With one win - a Pacers victory over the Rockets Sunday - the inevitable occurred. The Magic, Bucks and Knicks were all eliminated from the playoffs, joining the Nets and 76ers. That leaves eight teams battling for the final six spots behind the already-clinched Cavaliers and Raptors.

The Wizards won at the Lakers Sunday to keep their hopes alive, moving them 2-1/2 games behind the Pistons for the eighth and final playoff spot. They also prevented the Hawks from clinching a berth with a win over the Bulls Monday. The Hawks’ magic number remains two but they’ll have to wait a little longer for their ninth straight postseason.

In addition to the Hawks at Bulls, other key games in the Eastern Conference playoff race Monday are the Nets at Heat, Thunder at Raptors and Celtics at Clippers.

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

x - Clinched playoff berth

* - Eliminated from playoffs

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Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin dribbles away from Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Cleveland. (David Dermer/AP)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com