The Minnesota Timberwolves provided a vague injury update on star forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns, saying Wednesday that the three-time All-Star is due back in the “coming weeks.”

Towns has been out with a right calf strain since Nov. 28. The regular season also ends in the coming weeks, April 9. The Timberwolves enter Wednesday’s action as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, which would put them in the postseason play-in tournament.

Towns was expected to miss four to six weeks when the injury occurred.

“Towns is continuing to progress in his rehabilitation program and has been participating in basketball activities,” the team said in a news release. “He is expected to return in the coming weeks and further updates to his playing status will be provided when available.”

In 21 games (all starts) this season, Towns is averaging 20.8 points on 50.5 percent shooting to go with 8.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.

The first overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft, Towns is in his eighth season with Minnesota. He has career averages of 23.1 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 503 games (all starts).

–Field Level Media

If the Dallas Mavericks could have selected a team to oppose as they attempt to end a three-game losing streak, they might have chosen the San Antonio Spurs, their host in a Wednesday night contest.

But the Spurs — even though they already are eliminated from postseason consideration — have been playing better of late, winning four of their past seven games. Included in that stretch was a victory over the Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets.

Dallas’ skid includes back-to-back losses to the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies in an away-home series on Saturday and Monday. The latest setback, 104-88, came with the Mavericks missing Kyrie Irving (right foot soreness), Luka Doncic (left thigh strain) and Christian Wood (right foot soreness).

Jaden Hardy led the Mavericks with 28 points while Josh Green had 23.

Doncic already was ruled out for Wednesday’s game, while Irving, Wood and Tim Hardaway Jr. (left calf contusion) were listed as questionable.

“Our health, this is what we have,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “This is the cards we’re dealt, just like anybody in this league. We got to play with the cards we have. We’ll continue to keep fighting, continue to keep working.

“If we can get healthy, it puts us in a position to have success.”

The Mavericks are in a three-way tie for eighth place in the Western Conference, two games out of sixth place, the last position that avoids the play-in tournament.

The Spurs will play the second of a home back-to-back that began with a rousing 132-114 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

Jeremy Sochan led the way with 29 points and 11 rebounds, but the real story was that San Antonio, which came into the game ranked 26th in the league in 3-point-shooting percentage, hit a franchise-record 22 treys on 41 attempts.

Zach Collins added 25 points for San Antonio, with Doug McDermott and Devonte’ Graham hitting for 15 each.

The Spurs had a season-high 39 assists, nine of them from Graham, and won for the second time in three games despite playing without starters Keldon Johnson (left foot soreness) and Tre Jones (illness).

“We had a lot of guys play well,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. “If you make 22 threes, you’re gonna have a pretty damn good night. That’s just the way the rules are. We don’t do that very often, but it was fun to watch.”

The Spurs led 98-89 heading into the fourth quarter after shooting 54.5 percent from the floor and 58.6 percent from 3-point range through the first three periods. Orlando got within six points with 6:28 to play before San Antonio scored the next seven points to clinch the win.

“I think it’s a little bit of good karma,” Collins said of the victory. “It’s a little bit of us continuing to stay in a gym to work and shoot. There’s a lot of not being afraid to shoot. You know, we’ve had a lot of games where we got the same looks we got tonight and we weren’t able to knock them down.”

The Mavericks won the first two games in the season series, 126-125 in San Antonio on Dec. 31 and 142-116 in Dallas on Feb. 23. The teams will face off in their regular-season finale at Dallas on April 9.

–Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Lakers will shoot for their fifth win in six games on Wednesday night when they visit the Houston Rockets, but the Lakers will be without both of their stars.

LeBron James, who hasn’t played since Feb. 26, remains sidelined for at least another week due to a right foot tendon injury.

Anthony Davis, who has been carrying the team in James’ absence, will sit out Wednesday as the Lakers complete a set of back-to-back games.

Davis paired 35 points with 17 rebounds in a 123-108 road victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. Afterward, Lakers coach Darvin Ham said the team would sit Davis for the Houston game due to lingering issues with a right foot ailment that kept Davis out from mid-December to late January.

