Pelicans Inch Closer to NBA Play-off Spot With Kings Win

The New Orleans Pelicans edged closer to securing an NBA play-off spot with a 135-123 win over the Sacramento Kings.

The Pelicans are sixth in the Western Conference, the final guaranteed play-off spot, with two games remaining.

Elsewhere, Eastern Conference top seed the Boston Celtics lost to the New York Knicks 118-109 for a second straight defeat.

The Chicago Bulls beat the Detroit Pistons 127-105 to secure ninth place in the Eastern Conference and home-court advantage for their play-in game.

Steph Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a crucial 100-92 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Utah Jazz ended their 13-game losing streak with a narrow 124-121 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The top six teams in each conference qualify for the play-offs, while the teams in seventh to 10th place face play-in games for the final two spots.