The Milwaukee Bucks clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference after a 128-122 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
MPV contender Giannis Antetokounmpo starred again, pouring in a huge 45 points while grabbing 13 rebounds.
Joel Embiid, fellow candidate for the Maurice Podoloff Trophy, had helped the 76ers build a seven-point lead at the start of the fourth quarter before a Bucks rally proved too hard to overcome.
The power-forward finished with 34 points and 13 rebounds as he returned to the court after being sidelined due to injury for the last three games.
The 59th victory of the season for the Bucks means they will earn a home court advantage for the play-offs, while third-placed Philadelphia have now lost three in a row.
In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors strengthened their chances for the number one seed with a 109-90 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
DeMarcus Cousins scored 21 points and had 10 rebounds to put the defending champions in a commanding position atop of the West.
With four games to go, the Warriors now hold a two-game lead over second-placed Denver Nuggets.
In the night's other game, the Sacramento Kings beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-104 thanks to 16 points and 10 assists from De'Aaron Fox.
