The Latest: Lawyers for NBA twins question prosecutor's case

Sep 18, 2017 - 11:25 PM PHOENIX (AP) — The Latest on the assault trial of NBA players Marcus and Markieff Morris (all times local): 1:45 p.m. Defense lawyers insist that NBA players Marcus and Markieff Morris had nothing to do with a 2015 beating that resulted in felony assault charges against them. Their lawyers delivered opening statements in a Phoenix courtroom in which they put blame on others and questioned the motives of the victim. Marcus Morris' defense attorney Timothy Eckstein said witness statements that are the basis for the prosecution's case are "entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the truth." The twin brothers could face prison time and discipline from the NBA if convicted, including a minimum 10 games of suspension. Markieff now plays for the Washington Wizards, and Marcus was a key offseason addition for the Boston Celtics. ___ 12:15 p.m. A prosecutor says NBA players Marcus and Markieff Morris participated in an "orchestrated attack" against a man in 2015 that left him with a broken nose and other injuries. The twin brothers who formerly played for the Phoenix Suns went on trial Monday on felony assault charges. They are accused of participating in the beating of a former friend after he sent text messages to their mother. Prosecutor Daniel Fisher called the beating an 'orchestrated attack" and a coordinated mission to hurt the victim, Erik Hood. Lawyers for the Morris brothers were to give their opening statement after the prosecution. The twin brothers could face prison time and discipline from the NBA if convicted, including a minimum 10 games of suspension. Markieff now plays for the Washington Wizards, and Marcus was a key offseason addition for the Boston Celtics. ___ 12:30 a.m. Opening statements will begin Monday for the trial of NBA players Marcus and Markieff Morris, who allegedly assaulted a man outside a Phoenix recreation center two years ago. The Morris brothers are accused of helping three other people beat 36-year-old Erik Hood on Jan. 24, 2015. The NBA players were indicted by an Arizona grand jury in 2015 on felony aggravated assault charges. Hood told Phoenix police that he was repeatedly punched and kicked and sustained a fractured nose, abrasions and a large bump on his head. Police say Hood was assaulted for sending an inappropriate text message to the Morris twins' mother. Jury selection concluded last week after the eight-member panel was chosen. The trial is expected to last about 10 days. ___