Butler hits triple to boost Bulls

Jimmy Butler had 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists and helped give Chicago’s playoff hopes a needed boost in the Bulls’ 102-90 victory over the 76ers last night in Philadelphia.

The Bulls, Miami and Indiana entered the night with 38-40 records and in a three-way tie for seventh in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Butler had his fourth career triple-double.

Rajon Rondo sat out with a sprained right wrist and Dwyane Wade missed another game with a fractured right elbow. Wade, who scrimmaged on Wednesday for the first time since he was injured on March 15, could return as early as tomorrow’s game at Brooklyn. Wade, who averaged 18.6 points in his first season with his hometown team, had been ruled out for the season. But Wade was worked hard at joining the team minus any serious setbacks. Rondo was hurt Tuesday night in a loss to New York. With Rondo and Wade sidelined, the Bulls still cruised against the lowly Sixers. Jerian Grant scored 15 points starting for Rondo, Nikola Mirotic scored 22 and the Bulls took a 14-point lead in the first half.

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot led the Sixers with 18 points.

Pacers 104, Bucks 89 —

In Indianapolis, Paul George had 23 points and 10 rebounds and Indiana beat Milwaukee to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Point guard Jeff Teague added 15 points and seven assists for the Pacers, Thaddeus Young had 12 points. and Lance Stephenson nine in his third game back with Indiana.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Mirza Teletovic added 15 points for the Bucks.

Wizards 106, Knicks 103 —

Bradley Beal scored 25 points and made the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 49 seconds left as visiting Washington beat New York.

John Wall added 24 points and eight assists for the Wizards, who blew a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter but recovered to improve to 48-31, tying Toronto for third place in the Eastern Conference. Washington is trying for its first 50-win season since 1978-79.

Marcin Gortat was 7-for-7 from the field and scored 16 points for the Wizards. They have won seven straight at Madison Square Garden.

Carmelo Anthony scored 23 points for the Knicks, who are a loss away from their third consecutive 50loss season.

Magic 115, Nets 107 —

Elfrid Payton had 22 points, 11 assists and five rebounds to help host Orlando beat Brooklyn.

Aaron Gordon added 21 points, Jodie Meeks had 20, and Nikola Vucevic finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds. The Magic had lost five straight.

Jeremy Lin led Brooklyn with 32 points, and Caris LeVert had 20. The Nets had won a season-high three games in a row.

Trail Blazers 105, Timberwolves 98 —

Allen Crabbe scored 25 points and host Portland outscored Minnesota 25-11 in the fourth quarter to rally for the victory.