Eastern Conference Playoff Picture: Celtics fall, Raptors clinch
The Celtics lost at the Trail Blazers Thursday night and slipped to sixth in the Eastern Conference. The loss also clinched the Atlantic Division for the Raptors.
The Celtics dropped behind the Hornets by a half-game in the ever-crowed middle of the playoff race. It won’t get easier tonight.
The Bulls are not out of it yet. With a win at the Rockets and a Pacers loss at home to the Magic, the Bulls are a game behind for the eighth and final playoff spot.
The Hawks remain third in the East with a home game against the Cavaliers Friday night. Other key conference games are: 76ers at Hornets, Mavericks at Pistons, Raptors at Grizzlies, Heat at Kings, Celtics at Warriors and Wizards at Suns.
Here’s a look at the playoff picture in the East:
| Rk. |
c- Clinched Central Division
a - Clinched Atlantic Division
x - Clinched playoff spot
Eliminated from playoffs: Orlando, Milwaukee, New York, Brooklyn, Philadelphia
About the Author
Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.
