NBA playoffs open with Utah at Dallas

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DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic’s (DAHN’-chihch-ehz) calf injury is casting a pall over the Dallas Mavericks in their first postseason with home-court advantage since they won the championship 11 years ago. Doncic injured his left calf in the regular-season finale. The three-time All-Star is listed as doubtful for today’s Western Conference first-round opener against Utah. The Jazz are healthy for a change going into the playoffs after having injury issues the past two years. Donovan Mitchell was limited by an ankle injury in a second-round loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last year.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers need James Harden to return to his All-Star form if they are going to beat the Toronto Raptors. Game 1 in the Eastern Conference playoff series is tonight in Philadelphia. Game 2 is Monday. Harden is one of only seven players in 76ers history with eight games of at least 20 points and 10 assists. He’s shooting a robust 89% from the free-throw line. Harden has been in a bit of a shooting malaise over the final month of the season. Harden says he doesn’t feel any pressure in the playoffs.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Golden State Warriors will have their core group together for the first time all season if Stephen Curry can return for Game 1 of the playoffs tonight against the Denver Nuggets. The Warriors’ experienced lineup features Curry, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson. The game against the Nuggets will be the team’s first playoff appearance at Chase Center and Thompson’s long-awaited chance on the big stage after missing more than 2 1/2 years with two serious injuries. Golden State must contend with MVP candidate Nikola Jokic to get by the Nuggets.

BOSTON (AP) — The Twins are hoping for good news on Byron Buxton, a day after he injured his knee and was sent for an MRI. The Platinum Glove-winning center fielder slid late into second base in the first inning of an 8-4 win at Boston. His left leg appeared to get caught underneath him while his right foot slammed into the bag. The 28-year-old has been among the game’s best players in recent years when healthy — and unfortunately for the Twins, that’s rarely been the case.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — FedEx Cup champion Patrick Cantlay birdied his final four holes for a 4-under 67 that puts him two shots ahead of Robert Streb heading into the third round of the RBC Heritage. Cantlay was flawless following bogeys on the 11th and 14th holes, allowing him to surge ahead. Streb also fired a 67. Tour rookie Cameron Young went from his eye-popping debut of 63 on Thursday to a 73 in his second time around Harbour Town. He starts the day tied for with Joel Dahmen, Cameron Tringale, Erik van Rooyen and Aaron Wise at minus-6.