Basketball

DETROIT (AP) — Ja Morant had 31 points and eight rebounds as the Memphis Grizzlies closed out their preseason with a 126-111 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vernon Carey Jr. of the Washington Wizards has entered the NBA's concussion protocol following what the team said was a minor traffic accident. Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr.

There are many one-word answers that could be given about the state of the NBA’s Western Conference. Loaded, deep, stacked, daunting: They all certainly apply. Minnesota coach Chris Finch has another word: “Brutal,” he said. That one works, too.

The NBA’s roster of female referees continues to grow. Cheryl Flores and Dannica Mosher have been promoted to the level of full-time staff officials, the NBA said Thursday.

Nobody can be certain how the Boston Celtics will perform under their third coach in three years , or whether James Harden can flourish in Philadelphia alongside Joel Embiid, or if Ben Simmons' first season playing with the Brooklyn Nets is already t

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kyrie Irving scored 23 points, Kevin Durant had 19 points and eight assists and the Brooklyn Nets won their first game of the preseason, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 107-97 Wednesday night.

MIAMI (AP) — Zion Williamson had a simple message after New Orleans' preseason game in Miami on Wednesday night. “I'm fine," he said.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers took another major step in their rebuilding project by exercising the options on point guard Tyrese Haliburton and three other players on Wednesday.

TORONTO — An untimely hamstring injury will keep Montreal native Chris Boucher out of the Toronto Raptors' lineup when they play Boston in Boucher's hometown on Friday.

DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Pistons center Marvin Bagley III is expected to be out of the lineup for three to four weeks with an injured right knee.