Derrick Rose returned to the Bulls line-up after missing 12 games with a groin injury and scored 29 points, but he shot only eight-of-26 and missed key free throws down the stretch.

With Dwyane Wade sitting out, LeBron James scored 26 and Chris Bosh 22 to keep the Miami Heat rolling wih a 98-75 victory over the Detroit Pistons, putting the Heat within two games of Chicago in the East.

The Boston Celtics moved three games clear at the top of the Atlantic Division by beating closest challengers Philadelphia 103-79 behind 20 points from Kevin Garnett.

The 76ers have now lost 10 of their last 14 games to surrender the initiative.

The San Antonio Spurs made it 11 wins in a row as they topped the Utah Jazz 114-104 behind 28 points from Tony Parker.

A season-high 32 points from Gerald Green led the New Jersey Nets in a 122-117 overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Oklahoma City Thunder scored 24 points without reply in the second half en route to a 91-75 win over the Toronto Raptors, while 25 points from Courtney Lee led the Houston Rockets to a 104-87 win over the Sacramento Kings.