Coach offers update on Butler

Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau says that the Timberwolves are still "trying to get something done" with regards to Jimmy Butler's future.

Thibodeau briefly addressed the situation Friday with reporters in Minneapolis, saying that talks are "ongoing." But Thibodeau offered no other details, nor did he offer a timetable by when either Butler will be back with the team or traded elsewhere.

Friday was Day 18 of the Butler saga, starting from when the four-time All-Star swingman told Thibodeau of his desire to play elsewhere. Butler has not practiced with the Timberwolves during training camp, and Friday night's Wolves preseason game against Oklahoma City was the third exhibition game that he missed.

76ers top Mavs in China

JJ Redick didn't miss a shot.

Dirk Nowitzki didn't miss a note.

Redick made all 10 of his shots and scored 28 points,

Joel Embiid finished with 22 points and the Philadelphia 76ers downed the Dallas Mavericks 120-114 on Friday in the opener of the NBA China Games in Shanghai.

Redick was 7 for 7 from 3-point range for the 76ers, who trailed by 15 points early.

Ben Simmons finished with nine points, nine rebounds and 10 assists for Philadelphia.

Dennis Smith Jr. had 15 points in the game's first 8 minutes and finished with 20 for the Mavericks. Dallas star Dirk Nowitzki sat out the game while continuing to recover from left ankle surgery, though he was presented with a guitar during a second-half stoppage in play by former NBA player Wang Zhizhi of China.

Nowitzki took it back to the bench and playfully strummed the strings, while fans who could see the scene on the scoreboards roared.

Dallas was also without China's Ding Yanyuhang, who sat out with knee soreness. He addressed the crowd in Mandarin before tip-off. Embiid also spoke to fans, capping remarks with the 76ers' catchphrase of "trust the process." And Nowitzki drew loud cheers when he greeted the fans in Shanghai with "Ni hao" — or hello.