Basketball

Brooklyn Nets (45-37, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (54-28, third in the Eastern Conference) Philadelphia; Saturday, 1 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : 76ers -8.5; over/under is 214.

Golden State Warriors (44-38, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (48-34, third in the Western Conference) Sacramento, California; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : EVEN; over/under is 238.

New York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31, fourth in the Eastern Conference) Cleveland; Saturday, 6 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Cavaliers -5.5; over/under is 214.

Gregg Popovich placed his left thumb on the inside of his right wrist, paused for a couple of moments and then confirmed that, yes, he has a pulse. It was also an indication when asked that yes, he is thinking about Victor Wembanyama.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers will likely have their defensive stopper back for their first-round playoff matchup against the New York Knicks.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Rudy Gobert rejoined the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday after a team-imposed suspension for their first play-in game, but lingering back trouble has compromised his status for the second one.

Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant has filed a countersuit against the Memphis teenager suing the two-time All-Star, accusing the teen of slander, battery and assault over a pickup basketball game at Morant's home last July.

TORONTO — Fred VanVleet thinks it's time for the Toronto Raptors to move on from their 2019 NBA championship. Not necessarily a wholesale personnel change, but come to grips with the fact that they're a different team now.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer says Khris Middleton practiced fully Thursday as the three-time All-Star works his way back from a sore right knee and prepares for the playoffs.

TORONTO — Nick Nurse has made it clear: he wants to stay in Toronto.