PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Toronto Raptors say forward Pascal Siakam is doubtful for Sunday's Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Philadelphia 76ers with a right calf contusion.Siakam has been Toronto's second-leading scorer behind Kawhi Leonard in the playoffs, averaging 22.9 points per game. He played 34 minutes and scored 20 points on Thursday in Toronto's Game 3 loss to the 76ers.Siakam was called for a flagrant foul when he stuck his right leg in the path of Philadelphia's Joel Embiid during the fourth quarter of Game 3. Embiid's knee appeared to strike Siakam's calf. Siakam left the game moments later and did not return.Siakam averaged 16.9 points per game in the regular season and is top candidate to win the NBA's Most Improved Player award.

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns are looking for stability after their previous coach lasted just one season.They hope Monty Williams is the man to lead their turnaround.The Suns announced Friday that they had come to terms with Williams, a former head coach and a current assistant in Philadelphia. He will take over as Phoenix's fifth coach in five seasons when the 76ers' playoff run ends. They lead Toronto 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.Williams replaces Igor Kokoskov, who was fired last week after one disappointing season."Monty brings a wealth of NBA experience, both as a coach and former player, in addition to being a high-character individual who will infuse basketball wisdom and life lessons into our locker room," Suns general manager James Jones said in a release. "Monty is well respected for his coaching pedigree, leadership and commitment to the community, all of which make him the ideal person to lead our team moving forward."The 47-year-old Williams previously spent... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — A person familiar with Cleveland's schedule tells The Associated Press that the Cavaliers will interview San Antonio assistant Ime Udoka to be their coach.The Cavs, who have been taking a methodical approach in finding their next coach, will meet with Udoka on Sunday, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the Cavs are not revealing any of their search plans.Udoka has worked on Gregg Popovich's staff since 2012, a year after he retired as a player. Udoka has been praised for developing players such as Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge.The Cavs continued their interviews on Friday, meeting with Utah assistant Alex Jensen. Jensen worked with Cleveland's organization in the past.The team has previously interviewed NBA assistants Jamahl Mosley, Juwan Howard and J.B. Bickerstaff. The club also plans to meet with Denver assistants Jordi Fernandez and Wes Unseld Jr., and Portland assistants Nate Tibbetts and David Vanterpool.Cleveland mutually parted ways with Larry Drew following a 19-63 season.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons has been fined $20,000 and assessed a Flagrant Foul 1 for elbowing Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry in the groin in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series.Kiki VanDeWeghe, the NBA's executive vice president of basketball operations, announced the penalties Thursday, a day after the incident in the second quarter of the 76ers' 116-95 home victory. Philadelphia leads the series 2-1.

HOUSTON (AP) — James Harden knows the success or failure of the Houston Rockets falls on him regardless of what the rest of the team does in the Western Conference semifinals against the Golden Warriors.That burden, he says, is one that most people can't understand but that makes him better, something he'll need to be if the Rockets hope to avoid falling into a 0-3 hole Saturday night when they host Game 3."How can I explain it," he asked. "If you've never been in that situation before or don't know what it feels like I can't give you the (feeling)."Last year's MVP and a front-runner this season thrives on that pressure and is ready for the challenge facing him as the Rockets try to close the gap in the series."It makes me who I am and I wouldn't expect anyone who hasn't been in this position or doesn't got the world on their shoulders to get it," he said.Harden is recovering after both of his eyes were injured in the first quarter of Game 2 when he was hit by Golden State's Draymond Green... [More]

Toronto gave Kawhi Leonard plenty of help in the regular season.The Raptors need to start doing that in the postseason — or else.Leonard is a free-agent-in-waiting, someone who will have a huge decision to make this summer. An abrupt second-round exit from this postseason probably won't enhance the Raptors' chances of convincing Leonard to stay with Toronto — so Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Sunday against Philadelphia, a matchup the 76ers lead 2-1, could have reverberations felt long after this season ends."We've got to help him. We've got to help him," Raptors guard Kyle Lowry said after Philly's 116-95 win in Game 3, a night where Leonard scored 33 points and his teammates shot 36 percent. "Myself, especially me. I've got to help him. Score more, I've got to help him on the floor. We all got to help him."He's playing unbelievable right now. But we're not giving him any help. Me — I'm not giving him any help. Got to help him."Leonard has been brilliant in the... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns are looking for stability after their previous coach lasted just one season.They hope Monty Williams is the man to lead their turnaround.The Suns announced Friday that they had come to terms with Williams, a former head coach and a current assistant in Philadelphia. He will take over as Phoenix's fifth coach in five seasons when the 76ers' playoff run ends. They lead Toronto 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.Williams replaces Igor Kokoskov, who was fired last week after one disappointing season."Monty brings a wealth of NBA experience, both as a coach and former player, in addition to being a high-character individual who will infuse basketball wisdom and life lessons into our locker room," Suns general manager James Jones said in a release. "Monty is well respected for his coaching pedigree, leadership and commitment to the community, all of which make him the ideal person to lead our team moving forward."The 47-year-old Williams previously spent... [More]

