OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has been cleared to take part in modified practices but will be out at least one more week with a left knee injury.The Warriors said Curry was examined by the team's medical staff Friday and is making progress in recovering from the grade 2 left MCL sprain that has sidelined him since March 23.Curry will be allowed to take part in modified practices beginning Saturday and increase his on-court rehabilitation. He will be re-evaluated again in one week.The Warriors lead San Antonio 3-0 in their first-round series. If they advance on Sunday, the second round could start as early as April 28.___More AP NBA: apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

NEW YORK (AP) — Miami's Justise Winslow has been fined $15,000 by the NBA for attempting to damage Philadelphia center Joel Embiid's facemask during Game 3 of their playoff series.Winslow intentionally stepped on Embiid's mask after it had fallen onto the court with 7:51 remaining in the second quarter of the 76ers' 128-108 victory on Thursday night.The NBA cited Winslow for unsportsmanlike conduct in announcing the penalty Friday.Embiid was wearing the mask for the first time after returning from a 10-game absence caused by a broken orbital bone around his left eye.Philadelphia leads the series 2-1. Game 4 is Saturday.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — When Derrick Favors can find ways to impose his will, good things happen for the Utah Jazz.Favors has been quietly, albeit effectively, getting it done against the Oklahoma City Thunder, playing in the shadows of Utah rookie of the year candidate Donovan Mitchell and Jazz center Rudy Gobert.But a healthy Favors is making an impact.The Jazz have returned to Utah with the series tied 1-1, thanks in no small part to Favors. He tallied career playoff highs of 20 points and 16 rebounds in Utah's 102-95 road win on Wednesday.Jazz coach Quin Snyder will start Favors at power forward alongside Gobert beginning with Game 3 on Saturday. But he will also utilize him as a backup center to spell Gobert. Favors has done his part to make playing alongside Gobert work by extending his shooting range to improve offensive spacing. He has also made himself an effective roller."He's always been a good pick-and-roll player, regardless of 'position,'" Snyder said. "We've never really thought... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Miami's Justise Winslow has been fined $15,000 by the NBA for attempting to damage Philadelphia center Joel Embiid's facemask during Game 3 of their playoff series.Winslow intentionally stepped on Embiid's mask after it had fallen onto the court with 7:51 remaining in the second quarter of the 76ers' 128-108 victory on Thursday night.The NBA cited Winslow for unsportsmanlike conduct in announcing the penalty Friday.Embiid was wearing the mask for the first time after returning from a 10-game absence caused by a broken orbital bone around his left eye.Philadelphia leads the series 2-1. Game 4 is Saturday.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks starting center John Henson will miss the playoff game Friday night against the Boston Celtics with a sore back.Seven-footer Tyler Zeller, who used to play for Boston, is listed as the probable starter. The Bucks trail Boston 2-0 in their best-of-seven, first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.Coach Joe Prunty has also listed Malcolm Brogdon as the probable starter over Tony Snell at guard alongside Eric Bledsoe. The Bucks' starting backcourt has been outscored 96-25 in the first two games by Boston's starting guard duo of Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown.Henson was second on the team in rebounding, averaging 6.8 per game. The Celtics have decisive edges in offensive rebounding (20-12) and second-chance points (42-13) going into Game 3.___For more AP NBA coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers teammates arrived in style Friday.Each wore the same suit with a white shirt and a dark tie. Some even wore sunglasses for the pivotal Game 3 against the Pacers.It was all by design.James wanted the three-time defending Eastern Conference championships to show they were unified when they arrived at Indiana.So the four-time MVP and three-time NBA champion reached out to designer Thom Browne, and suddenly the Cavs were all the rage of the fashion world.Much has been made that James needs more help from his teammates to survive what has been a tougher-than-expected series.But James didn't seem worried before the team's morning shootaround."I have confidence in all my guys going out and playing the game the right way, so we'll see what happens," James said.The message seemed to resonate within the locker room.After getting blown out in Game 1, and hanging on for a 100-97 win in Game 2, the Cavs forced 10 first-half turnovers.And the offense got in sync, too, during a 15-2 first-quarter run. Cleveland jumped out to 57-40 halftime lead.___More NBA basketball: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The first taste of the NBA playoffs for Timberwolves All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns has been rather bitter, thanks to the 3-point-happy Houston Rockets.The two-game totals tell a frustrating story for the 22-year-old: just 13 points, 5 for 18 shooting and a 2-0 deficit in the series against the Rockets. Towns has found himself the subject of pointed criticism from analysts, fans and even his own team.The switch-heavy Rockets have double-teamed Towns to a stifling effect, and the Timberwolves sure haven't helped their 7-footer out by getting him the ball in favorable situations in the post."They're coming to double. He knows that. He has to face up, be strong with the ball, make quick moves," point guard Jeff Teague said. "But we have to figure out how to get him running, get him some easy buckets."The team's struggles have taken a little luster off Minnesota's first postseason home game in 14 years, but the fans who remember the Timberwolves reaching the Western Conference... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has been cleared to take part in modified practices but will be out at least one more week with a left knee injury.The Warriors said Curry was examined by the team's medical staff Friday and is making progress in recovering from the grade 2 left MCL sprain that has sidelined him since March 23.Curry will be allowed to take part in modified practices beginning Saturday and increase his on-court rehabilitation. He will be re-evaluated again in one week.The Warriors lead San Antonio 3-0 in their first-round series. If they advance, the second round could start as early as April 28.___More AP NBA: apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tryonn Lue expects injured forward Kevin Love to play Friday in Game 3 at Indiana.Love hurt his left thumb late in Wednesday's victory that evened the series at 1-1. He did not return but did participate in Friday's morning shootaround with what appeared to be a taped-up thumb.Lue told reporters Love felt better and noted he is a right-handed shooter. Love did not speak with reporters.The All-Star would be one of the key ingredients in helping to provide a stronger supporting cast for LeBron James, who scored 46 points in Game 2.When asked if he expected more help, James explained his teammates play the game the right way and "we'll see what happens."___More NBA basketball: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A billboard down the street from the Milwaukee Bucks' nearly completed new arena makes a proclamation in big, bold letters: "The Future is Here."The rebuilding process is over. Winning a playoff series could make that message resonate as loudly as a Giannis Antetokounmpo rim-rattling dunk ."I think it's crucial," Bucks President Peter Feigin said about the confluence of the playoffs and new arena. "We're at a point ... we want to go into the new arena for lots of reasons in a sold-out capacity. That would be the way to usher in a new arena and really have demand and a peak."Part of that is performance and how successful we are on the court," Feigin said.The seventh-seeded Bucks have work to do to climb out of a 2-0 deficit to the second-seeded Boston Celtics. Game 3 is Friday night in Milwaukee."We have to protect home court," guard Jason Terry said after the 14-point loss in Boston on Tuesday.The Bucks haven't won a playoff series since a team coached by George Karl reached... [More]

