Basketball

DENVER (AP) — Michael Porter Jr.'s coaches and teammates are rallying behind the Denver Nuggets starting forward who's had a trying week as the NBA's reigning champions head into their playoff opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers were fined $25,000 by the NBA on Friday for violating league injury reporting rules.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Defense has been far more of an afterthought than an asset over the checkered history of the Minnesota Timberwolves , who have the second-fewest wins in the NBA since their entry 35 years ago and have advanced out of the first roun

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Damian Lillard practiced fully but Giannis Antetokounmpo remained out of live drills Friday as the Milwaukee Bucks continued getting ready for Sunday’s playoff opener against the Indiana Pacers.

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) — Jalen Brunson and his New York teammates refused to let injuries knock them down. Joel Embiid of Philadelphia wouldn't let his keep him down.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen doesn't regret the harsh, eye-popping review he gave of his postseason performance a year ago. Looking back, he told the truth about himself — and the Cavs.

DALLAS (AP) — Kyrie Irving is healthy and publicly free of drama, self-inflicted or otherwise, heading into his first playoff game with co-star Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.

Philadelphia 76ers (47-35, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (50-32, second in the Eastern Conference) New York; Saturday, 6 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Knicks -3; over/under is 208.

Chicago Bulls (39-43, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (46-36, eighth in the Eastern Conference) Miami; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Heat -1.

Los Angeles Lakers (47-35, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (57-25, second in the Western Conference) Denver; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Nuggets -7.5; over/under is 223.