INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have LeBron James back after he missed the past six games. Coach Frank Vogel says James is expected to play against the Indiana Pacers, with the Lakers looking to gain the sixth seed and avoid the play-in tournament. James missed six weeks because of a high right ankle sprain. He returned to play two games but then sat out again. The Lakers currently hold the No. 7 seed but can notch the No. 6 spot if they beat Indiana today and New Orleans tomorrow, and Portland loses to Denver tomorrow. Anthony Davis missed the last game with a left thigh injury but is expected to play against the Pacers.
NEW YORK (AP) — Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden are all in Brooklyn’s starting lineup for just the eighth time this season. The Nets have their Big Three on the floor today against Chicago for the first time since Feb. 13 at Golden State. Durant started a lengthy injury absence in the next game and Harden later had his own, finally returning Wednesday against San Antonio. He came off the bench in that game but reclaimed his starting spot against the Bulls. The Nets are 5-2 in games with the three All-Stars.