Basketball

For the Golden State Warriors, it’s a drive for five, as in five championships in nine years. It’s a similar thought for LeBron James, as the NBA’s all-time points leader is set to resume his quest for a fifth ring.

BOSTON (AP) — Joe Mazzulla has been navigating an opportunity he’s always wanted, but never expected to have this soon. Along the way, the Celtics coach hasn’t strayed too far from what put him in this position in the first place.

DENVER (AP) — Not since Jamal Murray was dropping 50 points on the Utah Jazz back in the NBA's bubble in 2020 have the Denver Nuggets entered the playoffs as healthy as they are now.

Atlanta Hawks (41-41, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (57-25, second in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Saturday, 3:30 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Celtics -9; over/under is 230.

Brooklyn Nets (45-37, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (54-28, third in the Eastern Conference) Philadelphia; Saturday, 1 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : 76ers -8.5; over/under is 214.

Golden State Warriors (44-38, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (48-34, third in the Western Conference) Sacramento, California; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : EVEN; over/under is 238.

New York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31, fourth in the Eastern Conference) Cleveland; Saturday, 6 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Cavaliers -5.5; over/under is 214.

Gregg Popovich placed his left thumb on the inside of his right wrist, paused for a couple of moments and then confirmed that, yes, he has a pulse. It was also an indication when asked that yes, he is thinking about Victor Wembanyama.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers will likely have their defensive stopper back for their first-round playoff matchup against the New York Knicks.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Rudy Gobert rejoined the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday after a team-imposed suspension for their first play-in game, but lingering back trouble has compromised his status for the second one.