Basketball

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Former NBA star Shawn Kemp pleaded not guilty Thursday to an assault charge after prosecutors accused him of shooting at a man while attempting to retrieve a stolen cell phone.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson, like a good point guard, was trying to set up his teammate. Josh Hart wasn't ready for the pass. Not when he was busy with a mouthful of pizza . “You can finish chewing,” Brunson said.

Denver Nuggets (53-29, first in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (45-37, fourth in the Western Conference) Phoenix; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Suns -3.5; over/under is 224.

Boston Celtics (57-25, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (54-28, third in the Eastern Conference) Philadelphia; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : 76ers -1.

BOSTON (AP) — The Celtics walked off the court angry and frustrated after giving up home-court advantage in their series-opening loss to the 76ers. Boston called on those emotions — and its defense — to dominate in Game 2.

BOSTON (AP) — Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid will play and start in Game 2 of the 76ers’ second-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers expected a furious, final push by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and the defending NBA champions. Golden State can score in bunches in literally no time at all.

PHOENIX (AP) — Cameron Payne was a surprise hero for a few games during the Phoenix Suns' run to the NBA Finals two seasons ago. The team might need a similar effort from the backup point guard on Friday.

BOSTON (AP) — Joel Embiid finally said it: Winning the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award has been a dream ever since he belatedly started playing basketball.

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — American basketball player Chris Singleton has been admitted to a hospital in Turkey after suffering chest pains, his Istanbul-based team said Wednesday.