Basketball

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — While Herbert Jones makes his living as the Pelicans’ top defender, he can also punish opponents who underestimate his shot.

Chicago Bulls (38-42, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (38-42, 11th in the Western Conference) Dallas; Friday, 8:30 p.m.

New York Knicks (47-33, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (41-39, eighth in the Western Conference) New Orleans; Friday, 8 p.m.

Golden State Warriors (42-38, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (48-32, third in the Western Conference) Sacramento, California; Friday, 10 p.m.

Houston Rockets (20-60, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (26-54, 14th in the Eastern Conference) Charlotte, North Carolina; Friday, 7 p.m.

Detroit Pistons (16-64, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (34-46, 12th in the Eastern Conference) Indianapolis; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Detroit hits the road against Indiana looking to stop its 13-game road skid.

Memphis Grizzlies (50-30, second in the Western Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (58-22, first in the Eastern Conference) Milwaukee; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Memphis faces the Milwaukee Bucks after Jaren Jackson Jr.

Toronto Raptors (40-40, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (55-25, second in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Boston hosts Toronto trying to prolong its five-game home winning streak.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The battle of Los Angeles was no contest. The quest for the highest possible playoff seed is another story for the Clippers and Lakers.

The road to the NBA Finals now goes through Milwaukee. The road out of the Western Conference goes through Denver, for the first time ever. And the rest of the top half of the Eastern Conference playoff bracket is set as well.