“It’s just one of those things where even though he’s playing pain-free, it’s still an active injury, so we have to monitor it and stick to the plan, as we always have done,” Ham said. “And just go out there with our other guys and try to get a W and finish the trip the right way.”

Davis wasn’t thrilled by the team’s decision to give him a night off.

“I mean, it’s tough,” he said. “Especially because each game, obviously, you want to go out and play. But before I even came back, it’s something the doctors and the organization discussed that they thought it would be best for me not to play back-to-backs …

“It’s still a stress reaction, and we’re doing all the right things to make sure that I’m ready to go, and I still need that day break. Obviously it sucks.”

The Lakers are 9-4 since a series of acquisitions reshaped their roster at the trade deadline. They sank a franchise-record 15 first-half 3-pointers on Tuesday, and they led the Pelicans by as many as 40 points before easing off late in the third period and into the fourth.

Still, the Lakers achieved their foremost goal and moved into a tie for eighth place in the Western Conference alongside the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks.

The last-place Rockets already are eliminated from playoff contention, but they are getting strong late-season production from rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr.

On Monday, Smith became the first Houston rookie since Hakeem Olajuwon to record three consecutive 20-point, 10-rebound double-doubles when he had 24 points and 11 rebounds in a 111-109 home victory over the Boston Celtics.

Smith matched his career high with five 3-pointers and is averaging 24.7 points and 11 rebounds during his double-double streak. His stretch of improved play extends to the resumption of the season following the All-Star break, as Smith is averaging 14.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in the past 10 games after averaging 12 points an seven boards in the first 55 contests.

“I’m happy for him,” Rockets guard Jalen Green said. “We know the real Jabari, and he’s showing it right now to everybody. To everyone who doubted him — the haters, everyone — he’s showing it right now.”

The Rockets have won three of their past six games following an 11-game losing streak, but they still might finish with the worst record in the NBA for a third consecutive season.

“We’re a work in progress, right?” coach Stephen Silas said. “But when we understand the moment, it’s gratifying as a coach for sure because we’re constantly teaching them. But they need to feel it. As much as we can watch film, as much as we can talk about it, as much as we can write it on the board, there’s no better teaching method than going through it and finding some success at the end like we did (against Boston).”

–Field Level Media

The surging Philadelphia 76ers will look for their sixth consecutive victory when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

The Sixers handily defeated the Washington Wizards 112-93 on Sunday, and they will open a three-game road trip in Cleveland.

Joel Embiid registered his sixth straight game with at least 30 points as he accumulated 34 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots.

Philadelphia’s James Harden added 18 points and 14 assists for his 31st points-assists double-double this season.

Embiid continued his dominance on the defensive end and also received some much-needed rest by sitting out the fourth quarter with the victory sealed early.

“I’m healthier. It helps a lot,” Embiid said. “And we’re getting to that point in the season where you have to be on point when it comes to everything offensively and defensively. In the past, my defense from the regular season to the playoffs has always gone to another level, so it’s all about trying to build it.

“Like I always say, I’m just working on my game and seeing what works and what doesn’t, but we need that intensity defensively as a team.”

Sixers forward Jalen McDaniels sustained a right hip contusion in the Washington game. He sat out practice on Tuesday, and it was unclear if he would be able to play against the Cavaliers.

“I don’t think it’s serious,” Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said. “I think he’ll be fine. It’s scary. It looked like he when he first hit it, it was a little scary bump, but it looks like he’ll be OK.”

The Cavaliers will shoot for their third straight win, as they are coming off consecutive road victories over the Charlotte Hornets.

Cleveland won 114-108 on Sunday and followed with a 120-104 triumph on Tuesday.

Evan Mobley put up 26 points in the rematch for the Cavaliers, who were without Donovan Mitchell (finger sprain) and Jarrett Allen (eye contusion).

Cedi Osman scored 24 points, Caris LeVert had 22 and Darius Garland added 19 for Cleveland, which shot 51.1 percent from the floor and 46.7 percent (14 of 30) from 3-point range.

