Timberwolves fire coach … Raptors, Nets on win streaks

UNDATED (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves fired coach Ryan Saunders, hours after the team with the NBA’s worst record this season lost for the eighth time in the last nine games. A person with knowledge of the situation said that the Timberwolves were finalizing plans to introduce Toronto assistant Chris Finch as the team’s new coach today. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Finch’s hiring has not been formally completed. The Timberwolves lost to the New York Knicks, 103-99, in New York yesterday.

UNDATED (AP) — The Toronto Raptors have built a 4-game win streak. Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet each had 23 points as the Raptors beat Philadelphia, 110-103. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets downed the Clippers, 112-108, in Los Angeles. James Harden led the way for the Nets with 37 points. It’s Brooklyn’s sixth victory in a row.