Basketball

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted to make sure his contract status didn't distract the Milwaukee Bucks as they made a run at another championship.

TORONTO — A new era of the Toronto Raptors will dawn on Wednesday when they kick off the 2023-24 NBA season. But just what this new version of the team will look like is still unknown.

When he was hired by the Orlando Magic in 1999, Doc Rivers told a colleague at Turner Sports that he had to take care of his coaching itch and that he would be back in five years.

TORONTO — Precious Achiuwa is going to let his agent do the talking for him. The Toronto Raptors and Achiuwa did not reach an agreement on a contract extension ahead of Monday's deadline.

TORONTO — Another year, another record set for Canadians in the NBA. Canada set a new mark with 27 players on an NBA roster for the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign.

NBA teams currently have about $4.8 billion in salary committed to players for this season, meaning the average per team is around $160 million. Just three seasons ago, only two teams spent more than $160 million.

Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic Orlando, Florida; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Magic -3.5; over/under is 222.5 BOTTOM LINE: The Orlando Magic begin the season at home against the Houston Rockets.

Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs San Antonio; Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Mavericks -3.5; over/under is 228 BOTTOM LINE: The San Antonio Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks in the season opener.

Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers Indianapolis; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Pacers -7.5; over/under is 233.5 BOTTOM LINE: The Indiana Pacers begin the season at home against the Washington Wizards.

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles; Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Clippers -9.5; over/under is 229.5 BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Clippers start the season at home against the Portland Trail Blazers.