(The Sports Xchange) — – -The New Orleans Pelicans moved one step closer to their first playoff appearance since 2011, getting 24 points from forward Anthony Davis to dispatch the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-88.
It was the fifth win in six games for the Pelicans, who currently hold the eighth spot in the Western Conference and can clinch a trip to the postseason with a win in their final regular-season game, tonight at home versus San Antonio.
If the Pelicans lose to the Spurs, New Orleans could still earn a playoff berth if Oklahoma City also loses its final regular-season game.
– – –
Thunder 101, Trail Blazers 90
Guard Russell Westbrook scored 36 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to keep Oklahoma City’s postseason hope alive with one game left to be played Wednesday.
The Blazers were locked into the fourth seed heading into the game. But they have now lost three straight games and four of their last five.
– – –
Heat 100, Magic 93
The four-time defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat, a long shot to make the playoffs, remained alive on Monday night after beating the Orlando Magic at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Miami was led by center Hassan Whiteside, who had 24 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks. He also helped hold Magic center Nikola Vucevic to three points.
– – –
Jazz 109, Mavericks 92
In a game that featured some interesting lineups between short-handed teams, Utah defeated Dallas at EnergySolutions Arena.
