SPORTS SHORTS

NCAA: Fields only at 80-85 percent

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields may not be fully healthy when the secondranked Buckeyes face No. 3 Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. Fields said Tuesday his left knee is only 80-85 percent heading into Saturday’s College Football Playoff semifinal in Glendale, Ariz. He said he plans to wear a small brace during the game and brought a larger one in case anything happens.

In Honolulu, Cole McDonald capped a stellar performance with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Nick Mardner with 1:17 remaining, and Hawaii beat BYU 38-34 for the Warriors’ first 10-win season since 2010. McDonald threw for 493 yards and four touchdowns against a BYU defense that was allowing an average of 203.8 yards passing per game.

NBA: Mavs’ Doncic nears return

Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic is closing in on a return, which could come as soon as Thursday’s home game against the Spurs. The 20-year-old has missed the past four games with an ankle injury, but returned to practice on Tuesday, though coach Rick

Carlisle remained non-committal. The Cavaliers traded Jordan Clarkson before he could walk away, dealing the veteran backup guard to the Jazz for guard Dante Exum and two future second-round draft picks.

The Celtics’ 7-foot-6 rookie Tacko Fall made his debut as a guest conductor during the renowned Boston Pops orchestra’s holiday concert Monday. The center took the stage to lead the orchestra in a rendition of the song “Sleigh Ride” at Boston’s Symphony Hall, wearing a custom-made, size-48 double extra-long tuxedo.

The Nuggets, off to a 21-8 start, signed coach Michael Malone to a contract extension through the 2022-23 season.

Sixers rookie guard Matisse Thybulle will miss two-to-four weeks with a sprained right knee, according to reports.

ETC.: D’backs ink OF Calhoun

The Diamondbacks and outfielder Kole Calhoun, according to reports, agreed on a two-year, $16 million free-agent deal with a third-year team option for $9 million (with a $2 million buyout). ESPN college football reporter Edward Aschoff died Tuesday, his 34th birthday, the network said. Aschoff had pneumonia, which he revealed on Instagram after serving as a sideline reporter during the Michigan-Ohio State game on Nov. 30.