Richard Hamilton was in hot form for the Pistons

Richard Hamilton scored 29 points as the Detroit Pistons matched their best streak of the season, to beat the Orlando Magic 98-88 for their sixth straight victory.

The Pistons pulled within a game of Indiana for the best record in the Central Division and Eastern Conference.

The Magic have lost six of their last eight games and might have to compete with Washington for the final play-off spot in the conference over their last 30 games.

Orlando's Tracy McGrady, the NBA's leading scorer, was among the first four players chosen on Thursday for the 2004 US Olympic men's basketball team.

Detroit's Cliff Robinson scored 18 points, Chauncey Billups had 12 and Michael Curry equalled his season's best with 11.

Meanwhile, Boston Celtics coach Jim O'Brien was ejected from his side's 100-92 win over the Trail Blazers in Portland.

O'Brien, who had watched a 20-point first-half lead slip away, angrily argued a foul called against Vin Baker early in the fourth quarter to draw a first technical foul.

When he continued to argue with referee David Jones' call, O'Brien drew a second technical and was ejected, to be replaced by assistant coach Lester Conner.

Thursday's results

Detroit Pistons 98-88 Orlando Magic
Portland 92-100 Boston