The Celtics needed two results to happen Tuesday to advance to the knockout stage of the NBA’s new in-season tournament. It looked like a long shot, but they got both things to happen: Beat the Bulls by at least 23 points and the Nets to down the Raptors.
So now the C’s are onto the quarterfinals of the in-season tourney. There, they’ll face the Pacers. Tuesday was also the final day of group play across the NBA as the quarterfinal matchups are officially set. Here’s a look at the full four-game schedule (all games on TNT):
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Celtics at Pacers, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4 in Indianapolis, Indiana
Pelicans at Kings, 10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4 in Sacramento, California
Knicks at Bucks, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Suns at Lakers, 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 in Los Angeles, California
Only the quarterfinals of the tourney will be played at home markets. After that, the semifinals and the finals will be played in Las Vegas on Dec. 7 and 9, respectively. The quarterfinals and semifinal games, like during group play, will count toward a team’s regular-season record. The lone game that doesn’t count toward the regular season is the finals.
The matchups should be plenty of fun considering the stakes. The Pacers and Knicks are both looking to make some noise in the East, and the Pacers specifically could make a statement considering they have yet to make the playoffs with their current core. The Bucks and Celtics, meanwhile, make up the top of the East.
In the West, the reigning NBA champs in the Nuggets didn’t advance past group play. Instead, young teams in the Pelicans and Kings will match-up. Older, established teams in the Lakers and Suns are also looking to build off group play success. There’s plenty to like there when it comes to those games.
Looking at the Celtics vs. Pacers game, the two teams have already met this season. That was a blowout 155-104 win at TD Garden. However, it’s important to note All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton didn’t play in that game. The Pacers have been one of the pleasant surprises this season as they’re 9-7 and lead the NBA in offensive rating with Haliburton leading the way. Expect the Pacers to be plenty juiced for the game considering the stakes and national audience.
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