UNDATED (AP) — There are 12 games on tap in the NBA this evening.
Defending league champion Miami is on the road for a game in New York against the Knicks. The game serves as the season opener for New York as the scheduled first game for the Knicks, against the Nets at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, was postponed because of damage from Hurricane Sandy. The last time these teams met was in the first round of the playoffs last season. The Heat eliminated the Knicks in five games.
The Chicago Bulls had the best regular season record in the East last season and tonight they face the Cavaliers in Cleveland. Each team won its opening game a few days ago.
The battle of L.A. is taking place tonight in, where else, Los Angeles. In this one the Lakers are serving as the home team and they are out to get their first win of the season. The Lakers are 0-2 and trying to avoid their first 0-3 start since 1978. The Clippers won their season opener against Memphis.
A year ago the Charlotte Bobcats were terrible. They finished the season with just 7 wins and 59 defeats. Tonight they start the new season with a game at home against the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers won their season opener two nights ago with a last second shot by George Hill.
In other games tonight, Orlando is home to Denver, the Bucks are facing the Celtics in Boston, the Hawks are home to Houston, Sacramento is playing at Minnesota, Utah is at New Orleans, the Thunder are playing host to Portland, Detroit is at Phoenix and Memphis plays at Golden State.
Qualifying on tap today
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — The qualifying for Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway is taking place this afternoon.
Jimmie Johnson won at Martinsville last Sunday to take the points lead from Brad Keselowski. Johnson has four victories this season and 59 in his spectacular career. He enters this week’s race with 21 Chase victories.
The Texas 500 is the eighth of the 10 in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Five-time series champion Johnson has a two-point lead over Keselowski.
Idaho St suspends receiver, said coach pushed him
POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — Idaho State coach Mike Kramer has suspended a player who complained Kramer pushed him to the ground during practice on Oct. 3.
Idaho State officials confirmed Thursday that Kramer suspended wide receiver Derek Graves for violating team rules.
Graves told ESPN he was suspended indefinitely for being late for practice. His attorney, Donald Jackson, said he considers the suspension to be retaliation by Kramer for Graves’ pursuit of criminal charges. He also said his client hasn’t been medically cleared to practice after suffering a neck injury when he was pushed.
Idaho State suspended Kramer for last weekend’s game at Montana for violating the university’s conduct policy.
The Idaho State Journal reports school officials say it will be up to Kramer whether Graves is allowed back on the team.
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Denver at Orlando 6:00 p.m.
Indiana at Charlotte 6:00 p.m.
Chicago at Cleveland 6:30 p.m.
Houston at Atlanta 6:30 p.m.
Milwaukee at Boston 6:30 p.m.
Miami at New York 7:00 p.m.
Portland at Oklahoma City 7:00 p.m.
Sacramento at Minnesota 7:00 p.m.
Utah at New Orleans 7:00 p.m.
Detroit at Phoenix 9:00 p.m.
L-A Clippers at L-A Lakers 9:30 p.m.
Memphis at Golden State 9:30 p.m.