Basketball

LAS VEGAS (AP) — When league officials decided to play the semifinals and championship game of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas, they knew it wouldn't be an understated affair. And it hasn't been.

TORONTO — Otto Porter Jr. smiled when he heard that Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic had called him a calming influence. "That's my job," said Porter.

Washington Wizards (3-17, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (11-9, ninth in the Eastern Conference) New York; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Washington aims to end its three-game skid with a win over Brooklyn.

Atlanta Hawks (9-11, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (13-7, fourth in the Eastern Conference) Philadelphia; Friday, 7 p.m.

Toronto Raptors (9-12, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (6-13, 13th in the Eastern Conference) Charlotte, North Carolina; Friday, 7 p.m.

New York Knicks (12-8, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (15-5, first in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago Bulls (8-14, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (3-17, 15th in the Western Conference) San Antonio; Friday, 8:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio plays Chicago looking to break its eight-game home losing streak.

Los Angeles Clippers (10-10, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (7-14, 12th in the Western Conference) Salt Lake City; Friday, 10 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Utah hosts Los Angeles aiming to extend its three-game home winning streak.

New Orleans Pelicans (12-10, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (13-9, fifth in the Western Conference) Las Vegas; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Lakers -1.5; over/under is 229.

Dallas Mavericks (12-8, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (6-14, 14th in the Western Conference) Portland, Oregon; Friday, 10 p.m.