Pacers playoff picture still unclear

It did, but the Heat were hoping for another Net win, and a spot against top-seeded Boston in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs later this week. On Tuesday, the Nets, who have the worst record in the league, said Trevor Booker, Jeremy Lin and Brook Lopez would be out due to rest, while Quincy Acy (ankle), Joe Harris (shoulder) and Sean Kilpatrick (hamstring) because of injuries.

The Bulls now have a 40-41 record and can clinch a playoff spot with a win, while 41-40 IN and 40-41 Miami are also still IN the mix for the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds IN the East. "I understand the point of view that some of the press have, and maybe other teams. That's my responsibility as coach".

Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 28 points and 21 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who end the season with a six-game losing streak.

Indiana Pacers (41-40) are coming from a 120-111 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in which Paul George scored 27 points in 11-for-20 shooting from the field.

For the Nets, the game offers an opportunity to play the role of spoiler and finish a hard season with a win. Boston closed out the regular season with a 112-94 win over the Bucks at TD Garden, but that result really didn't matter because the Cavs (51-31) had conceded the No. 1 seed to Boston.

"When you come into the season, your goal is to make the playoffs", Bulls guard Dwyane Wade said. The 82nd game had meaning - something Heat fans may have taken for granted in recent years. They have to be happy with the Nets decision to rest arguably their three best players.

According to Atkinson, the Nets came into the finale playing better basketball the last month, and a lot of that had to do with Lopez and Lin finally being healthy and on the floor together at the same time.

The Knicks finished 31-51 in another dysfunctional and disappointing season that started with promise, but became a sideshow after a disconnect between team president Phil Jackson and Anthony led to trade rumors that engulfed the team. They are in the playoffs also in a loss coupled with a Miami loss. But Indiana downed Atlanta to clinch the No. 7 seed, and Chicago topped Brooklyn to grab the No. 8 spot.

Rookie Caris LeVert was the only other Brooklyn player in double figures with 10 points.

The Mavericks won despite leaving starters Dirk Nowitzki, Harrison Barnes and Wesley Matthews at home. Rajon Rondo added 10 points, six rebounds and five assists.

After he led the league in blocks per game last season, Whiteside officially clinched this year's rebounding crown on Wednesday night with a monstrous 14.1 per game average. "Obviously, we have the memory of playing them a couple days ago and them jumping on us early and getting us down a double-digit deficit".

James Harden recorded his 22nd triple-double and Houston tuned up for the post-season with a win over Minnesota. Robertson endorsed Westbrook for the Most Valuable Player award during a pregame ceremony Wednesday.