Basketball

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld a 2021 ruling that NBA star Zion Williamson's contract with a marketing agent was void because the agent was not licensed in North Carolina when the two entered an agreement in 2019.

MIAMI (AP) — If Jimmy Butler wants to see more pay, Pat Riley will want to see more play. And in simple terms, that is the entry point to this offseason for the Miami Heat.

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — Say goodbye to the 76ers. No, not Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey is sticking around, too. Nick Nurse seems like a perfect long-term fit as coach.

Preview capsules for the NBA’s conference semifinals: EASTERN CONFERENCE No. 1 BOSTON CELTICS (64-18, 4-1) vs. No. 4 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (48-34, 4-3) Season series: Celtics, 2-1.

CLEVELAND (AP) — It took Donovan Mitchell's magnificence, a historic comeback and plenty of grit for the Cavaliers to escape the first round. It will take even more to go any further.

Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (64-18, first in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Celtics -11; over/under is 208.

Dallas Mavericks (50-32, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25, first in the Western Conference) Oklahoma City; Tuesday, 9:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Thunder -3.

DENVER (AP) — The reigning NBA champions could be facing an early exit if they don't bring more urgency and physicality into their series with Minnesota.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Paolo Banchero's first taste of the NBA playoffs ended bitterly. The Orlando Magic couldn't finish what they started.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Donovan Mitchell brought redemption and relief to himself and the Cavaliers. A year after being bullied and bounced in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Cleveland is moving on. Mitchell made sure. "This is why I'm here," he said.