Miami 111, New Orleans 98
The Miami Heat, who lost star Jimmy Butler due to injury in the first half, held on to defeat the visiting New Orleans Pelicans 111-98 on Friday afternoon.
Milwaukee 138, Golden State 99
Khris Middleton scored a game-high 31 points and the Milwaukee Bucks used brilliant shooting from 3-point range to gradually pull away from the visiting Golden State Warriors for a 138-99 blowout win Friday afternoon.
Brooklyn 123, Boston 95
Kyrie Irving scored 37 points, Kevin Durant added 29 points, and the visiting Brooklyn Nets enjoyed a successful return to the NBA's Christmas Day schedule by pulling away in the second half for a 123-95 victory over the Boston Celtics on Friday.
L.A. Lakers 138, Dallas 115
Anthony Davis had 28 points and eight rebounds as the host Los Angeles Lakers coasted to a 138-115 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday.
L.A. Clippers 121, Denver 108
Paul George had 23 points and nine rebounds, Kawhi Leonard scored 21 before leaving in the fourth quarter, and the visiting Los Angeles Clippers beat the Denver Nuggets 121-108 on Friday night.