SPORTS SHORTS
NBA: Two more games postponed
The NBA called off two more games because of COVID-related and contact-tracing issues, and the Heat were preparing to be without as many as eight players — including All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo — for several days because of possible exposure to the coronavirus. Monday’s game in Dallas between the Mavericks and the Pelicans was postponed by the league, as well as Tuesday’s matchup in Chicago between the Bulls and the Celtics. The league’s general managers met to discuss the virus situation, with involvement from the National Basketball Players Association. The NBA’s board of governors will meet Tuesday. In Orlando, Fla., Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a one-game absence because of a minor back injury and scored 22 points as the Bucks beat the Magic 121-99.
In Atlanta, Trae Young scored 26 points, including the first three baskets of a dominant start to the second half, and the Hawks beat shorthanded Philadelphia, 112-94. Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 24 points and 11 rebounds. In Washington, Bradley Beal scored 34 points and the Wizards snapped their three-game losing streak and won at home for the first time this season, beating Phoenix 128-107. The Wizards were without Russell Westbrook, who is expected to miss a week with an injured left quadriceps.
ETC.: Palmer, Stoops in Hall class Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer and former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops are among the 13 former players and coaches who make up the latest College Football Hall of Fame class.
Joining USC’s Palmer and Stoops will be versatile running backs Darren Sproles of Kansas State and C.J. Spiller of Clemson; offensive tackles Harris Barton of North Carolina and Aaron Taylor of Notre Dame; defensive stars David Fulcher of Arizona State, Dan Morgan of Miami; Kenneth Sims of Texas; Andre Tippett of Iowa and Al Wilson of Tennessee. Former Eastern Illinois quarterback Tony Romo was also selected for induction along with former Florida A&M coach Rudy Hubbard.
Free-agent closer Liam Hendriks has reached an agreement with the White Sox, pending a physical. Hendriks had been a potential Mets target. In Chicago, Tyrese Martin scored 18 points and No. 25 UConn beat DePaul 60-53. The Huskies (7-1, 4-1 Big East) are ranked in the Top 25 for the first time since they were 18th in the 2016-17 preseason poll. The Stars will resume practicing on Tuesday, four days after six players and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
Dallas had its first three games — at Florida on Thursday and Friday, and at Tampa Bay on Sunday — postponed. The defending Western Conference champions are now set to open at the Lightning on Jan.19 in a Stanley Cup final rematch. The Devils re-signed restricted freeagent forward Jesper Bratt to a two-year, $5.5 million contract.