Basketball

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets are shutting down guard LaMelo Ball for the season. Ball has not played since Jan. 27 for the Hornets (18-54), who've been eliminated from postseason competition.

DENVER (AP) — Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. said Wednesday night that he’s sure his younger brother would never do anything to jeopardize his budding NBA playing career.

Minnesota Timberwolves (50-22, second in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (51-22, first in the Western Conference) Denver; Friday, 9 p.m.

Boston Celtics (57-15, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (33-39, 10th in the Eastern Conference) Atlanta; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Celtics -16; over/under is 227.

Portland Trail Blazers (19-54, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Miami Heat (39-33, seventh in the Eastern Conference) Miami; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Portland will look to stop its five-game road skid when the Trail Blazers play Miami.

Los Angeles Lakers (41-32, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (41-33, sixth in the Eastern Conference) Indianapolis; Friday, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia 76ers (39-34, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29, fourth in the Eastern Conference) Cleveland; Friday, 7:30 p.m.

New York Knicks (44-28, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (17-56, 15th in the Western Conference) San Antonio; Friday, 8 p.m.

Houston Rockets (37-35, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (29-44, 12th in the Western Conference) Salt Lake City; Friday, 9:30 p.m.

Phoenix Suns (43-30, seventh in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22, third in the Western Conference) Oklahoma City; Friday, 8 p.m.