Basketball

PHOENIX (AP) — Load management is a big topic across the NBA these days. One great way to make sure players get rest in the playoffs is to end the series early.

PHOENIX (AP) — Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a third straight playoff game for the Los Angeles Clippers, who are facing elimination against the Phoenix Suns.

A recruit in the Finnish military is now the NBA’s Most Improved Player.

ATLANTA (AP) — Hawks guard Dejounte Murray has been suspended for Game 5 of the playoff series against the Boston Celtics with Atlanta facing the end of its season.

HOUSTON (AP) — Ime Udoka has been hired as the new coach of the Houston Rockets, a source familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Monday.

MIAMI (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo is back in the Milwaukee Bucks’ lineup. He was cleared to play in Monday night’s Game 4 of an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the top-seeded Bucks and eighth-seeded Miami Heat.

ATLANTA (AP) — Jaylen Brown took off the mask — revealing a guy who suddenly couldn’t miss.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards stared straight into his locker after Minnesota's loss to Denver in Game 3 , reflecting on the Timberwolves being on the brink of elimination.

Los Angeles Clippers (44-38, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (45-37, fourth in the Western Conference) Phoenix; Tuesday, 10 p.m.

Atlanta Hawks (41-41, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (57-25, second in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Celtics -11.5; over/under is 231.