time for a training camp and exhibitions before heading to Brazil.
Bjorkgren describes plan to take Pacers in new direction
Read full article: Bjorkgren describes plan to take Pacers in new directionINDIANAPOLIS ā New Indiana Pacers coach Kevin Bjorkgren went right to work Wednesday. Less than 24 hours after accepting the job, the 45-year-old former Toronto Raptors assistant started explaining his plan. āThere are people in this world who bring energy and you like being around them," Pritchard said after introducing Bjorkgren on a Zoom call. But the first-time NBA head coach certainly presented a different kind of vision, one Pacers fans may embrace after watching years of stodgy, half-court basketball. Bjorkgren developed his coaching style working largely with Raptors coach Nick Nurse.
Indiana Pacers tab Raptors assistant Nate Bjorkgren as coach
Read full article: Indiana Pacers tab Raptors assistant Nate Bjorkgren as coachOn Tuesday, president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard found his man in Toronto assistant Nate Bjorkgren. āNate is the right coach for us at the right time,ā Pritchard said in a statement released by the team. He comes to Indiana after spending two seasons as an assistant on Nick Nurseās staff in Toronto. There, Bjorkgren helped the Raptors capture their first NBA championship in 2018-19 and was part of a team that earned the Eastern Conferenceās No. āWe all look forward to a long, successful partnership in helping the Pacers move forward,ā Pritchard said,.
Silver to CNN: A later NBA season may disrupt Olympic plans
Read full article: Silver to CNN: A later NBA season may disrupt Olympic plansāThe goal for us next season is to play a standard season ... an 82-game season and playoffs. A typical NBA season has a regular season that lasts for nearly six months, followed by about a two-month postseason. The rescheduled Tokyo Olympics are set to begin July 23 and run through Aug. 8 ā if those games are held. āAnd, obviously, there are many NBA players who participate in the Olympics for other countries. The U.S. roster for the Tokyo Olympics will be 12 players; there were another 34 players competing for other countries at the Rio Olympics as well.
Raptors sign coach Nick Nurse to multiyear extension
Read full article: Raptors sign coach Nick Nurse to multiyear extensionToronto Raptors' head coach Nick Nurse directs his team during the first half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game with the Boston Celtics Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Raptors sign coach Nick Nurse to multiyear extension
Read full article: Raptors sign coach Nick Nurse to multiyear extensionToronto Raptors' head coach Nick Nurse directs his team during the first half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game with the Boston Celtics Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. ā Nick Nurse would have been in the final year of his contract next season. The Toronto Raptors werenāt about to let that happen with their coach. Nurse and the Raptors announced a multiyear extension Tuesday, without divulging the terms. In his two seasons with Toronto, Nurse won the 2019 NBA championship and led the Raptors to more wins than any team in the league over that span. āOur confidence in Nick just continues to grow, and part of that comes from what weāve experienced together,ā Raptors President Masai Ujiri said.
At home, on the road or at Disney, James is tough to beat
Read full article: At home, on the road or at Disney, James is tough to beatEarlier in this postseason, he also became the all-time leader in playoff road wins. For the first time in NBA history, road teams have a winning record through the first two rounds of the playoffs. The Lakers are 3-0 in the playoffs as the road team so far, which has pushed James total for road playoff wins to 65 two more than Tim Duncan managed in his two decades with San Antonio. Nobody impacts winning more than LeBron James, Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. The difference was the supporting casts, and Rajon Rondos 21 points and nine assists were enormous for the Lakers.
NBA will allow team staff to bring guests to Disney bubble
Read full article: NBA will allow team staff to bring guests to Disney bubbleThose guests could then enter the so-called bubble at Walt Disney World on Sept. 21, about a week before the scheduled start of the NBA Finals. Some players were able to bring family into the bubble following quarantines and other health certifications starting on Aug. 31. Other coaches, such as Denvers Michael Malone and Miamis Erik Spoelstra, have spoken out publicly about their hope that the league would allow team staff to have the opportunity to bring family into the bubble. The cost, $550 each day for each guest, would have to be covered by the team or individual staff member. And as is the case with player guests, including children, none of the staff guests will be able to leave the NBAs bubble.
