Table of Contents
Pistons Snap Cavs Streak, Clinch Winning Season
Tim Hardaway Jr. poured in a season-high 32 points as the Detroit Pistons defeated the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers 133-122, securing their first winning season in nine years. Detroit (42-32) also ended a 12-game losing skid against the Cavaliers, earning their first victory over Cleveland since February 2022.
Malik Beasley added 19 points, and Ausar Thompson recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks. Dennis Schroder chipped in 17 points, 10 assists, and seven boards. The Pistons pulled off the win without All-Star Cade Cunningham, who missed his third straight game with a calf injury.
Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 38 points for the Cavaliers, while Darius Garland added 21 in the loss.
Everything You Need to Know About Betting on Basketball
Clippers Crush Nets with Leonard’s Big Night
Kawhi Leonard exploded for 31 points — 19 of them in the second quarter — to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 132-100 blowout win over the Brooklyn Nets. Leonard also collected six rebounds and four steals as the Clippers won for the seventh time in eight games.
Ivica Zubac added a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while James Harden scored 17 points and dished six assists. Los Angeles outscored Brooklyn 79-42 across the middle quarters and shot 55 percent overall.
Keon Johnson paced the Nets with 13 points, but Brooklyn’s starters combined for just 28 points in a rough offensive outing.
Raptors Hold Off Hornets Behind Poeltl’s Big Night
Jakob Poeltl delivered 24 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 108-97 win over the Charlotte Hornets, marking their third straight victory. Poeltl went 12-of-14 from the floor for his 22nd double-double of the season.
Immanuel Quickley added 19 points and nine assists, while Scottie Barnes had 18 points, six rebounds and six assists. Mark Williams was perfect from the field (9-for-9) with 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Hornets, who have now dropped four in a row.
Anunoby, Knicks Outduel Bucks on the Road
OG Anunoby scored 31 points and Mikal Bridges added 26 as the New York Knicks took down the Milwaukee Bucks 116-107. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Josh Hart nearly posted a triple-double with 13 points, 14 boards and eight assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 30 points and nine rebounds to lead Milwaukee, which has now lost three straight and four of its last six games.
Jokic, Nuggets Dominate Jazz
Nikola Jokic delivered 27 points and 14 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets routed the Utah Jazz 129-93 at home. Michael Porter Jr. added 20 points, while Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun combined for 33 more.
Collin Sexton led Utah with 20 points, and Kyle Filipowski added 18 points and 13 rebounds. The Jazz have lost five straight and 15 of their last 16 games.
Timberwolves Complete Sweep of Suns
Julius Randle led the way with 25 points, six rebounds and eight assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Phoenix Suns 124-109, sweeping the regular-season series 4-0. Rudy Gobert posted 17 points and 12 boards, and Anthony Edwards added 20 points in the win.
Kevin Durant had 23 points for Phoenix, while Collin Gillespie registered 22 points and 10 assists. Royce O’Neale added 21 off the bench.
Smart NBA Betting Strategies to Improve Your Winnings
Curry Returns to Lift Warriors Over Pelicans
Stephen Curry scored 23 points in his return from a two-game absence to help the Golden State Warriors snap a two-game skid with a 111-95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Curry overcame a quiet start, scoring just three in the first quarter before heating up.
Jimmy Butler III added 18 points and 10 rebounds for Golden State. Bruce Brown led New Orleans with 18 points, and rookie Yves Missi posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
