Dwight Howard looks to follow up one of the most impressive performances in franchise history when the Charlotte Hornets host the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday. Howard scored 32 points and set a franchise record with a career-best 30 rebounds in Wednesday's 111-105 triumph over the Brooklyn Nets.

The Philadelphia 76ers have reached the 40-win mark for the first time since 2010-11, and they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference when they visit the Orlando Magic on Thursday. Philadelphia is on track to make its first postseason appearance since 2012 as it stands 8 1/2 games clear of ninth-place Detroit with just 12 contests remaining.

The Detroit Pistons finally have some momentum going in a positive direction, but it may be too late to get them back in the playoff race. The Pistons will be hard-pressed to push their winning streak to three in a row when they visit the NBA-best Houston Rockets on Thursday.

The New Orleans Pelicans look to sweep their three games in three nights ordeal and post their fourth consecutive overall win when they host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. New Orleans' 96-92 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday was a makeup of last month's postponed game that prompted a situation in which the Pelicans will play five games in six nights.

The Utah Jazz had their nine-game winning streak halted and seek to start a new one when they open a three-game road trip against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. Utah suffered a damaging defeat when it fell 99-94 to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday for just its third setback in the past 24 games.

The Atlanta Hawks are in the running for worst record in the NBA and the most ping pong balls in the draft lottery, but they are still capable of some brilliant performances. The Hawks will try to secure back-to-back road wins for the first time this season when they visit the Sacramento Kings in the second of a six-game trip on Thursday.