Trail Blazers 86, Hornets 78 — LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and 13 rebounds, helping visiting Portland defeat New Orleans on a night when the Hornets lost Chris Paul to a sprained ankle while trying to adjust to new head coach Jeff Bower.

New Orleans trailed for most of their first game since the firing of Byron Scott on Thursday. Paul sprained his left ankle and left the game at the end of the third quarter.

Hawks 97, Celtics 86 — Joe Johnson scored 24 points, Jamal Crawford had 18 and visiting Atlanta pulled away in the fourth quarter for a win over Boston.

Paul Pierce had 24 points, and Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins scored 14 points apiece for the Celtics.

Magic 88, Nets 72 — Dwight Howard had 26 points and 12 rebounds and Matt Barnes added 13 points and 13 rebounds as host Orlando put away winless New Jersey (0-9).

New Jersey's Rafter Alston had 17 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for the first triple-double of his career, but the Nets shot poorly and scored only 30 points in the second half.

Jazz 112, 76ers 90 — Carlos Boozer had 24 points and 12 rebounds, Wesley Matthews added a career-high 16 points and visiting Utah ran past Philadelphia.

Mavericks 89, Timberwolves 77 — Dirk Nowitzki scored 15 of his 20 points in the third quarter and also grabbed 11 rebounds to lead visiting Dallas to a victory over Minnesota.

Warriors 121, Knicks 107 — Stephen Jackson scored 23 points, three other players had 22, and Golden State sent New York (1-9) to the worst 10-game start in franchise history with a rout on the road.

James to switch numbers as Jordan tribute — Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James, who has worn No. 23 since he was a high school sophomore, said he is giving up the number as a tribute to Hall of Famer Michael Jordan's long-lasting impact on the game. James also said he wants to start a petition to get every player in the league who wears the number to do the same.

The reigning MVP said he will switch to No. 6 because his second-favorite player is Julius Erving.

Parker, Duncan appear to be on way back — Tim Duncan and Tony Parker appear closer to returning to the San Antonio Spurs after missing two games with ankle injuries. Parker and Duncan practiced Friday and were listed as questionable for tonight's game against Oklahoma City.

Mavericks' Howard out indefinitely — Dallas forward Josh Howard is out indefinitely to continue his recovery from surgery on his left ankle, coach Rick Carlisle said.

The Associated Press