Basketball

Denver Nuggets (53-29, first in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (42-40, eighth in the Western Conference) Minneapolis; Friday, 9:30 p.m.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brook Lopez scored 25 points, Jrue Holiday added 24 and the hot-shooting Milwaukee Bucks withstood Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence to rout the Miami Heat 138-122 on Wednesday night, tying the Eastern Conference first-round series at

MILWAUKEE (AP) — For at least one night, the Milwaukee Bucks didn't miss Giannis Antetokounmpo at all.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies learned about an hour before tipoff they wouldn't have their two-time All-Star point guard, with Ja Morant's bruised right hand aching too much to take the court. They gave their teammate more time to heal.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Sacramento Kings fans making the drive to San Francisco for Game 3 of their playoff series against the Golden State Warriors should keep their cowbells at home.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Wizards guard Bradley Beal is being sued by a fan who claims the NBA star struck the side of his head with his hand and knocked his hat off after a March game at Orlando.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo didn't play for the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The back injury to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series against the Miami Heat affected the betting markets.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Wizards are shaking up their organization after all — in the front office, at least. The Wizards fired general manager Tommy Sheppard on Wednesday after the team missed the postseason for a second consecutive season.

When he was introduced last June as coach of the Sacramento Kings, Mike Brown didn’t make any grand proclamations or wild predictions. He talked about work. He talked about culture. He talked about winning.