Despite the lack of depth, the Cavaliers had little trouble dispatching the reeling Hornets, though the task will be much tougher against the Sixers.

“Understanding the value of every possession, that’s one of the things that we’ve been talking to the guys about,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “As the games become bigger, more critical, every possession matters. Being able to get a shot on goal matters. When you have guys who can create, who can score, it’s important to put it up on the rim. At least give yourself a chance.”

The Cavaliers should be deeper on Wednesday, as Mitchell is expected to play. Allen has missed two games in a row since getting hurt on Friday against the Miami Heat. He is considered day-to-day, according to Bickerstaff.

“With Jarrett, it is just a matter of how quickly it recovers,” Bickerstaff said. “With eyes, it’s difficult to put a timetable on it.”

–Field Level Media

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 36 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the visiting Milwaukee Bucks beat the Phoenix Suns 116-104 on Tuesday to become the NBA’s first team to reach the 50-win mark.

Brook Lopez had 21 points and 10 rebounds for Milwaukee, which won for the 21st time in its last 23 games and clinched a playoff spot for the seventh consecutive season. Jrue Holiday scored 12 points, while Jae Crowder and Bobby Portis Jr. had 11 apiece.

Devin Booker scored 20 of his 30 points in the second half for Phoenix. Deandre Ayton added 16 points and eight rebounds, Cameron Payne scored 13, Jock Landale had 12, and Chris Paul had 11 points and eight assists.

The Suns have lost three straight following a four-game winning streak.

Cavaliers 120, Hornets 104

Evan Mobley poured in 26 points in an efficient performance as Cleveland posted a second consecutive victory against host Charlotte with a win.

Mobley made 10 of 16 shots from the field and was 6-for-6 on free throws to go with a team-leading six rebounds. Cedi Osman came off the bench for 24 points, Caris LeVert poured in 22 points, Darius Garland posted 19 points, and Lamar Stevens and Ricky Rubio both had 11 points.

Charlotte’s Kelly Oubre Jr. returned after a one-game absence because of a sore back and provided 28 points for the Hornets. Terry Rozier had 22 points, reserve JT Thor chipped in with 11 points and Gordon Hayward notched 10 points.

Thunder 121, Nets 107

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points to lead host Oklahoma City to a victory over Brooklyn.

Josh Giddey recorded his eighth career triple-double and his fourth of the season with 15 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Luguentz Dort finished with 24 points, hitting a season-high six 3-pointers for Oklahoma City, while rookie Jalen Williams added 23 points and 10 rebounds.

The loss was just the Nets’ second in their last seven games and snapped a two-game winning streak. Mikal Bridges led Brooklyn with 34 points while Cameron Johnson added 23 for the game.

Knicks 123, Trail Blazers 107

Immanuel Quickley tallied 26 points and 10 rebounds, and visiting New York overcame a 16-point deficit to notch a victory over Portland.

Julius Randle added 24 points and 10 rebounds, and RJ Barrett scored 22 points for New York, which has won 11 of its past 14 games. Miles “Deuce” McBride scored a career-best 18 points and Josh Hart added 16 for the Knicks, who are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with just 11 games left.

Damian Lillard recorded 38 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for Portland, which lost its fourth straight game and ninth in its past 12. Anfernee Simons scored 22 points and Matisse Thybulle added 15 for the Trail Blazers.

Wizards 117, Pistons 97

Bradley Beal poured in 36 points in 33 minutes and Washington cruised past visiting Detroit.

Beal made all but two of his 15 field-goal attempts as Washington won for just the second time in seven games, with both victories coming against the Pistons. Wizards forward Kristaps Porzingis piled up 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four blocks and three steals.

Killian Hayes led the Pistons, who have lost 12 of their past 13 games, with 20 points and seven assists.

Raptors 125, Nuggets 110

Fred VanVleet knocked down eight 3-pointers and scored 36 points as Toronto — powered by a record-breaking opening quarter — defeated visiting Denver.

