Detroit at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST). Two of the league's top defensive teams meet.

STARS

Wednesday

_ Kobe Bryant, Lakers, scored 36 points in Los Angeles' 115-91 win over Sacramento.

_ Yao Ming, Rockets, had 25 points and 17 rebounds in Houston's 90-89 overtime victory over Toronto.

_ Damon Stoudamire, Blazers, scored 32 points to lead Portland past the Los Angeles Clippers 91-85.

_ Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets, had 25 points and a key steal in the closing seconds of Denver's 101-92 win over Minnesota.

LAKERS CLINCH

The Los Angeles Lakers used a 25-1 first-quarter run and 36 points from Kobe Bryant to defeat Sacramento 115-91 on Wednesday night, clinching a playoff spot. The Lakers have won six straight, and 10 of 12 to move within 2{ games of the West-leading Kings.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Joe Johnson had 27 points and eight assists in Phoenix's 99-94 loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday night. ... Toronto's Vince Carter had 26 points and 13 rebounds in a 90-89 overtime loss to Houston. ... Kevin Garnett had 24 points and 14 rebounds in Minnesota's 101-92 loss to Denver.

PLENTY IN RESERVE

Denver got a season-high 48 points from its reserves in a 101-92 win over Minnesota on Wednesday night.

INJURY REPORT

Philadelphia guard Allen Iverson missed his second straight game _ Wednesday night's 99-94 win over Phoenix _ because of a sore right knee ... Dallas guard Michael Finley didn't dress for Wednesday night's 103-99 loss to Indiana because of a strained right calf.

THE HEAT IS ON

Miami won its season-best sixth straight game Wednesday night, 105-90 over Orlando.

BLAZIN'

The Trail Blazers have won six of their last eight and are a game behind Denver for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Portland beat the Los Angeles Clippers 91-85 on Wednesday night.

SPEAKING

``Everybody has to raise the level of their intensity, especially with the big guy out. We've had depth all year and this is a chance to show everyone all these great, young, talented players on this team. This game was a good indication of that.'' _ Indiana's Reggie Miller after the Pacers beat Dallas 103-99 without the injured Jermaine O'Neal on Wednesday night.