Basketball

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Damian Lillard’s sensational start ensured the Milwaukee Bucks would fare just fine without Giannis Antetokounmpo in their playoff opener.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Harden spent the season developing a pick-and-roll chemistry with big man Ivica Zubac. The future Hall of Famer in his first season in Los Angeles is schooling the longest-tenured Clipper.

Nikola Jokic is one step closer to winning a third MVP award in the last four seasons. Victor Wembanyama is surely on his way to a trophy — or maybe two. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might get a couple of his own as well.

BOSTON (AP) — The Celtics spent the days leading up to their playoff matchup with Miami talking about wanting to match the physicality of a team that would be looking for an edge without star Jimmy Butler. Boston did that and then some.

BOSTON (AP) — The Celtics were winding down a playoff-opening victory , but one of their biggest stars had just hit the floor.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks started the playoffs Sunday without Giannis Antetokounmpo due to the left calf strain that knocked the two-time MVP out for the Bucks’ final three regular-season games.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kawhi Leonard will miss the Los Angeles Clippers’ playoff opener against the Dallas Mavericks. Leonard had been listed as questionable heading into Game 1 on Sunday because of inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee.

BOSTON (AP) — Celtics reserve center Luke Kornet is out for Game 1 of Boston's first-round series against the Miami Heat on Sunday with a strained right calf.

DENVER (AP) — Unlike their crowd that drowned out the Los Angeles Lakers' pregame introductions, the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets were a little late to the playoff party Saturday night.

Philadelphia 76ers (47-35, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (50-32, second in the Eastern Conference) New York; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Knicks -5; over/under is 209.