UNDATED (AP) – The NBA schedule this evening consists of just three games. In Chicago, the Bulls are playing host to Orlando. The visiting Magic may not have Dwight Howard any longer but they are going for their first 3-0 start to a season in three years. The Magic started the season with wins over Denver and Phoenix. The Bulls, who are 2-1, are looking to avoid their first set of back-to-back home losses in three years with tonight’s game. In Oklahoma City, the Western Conference champion Thunder are playing host to Toronto. Tonight’s game puts an end to a three-game home stand for the Thunder, who won just one of the three games. The Raptors, who are also 1-2, are led this season by Kyle Lowry who is leading the team in scoring, 23.7 points a game, rebounding and assists. He’s pulling down 7.3 rebounds a game so far while dishing out seven assists a game. The final game of the night is in Denver where the Nuggets are entertaining Detroit. This game features two of the NBA’s winless clubs as each team is 0-3. Tonight’s game opens the home portion of the schedule for the Nuggets who were beaten by the Heat on Saturday 119-116. This marks the third straight season the Pistons have started 0-3. Tonight’s game is the third of six-game road swing.
NEW YORK (AP) – The NHL and the players’ association are returning to the bargaining table today, hoping momentum generated over the weekend can lead to a labor deal. The sides held negotiations Saturday, the first since Oct. 18, in an undisclosed location and are meeting today in New York. The lockout is in its 51st day.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) – South African cyclist David George, a former teammate of Lance Armstrong, has tested positive for blood-boosting EPO. South Africa’s Institute for Drug-Free Sport, commonly known as SAIDS, says George, who cycled with Armstrong on the U.S. Postal Service team in 1999 and 2000, failed a doping test on Aug. 29. SAIDS says George has been provisionally suspended and faces a doping tribunal.
PRAGUE (AP) – The Czech Republic will rely on Tomas Berdych (TOH’-mahs bur-DEEK’) and Radek Stepanek in this month’s Davis Cup final with Spain. They are also likely to team up for the doubles. Lukas Rosol, who upset Rafael Nadal (rah-fay-ehl nah-DAHL’) in the second round of Wimbledon, and Ivo Minar (EE’-voh mih-NAR’) are also on the Czech squad for the Nov. 16-18 tie on an indoor hard-court in Prague.
