NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Pelicans say guard Jrue Holiday has been diagnosed with a lower abdominal strain that is expected to sideline him at least a week.The club says the injury was confirmed by an MRI on Thursday, a day after Holiday played 32 minutes and scored 16 points in New Orleans' 114-104 loss to Utah.Holiday has been the Pelicans' second-leading scorer this season, averaging 21.2 points to go with 7.7 assists, five rebounds and 1.6 steals per game in 67 games. He also is New Orleans' top perimeter defender.Holiday and forward Julius Randle have been the Pelicans' most productive players since Anthony Davis demanded a trade in late January and subsequently had his playing time scaled back.Ian Clark and E'Twaun Moore are among the players who could play more in Holiday's absence.The Pelicans host Toronto on Friday night.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) — From the very first day LeBron James picked up a basketball, he wanted to be like Mike.James and his closest friends idolized Michael Jordan while they grew up together on Akron's competitive playgrounds and tough streets. As James grew into a tantalizing basketball prospect capable of jumping from high school to the NBA as the No. 1 draft pick, he studied, imitated and drew profound inspiration from Jordan's tongue-wagging dunks, that fadeaway jumper, his competitive fire — even the little details of the way Jordan wore his sneakers and shorts.James proudly put No. 23 on his back as soon as he could get it as a high school sophomore."He was everything," James said.Jordan has also admired James' game for years."I want to congratulate LeBron on achieving another great milestone during his amazing career," Jordan said in a statement to The Associated Press on Thursday through his spokeswoman, Estee Portnoy.When James surpassed Jordan's career points total Wednesday night,... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — From the very first day LeBron James picked up a basketball, he wanted to be like Mike.James and his closest friends idolized Michael Jordan while they grew up together on Akron's competitive playgrounds and tough streets. As James grew into a tantalizing basketball prospect capable of jumping from high school to the NBA as the No. 1 draft pick, he studied, imitated and drew profound inspiration from Jordan's tongue-wagging dunks, that fadeaway jumper, his competitive fire — even the little details of the way Jordan wore his sneakers and shorts.James proudly put No. 23 on his back as soon as he could get it as a high school sophomore. He has never taken it off."He was everything," James said.Jordan has also admired James' game for years."I want to congratulate LeBron on achieving another great milestone during his amazing career," Jordan said in a statement to The Associated Press on Thursday through his spokeswoman, Estee Portnoy.When James surpassed Jordan's career... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — From the very first day LeBron James picked up a basketball, he wanted to be like Mike.James and his closest friends idolized Michael Jordan while they grew up together on Akron's competitive playgrounds and tough streets. As James grew into a tantalizing basketball prospect capable of jumping from high school to the NBA as the No. 1 draft pick, he studied, imitated and drew profound inspiration from Jordan's tongue-wagging dunks, that fadeaway jumper, his competitive fire — even the little details of the way Jordan wore his sneakers and shorts.James proudly put No. 23 on his back as soon as he could get it as a high school sophomore. He has never taken it off."He was everything," James said.When James surpassed Jordan's career points total Wednesday night, he did it in a pair of Nikes with "Thank You M.J." written neatly on the side. That tribute doesn't begin to encompass what Jordan's radiance meant to a youngster who dreamed of finding a better life through basketball."M.J.... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James moved past Michael Jordan into fourth place on the NBA's career scoring list Wednesday night.The Los Angeles Lakers superstar scored his 32,293rd point on a driving layup in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets, getting fouled in the act and hitting the ensuing free throw.This achievement was particularly special to James, who grew up in Ohio idolizing Jordan. James tweeted his excitement about the milestone shortly before the game: "Can't even front. This is going to be UNREAL!! Wow man."James began the night needing 13 points to reach the mark. He now trails only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points), Karl Malone (36,928) and Kobe Bryant (33,643).Under direction from the NBA, the Lakers waited until the next timeout to honor James, who got a standing ovation from his new Los Angeles fans during a tribute video. James, still engrossed in the game, barely acknowledged the milestone after receiving hugs from several teammates.James finished with 31... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James moved past Michael Jordan into fourth place on the NBA's career scoring list Wednesday night.The Los Angeles Lakers superstar scored his 32,293rd point on a driving layup in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets, getting fouled in the act and hitting the ensuing free throw.This achievement was particularly special to James, who grew up in Ohio idolizing Jordan. James tweeted his excitement about the milestone shortly before the game: "Can't even front. This is going to be UNREAL!! Wow man."James began the night needing 13 points to reach the mark. He now trails only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points), Karl Malone (36,928) and Kobe Bryant (33,643).Under direction from the NBA, the Lakers waited until the next timeout to honor James, who got a standing ovation from his new Los Angeles fans during a tribute video. James, still engrossed in the game, barely acknowledged the milestone after receiving hugs from several teammates.The 34-year-old James is... