We still only know two qualified for the quarter-finals of the “In-Season Tournament” and they are the Pacers and the Lakers. This penultimate day of the NBA tournament did not allow other franchises to get their tickets, but we can still see things more clearly. A little bit clearer because you have to take out the calculator!
Remember that the leaders of each group will qualify for the quarter-finals, which will take place on December 4 and 5, as well as the two best 2nd, one in each conference. In the West, the Suns are in pole position to finish best 2nd. In the East, several teams are still in the running.
EAST CONFERENCE
Group A
By beating the Pistons, the Pacers are guaranteed to finish at the top of the group with 4 victories in four matches. Which means that Tyrese Haliburton’s teammates will have the advantage of playing their quarter-final at home.
It remains to be seen whether the Pacers will be seeded number 1 or 2 for the final stages. According to ESPNeverything will depend on the result of the meeting between the Bucks and the Heat on Tuesday evening, in Group B. In the event of a victory, the Bucks will be number 1, and the Pacers number 2. If the Heat win, Indiana will be number 1 , and the Heat number 2.
Group B
Winners of the Heat, the Knicks still have a little hope of qualifying. And here is the situation before their last match against the Hornets, and the Bucks – Heat meeting.
– If the Bucks and the Knicks win: Milwaukee qualifies, and New York can finish best 2nd thanks to its point average. The Heat eliminated.
– If the Bucks win, and the Knicks lose: Milwaukee qualified and the Heat eliminated. The Knicks also eliminated if the Celtics, Nets or Cavaliers win.
– If the Heat and the Knicks win: Milwaukee, New York and Miami finish tied, and everything will be decided on point average based on the scores of the two matches.
Group C
Winner of the Celtics, the Magic finished the NBA tournament with 3 wins for 1 loss, but did not have their destiny in their hands.
– Orlando will finish 1st in the group if the Nets lose to the Raptors or win by 13 points or less, and the Celtics win by 22 points or less against the Bulls.
– Boston will finish 1st in the group, if it wins against the Bulls by at least 23 points, and the Nets beat the Raptors with a gap of 15 points or less compared to the gap of the Celtics against the Bulls.
– Brooklyn will finish 1st in the group, if Boston loses or wins by 15 points or less, and the Nets win with 8 points more than the Celtics against the Bulls.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Group A
Large winner of Memphis, Phoenix is in an ideal position to recover the “wild card” of the West Coast. The Suns have a record of 3v-1d with a point average of +34.
Already qualified, the Lakers have a good chance of receiving the quarter-finals. LeBron James’ teammates have a point average of +74. Only the Kings can overtake them if they win by 46 points against the Warriors. Needless to say, it’s unlikely…
And there is a good chance that the Lakers will face the best 2nd, the Suns.
Group B
With their victory of the night, the Rockets eliminate the Nuggets, and they still have the possibility of qualifying if they win on Tuesday against the Mavericks.
If Houston loses, the Pelicans will finish at the top of the group and qualify. Neither the Rockets nor the Pelicans can finish better 2nd.
Group C
Undefeated, the Kings (3v-0d) have their destiny in their hands.
– If the Kings win against the Warriors, they will finish 1st in the group, and will have home advantage in the quarter-finals.
– If the Warriors beat the Kings and the Wolves lose to the Thunder, the Warriors will finish 1st and the Kings will be eliminated.
– If the Warriors and Wolves win, tie at 3, and everything will be decided on point average. The Warriors will need to win by 13 points or more to win the group. The Wolves will have to win by more than 8 points compared to the Warriors’ gap to win the group.
