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The toughest call Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling made as an NBA referee was the last one she made in her career. That is, the one where she decided to retire.

The NBA is investigating why Philadelphia center Joel Embiid did not play in the team's nationally televised season opener against Milwaukee. The league confirmed the investigation on Thursday.

NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA looks promising heading into the offseason after a banner year with record ratings, attendance and a first-time champion in New York.

TORONTO — Chris Boucher was back, for at least one game. The veteran forward spent most of last season at the far end of the Toronto Raptors' bench, rarely seeing playing time. Even with the team rocked by a raft of injuries, Boucher averaged 14.

Charlotte Hornets (1-0, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (1-0, fourth in the Eastern Conference) Atlanta; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta takes on Charlotte in a matchup of Eastern Conference teams.

Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Western Conference foes Los Angeles and Phoenix will play.

Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz Salt Lake City; Friday, 9:30 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Golden State faces Utah in Western Conference action Friday. Utah went 31-51 overall and 16-36 in Western Conference play last season. The Jazz averaged 27.

Memphis Grizzlies (1-0, third in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (0-1, fourth in the Western Conference) Houston; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Western Conference foes Houston and Memphis face off on Friday.

Indiana Pacers (1-0, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (0-1, 12th in the Eastern Conference) New York; Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago Bulls (0-1, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (1-0, third in the Eastern Conference) Milwaukee; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Chicago travels to Milwaukee for an Eastern Conference matchup.