The Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics hit a bit of a snag recently with losses in back-to-back home games and need a win over the visiting Orlando Magic on Sunday to avoid being swept on the three-game homestand. The Magic are sitting at the bottom of the East and are losers of eight of nine after a comeback effort fell just short at Cleveland on Thursday.

The Los Angeles Lakers made some dubious history on Friday but still managed to win for the fifth time in the last seven games thanks to a strong defensive effort. The Lakers will try to keep the pressure up and clinch a winning three-game homestand when they host the New York Knicks on Sunday.

The Detroit Pistons are sliding in the wrong direction with losses in four straight games and failed to meet the challenge against Eastern Conference playoff contenders in each of the last two contests. The Pistons will try to turn the momentum on Sunday against the visiting Brooklyn Nets, who are opening a five-game road trip.

The San Antonio Spurs are struggling to build positive momentum while trading wins and losses over the last 11 games, but a stretch of seven of eight at home begins on Sunday with a visit from the Indiana Pacers. The Spurs are an NBA-best 19-2 at home and have not fallen in front of their home fans since Nov. 10.