RAPTORS SIGN POWELL TO 4-YEAR DEAL

TORONTO» The Raptors signed guard Norman Powell to a four-year contract extension Thursday.

The deal begins next season and reportedly is worth $42 million.

The 24-year-old Powell averaged 8.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 76 games last season. The former UCLA player was drafted 46th overall in 2015, and he averaged 5.6 points in 49 games as a rookie.

Hornets lose Batum.

Hornets swingman Nicolas Batum will miss a minimum of six to eight weeks because of an elbow injury.

The team announced that an MRI revealed that the nine-year NBA veteran suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left (nondominant) arm in the first quarter of Charlotte’s preseason road game against the Pistons on Wednesday.

The Hornets have not decided if Batum will need surgery or will attempt to rehab the injury.

76ers ’E mbiid cleared.

PHILADELPHIA» Joel Embiid was cleared for 5-on-5 drills and participated in a full practice with the 76ers for the first time Thursday.

Embiid sat out Philadelphia’s preseason opener Wednesday and also won’t play against Boston on Friday.

The Sixers are hopeful that Embiid will be in their starting lineup on opening night.

Thursday was Embiid’s first full practice since having surgery March 24 to repair torn meniscus in his left knee.

Mavs coach not on trip.

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle did not make his team’s trip to Orlando for a preseason game against the Magic because of an illness.

Assistant coach Melvin Hunt replaced Carlisle for Thursday’s game.

Carlisle was not alone in Mavericks not making the trip. Veteran players Dirk Nowitzki, Wesley Matthews, Harrison Barnes, Nerlens Noel, J.J. Barea, Josh McRoberts and Devin Harris also were not in Orlando to face the Magic.