Basketball

DENVER (AP) — Kawhi Leonard left the Los Angeles Clippers in Denver on Wednesday to be with his family in Los Angeles after they were evacuated from their Pacific Palisades home because of wildfires. “You definitely have to take care of home. ...

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been ruled out for Wednesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers as he continues his comeback from a left hamstring strain.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Coach Steve Kerr criticized his Golden State Warriors for being down and lacking “a competitive spirit" in their latest embarrassing loss.

Miami Heat (18-17, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (9-26, 14th in the Western Conference) Salt Lake City; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Utah is looking to end its eight-game home slide with a win against Miami.

Los Angeles Clippers (20-16, seventh in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (20-15, fourth in the Western Conference) Denver; Wednesday, 9 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Clippers -2; over/under is 226.

Portland Trail Blazers (12-23, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (7-30, 15th in the Western Conference) New Orleans; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Pelicans -2.5; over/under is 226.

Houston Rockets (24-12, second in the Western Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (24-13, third in the Western Conference) Memphis, Tennessee; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Houston visits Memphis trying to prolong its four-game road winning streak.

Minnesota Timberwolves (19-17, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (22-16, fourth in the Eastern Conference) Orlando, Florida; Thursday, 7 p.m.

Washington Wizards (6-28, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (14-20, 11th in the Eastern Conference) Philadelphia; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: 76ers -10.5; over/under is 218.

Atlanta Hawks (19-18, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (16-19, 12th in the Western Conference) Phoenix; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns host the Atlanta Hawks in a non-conference matchup.