The basketball world might be focused on the NCAA Tournament at the moment, but there is still plenty of NBA action to enjoy as we head towards the postseason. There were nine exciting games last night, headlined by the Golden State Warriors ousting the Dallas Mavericks 128-120 behind 40 points from Klay Thompson. Rockets guard James Harden also had a big night, recording his third triple-double of the season while leading Houston to a 112-109 win over the Toronto Raptors.
There are 10 games on the slate today, so let's preview tonight's contests from across the Association.
What's On Tap:
Indiana Pacers (38-33) @ Brooklyn Nets (20-51) - 6:00 p.m. ET
Indiana comes into this game having won six of their last nine games as they try to hold onto the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, while the Nets are looking to start a winning streak after beating the Cavs in their last outing.
Chicago Bulls (36-35) @ Orlando Magic (29-43) - 7:00 p.m. ET
Chicago has dropped two games out of a playoff spot during their current two game losing streak, and are looking to get back on track against a Magic team that has lost six games in a row.
Toronto Raptors (48-23) @ New Orleans Pelicans (26-45) - 7:00 p.m. ET
Toronto is looking to recover from last night's loss while avoiding their first three-game losing streak in four months. New Orleans has lost 11 of their last 14 games.
Atlanta Hawks (43-30) @ Detroit Pistons (39-34) - 7:30 p.m. ET
Detroit is riding high on a five-game winning streak for the first time all season, while the Hawks look to remain hot after losing 10 of their past 12 games.
Cleveland Cavaliers (51-21) @ New York Knicks (30-43) - 7:30 p.m. ET
Cleveland is holding star point guard Kyrie Irving out tonight for rest, but the Cavs are still expecting to rebound after losing to the Nets in their last outing. New York is on a two-game winning streak.
Utah Jazz (35-37) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (24-48) - 8:00 p.m. ET
Utah is finishing up a five-game road trip in Minnesota, the first of two games these teams will play against each other this week.
San Antonio Spurs (61-11) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) - 8:00 p.m. ET, NBATV
The biggest matchup of the day, San Antonio is looking to keep pace with the Warriors at the top of the Western Conference, while Oklahoma City wants to prove they can compete with the Warriors and Spurs, who they have one combined win against this year.
Charlotte Hornets (41-31) @ Milwaukee Bucks (30-43) - 8:30 p.m. ET
The Hornets are looking to continue their recent hot streak, going 16-4 since early February, with another win over a floundering Bucks team.
Boston Celtics (42-30) @ Phoenix Suns (20-52) - 10:00 p.m. ET
Boston comes into this game on a three-game winning streak, while Phoenix is playing much better of late, winning three of their last six games.
Philadelphia 76ers (9-63) @ Portland Trail Blazers (37-36) - 10:00 p.m. ET
Philly won the first matchup between these two earlier this season, and Portland is determined not to let that happen again. They come into this game having lost four of their last six games, while the Sixers are on a seven-game skid.
News And Notes:
Knicks' Arron Afflalo Might Opt-Out Of Contract Now That He's Not Starting
LeBron James Says He Needs To Do More For Cavaliers
Mavs' Cuban rips referees midgame via Twitter
Mavs' Chandler Parsons undergoes knee surgery, is out for year.
The New Orleans Pelicans signed former first round pick Jordan Hamilton to a 10-day contract.
NBA Coaches Most Likely To Be Fired At The End Of The Season