Basketball

Damian Lillard's heroics weren't enough to save the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers missed the playoffs for the second straight season even though Lillard averaged a career-high 32.2 points a game, third-best in the league.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford said it’s critical for the team to start winning if it intends to keep star point guard LaMelo Ball, who is considered a cornerstone of the franchise. Ball, the No.

MIAMI (AP) — Getting to the play-in tournament probably wasn't the goal of any team when training camps opened back in September. It does, however, beat the alternative.

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons , coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history, are searching for a coach and hoping their new leader has Victor Wembanyama in the lineup.

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke guard Jeremy Roach is entering his name into the NBA draft but maintaining his college eligibility.

TORONTO — Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment says it's bringing back its tailgating parties for the NHL and NBA post-seasons.

Some moments from the 2022-23 NBA regular season: Oct. 18: Boston defeats Philadelphia and Golden State beats the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night. The Warriors received their championship rings from last season in a ceremony preceding their game.

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Orlando Magic rookie and No. 1 overall draft pick Paolo Banchero offered a periodic diary for The Associated Press this season to chronicle his first year in the NBA. This is his sixth and final installment.

Minnesota Timberwolves (42-40, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, seventh in the Western Conference) Los Angeles; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Lakers -6.5; over/under is 229.

Atlanta Hawks (41-41, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (44-38, seventh in the Eastern Conference) Miami; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Heat -4.5; over/under is 226.