The NBA reacted in support of Portland's Enes Kanter on Thursday, not long after the league's Turkish-centric Twitter account failed to mention Kanter's efforts in the Trail Blazers' victory over Denver in Game 2 of the teams' Western Conference semifinal series.The league also fired the Turkish company in charge of operating that account.Kanter — who has been estranged from Turkey, his homeland, for at least two years and is a longtime critic of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan — had 15 points and nine rebounds in Portland's 97-90 victory Wednesday night. After the game, the NBA tweeted out a list of stat leaders and included Kanter; the Turkish account, @NBATurkiye, made no mention of Kanter.It's the latest twist in a long saga, one where the Turkish government has sought Kanter's arrest and he has claimed, among other things, that the government censors him and forbids the airing of Portland games in the country. The NBA said Turkish fans can still see all games through its various... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Warriors forward Draymond Green and Houston big man Nene had their double technical fouls rescinded by the NBA from Tuesday night's Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.Golden State had approached the league asking for the consideration.The NBA said on Twitter that the technicals had been dropped "upon league office review."That's a big deal for Green if the two-time defending champions play deep into the postseason again. The Warriors lead their best-of-seven series with the Rockets 2-0 going into Game 3 on Saturday in Houston.With one fewer technical now, Green's total for the postseason is back to three — and seven draws an automatic one-game suspension."I'm happy about it. It's good," Green said after practice Thursday before the Warriors departed the Bay Area for Texas. "It helps me, a lot."Green and Nene got tangled up and drew double technicals with one second remaining in the third quarter of the Warriors' 115-109 victory after James Harden made three... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Warriors forward Draymond Green and Houston big man Nene had their double technical fouls rescinded by the NBA from Tuesday night's Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.Golden State had approached the league asking for the consideration.The NBA said on Twitter that the technicals had been dropped "upon league office review."That's a big deal for Green if the two-time defending champions play deep into the postseason again. The Warriors lead their best-of-seven series with the Rockets 2-0 going into Game 3 on Saturday in Houston.With one fewer technical now, Green's total for the postseason is back to three — and seven draws an automatic one-game suspension.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

HOUSTON (AP) — James Harden squinted under the bright lights of the Toyota Center court on Thursday and parts of both eyes remained a garish, bloody red.It was clear Houston's superstar was still dealing with injuries to his eyes after being hit by Golden State's Draymond Green in Game 2. Harden insisted the problem wouldn't keep him out of Game 3 on Saturday as the Rockets try to climb out of an 0-2 hole against the two-time defending champions."If I played barely seeing last game, what makes you think I'm going to sit out Game 3?" Harden asked defiantly.Harden was injured midway through the first quarter Tuesday night after a blow from Green as he tried to rebound a shot he missed. He immediately fell to the court where he remained writhing for a bit before he was tended to by Houston's training staff and taken to the locker room. He returned with about seven minutes left in the second quarter and scored 29 points despite saying that his vision was extremely blurry and that he could see... [More]

The Celtics and Trail Blazers have stolen home-court advantage in their respective second-round playoff series. Now they're focused on keeping it as their series shift to Boston and Portland.Boston, the East's fourth seed, came out strong and took Game 1 against top-seeded Milwaukee before getting blown out in Game 2. The series resumes at TD Garden on Friday night, and the Celtics like their chances on a court where they've won 12 of their last 13 playoff games.For that trend to continue, Boston must get a better performance from Jayson Tatum. The second-year forward averaged 19.2 points per game during the Celtics' first-round sweep of the Pacers, shooting 50 percent from the floor. In two games against Milwaukee, he has nine total points while connecting on 24% of his field-goal attempts."I watched film. I acknowledge that I gotta be better overall," Tatum said. "And I will be better. It's a bad game. It happens. I don't think too much of it. Just ready for Game 3."The Celtics will also... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Brooklyn Nets All-Star D'Angelo Russell was detained at LaGuardia Airport after a small amount of marijuana was found in his luggage by TSA personnel.A spokeswoman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Russell was issued a summons for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and released. It happened Wednesday night.Newsday says the former No. 2 pick then flew to Louisville, Kentucky, where his father lives.The Nets said in a statement they "have been made aware of the situation" and "are in the process of gathering more information at this time."The 23-year-old Russell had a breakout season, leading the Nets to their first playoff berth since 2014. He was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team in February.

