LeBron James drove for a game-winning layup as time expired to give the Miami Heat a thrilling 103-102 overtime win over the Indiana Pacers in game one of the NBA Eastern Conference finals.

The Cleveland Cavaliers nabbed the number one selection in next month's NBA draft, winning the draft lottery for the second time in three years.

NBA great Michael Jordan wants to get Charlotte buzzing again, applying to the NBA to re-name his Charlotte Bobcats the Hornets.

Reigning NBA champion Miami is on the verge of a third consecutive NBA Finals berth, but the Indiana Pacers plan to spoil the repeat bid in the Eastern Conference final that starts in Miami on Wednesday.

Lance Stephenson scored a career playoff-high 25 points to lead the Indianapolis Pacers to a 106-99 victory over the New York Knicks and into the NBA Eastern Conference finals.

Carmelo Anthony had a game-high 28 points and the New York Knicks staved off elimination Thursday with a wire-to-wire 85-75 victory over Indiana in game five of their second round NBA playoff series.

LeBron James finished with 23 points and eight assists as the Miami Heat held on after blowing an 18-point lead to beat the Chicago Bulls 94-91 and advance to the NBA semi-finals.

Tim Duncan had 14 points and 11 rebounds and Tony Parker carried the load in a dominant second half as San Antonio beat Golden State 109-91 in game five of their NBA playoff series.

LeBron James had 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds as the Miami Heat routed Chicago 88-65 to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead in their second round Eastern Conference series.