NBA Roundup: Monday’s other games

Wizards 117, Pacers 110

WASHINGTON — The Wizards’ backups were more than enough to eliminate the very sub-.500 Pacers from the playoff race. Coach Eddie Jordan went to his bench early and often, getting 31 points from Roger Mason, 14 from rookie Nick Young and little resistance from the Pacers’ defense. The Wizards, who have won five of six, entered the game with a chance to gain home-court advantage in their upcoming first-round playoff series against Cleveland. Even so, Washington gave Gilbert Arenas the night off and gave Caron Butler another night to recover from a bruised knee. Once the game was under way, the starters frequently gave way to the reserves, creating a remarkably casual feel given its playoff implications. Before a crowd that mostly sat on its hands, the Wizards’ reserves outscored the starters 70-47.

Celtics 99, Knicks 93

NEW YORK — With his three All-Star teammates resting, Rajon Rondo had 23 points and 10 rebounds for Boston in what may have been Isiah Thomas’ final home game as Knicks coach. Boston improved to 65-16 despite giving Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen the night off. Sam Cassell added 22 points for the Celtics, who learned during the game they will face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs. Nate Robinson scored 26 points, and David Lee had 12 points and 16 rebounds for the Knicks, who fell to 23-58 and need a win in their season finale at Indiana to avoid tying the franchise record for losses, last matched two years ago during Larry Brown’s lone season.

Raptors 91, Heat 75

TORONTO — Rasho Nesterovic scored 20 points, while Chris Bosh had 15 for the Raptors. Anthony Parker had 13 and Jason Kapono scored seven of his 11 points in the fourth quarter as the Raptors locked up the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference and a first-round matchup with Orlando. Nesterovic was 10-for-19 from the field, scoring double figures for the 17th consecutive game, and grabbed seven rebounds. Daequan Cook had 22 points and Chris Quinn added 14 for the Heat, who lost for the 21st time in their past 24 games.

Bulls 151, Bucks 135

MILWAUKEE — Luol Deng scored 32 points on 15-of-20 shooting and Ben Gordon added 29 points as Chicago fell just short of a franchise record for points and shooting percentage.

Associated Press