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Basketball

Philadelphia puts road win streak on the line against Charlotte

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:03 AM CST

Philadelphia 76ers (7-16, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (7-18, 13th in the Eastern Conference)

Charlotte, North Carolina; Monday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia will try to keep its three-game road win streak alive when the 76ers face Charlotte.

The Hornets are 6-17 against Eastern Conference opponents. Charlotte gives up 112.4 points and has been outscored by 5.8 points per game.

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Brooklyn and Cleveland face off for conference matchup

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:03 AM CST

Cleveland Cavaliers (22-4, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (10-15, 10th in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Cleveland Cavaliers visit Cameron Johnson and the Brooklyn Nets in Eastern Conference action Monday.

The Nets are 4-13 in conference games. Brooklyn is 3-1 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

Heat play the Pistons, aim for 5th straight victory

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:03 AM CST

Miami Heat (13-10, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (10-16, 11th in the Eastern Conference)

Detroit; Monday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Miami will try to continue its four-game win streak with a victory against Detroit.

The Pistons are 9-14 in Eastern Conference games. Detroit is fifth in the Eastern Conference with 16.2 fast break points per game led by Jaden Ivey averaging 3.2.

Clippers face the Jazz on 3-game losing streak

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:03 AM CST

Utah Jazz (5-19, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (14-12, ninth in the Western Conference)

Inglewood, California; Monday, 10:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles will try to stop its three-game slide when the Clippers take on Utah.

The Clippers have gone 9-11 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles is eighth in the Western Conference with 15.9 fast break points per game led by Norman Powell averaging 4.9.

Sacramento takes on Denver, looks for 4th straight victory

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:03 AM CST

Denver Nuggets (13-10, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (13-13, 12th in the Western Conference)

Sacramento, California; Monday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento aims to keep its three-game win streak going when the Kings take on Denver.

The Kings are 10-10 in conference games. Sacramento is 5-7 against opponents over .500.

Toronto faces Chicago on 3-game home skid

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:03 AM CST

Chicago Bulls (11-15, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Toronto Raptors (7-19, 14th in the Eastern Conference)

Toronto; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Toronto aims to stop its three-game home skid with a victory against Chicago.

The Raptors are 4-10 against Eastern Conference opponents. Toronto is 0-7 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 15.5 turnovers per game.

Rockets-Thunder NBA Cup semifinal was a clash of defense, and it was predictable

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Rockets-Thunder NBA Cup semifinal was a clash of defense, and it was predictable

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:57 PM CST

LAS VEGAS (AP) — It was midway through the third quarter of the Oklahoma City-Houston NBA Cup semifinal matchup on Saturday night. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had just made a short jumper in the lane and, to his delight, a time-out was immediately called.

He needed it.

He retreated to midcourt, crouched down, propped himself up by his fingertips and took deep breath after deep breath. It was that sort of night. And given the way the Rockets and Thunder have defended all season long, such a game was predictable.

In the end, it was Oklahoma City 111, Houston 96 in a game where the teams combined to shoot 41%. The immediate reward for the Thunder: two days off to recover. The bigger reward: a matchup with Milwaukee on Tuesday night for the NBA Cup, with more than $300,000 per player the difference between winning and losing.

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Updated: Yesterday at 10:57 PM CST

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins, left, and Houston Rockets center Steven Adams, righht, contest for a rebound during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins, left, and Houston Rockets center Steven Adams, righht, contest for a rebound during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Giannis’ late-game block the sort of ‘winning plays’ Bucks needed in NBA Cup semifinal win

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Giannis’ late-game block the sort of ‘winning plays’ Bucks needed in NBA Cup semifinal win

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 8:18 PM CST

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Diving for loose balls. Blocking dunk attempts. Getting tackled by airborne teammates. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a very eventful final few minutes of the NBA Cup semifinals.

He shrugged it all off, too.

“I just tried to compete,” Antetokounmpo said.

That he did — and that's why he and the Milwaukee Bucks will be competing for the NBA Cup on Tuesday night.

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Yesterday at 8:18 PM CST

Atlanta Hawks' Dyson Daniels (5) defends as Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots during a semifinal game in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Kyle Terada/Pool Photo via AP)
Atlanta Hawks' Dyson Daniels (5) defends as Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots during a semifinal game in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Kyle Terada/Pool Photo via AP)

Hawks’ unexpected run in NBA Cup ends with semifinals loss to Bucks after cold 4th quarter

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Hawks’ unexpected run in NBA Cup ends with semifinals loss to Bucks after cold 4th quarter

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 8:16 PM CST

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The chances were there for the Hawks to continue their unanticipated run in the NBA Cup and make Tuesday night's final.

Just 12 strong minutes were what Atlanta needed.

But that's when the Hawks' offense abandoned itself, scoring only 19 points in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 110-102 semifinal loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Hawks were not only outscored by nine points in the fourth quarter, but they made just 5 of 16 shots and missed six of their final seven attempts.

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Yesterday at 8:16 PM CST

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young reacts after missing a 3-point basket during the second half of a semifinal game against the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young reacts after missing a 3-point basket during the second half of a semifinal game against the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Giannis, Bucks top Hawks 110-102, earn spot in NBA Cup championship game vs. Thunder

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Giannis, Bucks top Hawks 110-102, earn spot in NBA Cup championship game vs. Thunder

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:18 PM CST

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points and was an assist away from a triple-double, Damian Lillard added 25 and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 on Saturday to earn a spot in the NBA Cup championship game.

