LeBron keeps Cavaliers on course for playoffs

LeBron James scores 21 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in Cleveland’s win over the Pistons.

LeBron James, Andre Drummond
LeBron James (left) scored his second triple-double of the season [AP]

Cavs forward LeBron James had 21 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his second triple-double of the season as the Cavaliers beat the Pistons 109-97.

All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving did not play in the second half Monday with what the team described as tightness in his right hip. He had 12 points and three assists before he was pulled for precautionary reasons.

Elsewhere, the four-time defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat, a long shot to make the playoffs, remained alive on Monday night after beating the Orlando Magic 100-93.

Miami was led by center Hassan Whiteside, who had 24 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks. He also helped hold Magic centre Nikola Vucevic to three points.

The New Orleans Pelicans moved one step closer to their first playoff appearance since 2011, getting 24 points from forward Anthony Davis to dispatch the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-88.

It was the fifth win in six games for the Pelicans, who currently hold the eighth spot in the Western Conference and can clinch a trip to the postseason with a win in their final regular-season game, Wednesday night at home versus San Antonio.

Other results:

Thunder 101, Trail Blazers 90

Jazz 109, Mavericks 92

Knicks 112, Hawks 108

Bulls 113, Nets 86

Rockets 100, Hornets 90

Bucks 107, 76ers 97

Source: Reuters