How the Celtics can advance to the NBA playoffs appeared originally on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics kept their NBA Cup hopes alive with a thrilling win over the Chicago Bulls on Friday, but they still need help to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
Although Boston improved to 3-1 in group play with a +23 point differential, the Atlanta Hawks officially won East Group C in a tiebreaker. That means it all comes down to Tuesday night for the C’s.
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The fate of the Celtics will be decided by a point difference tiebreaker. To advance to the playoffs, the C’s need the Orlando Magic to defeat the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup at Madison Square Garden. They also need the Milwaukee Bucks to beat the Detroit Pistons by at least six points OR Detroit to beat Milwaukee by at least seven points.
The Magic currently lead the Eastern Conference by +60 points going into the NBA Cup. The Bucks are +29, the Pistons are +28 and the Knicks are +15.
Before the NBA Cup drama unfolds, the Celtics will take a seven-game winning streak into Sunday’s matchup against the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers. With a win, Boston (16-3) can overtake Cleveland (17-3) for first place in the standings.
Tip-off for Sunday’s game is set for 6:00 PM ET on NBC Sports Boston.