Giannis and Curry's scoring display in Bucks and Warriors victories

With the playoffs just around the corner, the Milwaukee Bucks came away with an important 126-113 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers that leaves them closer to securing a direct playoff berth. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the standout player as he completed an impressive triple-double of 35 points, 20 rebounds and 17 assists. The night also saw the Golden State Warriors' victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, thanks to a huge game from Stephen Curry (37 points).

Antetokounmpo, 30, has eight triple-doubles in the 2024-25 season. In addition, Antetokounmpo is one of five active players to record at least 20 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in an NBA game. He shares this honor with an exclusive list of players: Nikola Jokic,Luka Doncic, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

The matchup was notable because neither coach finished the game. Doc Rivers started the game on the bench but had a health issue, while Nick Nurse was ejected in the fourth quarter.

The Bucks improved their record to 42 wins and 34 losses and sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. For the 76ers, Nigerian big man Adem Bona was the top scorer with 28 points, while Quentin Grimes completed a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Warriors beat Lakers, tighten the gap for fourth in the West

With a very inspired Curry, the Warriors beat the Lakers (123-116) on the road, tightening the fight for fourth place, which is currently occupied by Los Angeles. The 33 points from LeBron James were insufficient for the Lakers, especially when the Warriors had five players score in double figures.

At this moment, only the unstoppable Thunder and the Houston Rockets are assured of a direct playoff berth in the West. Behind them, six teams (Nuggets, Lakers, Warriors, Grizzlies, Timberwolves and Clippers) are fighting for the four remaining spots that would avoid the play-in. Finally, the battle to reach the last two spots that give access to the postseason includes seven teams with a mathematical chance.

Another loss for the Wizards

In another result, the Orlando Magic cruised to a 109-97 win over the Washington Wizards behind Paolo Banchero's 33 points and 18 rebounds. Banchero, 22, scored at least 30 points in six of his last nine games.

The win allows Orlando to cling to the possibility of qualifying directly for the NBA Playoffs by avoiding the play-in. Bub Carrington was Washington's top scorer with 32 points. The Wizards find themselves eliminated from Playoff contention in last place in the Eastern Conference.

Morant's buzzer beater gives Grizzlies the win

On the other hand, Ja Morant scored a last-second basket to give the Memphis Grizzlies a 110-108 victory over the Miami Heat. The Erik Spoelstra-led squad came into tonight's matchup riding a nine-game winning streak.

Earlier, the Heat clinched a spot in the play-in in the East with the victory by Milwaukee. The Grizzlies, with a record of 45 wins and 32 losses, maintain the possibility of qualifying directly to the Playoffs in a four-team battle (Warriors, Timberwolves, Clippers and Grizzlies) for a top-six spot.

Wolves and Blazers clinch their chances for the postseason

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Brooklyn Nets 105-90. French center Rudy Gobert scored 9 of his 10 attempts from the field in a 21-point, 18-rebound day. Anthony Edwards, the Wolves' leading scorer, scored 28 points including 5 3-pointers.

The Portland Trail Blazers remain hopeful of qualifying for the play-in after a 112-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Shaedon Sharpe was the leading scorer for Portland with 36 points.