Philadelphia 76ers defeated Chicago Bulls 127-121 last night on the road, improving their record and picking up a crucial win. The first half was tightly contested, but Philadelphia 76ers went on a 12-4 run to close the third quarter and took a double-digit lead into the fourth. Chicago Bulls cut it to single digits with five minutes left, forcing Philadelphia 76ers to make plays in the clutch — and they delivered, pushing the lead back out to close the game. With the win, Philadelphia 76ers improves to 45-37. Chicago Bulls drops to 31-51 and the pressure is mounting.

Los Angeles Lakers defeated Detroit Pistons 121-116 last night on the road, improving their record and picking up a key win. The first half was tightly contested, but Los Angeles Lakers went on a 12-4 run to close the third quarter and took a double-digit lead into the fourth. Detroit Pistons cut it to single digits with five minutes left, forcing Los Angeles Lakers to make plays in the clutch — and they delivered, pushing the lead back out to close the game. With the win, Los Angeles Lakers improves to 53-29. Detroit Pistons falls to 60-22 but remains in solid standing — a quick turnaround is expected.

Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Utah Jazz 115-100 last night at home, improving their record and picking up a key win. Minnesota Timberwolves came out aggressive, building a double-digit first-half lead that set the tone for the night. Utah Jazz trimmed it in the third quarter but could never get it under 10 — a 15-6 Minnesota Timberwolves run in the fourth extinguished any remaining hope of a comeback. With the win, Minnesota Timberwolves improves to 49-33. Utah Jazz drops to 22-60 and the pressure is mounting.

Dallas Mavericks defeated Brooklyn Nets 130-93 last night at home, improving their record and picking up a important win. This one was over early. Dallas Mavericks exploded for a massive first-half run, going up by 18 at the break and never looking back. Brooklyn Nets could not find any offensive rhythm, and by the fourth quarter Dallas Mavericks was playing reserves as the margin ballooned to its final total. With the win, Dallas Mavericks improves to 26-56. Brooklyn Nets drops to 20-62 and the pressure is mounting.

Boston Celtics defeated Milwaukee Bucks 117-97 last night on the road, improving their record and picking up a big win. This one was over early. Boston Celtics exploded for a massive first-half run, going up by 10 at the break and never looking back. Milwaukee Bucks could not find any offensive rhythm, and by the fourth quarter Boston Celtics was playing reserves as the margin ballooned to its final total. With the win, Boston Celtics improves to 56-26. Milwaukee Bucks drops to 32-50 and the pressure is mounting.

LA Clippers defeated New Orleans Pelicans 139-123 last night at home, improving their record and picking up a big win. LA Clippers came out aggressive, building a double-digit first-half lead that set the tone for the night. New Orleans Pelicans trimmed it in the third quarter but could never get it under 10 — a 15-6 LA Clippers run in the fourth extinguished any remaining hope of a comeback. With the win, LA Clippers improves to 42-40. New Orleans Pelicans drops to 26-56 and the pressure is mounting.

Miami Heat defeated Sacramento Kings 114-108 last night on the road, improving their record and picking up a crucial win. The first half was tightly contested, but Miami Heat went on a 12-4 run to close the third quarter and took a double-digit lead into the fourth. Sacramento Kings cut it to single digits with five minutes left, forcing Miami Heat to make plays in the clutch — and they delivered, pushing the lead back out to close the game. With the win, Miami Heat improves to 43-39. Sacramento Kings drops to 22-60 and the pressure is mounting.