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — New York Knicks center DeAndre Jordan is listed in the starting lineup for Wednesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns.Jordan had missed the last five games with a sprained left ankle. He last played on Feb. 22.Jordan was acquired in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 31.Jordan is averaging 11.8 points and 12 rebounds in eight games with the Knicks this season.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving will miss the game against the Sacramento Kings with a thigh injury.The team said Irving will miss the game Wednesday night with a bruised left thigh. Irving played the previous night in Golden State, recording 19 points and 11 assists in 30 minutes of a 128-95 victory for the Celtics.Irving is Boston's leading scorer at 23.4 points per game, along with 7.0 assists and 4.9 rebounds.The Celtics entered the game in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, 2½ games behind Philadelphia in the race for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Golden State Warriors signed Andrew Bogut, who is expected to rejoin the team next week and add depth heading into the playoffs.The Warriors made the announcement Wednesday, after Bogut was cleared by his Australian team, the Sydney Kings. The Warriors are without Damian Jones, who needed surgery after injuring his left pectoral muscle in December."He's still got something to offer," coach Steve Kerr said. "Whatever role that means, he's ready to accept and take on the challenge and we're excited to have him."Golden State has struggled defensively, losing in embarrassing fashion at home to Boston 128-95 on Tuesday night, so Bogut's 7-foot presence in the paint could be timely.He played on the Warriors' 2015 champion team and the 73-win team the following season that lost in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to LeBron James and the Cavaliers."I think it will be great for us to have Bogut back," Draymond Green said after Wednesday's practice, when the two-time defending... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Andrew Bogut is rejoining the Golden State Warriors after being cleared by his Australian team, the Sydney Kings.The Warriors made the announcement Wednesday. Golden State had an open roster spot and chose to use it at center. The Warriors lost Damian Jones in December, and he underwent surgery for a torn left pectoral muscle.Bogut, the 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick out of Utah, appeared in 23 games for the Lakers last season and made five starts. He averaged 1.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 9.4 minutes.He played on the Warriors' 2015 champion team and the 73-win team the following season that lost in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to LeBron James and the Cavaliers. He was injured in Game 5 and missed the rest of the series.Then Bogut got traded to Dallas to create salary cap room for Golden State to sign Kevin Durant, who went on to become back-to-back Finals MVP while bringing the franchise two more titles.The Warriors had to wait on Bogut's work visa and clearance from FIBA to sign him.The 34-year-old Australian big man was originally acquired from Milwaukee in 2012 for Monta Ellis.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Andrew Bogut is rejoining the Golden State Warriors after being cleared by his Australian team, the Sydney Kings.Golden State had an open roster spot and chose to use it at center. The Warriors lost Damian Jones in December, and he underwent surgery for a torn left pectoral muscle.Bogut, the 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick out of Utah, appeared in 23 games for the Lakers last season and made five starts. He averaged 1.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 9.4 minutes.He played on the Warriors' 2015 champion team and the 73-win team the following season that lost in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to LeBron James and the Cavaliers. He was injured in Game 5 and missed the rest of the series.Then Bogut got traded to Dallas to create salary cap room for Golden State to sign Kevin Durant, who went on to become back-to-back Finals MVP while bringing the franchise two more titles.The Warriors had to wait on Bogut's work visa and clearance from FIBA to sign him.The 34-year-old Australian big man was originally acquired from Milwaukee in 2012 for Monta Ellis.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MIAMI (AP) — Kevin Huerter used to have Dwyane Wade's sneakers.Now, he's got his jersey.Wade has been exchanging uniform tops with opposing players all season long as part of his "One Last Dance" before he retires — swapping with close friends like LeBron James and Chris Paul, fellow longtime stars such as Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter, and the next wave of greats in Paul George and Bradley Beal.And on Monday night in Miami, Huerter — a rookie guard for Atlanta — got his name added to the list. There they stood, side by side, each wearing the other's No. 3 jersey from Miami's 114-113 win."Obviously, us No. 3s got to stick together," Wade said. "But I've been watching this kid grow from the preseason on to now and I like his game. I think his game can go to another level as well. I always want to be someone that a player like that can count on, can reach out to. That was a cool moment for me."Huerter wasn't expecting the gesture. He was leaving the court and heading to the locker room when... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — The Toronto Raptors and the Houston Rockets will play two pre-season games in October at the Saitama Super Arena, the basketball venue for next year's Tokyo Olympics.In a statement Tuesday, the NBA said it has staged 12 regular-season games in Japan, beginning in 1990 when the Utah Jazz played the Phoenix Suns. The NBA says this was the first regular-season game played outside North America by a U.S. sports league.The Rockets played two regular-season games in Japan in 1992. The Raptors will be making their first visit to Japan.Houston is led by James Harden and Chris Paul. Toronto is led by Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and Marc Gasol.The Saitama Super Arena is located northwest of central Tokyo.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

