SPORTS SHORTS

NFL: Eagles add Ajayi to replace hurt Sproles

The Eagles signed running back Jay Ajayi on Friday, bringing back a key offensive player from their Super Bowl championship team two years ago. Ajayi replaces Darren Sproles. The veteran was placed on injured reserve because of a torn right hip flexor muscle. The Falcons will be without running back Devonta Freeman (foot) tight end Austin Hooper (knee) and safety Kemal Ishmael (concussion) against the Panthers. NBA: Harden scores 44 to keep Rockets rolling

James Harden scored 44 points and the Rockets used a big fourth quarter run to pull away and get a 111-102 win over the Pacers in Houston.

In Los Angeles, LeBron James hit two free throws with 5.5 seconds left, and Anthony Davis blocked Harrison Barnes’ driving shot at the buzzer in the Lakers’ 10th win in 11 games, 99-97 over ex-coach Luke Walton and the Kings.

In Memphis, Tenn., Ja Morant scored 25 points, including the go-ahead basket with 1:32 remaining, Dillon Brooks added 20 point and Memphis beat the Jazz 107-106, spoiling the return of former Grizzlies guard Mike Conley.

Bill Russell finally accepted his Basketball Hall of Fame ring. Russell didn’t attend his induction ceremony in 1975 because he felt didn’t deserve to be the first black player inducted. ETC.: Pirates tap Cherington as new GM

The Pirates agreed to hire ex-Red Sox general manager Ben

Cherington as their GM according to reports. Cherington

will replace Neal Huntington, who fired in October. Sergiño Dest set up a goal in the second minute of

his American competitive debut, Gyasi Zardes scored twice and the United States overwhelmed Canada early in a 4-1 CONCACAF Nations League match in Orlando, Fla.