Basketball

HOUSTON (AP) — Alperen Sengun had 22 points and 15 rebounds and the Houston Rockets took advantage of the absence of injured Dallas stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to rout the Mavericks 122-96 on Friday night.

NEW YORK (AP) — Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons said team doctors haven't given him a timetable to return from a nerve impingement in his left lower back.

BOSTON (AP) — When Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck felt like his life could be the premise for a television sitcom, he knew just where to turn: His friend Tom Werner, a Red Sox owner and TV veteran who was behind megahits like “The Cosby Show,” “R

It started with a vision for Gordie Herbert, one he projected without any fear of failure. The Penticton, B.C.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis says he didn’t even bother getting a Christmas tree for his home this year. There was no need. He and his teammates are making an extended holiday visit to New York.

Milwaukee Bucks (21-7, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (16-11, fifth in the Eastern Conference) New York; Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Cleveland Cavaliers (16-13, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (13-17, 11th in the Eastern Conference) Chicago; Saturday, 8 p.m.

Washington Wizards (5-22, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (13-14, 11th in the Western Conference) San Francisco; Friday, 10 p.m.

Boston Celtics (21-6, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (17-11, fifth in the Western Conference) Los Angeles; Saturday, 3:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles hosts Boston aiming to prolong its six-game home winning streak.

Orlando Magic (16-11, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (14-13, eighth in the Eastern Conference) Indianapolis; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Orlando visits Indiana looking to break its five-game road slide.