Basketball

BOSTON (AP) — Early in his NBA career, Jaylen Brown was largely viewed as a player who would be a component of the Boston Celtics’ long-term success, rather than a pillar of its foundation.

Top draft pick Victor Wembanyama scored 15 points in 21 minutes to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 117-103 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets in preseason action on Wednesday night.

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse said he had no explanation for why James Harden skipped practice on Wednesday but planned to proceed as if the disgruntled guard will play in the preseason finale.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to make one thing clear about his partnership with new Milwaukee Bucks teammate Damian Lillard.

The NBA All-Star Game may soon return to an East vs. West format.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Brandon Ingram scored 18 points, Zion Williamson had 16 and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Orlando Magic 104-92 on Tuesday night. Williamson finished the first quarter with 10 points, four steals, two assists and a rebound.

CHICAGO — Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes each scored 22 points as the Toronto Raptors kept their unbeaten NBA pre-season record intact with a 106-102 win over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

Kevin Porter Jr.’s time with the Houston Rockets is over, after the team agreed Tuesday to trade him and a pair of second-round draft picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

When James Harden was twice scoring 40 points against Boston in last season's playoffs, it was easy to picture a championship in Philadelphia's future. Now it's hard to picture a future at all between Harden and the 76ers .

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets will raise their championship banner on opening night — with LeBron James in the building to witness, no less. The players will also receive their rings.