NBA Review: Spurs on verge of playoffs, Harden lifts Rockets

The San Antonio Spurs boosted its NBA playoff chances with victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, while its Western Conference rival Sacramento Kings lost.

After San Antonio's 116-110 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Kings' 121-118 defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, the Spurs (44-32) are six-and-a-half games clear of Sacramento (37-38) –  which has seven games remaining. One loss from the Kings and its playoff hopes are dashed.

On the night the Spurs retired Manu Ginobili's number, DeMar DeRozan led San Antonio with 25 points against the Cavaliers. Collin Sexton scored 24 points for the Cavaliers, while Kevin Love added 18.

Harden produces the goods… again

James Harden scored 38 points and added six rebounds and six assists to lead the Houston Rockets past the Denver Nuggets 112-85.

Joel Embiid scored 14 of Philadelphia's first 19 points and 39 in total to go with 13 rebounds and six assists in the 76ers' 123-110 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

RELATED| Rockets’ Chris Paul weighs in on MVP race between Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo

Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic tallied his first triple-double of the season, scoring 23 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in a 105-99 victory against the Dallas Mavericks.

Khris Middleton posted 39 points and added nine rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks were 128-118 winners over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Smith highlights Knicks' woes

New York Knicks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. had more turnovers (two) than assists (one) while shooting two of 11 from the floor and scoring seven points in a 117-92 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Teamwork!

There is nothing to hate about this clip for Detroit Pistons fans as the team tallied two blocks and a nice save on the defensive end, and added some nice passing which led to a three-pointer in a 115-98 win over the Orlando Magic.

WHAT'S NEXT

Hornets (35-39) at Lakers (33-42)— The Hornets can move within one game of a playoff spot in the East with a win on Friday. The Nets, Magic, Heat and Pistons are all off, so Charlotte makes progress with a win no matter what with eight games left to play.