TOKYO (AP) — The Toronto Raptors and the Houston Rockets will play two pre-season games in October at the Saitama Super Arena, the basketball venue for next year's Tokyo Olympics.In a statement Tuesday, the NBA said it has staged 12 regular-season games in Japan, beginning in 1990 when the Utah Jazz played the Phoenix Suns. The NBA says this was the first regular-season game played outside North America by a U.S. sports league.The Rockets played two regular-season games in Japan in 1992. The Raptors will be making their first visit to Japan.Houston is led by James Harden and Chris Paul. Toronto is led by Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and Marc Gasol.The Saitama Super Arena is located northwest of central Tokyo.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MIAMI (AP) — Dwyane Wade now has more blocked shots than any guard in NBA history.The Miami Heat star swatted away the 1,052nd shot of his career Monday night, blocking an attempt by Atlanta's B.J. Johnson. When factoring in regular-season and playoff games, that's one more block than Michael Jordan had in his career.Jordan still has the all-time regular season record for blocks by a guard with 893. Wade's two first-half blocks against the Hawks gave him 877.Johnson became the 449th player to get a shot blocked by Wade. Joe Johnson and Ben Gordon have been blocked by Wade the most, 12 times each.___More AP NBA: www.apnews.com/NBA and www.twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHOENIX (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks have signed guard Eric Bledsoe to a contract extension.Bledsoe, 29, is averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game for the East-leading Bucks. His 49.2 field goal percentage is a career high.The signing was announced Monday before Bledsoe took the court against one of his former teams, the Phoenix Suns, which traded him to Milwaukee in November 2017. Terms of the deal were not disclosed."Just very excited for Eric and for our organization. He's certainly earned an extension, and he's been a huge part of what we've done to date," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "Certainly we think he's a huge part of what we're doing going forward, obviously not this year but for the next three or four years."Bledsoe has scored in double figures 49 times this season with 15 20-point games and two 30-point games. He's in his ninth NBA season and has appeared in 553 career games.Bledsoe missed the Bucks' last game, Saturday at Utah, with back soreness.... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Gregg Popovich had watched his players struggle to guard their men, and finally decided he wouldn't even let them try.So a night after they surrendered 130 points in a loss at New York, his San Antonio Spurs were in a zone defense in the first quarter of their game against the Brooklyn Nets.It wasn't something the Spurs had practiced all that much and something they rarely needed to consider most years. But even if it's not played perfectly, he knew just the sight of a zone is sometimes enough to throw off an opponent."In general, NBA teams have no clue what to do when somebody plays a zone," Popovich said. "They mostly automatically stand there and the ball moves around the horn and after a while somebody might attack a seam or do a little high-low or overload or something like that, but basically players get in mud. It doesn't matter what team it is, they just get in mud."It's hard to understand exactly why.Zone has been allowed in the NBA since 2001, and even before that,... [More]

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Paul George will miss the Thunder's game against Memphis on Sunday night with a sore right shoulder, and Grizzlies guard Mike Conley will sit out with general soreness.George was injured during a loss to the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 26, and Oklahoma City has lost both games since without him. He is the league's No. 2 scorer with 28.6 points per game and leads the league with 2.29 steals per contest.Thunder coach Billy Donovan said George has been able to do more each day, but a return date is unclear.Oklahoma City has lost four straight overall.Conley leads Memphis with 20.0 points and 6.3 assists per game. He scored 12 points in Saturday night's win over the Dallas Mavericks.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Paul George will miss the Thunder's game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night with a sore right shoulder.George was injured during a loss to the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 26, and Oklahoma City has lost both games since without him. He is the league's No. 2 scorer with 28.6 points per game and leads the league with 2.29 steals per contest.Thunder coach Billy Donovan said George has been able to do more each day, but a return date is unclear.Oklahoma City has lost four straight overall.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young has been ejected against the Chicago Bulls.Young pulled up for a 3 early in the third quarter to make it 78-62, then stared at Kris Dunn with his hands on his hips. That resulted in his second technical of the game and an ejection.The two also had an exchange in the first quarter that resulted in technicals for both players. Young exited with 18 points after scoring a career-high 49 in Atlanta's 168-161 quadruple-overtime loss to Chicago at home on Friday night.___More AP NBA: www.apnews.com/NBA and www.twitter.com/AP_Sports