Raptors beat Celtics 100-93 to even East semifinals at 2-2
Read full article: Raptors beat Celtics 100-93 to even East semifinals at 2-2Two days after winning Game 3 on OG Anunobys 3-pointer as time expired, the Raptors didnt need any big shots. Jayson Tatum had 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics. 7-UPWhen Lowry and Brown fouled each other, it caused some headaches for the public address announcer, who mixed up his No. When Brown fouled Lowry in the first quarter, he announced the foul was on Lowry, saying my bad after a moment of confusion. Lowry hacked Brown in the second and it was announced as a foul on the Celtics player.
OG for 3: Anunoby beats buzzer to lift Raptors over Celtics
Read full article: OG for 3: Anunoby beats buzzer to lift Raptors over Celtics(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Facing the absolute brink, the Toronto Raptors suddenly have life. OG Anunoby caught a crosscourt inbounds pass from Kyle Lowry and hit a 3-pointer with no time remaining, and the Raptors beat the Boston Celtics 104-103 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series Thursday night. The Celtics took a two-point lead when Kemba Walker found Daniel Theis for a dunk with a half-second left. Theis score left Toronto needing a miracle. When Siakam took a seat for the rest of the half, Toronto trailed 38-37.
Raptors-Celtics prep for Game 4, Nuggets-Clippers for Game 2
Read full article: Raptors-Celtics prep for Game 4, Nuggets-Clippers for Game 2Game 4 of Celtics-Raptors is Saturday night, followed by Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers. Leonards shot became iconic because the Raptors won it all. He played most of the first quarter and then the entirety of the final three quarters of Game 3 without a rest. The 46:29 of court time was the most by any player in a non-overtime game this season. INJURY WATCH: It was a good sign for the Clippers that Patrick Beverley (calf) not only returned to the lineup in Game 1 but reported after the game that he felt fine.
AP source says NBA postponing Thursdays postseason games
Read full article: AP source says NBA postponing Thursdays postseason gamesAnd other athletes across the sports world also said they weren't ready to resume playing. NBA players considered not playing again the rest of the postseason and going home to their communities, although they decided Thursday they wanted to continue, according to a person with knowledge of the details. NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the league hoped to resume Friday or Saturday. A second night of WNBA games were postponed and other teams and sports pondered whether they would play on. NBA players agreed to resume their season in July at Disney, making clear they intended to chase social justice reform just as passionately as a championship.
Celtics build 40-point lead, roll past Raptors 122-100
Read full article: Celtics build 40-point lead, roll past Raptors 122-100And Celtics coach Brad Stevens is already making it clear if that happens, a blowout win over the Raptors now won't mean anything then. Jaylen Brown scored 20 points, Jayson Tatum added 18 and the Celtics never trailed on the way to an emphatic 122-100 win over the Raptors on Friday night. It was 91-57 entering the fourth, and the Raptors went with subs the rest of the way. Raptors: Toronto needs one win in its final four games for a fifth consecutive 50-win season. The Raptors missed nine of their first 10 shots on the way to a 12-2 early deficit, setting the tone.
