The NBA playoffs start in three weeks. Whether the Celtics’ Kyrie Irving and the Warriors’ Stephen Curry will be ready when the postseason starts seems doubtful, at best.

The Celtics said that Irving will need three to six weeks to recover from a procedure performed to relieve irritation on his left knee Saturday. That news came almost simultaneously with the word that Curry has a Grade 2 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Curry will be evaluated again in three weeks.

It would appear that both the Celtics and Warriors will not only be without their All-Star point guards for the rest of the regular season — but very easily could still be without them for Game 1s of their respective first-round matchups.

James Harden scored 27 points in three quarters and the Rockets routed the Pelicans 114-91 for their eighth straight victory. ... Ben Simmons had a triple-double and the 76ers inched closer to their first playoff berth in six years with a 120-108 victory over the Timberwolves. Simmons had 15 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists. AP