Basketball

WASHINGTON (AP) — Damian Lillard won’t be available for Friday’s game with the Washington Wizards as the Milwaukee Bucks play for a second straight night.

DENVER (AP) — Michael Malone took a pragmatic stance on his team's current nine-game winning streak. “It beats the alternative,” the Denver Nuggets coach said. Can't argue there as Malone stands on the brink of a memorable career moment.

Former NBA player Michael Carter-Williams is hoping to get a WNBA franchise in Boston whether it's through expansion or being a destination for a current team that wants to move.

The French sports newspaper L’Equipe published a photo of Victor Wembanyama across the entirety of its front page on Friday, the San Antonio star looking down with his hands on his hips. “Coup D’Arret” was the headline in big, white letters.

Phoenix Suns (26-29, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (22-34, 10th in the Eastern Conference) Chicago; Saturday, 5 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix will look to stop its five-game road losing streak when the Suns take on Chicago.

Charlotte Hornets (14-40, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (23-33, 13th in the Western Conference) Portland, Oregon; Saturday, 10 p.m.

Milwaukee Bucks (30-24, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Washington Wizards (9-45, 15th in the Eastern Conference) Washington; Friday, 7 p.m.

New York Knicks (37-18, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (45-10, first in the Eastern Conference) Cleveland; Friday, 7 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Cavaliers -8.

Detroit Pistons (29-26, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (24-29, 12th in the Western Conference) Austin, Texas; Friday, 8:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Pistons -4.5; over/under is 232.

Brooklyn Nets (20-35, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (20-35, 11th in the Eastern Conference) Philadelphia; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia plays Brooklyn looking to end its three-game home slide.