NBA time zone: body clocks get a reset inside the bubble
Read full article: NBA time zone: body clocks get a reset inside the bubbleGame days are marked by a morning shootaround, afternoon nap and then the actual contest in early evening. With 22 teams at Walt Disney World sharing facilities, things are on a precise schedule and that means its far from business as usual. Its just all the different times are a little different because we usually set our own times for practice, Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. So, on game days, whether tip-off is early or late, the Raptors -- like every team in the bubble -- have at least some experience playing at that time and can set their body clocks accordingly. Stotts reference to tonight came in a pregame interview, at 11:19 a.m.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
The NBA MVP finalists: Antetokounmpo, James and Harden
Read full article: The NBA MVP finalists: Antetokounmpo, James and HardenA trio of past winners of the award reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, four-time MVP LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and 2017-18 winner James Harden of the Houston Rockets were announced Saturday as the finalists for this seasons top NBA individual honor. Antetokounmpo is bidding to become the 12th back-to-back winner of the award, and Harden is vying for his second MVP in three seasons. The other finalists for NBA honors:Rookie of the Year Ja Morant, Memphis; Kendrick Nunn, Miami; Zion Williamson, New Orleans. Sixth Man Montrezl Harrell, Los Angeles Clippers; Dennis Schroder, Oklahoma City; Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers. Defensive Player of the Year Antetokounmpo; Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers; Rudy Gobert, Utah.
Lowry scores 33 to lead Raptors to 11th straight over Lakers
Read full article: Lowry scores 33 to lead Raptors to 11th straight over LakersThey havent lost to Los Angeles since the 2014-2015 season. Lowry had a strong second half to help turn back a surge by the Lakers, the Western Conference leaders who are 1-1 in the restart. With James and Davis struggling, the Raptors jumped to a 13-0 lead behind Anunoby and Lowry before the Lakers got back into it behind their bench. The Lakers reserves outscored the Raptors 13-2 in the first quarter and 31-6 in the first half to help Los Angeles to a 44-41 halftime lead. Raptors: Torontos last regular-season game was March 9 at Utah, when it completed a five-game Western Conference road trip.
NBA teams on the cusp of having real practices again
Read full article: NBA teams on the cusp of having real practices againIf the four-month NBA shutdown had a silver lining, its that a lot of ailing players got well. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)Practice facilities in the NBA have been open for a couple of months, with one major element missing from them. That changes starting Thursday, when the first handful of teams at the Disney complex will be permitted to have full-fledged practices again. Most NBA coaches DAntoni, Budenholzer, Dallas Rick Carlisle and more are going into this believing that plans have to be flexible. And, you know, were looking forward to wrapping this up and getting on that plane.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
NBA gives teams, players more detailed schedule for restart
Read full article: NBA gives teams, players more detailed schedule for restartBut with those mattters apparently far enough along to determine a schedule of sorts, the league gave teams the go-ahead to immediately start allowing two assistant coaches to deal with voluntary player workouts. The rule had been one coach with one player since teams were given the green light to re-open facilities for the voluntary workouts last month. That would be the first day players on the 22 teams that will be going to the Disney campus would be required to undergo coronavirus testing conducted by those teams. Those teams can keep their facilities open for now for voluntary workouts until told otherwise. The scrimmages will be scheduled by the NBA and will have NBA referees.
Kerr, Nurse among NBA coaches wondering about Olympic plans
Read full article: Kerr, Nurse among NBA coaches wondering about Olympic plans(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)Golden State coach Steve Kerr was supposed to be in Tokyo for the Olympics this summer. Then again, Kerr isn't certain if he or anyone else from the NBA will be there at all. FIBA pushed back the dates for the four remaining qualifying tournaments to June 29 through July 4, 2021, meaning they would end 19 days before the rescheduled start of the delayed Tokyo Olympics. Toronto coach Nick Nurse is scheduled to coach Canada in that qualifying tournament and, he hopes, the Olympics. Nurse, Popovich and Kerr surely arent the only coaches wondering on this point.
Raptors still have decisions to make before NBA restarts
Read full article: Raptors still have decisions to make before NBA restartsToronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse yells toward players during the second half of his team's NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Thursday, March 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)The Toronto Raptors have an NBA championship to defend, a very long stay at the Disney complex awaiting them and plenty of unanswered questions on how the restart of the season will work. Teams are expected at Disney around July 7, though the expectation is that the league will permit practices before that date. And if the Raptors choose to have a training camp in the U.S. beforehand, that would obviously add a few more days to their away-from-home total. Teams have not played since the NBA suspended the season March 11 because of coronavirus concerns.