12-Man Olympic Roster Set

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Richard Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets, Stephon Marbury of the New York Knicks and Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns were added to the roster of the U.S. men’s national basketball team Friday, reaching the 12-player limit for the Athens Olympics.

Officials of USA Basketball also announced the withdrawals of the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and Seattle’s Ray Allen. Bryant is facing felony sexual assault charges, and Allen cited a personal family matter. The roster could change again, because Tracy McGrady and Mike Bibby have indicated they’re considering withdrawing -- but Coach Larry Brown said he remains confident.

“It’s a tremendous challenge,” he said during a conference call with reporters attending the Olympic summit in New York. “We almost lost at Sydney.... I like our chances.”

Helene Elliott

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Several members of the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers will be playing in Game 5 today despite injuries. In a particularly physical practice Friday at Miami, Dwyane Wade was elbowed in the face and Caron Butler left because of a sore hip. Heat officials said both will be ready to play today in Indianapolis.

For the Pacers, Fred Jones has a strained left shoulder, Jamaal Tinsley has a sprained left ankle and Al Harrington has jammed fingers on his shooting hand. All three said they will play today.