The Indiana Pacers held off a late push from the Atlanta Hawks to claim a narrow win over their Eastern Conference rivals.

David West and Paul George combined for 40 to help the visitors to a comfortable lead, before a series of late baskets from Mike Scott brought the Hawks back into contention, but they came up just short.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were too strong for the Los Angeles Lakers as they claimed just their eighth away win of the season.

Kevin Love led the way for the Wolves, scoring 31 points and picking up 17 rebounds, before being forced off early after taking a tumble.

Steve Nash returned from a nerve problem which had kept him off the court for almost three months, but his seven points could not stop the Lakers sliding to their seventh defeat in a row.

The Chicago Bulls bounced back from a loss to the Sacramento Kings earlier this week with a comfortable win over the Phoenix Suns.

Carlos Boozer was the team's leading scorer with 19, while Jimmy Butler and DJ Augustin both added 18 as the Bulls ended Phoenix's run of five wins.

The Charlotte Bobcats thrashed the Golden State Warriors to pick up their third win in their last four outings.

Al Jefferson was in strong shooting form, adding 30 for the visitors, while Kemba Walker scored seven on his return from a sprained ankle.

The Warriors were held to 31.2% in shooting, their worst shooting performance by the team since their 96-67 defeat to Memphis in 2004.

Results in full: Indiana Pacers 89-85 Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Lakers 99-109 Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls 101-92 Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats 91-75 Golden State Warriors