NBA
NBA 23-24: How it ended in the Eastern Conference: postseason places, play-in spots...
After 82 games, the NBA 2023-24 regular season has come to a conclusion with the Celtics the clear dominant force in the East.
The curtain came down on the regular season in the Eastern Conference on Sunday with all teams completing their 82 games in the 2023-24 regular season.
The main focus was on games involving Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, the 76ers and Miami Heat with all four teams candidates to secure the final two play-off and play-in places but in the end, both the Magic and Pacers guaranteed a fast track to the playoffs with wins over Milwaukee and Atlanta respectively which sees Philadelphia and Miami join the Hawks and Bulls in the play-in competition.
NY Knicks also sneaked into second place with the side from the Big Apple taking advantage of the Bucks losing and secure the No. 2 seed ahead of the playoffs with an overtime win over Chicago.
The Boston Celtics are the form team not just in their Conference but across the league as the ‘Beantown’ franchise look for that elusive 17th title that would see them eclipse arch rivals Los Angeles Lakers in the all time winners stakes with the main threat for the Celtics coming in the shape of Oklahoma City and Minnesota and reigning NBA champions Denver Nuggets.
23-24 Eastern Conference (final standings)
Playoffs
1. Boston Celtics (64-18)
2. NY Knicks (50-32)
3. Milwaukee Bucks (49-33)
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34)
5. Indiana Pacers (47-35)
6. Orlando Magic (47-35)
Play-in
7. Philadelphia 76ers (46-35)
8. Miami Heat (45-36)
9. Chicago Bulls (39-43)
10. Atlanta Hawks (36-46)
Eliminated
11. Brooklyn Nets (32-50)
12. Toronto Raptors (25-57)
13. Charlotte Hornets (21-61)
14. Washington Wizards (15-67)
15. Detroit Pistons (14-67)