Basketball

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the NBA’s hottest young team on both ends of the floor.

There was no shortage of reasons why the NBA In-Season Tournament was put together. And the benefits are already clear: ratings are up, people are talking about games before Christmas and some players say there's an extra energy in those contests.

Washington Wizards (2-11, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (4-9, 13th in the Eastern Conference) Charlotte, North Carolina; Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Memphis Grizzlies (3-10, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (6-6, eighth in the Western Conference) Houston; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Houston hosts Memphis looking to extend its six-game home winning streak.

Los Angeles Clippers (5-7, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (3-11, 15th in the Western Conference) San Antonio; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio aims to break its six-game home slide with a win over Los Angeles.

Milwaukee Bucks (10-4, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (11-3, first in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago Bulls (5-10, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (10-4, third in the Western Conference) Oklahoma City; Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Sacramento Kings (8-5, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (7-7, ninth in the Western Conference) New Orleans; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento takes on New Orleans in Western Conference action Wednesday.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry scored 32 points with five 3-pointers to extend his latest NBA record, Klay Thompson broke out of his shooting slump with a season-high 20 points, and the Golden State Warriors snapped their six-game losing streak w

WASHINGTON (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 42 points on 20-of-23 shooting, and the Milwaukee Bucks won their fifth consecutive game, 142-129 over the Washington Wizards on Monday night.