How Celtics Can Advance to NBA Cup Knockout Stage originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics kept their NBA Cup chances alive with a thrilling victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday, but they still need help to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals.
Although Boston improved to 3-1 in group play with a +23 point difference, the Atlanta Hawks officially won East Group C with the head-to-head tiebreaker. That means it all comes down to Tuesday night for the C’s.
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The points differential will determine the fate of the Celtics. To advance to the knockout stages, the C’s need the Orlando Magic to defeat the New York Knicks in their NBA Cup showdown 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 in NBA Cup play. The Bucks are +29, the Pistons are +28 and the Knicks are +15.
Before the NBA Cup drama unfolds, the Celtics will snap a seven-game winning streak in a blowout Sunday matchup against the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers. Boston (16-3) can overtake Cleveland (17-3) for the top spot in the standings with a win.
Tipoff for Sunday’s game is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET on NBC Sports Boston.
