Basketball

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.

MIAMI (AP) — It was 2006. LeBron James wasn’t even midway through his first stint in Cleveland. He made the playoffs for the first time, was already a globally recognized star and well on his way to becoming the game’s best player.

Los Angeles Lakers (14-21, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (17-18, ninth in the Eastern Conference) Atlanta; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: LeBron James leads Los Angeles into a matchup with Atlanta.

Portland Trail Blazers (18-16, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (18-18, 10th in the Western Conference) San Francisco; Friday, 10 p.m.

Philadelphia 76ers (20-13, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (22-12, first in the Western Conference) New Orleans; Friday, 8:30 p.m.

Detroit Pistons (9-28, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (15-19, 10th in the Eastern Conference) Chicago; Friday, 8 p.m.

Utah Jazz (19-18, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (18-15, sixth in the Western Conference) Sacramento, California; Friday, 10 p.m.

Minnesota Timberwolves (16-19, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (22-12, third in the Eastern Conference) Milwaukee; Friday, 8 p.m.

Washington Wizards (15-21, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (13-23, 13th in the Eastern Conference) Orlando, Florida; Friday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Washington seeks to prolong its three-game win streak with a victory over Orlando.

Miami Heat (18-17, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (22-12, second in the Western Conference) Denver; Friday, 9 p.m.