HOUSTON (AP) — James Harden squinted under the bright lights of the Toyota Center court on Thursday and parts of both eyes remained a garish, bloody red.It was clear Houston's superstar was still dealing with injuries to his eyes after being hit by Golden State's Draymond Green in Game 2. Harden insisted the problem wouldn't keep him out of Game 3 on Saturday as the Rockets try to climb out of an 0-2 hole against the defending champions."If I played barely seeing last game, what makes you think I'm going to sit out Game 3," Harden asked defiantly.Harden was injured midway through the first quarter Tuesday night after a blow from Green as he tried to rebound a shot he missed. He immediately fell to the court where he remained writhing for a bit before he was tended to by Houston's training staff and taken to the locker room. He returned with about seven minutes left in the second quarter and scored 29 points despite saying that his vision was extremely blurry and that he could see "nothing.""When... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — Boston Celtics President Danny Ainge had a mild heart attack and is expected to fully recover.The 60-year-old executive received immediate medical attention Tuesday night in Milwaukee, the team said in a statement Thursday. The Celtics were facing the Bucks in the second round of the playoffs. Ainge, who also had a mild heart attack in 2009, was scheduled to return to Boston.Celtics coach Brad Stevens said after the team practiced Thursday that he's been in frequent communication with Ainge's family. He said they all seem to be doing well."That's all positive, but certainly it's scary," Stevens said. "To me, he's a friend and the family's been so good to us. So, you don't even think about anything else. You just want him to be comfortable and feeling great, getting better, that it's a good prognosis."Game 3 of the Celtics' series with the Bucks is Friday night in Boston."This is much bigger than basketball," Stevens said. "Game 3 is Game 3. You always want to play your best... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — James Harden squinted under the bright lights of the Toyota Center court on Thursday and parts of both eyes remained a garish, bloody red.It was clear Houston's superstar was still dealing with injuries to his eyes after being hit by Golden State's Draymond Green in Game 2. Harden insisted the problem wouldn't keep him out of Game 3 on Saturday as the Rockets try to climb out of an 0-2 hole against the defending champions."If I played barely seeing last game, what makes you think I'm going to sit out Game 3," Harden asked defiantly.Harden was injured midway through the first quarter Sunday night after a blow from Green as he tried to rebound a shot he missed. He immediately fell to the court where he remained writhing for a bit before he was tended to by Houston's training staff and taken to the locker room. He returned with about seven minutes left in the second quarter and scored 29 points despite saying that his vision was extremely blurry and that he could see "nothing.""When... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston's James Harden will play in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday despite injuries to both of his eyes after being hit by Draymond Green in Game 2.Harden practiced with the team Thursday as the Rockets prepare to host Golden State for two games after losing the first two in California.It was clear that last year's MVP was still struggling as he squinted under the light while answering questions about it. The entire left side of his left eye remained bloody, as did the left corner of his right eye.He says: "I can see better," but that he still had pain from the blow which came in the first quarter of Tuesday night's game.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DENVER (AP) — Nose bloodied, Torrey Craig returned wearing a clear mask.Knocked down later, his Denver Nuggets teammates rushed to his defense.There's no masking the appreciation the Nuggets have for their defensive specialist. Bloodied and bruised, Craig contributed seven points in a 97-90 loss to Portland on Wednesday night as the Trail Blazers tied the Western Conference semifinal series at a game apiece."He fights. He's a fighter," Nuggets forward Paul Millsap said. "Hate to see something like that happen, but for him to come back and be inspiring like he did, it was unbelievable."Craig was going for a rebound early in the second quarter when he appeared to bounce off Blazers forward Zach Collins and fall into the leg of Denver teammate Monte Morris. Craig remained down on the court for several moments as trainers came out to treat him. There was blood on the court when he left the floor.Craig was taken to the locker room with a towel covering his face. The Nuggets said he had a nasal... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Denver Nuggets forward Torrey Craig returned to the game wearing a clear mask to protect the nose he bloodied in a collision during Game 2 against Portland.Hurt early in the second quarter Wednesday night, Craig made his way onto the court late in the third with the Nuggets struggling. He later hit a 3-pointer.Craig was going for a rebound when he appeared to bounce off Blazers forward Zach Collins and fall into the leg of teammate Monte Morris. Craig was down on the court for several moments as trainers came out to treat him. There was blood on the court when he left the floor.Craig was taken to the locker room with a towel over his face. The Nuggets said he had a nasal contusion.Later in the second quarter, Portland forward Maurice Harkless appeared to roll his right ankle. He headed into the locker room.___More AP NBA coverage: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DENVER (AP) — Denver Nuggets forward Torrey Craig left the game after bloodying his nose in a collision during the second quarter of Game 2 against Portland.His return Wednesday night is questionable.Craig was going for a rebound when he appeared to bounce off Blazers forward Zach Collins and fall into the leg of teammate Monte Morris. Craig was down on the court for several moments as trainers came out to treat him. There was blood on the court when he left the floor.Craig was taken to the locker room with a towel over his face. The Nuggets said he had a nasal contusion.Later in the second quarter, Portland forward Maurice Harkless appeared to roll his ankle. He headed into the locker room.___More AP NBA coverage: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports