Basketball

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana's Buddy Hield made the fastest 3-pointer on record when he hit just three seconds into the Pacers' game against Cleveland on Thursday night.

This is the latest periodic look at how the season is going for top NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama — the 7-foot-3, 18-year-old presumed No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft — and his French team Metropolitans 92: ___ Wembanyama’s season averages: 22.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.

MIAMI (AP) — It was 2006. LeBron James wasn’t even midway through his first stint in Cleveland. He made the playoffs for the first time, was already a globally recognized star and well on his way to becoming the game’s best player.

Los Angeles Lakers (14-21, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (17-18, ninth in the Eastern Conference) Atlanta; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: LeBron James leads Los Angeles into a matchup with Atlanta.

Portland Trail Blazers (18-16, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (18-18, 10th in the Western Conference) San Francisco; Friday, 10 p.m.

Philadelphia 76ers (20-13, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (22-12, first in the Western Conference) New Orleans; Friday, 8:30 p.m.

Detroit Pistons (9-28, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (15-19, 10th in the Eastern Conference) Chicago; Friday, 8 p.m.

Utah Jazz (19-18, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (18-15, sixth in the Western Conference) Sacramento, California; Friday, 10 p.m.

Minnesota Timberwolves (16-19, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (22-12, third in the Eastern Conference) Milwaukee; Friday, 8 p.m.