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — LeBron James fought back tears. Former President Bill Clinton offered condolences. Craig Sager's daughter tweeted that she was "just sick" over the news.Such is the regard that so many, from so many walks of life, have for San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, whose 67-year-old wife, Erin, died Wednesday after a long battle with a respiratory problem.Spurs star Manu Ginobili says the team is "devastated, we are all hurting." But the players will "go out there and compete" and respect Popovich's philosophy of playing with "fire" and "determination."Added San Antonio's Tony Parker: "It puts everything in perspective. It's way bigger than basketball."The Spurs trail the Golden State Warriors 3-0 in the first round after losing in San Antonio 110-97 on Thursday night. The 69-year-old coach ran practice Wednesday but was not on the sideline for the game. Assistant Ettore Messina coached the team.Clinton reached out on Twitter to the coach and his daughters: "I join the NBA... [More]

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Latest on the San Antonio Spurs and coach Gregg Popovich, whose wife died at 67 (all times local):___11:05 p.m.The San Antonio Spurs have lost to the Golden State Warriors, 110-97 in Game 3 of their best-of-seven NBA playoff series.San Antonio played without coach Gregg Popovich, who was at home mourning the death of his 67-year-old wife, Erin. She died on Wednesday.Winning one for Pop was too difficult for the Spurs, who trailed by 12 entering the fourth quarter. They briefly narrowed the gap to single digits early in the quarter, but the Warriors quickly regained control.Golden State leads the series 3-0, placing the Spurs at the brink of elimination.___10:35 p.m.Winning one for Pop will be an uphill climb for the San Antonio Spurs.They trail Golden State 84-72 heading to the fourth quarter.San Antonio is playing without coach Gregg Popovich, whose wife Erin died Wednesday.A win by Golden State will give the Warriors a 3-0 lead and place the Spurs at the brink of... [More]

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Latest on the San Antonio Spurs and coach Gregg Popovich, whose wife died at 67 (all times local):___10:35 p.m.Winning one for Pop will be an uphill climb for the San Antonio Spurs.They trail Golden State 84-72 heading to the fourth quarter.San Antonio is playing without coach Gregg Popovich, whose wife Erin died Wednesday.A win by Golden State will give the Warriors a 3-0 lead and place the Spurs at the brink of elimination in the best-of-seven NBA playoff series.___10:00 p.m.The Golden State Warriors lead the San Antonio Spurs 52-46 at halftime behind 17 points from Kevin Durant.The Spurs are playing without coach Gregg Popovich, whose wife Erin died Wednesday.The team did not air a video tribute or hold a moment of silence for Erin Popovich in an apparent attempt to make the game as routine as possible for its players, but that was impossible.The Spurs had an emotional start as the sold-out crowd at AT&T Center attempted to invigorate the home team with some... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Hassan Whiteside's numbers are down. He's trying not to be the same way.Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series was difficult on many levels for Miami's center. He was in foul trouble throughout, finished with only five points and was largely a nonfactor in his team's 128-108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night.Whiteside has a total of 11 points in three playoff games this season, after averaging 14 points in the regular season."It's just different, man. I feel like our offense is a lot different," Whiteside said. "I'm not involved in as many dribble-handoffs as I was and post-ups as I was during the regular season. That's what Coach wants. Coach wants me to just be in a corner and set picks. I mean, that's what he wants so I've just got to trust it."For his part, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he's trying to find ways to get Whiteside involved."That's part of my job, is to figure it out," Spoelstra said.The Heat trail the series 2-1, with Game 4 on... [More]

