The Charlotte Hornets (24-25) took care of the visiting New York Knicks on Monday night, 101-92, on the strength of some strong performances off their bench. Both veteran Tony Parker and Jeremy Lamb posted 15 points in the affair, with Parker adding four assists in a reserve role, and Lamb contributing nine rebounds to pull up short of a double-double. Kemba Walker finished the night with 14 points to his name, adding five assists and five boards on 5-of-16 shooting from field goal range, while Malik Monk played off the pine to the tune of 14 points of his own, including going 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Willy Hernangomez logged a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds for a Hornets squad that remains comfortably in eight place in the Eastern Conference, two-and-a-half games ahead of the Detroit Pistons. Charlotte will benefit from a relatively soft schedule in the two weeks leading up to the All-Star break next month.

The Boston Celtics (31-19) were victorious in the fourth of a five-game home stand on Monday night, making relatively easy work of the red hot Brooklyn Nets, 112-104. Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown both lead the team offensively, each with 21 points. Smart facilitated seven assists and hit four three-pointers, while Brown came off the bench to grab six rebounds. Al Horford recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds on his way to a double-double, while Marcus Morris had 15 points and eight boards of his own. Kyrie Irving, who is dealing with soreness in his left hip, was sidelined on Monday, but is expected to suit up against the Hornets. Boston's defense is serving them well as the midway point of the season draws near, one that ranks fifth in the league, holding opponents to an average of 105.9 points per game. The Celtics sit in fifth place in the East.