Tonight's NBA Games

The Detroit Pistons (20-5) have been the NBA's biggest surprise this season, and they bring their league-best record into TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics (15-10). Detroit's young core has matured rapidly, playing suffocating defense and sharing the ball on offense. The Pistons rank among the league leaders in defensive rating and have won their last several games convincingly.

Boston enters with questions after an inconsistent start to their title defense. The Celtics have struggled at times with the absence of Jayson Tatum (Achilles), and the roster has had to adjust its offensive hierarchy. Still, TD Garden remains one of the toughest places to play, and Jaylen Brown has elevated his game to carry the scoring load. This is a measuring stick game for both teams.

Toronto (15-11) visits Miami (14-11) in an Eastern Conference matchup between two teams hovering around .500. The Raptors have been bolstered by the addition of Brandon Ingram, who has provided much-needed scoring punch alongside Scottie Barnes. Toronto's length and athleticism can cause problems for any opponent when engaged defensively.

Miami continues to rely on Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo to carry the load since their February roster changes's departure to Golden State. Andrew Wiggins has provided veteran presence since arriving in the trade, and the Heat's culture has kept them competitive despite the roster turnover. Their home court advantage at Kaseya Center remains formidable. Expect a physical, grind-it-out game that could come down to execution in the final minutes.

Two struggling teams meet in Salt Lake City as the Lakers (10-16) visits Utah (9-15). The the Lakers are in their first full season of rebuilding after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers in February. Rookie Cooper Flagg has shown flashes of brilliance, but this young roster lacks experience and consistency. Defensive lapses have plagued the Lakers all year.

Utah is in full rebuild mode, prioritizing player development over wins. The Jazz have competitive moments but lack the firepower to stay with elite teams. This game features two teams playing below expectations, but Dallas has the superior talent and should be motivated to get back on track. The high total suggests an up-and-down affair with minimal defense.

Memphis (11-14) heads to Los Angeles to face the struggling Clippers (6-19). The Grizzlies have been a rollercoaster this season, with Ja Morant showing flashes of brilliance between injury concerns. When healthy, Memphis has the talent to compete with anyone, but consistency has been elusive. Their young wings are developing, and the defensive identity is still being established.

The Clippers are in disarray after the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George departures. LA is essentially starting over with a new core at the Intuit Dome, and growing pains were expected. The home favorite line seems generous given their record, but the Clippers have shown fight in recent games. Memphis should be able to impose their will with their superior athleticism and depth.