1 month ago
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Perhaps the most intriguing storyline heading into the final week of the NBA regular season, aside from who is eligible for postseason awards, is the race to avoid the play-in tournament.
The only thing settled is that the Detroit Pistons have clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and await the return of star Cade Cunningham, who has not played since March 19 after suffering a collapsed left lung.
The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers have secured the other top four seeds, although their exact playoff positioning has yet to be decided.
The race in the Eastern Conference is really intriguing, as the battle for the No. 5 and 6 seeds is heating up, with six teams separated by just 3 1/2 games going into play on Tuesday, April 7.
Here is a look at the current playoff picture: Each of these teams is a lock for at least the play-in tournament. Records through April 7.
5. Atlanta Hawks (45-34)
Remaining schedule: at Cleveland (Wednesday, April 8), vs. Cleveland (Friday, April 10), at Miami (Sunday, April 12)
Magic number to clinch at least No. 5 seed: 3
Magic number to clinch at least No. 6 seed: 2
6. Toronto Raptors (43-35)
Remaining schedule: vs. Miami (Tuesday, April 7), vs. Miami (Thursday, April 9), at New York (Friday, April 10), vs. Brooklyn (Sunday, April 12)
Magic number to clinch at least No. 6 seed: 4; doesn't control destiny for No. 5 seed.
7. Philadelphia 76ers (43-36)
Remaining schedule: at Houston (Thursday, April 9), at Indiana (Friday, April 10), vs. Milwaukee (Sunday, April 12)
Magic number to clinch at least No. 8 seed: 3; doesn't control destiny for No. 5, 6 or 7 seed.
8. Charlotte Hornets (43-36)
Remaining schedule: at Boston (Tuesday, April 7), vs. Detroit (Friday, April 10), at New York (Sunday, April 12)
Magic number to clinch at No. 8 seed: 3; doesn't control destiny for No. 5, 6 or 7 seed.
9. Orlando Magic (43-36)
Remaining schedule: vs. Minnesota (Wednesday, April 8), at Chicago (Friday, April 10), at Boston (Sunday, April 12)
Magic number to clinch at least No. 9 seed: 2; doesn't control destiny for No. 5, 6, 7 or 8 seed.
10. Miami Heat (41-37)
Remaining schedule: at Toronto (Tuesday, April 7), at Toronto (Thursday, April 9), at Washington (Friday, April 10), vs. Atlanta (Sunday, April 12)
Doesn't control destiny for No. 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 seed
Already eliminated
Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA playoff bracket: Eastern Conference race to avoid the play-In
