Basketball

Even in defeat, Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks put on an entertaining show these last few days. The question now is whether the banged-up team can really be a factor in the postseason title chase — because it's been a while.

TORONTO — When starting point guard Immanuel Quickley stepped away from the Toronto Raptors, it was not obvious who would set up the team's offence.

Orlando Magic (44-31, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (45-30, sixth in the Western Conference) New Orleans; Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Portland Trail Blazers (19-56, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (18-57, 13th in the Eastern Conference) Charlotte, North Carolina; Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Detroit Pistons (13-62, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (35-40, 10th in the Eastern Conference) Atlanta; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Dejounte Murray and the Atlanta Hawks host Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons.

Indiana Pacers (43-33, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (29-47, 11th in the Eastern Conference) New York; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The Brooklyn Nets host the Indiana Pacers in Eastern Conference play Wednesday.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Devin Booker scored 52 points, the fifth-highest scoring game of his career, to power the Phoenix Suns to a 124-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, bringing them within a game of the Pelicans for the No.

CHICAGO (AP) — Vit Krejci felt as if the ball was going to go in with each shot. He was right every time, and it sure felt good.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Portland Trail Blazers' 10th straight loss came down to one shot, and it was a good one. But Deandre Ayton missed an open baseline jumper at the buzzer and the Orlando Magic won 104-103 on Monday night.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 25 points and 10 rebounds, Sam Hauser poured in 25 points on seven 3s and the Boston Celtics avenged an early season loss to the Charlotte Hornets with a 118-104 victory on Monday night.