Basketball

NEW YORK (AP) — Ben Simmons was just a few seconds into his return from a 38-game absence when he got the ball and led the Brooklyn Nets on a fast break. “It’s always a fast break when I have the ball,” Simmons said.

MIAMI (AP) — The Phoenix Suns are figuring things out. The Miami Heat had better do the same soon.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 32 points, Donte DiVincenzo added 28 and the New York Knicks kept rolling even without the injured Julius Randle, defeating the Charlotte Hornets 113-92 Monday night for their seventh straight victory.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Philadelphia's seven-time All-Star Joel Embiid was ruled out of a second consecutive game on Monday night because of a sore left knee.

HOUSTON (AP) — Jarred Vanderbilt of the Los Angeles Lakers was ejected in the second quarter of Monday night's game against Houston after getting two technical fouls during an exchange with the Rockets' Dillon Brooks.

NEW YORK (AP) — Ben Simmons made an immediate impact in his first game in nearly three months for the Brooklyn Nets, getting six assists in five minutes off the bench in the first quarter against Utah. Simmons hadn't played since Nov.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers got back one of their best players. Another is on the way.

NEW YORK (AP) — Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell has been fined $15,000 for kicking the ball into the stands following a victory against Golden State, NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars said Monday.

Philadelphia 76ers (29-15, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (13-33, 14th in the Western Conference) Portland, Oregon; Monday, 10 p.m. EST FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : 76ers -9.5; over/under is 224.

Minnesota Timberwolves (32-14, second in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (32-14, first in the Western Conference) Oklahoma City; Monday, 8 p.m. EST FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Thunder -2.5; over/under is 225.