Basketball fans were treated to a packed NBA schedule, featuring a game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Boston Celtics. Some observers billed the match as a potential preview of the NBA Finals.
Potential Finals Preview in Boston
The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently leading the Western Conference, clashed with the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are holding onto second place in the Eastern Conference.
ESPN’s BPI suggests Oklahoma City has a 65% chance of reaching the Finals. Boston’s chances are rated at 14.8%, placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference according to the BPI.
Ahead of Boston in the Eastern Conference are the Detroit Pistons (25.9%), Cleveland Cavaliers (25.3%) and New York Knicks (24.5%). The Pistons, fresh from a win against the Los Angeles Lakers, hosted the Atlanta Hawks.
The Atlanta Hawks have been in red-hot form, winning 13 of their past 14 games to move up to sixth in the East.
Playoff Implications Across the League
Several other games on Wednesday’s schedule featured teams projected to reach the postseason.
The Miami Heat, currently ninth in the East, visited the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are fourth in the conference. Miami are trailing Atlanta by two games for the sixth and final guaranteed playoff spot.
The Houston Rockets faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game with significant implications for seeding in the West. Minnesota are tied with the Denver Nuggets for fourth place, with both teams a half-game ahead of the sixth-place Rockets.
The Toronto Raptors visited the LA Clippers. Toronto hold a narrow half-game lead on Atlanta for fifth in the East.
Struggling Teams Battle for Draft Position
At the other end of the standings, the Washington Wizards took on the Utah Jazz in a key matchup for draft positioning.
The Washington Wizards have lost 16 consecutive games. They are one loss away from matching the Indiana Pacers for the worst record in the league.
The Utah Jazz are just 3-13 since the All-Star break. This gives them the fourth-worst record overall.
If the Jazz can hold on to that spot, they are guaranteed of keeping their top-eight-protected pick, regardless of what happens in May’s draft lottery.
Current Projected Playoff Matchups
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Play-in winner TBD
- San Antonio Spurs vs. Play-in winner TBD
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
- Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
With the season approaching its climax, every game carries weight, whether for chasing a title or securing a better draft pick.