Basketball

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.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — LeBron James no longer has to do it all against Stephen Curry on the big stage, not even close. Anthony Davis plugs the middle and takes away the easy chances inside. Dennis Schröder has the energy to help chase No.