O.G. Anunoby added 24 points for the Raptors, who ended a three-game losing streak in their first game home after a 1-4 road trip. Nikola Jokic had 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Western Conference-leading Nuggets, who have lost a season-high four in a row. VanVleet scored 14 points, sinking 4 of 5 shots from 3-point range, as Toronto led 49-30 after one quarter on 71.4 percent shooting from the field (20-for-28). It marked a Raptors’ franchise record for points in a quarter.

Toronto led by as many as 24 points before taking a six-point lead into the final quarter. Denver scored the first three points of the fourth to chop Toronto’s lead to three. Trent’s steal and dunk gave Toronto a 12-point lead with 6:51 remaining in the fourth. Anunoby’s dunk increased the margin to 16 with 4:41 to play. Jokic answered with four straight points, but VanVleet came back with a 3-pointer with 3:04 to play.

Spurs 132, Magic 114

Jeremy Sochan racked up 29 points and 11 rebounds, and San Antonio hit a franchise-record 22 3-pointers while walloping visiting Orlando.

Zach Collins added 25 points for San Antonio, with Doug McDermott and Devonte’ Graham hitting for 15 each. Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 27 points while Wendell Carter Jr. added 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The Spurs led by six at halftime and expanded their advantage to 98-89 heading into the fourth period after shooting 54.5 percent from the floor and 58.6 percent on 3-pointers through the first three quarters. Orlando got within six points with 6:28 to play before San Antonio scored the next seven points to clinch the win, its second in its past three games.

Lakers 123, Pelicans 108

Anthony Davis scored 35 points with 17 rebounds against his former team and Malik Beasley added 24 points as visiting Los Angeles turned a 75-point first half into a victory over New Orleans.

Brandon Ingram scored 22 points for the Pelicans against his former team. Davis and Ingram were key components in a trade between the teams before the 2020 season. Ingram returned after missing the past two games with an ankle injury.

The Lakers were up 75-40 at halftime following their highest scoring first half of the season. The Lakers made 15 of their 27 attempts (55.6 percent) from 3-point range in the first two quarters. It was the most made 3-pointers in a half in franchise history. New Orleans pulled within 107-94 with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter before Los Angeles finished off the victory.

–Field Level Media

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 36 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the visiting Milwaukee Bucks beat the Phoenix Suns 116-104 on Tuesday to become the NBA’s first team to reach the 50-win mark.

Brook Lopez had 21 points and 10 rebounds for Milwaukee, which won for the 21st time in its last 23 games and clinched a playoff spot for the seventh consecutive season. Jrue Holiday scored 12 points, while Jae Crowder and Bobby Portis Jr. had 11 apiece.

Devin Booker scored 20 of his 30 points in the second half for Phoenix. Deandre Ayton added 16 points and eight rebounds, Cameron Payne scored 13, Jock Landale had 12, and Chris Paul had 11 points and eight assists.

The Suns have lost three straight following a four-game winning streak.

After Phoenix tied the game at 97, Pat Connaughton and Joe Ingles each hit 3-pointers during an 11-2 run to help Milwaukee move ahead 108-99 with 4:45 remaining.

Paul scored on the next possession to cut the deficit to seven before Milwaukee scored eight straight points to secure its 12th win in its last 13th road games.

Ayton was limited to 25 minutes while battling foul trouble throughout the game. Ayton picked up two fouls in the first five minutes for Phoenix, which trailed 29-24 at the end of the first quarter.

Milwaukee stretched its lead to 51-35 with five minutes left in the half after Holiday’s jumper capped a 22-9 run. Phoenix battled back and cut the deficit to 57-48 at the break.

Antetokounmpo had 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists in the first half for Milwaukee, which completed a two-game season sweep of the Suns.

Phoenix outscored Milwaukee 36-28 in the third quarter behind Booker, who scored 17 points in the period. Phoenix ended the quarter down 85-84 after Booker hit a pull-up jumper at the buzzer.

The Suns took their first lead since late in the first quarter at 90-87 when Payne scored with 10:47 remaining in the contest.

Booker has scored at least 30 points in six of the last seven games for Phoenix, which shot 14 of 16 (87.5 percent) from the foul line, compared to 24 of 37 (64.9 percent) for Milwaukee.

–Field Level Media