There was bad news and good news for the Hawks following Wednesday’s NBA games.

The bad news? The Hawks lost to the Raptors, ending a four-game win streak. The good news? The Hawks remained third in the Eastern Conference after the Heat lost in overtime at the lowly Lakers. Had the Heat won, they would have jumped into third place by virture of tiebreakers. Instead, they droped to fifth place by virtue of tiebreakers. The Celtics, Heat and Hornets are all tied with a 43-31 record with eight games remaining. All three teams are a game behind the Hawks, who begin a four-game homestand Friday against the Cavaliers, who have six games remaining.

The Wizards suffered another blow to their playoff chances with a loss at the Kings.

Games involving the East playoff race Thursday are: Nets at Cavaliers, Magic at Pacers, Bulls at Rockets and Celtics at Trail Blazers.

Here’s a look at the playoff picture in the East:

x- Clinched playoff berth

Eliminated from playoffs: Orlando, Milwaukee, New York, Brooklyn, Philadelphia

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Hawks forward Jalen Johnson had his second triple-double of the season in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Johnson has dished out at least seven assists in 10 straight games. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller