The NBA playoff push is in full swing during the last few weeks of the regular season, and Monday night's 10-game slate provided us with several crucial games. The Chicago Bulls continued their slide out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, losing 102-100 to the Atlanta Hawks (who clinched a playoff spot with the win), while the Dallas Mavericks moved into a tie for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West with a 97-88 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Elsewhere, Russell Westbrook recorded his 16th triple-double of the season (26 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists) while leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 119-100 victory over the Toronto Raptors, their eighth-straight win overall.
There are six more games on the slate today, so let's preview tonight's contests from across the Association.
What's On Tap:
Chicago Bulls (36-37) @ Indiana Pacers (39-34) - 7:00 p.m. ET
Indiana has won three games in a row at home and are a half-game ahead of the Pistons in the No. 7 seed in the East, while Chicago has lost four games in a row and are two and a half games out of the playoffs.
Brooklyn Nets (21-52) @ Orlando Magic (30-43) - 7:00 p.m. ET
Orlando is looking to sweep the season series against the Nets, and a loss would officially eliminate them from playoff contention.
Charlotte Hornets (42-31) @ Philadelphia 76ers (9-65) - 7:00 p.m. ET
Charlotte is 18-5 over their last 23 games, while the Sixers have lost nine games in a row.
Oklahoma City Thunder (52-22) @ Detroit Pistons (39-35) - 7:30 p.m. ET
OKC is trying to win their ninth game in a row, but the stakes are a bit higher for Detroit. The Pistons are two and a half games ahead of the Wizards for the No. 8 spot in the East, but are a half game behind the Pacers for the No. 7 seed.
Houston Rockets (36-38) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (52-21) - 8:00 p.m. ET, TNT
Houston needs a win to avoid falling to ninth in the West, while the Cavs are inching closer to wrapping up the top seed in the East.
Washington Wizards (36-37) @ Golden State Warriors (66-7) - 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Washington is desperately trying to pick up a key win to help their playoff push, having won six of their last eight games, while Golden State is looking to inch closer to breaking the 1995-96 Bulls' mark for best record in NBA history.
News And Notes:
Chris Paul withdraws from Team USA consideration for 2016 Olympics
Pierce (ankle) 'out for a little bit', Rivers says
Lost Angeles: Lakers lose by 48 to tie team mark
NBA Coaches Most Likely To Be Fired At The End Of The Season
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