Minnesota at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST). Kevin Garnett and the Timberwolves face the high-scoring Mavericks.

STARS

Thursday

_Jermaine O'Neal, Pacers, had 27 points and 11 rebounds in Indiana's 93-70 victory over New York.

_Kerry Kittles, Nets, scored 22 points to help New Jersey defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 102-96.

SLUMPING

The Clippers lost their fifth straight on Thursday night, 102-96 to New Jersey.

DEFENSE

Indiana scored 27 points off 24 Knicks turnovers Thursday night in a 93-70 win. The Pacers held their opponent under 79 points for the eighth time in nine games.

STAY AWAY

The Nets' 102-96 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night was their fifth victory in seven road games this season. New Jersey has won only two of seven at home.

SPEAKING

``Our team is playing very unselfishly. I'd be remiss if I didn't say I think Isiah Thomas had something to do with that.'' _ Indiana coach Rick Carlisle, who was named Pacers coach when Thomas was fired this summer. Indiana beat the New York Knicks 93-70 Thursday night and improved to an NBA-best 13-2.