The Bucks will meet Oklahoma City, which beat Houston in the other semifinal, for the title on Tuesday night.

Antetokounmpo finished with 14 rebounds, nine assists and four blocks for the Bucks, who improved to 11-1 all-time in NBA Cup games — the only loss coming in last year’s semifinals.

Brook Lopez scored 16 for Milwaukee.

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Updated: Yesterday at 10:18 PM CST

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates after making a basket during the first half of a semifinal game against the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates after making a basket during the first half of a semifinal game against the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Sixers standout rookie Jared McCain is out indefinitely with a torn meniscus that requires surgery

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Sixers standout rookie Jared McCain is out indefinitely with a torn meniscus that requires surgery

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 5:15 PM CST

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain has a meniscus tear in his left knee that requires surgery and is expected to be out indefinitely.

McCain who has starred for the struggling Sixers early in the season, reported a sore left knee after Friday night's 121-107 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

Philadelphia said an MRI on Saturday showed a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee that requires surgery.

McCain, the 16th overall pick in the draft out of Duke, is the leading scorer among rookies this season, averaging 15.3 points through the first 23 games. McCain, who is averaging 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists, finished with five points and three assists in 29 minutes against the Pacers.

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Yesterday at 5:15 PM CST

Philadelphia 76ers' Jared McCain, center right, gets helped by Paul George, right, and Indiana Pacers' Andrew Nembhard, center left, after a hard fall to the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. The Pacers won 121-107. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia 76ers' Jared McCain, center right, gets helped by Paul George, right, and Indiana Pacers' Andrew Nembhard, center left, after a hard fall to the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. The Pacers won 121-107. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Schroder set to be traded by Brooklyn to Golden State, AP source says

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Schroder set to be traded by Brooklyn to Golden State, AP source says

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 4:46 PM CST

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Golden State is acquiring point guard Dennis Schroder in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for injured forward De'Anthony Melton, a person with knowledge of the agreement said Saturday.

The trade is expected to be finalized Sunday when league rules allow certain moves to be made. The Nets also receiving a package of second-round draft picks, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal still needs league approval.

ESPN first reported the agreement.

Schroder is averaging 18.4 points and 6.6 assists this season for the Nets, who are 10th in the Eastern Conference. But the trade doesn't give them any on-court help this year: Melton is out for the remainder of the season while recovering from surgery to repair his left ACL.

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Yesterday at 4:46 PM CST

Brooklyn Nets' Dennis Schroder, left, looks to shoots over Milwaukee Bucks' Brook Lopez, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
Brooklyn Nets' Dennis Schroder, left, looks to shoots over Milwaukee Bucks' Brook Lopez, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Gilgeous-Alexander scores 32 points to lead Thunder past Rockets 111-96 and into NBA Cup Final

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Gilgeous-Alexander scores 32 points to lead Thunder past Rockets 111-96 and into NBA Cup Final

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 10:37 PM CST

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 of his 32 points in the second half, and the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away late Saturday night to defeat the Houston Rockets 111-96 and advance to the NBA Cup championship.

The Thunder take a five-game winning streak into Tuesday night's final against the Bucks. Milwaukee defeated the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 in the Eastern Conference semifinal. The title game does not count in the league standings.

Isaiah Hartenstein added 21 points for the Thunder, Jalen Williams scored 20 and Luguentz Dort finished with 19 points and nine rebounds.

Amen Thompson led Houston with 19 points, one of six Rockets in double figures, and Alperen Sengun had 13 points and 11 rebounds.

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Yesterday at 10:37 PM CST

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) shoots against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and guard Jalen Green (4) during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) shoots against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and guard Jalen Green (4) during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Giannis, Bucks top Hawks 110-102, earn spot in NBA Cup championship game

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Giannis, Bucks top Hawks 110-102, earn spot in NBA Cup championship game

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 11:30 PM CST

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points and was an assist away from a triple-double, Damian Lillard added 25 and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 on Saturday to earn a spot in the NBA Cup championship game.

Antetokounmpo finished with 14 rebounds, nine assists and four blocks for the Bucks, who improved to 11-1 all-time in NBA Cup games — the only loss coming in last year’s semifinals.

Brook Lopez scored 16 for Milwaukee.

Trae Young had 35 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds for the Hawks, who got 15 points and 10 rebounds from Jalen Johnson and 15 points from De’Andre Hunter.

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Yesterday at 11:30 PM CST

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Doncic, Mavericks to visit Curry, Warriors

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 1:04 AM CST

Dallas Mavericks (16-9, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (14-10, fifth in the Western Conference)

San Francisco; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks visit Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.

The Warriors are 11-8 against Western Conference opponents. Golden State ranks fifth in the NBA with 28.9 assists per game. Curry leads the Warriors averaging 6.5.

Memphis faces Los Angeles on 4-game win streak

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 1:04 AM CST

Memphis Grizzlies (18-8, second in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (13-12, 10th in the Western Conference)

Los Angeles; Sunday, 9:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Grizzlies -2; over/under is 224

BOTTOM LINE: Memphis will attempt to extend its four-game win streak with a victory over Los Angeles.

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