Basketball

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — LeBron James had 23 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers secured a playoff berth with a 110-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference play-in tournament on Tuesday night.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kawhi Leonard’s status for the Los Angeles Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks remains murky. Leonard missed the final eight games of the regular season with right knee inflammation.

NEW YORK (AP) — Will Bynum, who played for the Detroit Pistons for six season, was sentenced Tuesday to 18 months in prison for his conviction in a scandal involving NBA insurance fraud.

TORONTO — Most fans would describe the Toronto Raptors' 2023-24 season as tumultuous, even chaotic, with a series of trades significantly remaking the roster and then a raft of injuries and other issues directly contributing to a 15-game losing skid.

Blake Griffin announced his retirement Tuesday after a 14-year career that included six All-Star selections, Rookie of the Year honors and a dunk contest victory.

NEW YORK (AP) — Attendance was up 1.4% in the NBA this season, with the league setting a slew of records for ticket sales and sellouts.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks are gearing up for the postseason uncertain about the health of both of their top two players.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — It’s April and the postseason looms for the 76ers, which really only means one thing in Philadelphia: Joel Embiid is dealing with some kind of affliction.

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns and guard Grayson Allen have finalized a multi-year deal that will keep him with the franchise following the best season of his NBA career.

Atlanta Hawks (36-46, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (39-43, ninth in the Eastern Conference) Chicago; Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Bulls -3; over/under is 220.