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Latest on the San Antonio Spurs and coach Gregg Popovich, whose wife died at 67 (all times local):___10:00 p.m.The Golden State Warriors lead the San Antonio Spurs 52-46 at halftime behind 17 points from Kevin Durant.The Spurs are playing without coach Gregg Popovich, whose wife Erin died Wednesday.The team did not air a video tribute or hold a moment of silence for Erin Popovich in an apparent attempt to make the game as routine as possible for its players, but that was impossible.The Spurs had an emotional start as the sold-out crowd at AT&T Center attempted to invigorate the home team with some of the most deafening cheers of the season.Already on the edge of their seats for the first home game of the playoffs, the fans erupted when Rudy Gay threw down a one-handed dunk over Golden State's JaVale McGee. The cheering was nearly constant as the Spurs scored the game's first six points before the Warriors began to settle in.___9:20 p.m.The San Antonio Spurs trail... [More]

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Latest on the San Antonio Spurs and coach Gregg Popovich, whose wife died at 67 (all times local):___9:20 p.m.The San Antonio Spurs trail Golden State 26-23 after the first quarter of Game 3 of their NBA playoff series.The Spurs, who dropped the first two games, took the court with heavy hearts, mourning the death of coach Gregg Popovich's wife, Erin. Popovich did not coach the game. Ettore Messina, a Spurs assistant since 2014, was on the bench in his place.There was no moment of silence or tribute before the game.Fans roared when the Spurs took the court and scored the first six points. One fan held up a sign that read "Popovich Strong."___1 p.m.San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker says he has always viewed coach Gregg Popovich and his wife, Erin, as like his mom and dad.Parker broke in to the NBA when he was 19. He says Erin Popovich's death this week at the age of 67 is very emotional. He spent time with the family on Wednesday night.The Spurs will be without Popovich... [More]

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — LeBron James fought back tears. Former President Bill Clinton offered condolences. Craig Sager's daughter tweeted that she was "just sick" over the news.Such is the regard that so many, from so many walks of life, have for San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, whose 67-year-old wife, Erin, died Wednesday after a long battle with a respiratory problem.Spurs star Manu Ginobili says the team is "devastated, we are all hurting." But the players will "go out there and compete" and respect Popovich's philosophy of playing with "fire" and "determination."Added San Antonio's Tony Parker: "It puts everything in perspective. It's way bigger than basketball."The Spurs trail the Golden State Warriors 2-0 in the first round, with Game 3 in San Antonio on Thursday night. The 69-year-old coach ran practice Wednesday but will not be on the sideline for the game. Assistant Ettore Messina will coach the team.Clinton reached out on Twitter to the coach and his daughters: "I join the NBA... [More]

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts says forward Evan Turner is unable to play in Game 3 of Portland's first-round playoff series against the New Orleans Pelicans.Turner had been listed as questionable after injuring a toe on his right foot during Game 2 on Tuesday night. Stotts says he's unsure about Turner's prospects for returning later in the series.Stotts says Maurice Harkless will play more in Turner's absence Thursday night and that the void will be filled "by committee."The 6-foot-7 Turner started 40 games and averaged 8.2 points during the regular season. He also started the first two games of the playoffs, scoring 13 points in Game 1.The 6-9 Harkless returned from knee soreness in Game 2 and scored 11 points in 27 minutes.___More NBA basketball: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers look loose and sound confident.They were laughing, smiling and joking around at practice Thursday as turned to a new task — protecting their home court this weekend against LeBron James.Sure, his sensational 46-point, 12-rebound effort in Game 2 exposed flaws in Indiana's defense and allowed Cleveland to even the series, but it sure didn't shake the faith of the fearless Pacers."It's a good sign when you lose by three and the best player in the world has a game like that," Indiana point guard Darren Collison said.The Pacers shouldn't be rattled.They are 4-2 against the three-time defending Eastern Conference champs this season, fought back from an early 18-point deficit Wednesday with Victor Oladipo in foul trouble and still had a chance to tie the score on Oladipo's wide-open 3-pointer with 27 seconds left.They still can seize control of the series by winning the next two in Indianapolis.To avoid such a plight, the Cavs could give their star player... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Joel Embiid is done with Philadelphia's latest process.Listed as doubtful in the morning, Embiid was upgraded to probable and eventually put in the starting lineup by the 76ers for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Miami Heat on Thursday night.Embiid participated in the team's morning shootaround, and apparently coach Brett Brown saw enough from his All-Star center to approve his return."We like what we have seen over the past few days," Brown said.Embiid has missed Philadelphia's last 10 games while recovering from a concussion and surgery to repair a fractured orbital bone around his left eye. He's no longer in the NBA's concussion protocol, and took to social media after Philadelphia's Game 2 loss to Miami to announce that he is "sick and tired of being babied."Translated: Embiid was declaring himself ready to play, and now the 76ers agree. So does the NBA, in the sense that the league needed to approve the style of mask that Embiid will wear... [More]