Celtics, Thunder roll on; Lakers top Memphis

Mavs’ play-in place hopes get big boost

- 

The NBA champions Boston Celtics and Western Conference leading Oklahoma City Thunder both returned to the play on Saturday while the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back with a win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jayson Tatum scored 29 points with 10 rebounds and eight assists to propel the Celtics to their eighth straight victory, 121-111 over the Spurs in San Antonio.

Tatum, back after missing one game with a sprained left ankle, led seven Boston players to score in double figures as the Celtics aiding 21 points to triumph.

The Thunder rolled to their ninth straight victory behind 33 points, seven rebounds and eight assists from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Tyrese Haliburton scored 18 points for the Pacers, who led by 10 in the first quarter before the Thunder flipped the switch and cruised to a 126-111 victory.

With eight games remaining, Oklahoma City lead the Cleveland Cavaliers in the race for the best record in the league and home court advantage throughout the playoffs.