Considering the Washington Wizards are the hottest team in the Eastern Conference, hearing roars from the home crowd during the fourth quarter seemed logical. Except the robust and at times overwhelming cheers were on behalf of the visiting Los Angeles Lakers.

With Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard making his first appearance in Houston since leaving via free agency, and with Rockets guard James Harden thriving as an MVP front-runner, the stage was set for one or the other to close the chapter on their reportedly acrimonious three-year relationship as teammates.

When the San Antonio Spurs are at their best, they come at an opponent in waves. But even when they are a little off their best, the Spurs' overall talent is usually enough to find a way to get the job done.

Despite missing some key performers, the Golden State Warriors had little trouble conquering the Los Angeles Clippers again.