Basketball

CHICAGO (AP) — The Clippers and Bulls were missing key players Thursday, with Los Angeles' James Harden out with a strained left shoulder and Chicago's Coby White sidelined because of a sore right hip.

NEW YORK (AP) — Ben Simmons has had back surgery for the second time in three years, with he and the Brooklyn Nets hoping this procedure will provide the relief he needs to complete a full season.

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic won't play in Oklahoma City a night after leaving a win over Golden State with hamstring soreness.

Los Angeles Clippers (41-23, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (32-34, ninth in the Eastern Conference) Chicago; Thursday, 8 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Clippers -6.5; over/under is 215.

Dallas Mavericks (38-28, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (45-20, second in the Western Conference) Oklahoma City; Thursday, 10 p.m.

Miami Heat (35-30, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (13-52, 14th in the Eastern Conference) Detroit; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Miami aims to break its four-game skid with a victory over Detroit.

Denver Nuggets (46-20, first in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (14-52, 15th in the Western Conference) San Antonio; Friday, 8:30 p.m.

Atlanta Hawks (29-36, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (28-37, 12th in the Western Conference) Salt Lake City; Friday, 9:30 p.m.

New York Knicks (37-28, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (19-46, 14th in the Western Conference) Portland, Oregon; Thursday, 10 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Knicks -10.5; over/under is 207.

Orlando Magic (38-28, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Toronto Raptors (23-43, 12th in the Eastern Conference) Toronto; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Toronto looks to stop its five-game slide when the Raptors take on Orlando.