Boston Celtics remain the team to catch in the NBA regular season after a 110-105 win at Memphis Grizzlies.

Paul Pierce hit three from three from beyond the arc in a total of 19 points for the Celtics, who now lead the Eastern Conference with a record of 20-4 having won 11 in a row. Memphis forward Rudy Gay was the top scorer in the match with 23 points.

Vince Carter contributed 26 points and Dwight Howard pulled down 23 boards as Orlando Magic kept up their pursuit of the Celtics in the East with a 106-98 win at home to Indiana Pacers.

The visitors led 30-17 after the first quarter but the Magic hit back and finished strongly, outscoring the Pacers 27-17 in the final stanza.

Philadelphia 76ers beat Pacific strugglers Golden State Warriors 117-101 as Thaddeus Young scored 26 points and claimed 14 rebounds for only their sixth regular season win.

In the Western Conference, Denver Nuggets kept their noses in front of Dallas Mavericks as both sides claimed home victories on Monday.

The Nuggets stayed second in the Western standings as they beat Oklahoma City Thunder 102-93 thanks to 31 points from Carmelo Anthony and third-placed Dallas edged past New Orleans Hornets 94-90 with JJ Barea hitting a season-high 23 points for the Mavericks.

Minnesota claimed only their fourth win of the year by claiming an upset 110-108 win at Utah Jazz. Rookie guard Jonny Flynn was the Timberwolves' hero as he registered 28 points including a decisive lay-up with three seconds to go.

Los Angeles Clippers moved their wins total into double figures with a 97-95 win at home to the Washington Wizards as Eric Gordon finished the night with 29 points.