Basketball

NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA on Thursday denied a protest by the Dallas Mavericks over a confusing sequence that led to an uncontested basket for Golden State in a two-point win by the Warriors.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Canada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seemed like a nice pickup for Oklahoma City Thunder, a secondary piece in the trade that sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers four years ago.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — While Herbert Jones makes his living as the Pelicans’ top defender, he can also punish opponents who underestimate his shot.

Chicago Bulls (38-42, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (38-42, 11th in the Western Conference) Dallas; Friday, 8:30 p.m.

New York Knicks (47-33, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (41-39, eighth in the Western Conference) New Orleans; Friday, 8 p.m.

Golden State Warriors (42-38, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (48-32, third in the Western Conference) Sacramento, California; Friday, 10 p.m.

Houston Rockets (20-60, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (26-54, 14th in the Eastern Conference) Charlotte, North Carolina; Friday, 7 p.m.

Detroit Pistons (16-64, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (34-46, 12th in the Eastern Conference) Indianapolis; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Detroit hits the road against Indiana looking to stop its 13-game road skid.

Memphis Grizzlies (50-30, second in the Western Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (58-22, first in the Eastern Conference) Milwaukee; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Memphis faces the Milwaukee Bucks after Jaren Jackson Jr.

Toronto Raptors (40-40, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (55-25, second in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Boston hosts Toronto trying to prolong its five-game home winning streak.