NBA Triple Threat: Your (almost) daily roundup of last night's action in the Association:

New Orleans 108, LA Lakers 98 Chris Paul went nuts again, finishing with 27 points and 17 assists, but the story here was the ankle injuries. Pau Gasol suffered a sprained his left ankle in the first quarter and ended the game on crutches. David West, who was already playing on a sprained left ankle, twisted his right ankle with seven minutes to play. Finally, Chris Paul came up hobbling on his ankle late in the game as well. Obviously, these are not good long term developments for the teams sitting 1st and 3rd in the West.

Detroit 84, San Antonio 80 Score one for the East. The Pistons toughened up on D at the end, and made their free throws to win this one. Rip Hamilton scored seven points in the final 25 seconds. Rasheed Wallace blocked Tim Duncan with 37 seconds left to preserve what was then a two point lead. The Spurs can take solstice in the fact they played well on defense even without suspended cheap shot artist defensive ace Bruce Bowen.

Utah 110, Boston 92 The Celtics lost the game convincingly, and lost Ray Allen with a bruised heel in the first quarter. However, they still came out winners for the night. Because the Raptors lost, the Celtics clinched the Atlantic Division. Doc Rivers said Allen will have to be "extremely healthy" to play Saturday at Milwaukee, but with the division already in hand, the C's can afford to rest him.

Houston 89, Charlotte 80 Although this Rockets team probably won't go down in history like the teams they have passed, they now have the second longest winning streak ever. Again, Houston fell behind in the first half before coming back to win. Dikembe Mutombo had some big blocks down the stretch, allowing the finger to wag once again. The real test now begins for the Rockets Sunday against the Lakers.

Best Lines

• Deron Williams, Uta: 32 pts, 7-10 FG, 17-18 FT, 5 rebs, 8 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
• Denver Nuggets: 137 pts, 55.3% FG, 33-38 FT...Denver was firing on all cylinders as they pounded Toronto.
• Ryan Gomes, Min: 23 pts, 8-18 FG, 15 rebs, 1 stl, 1 blk...15-49, baby! Wolves win on the road against the Sonics (which explains the win part).

Rumors du Jour

• OKC and Sonics reach preliminary lease agreement - You had a good run, Seattle.
• Anucha Browne Sanders speaks - Just read it. Trust me.
• Arenas return still uncertain - Even with him, I can't see the Wizards getting out of the first round.

Now it's your turn: share your thoughts on the on and off court action Friday in the NBA.