Sixers Helped Celtics Clinch 2024 Playoffs With Loss vs. Bucks

The Boston Celtics punch their ticket to the playoffs early with a Philadelphia 76ers loss on Thursday night.

Heading into the Thursday NBA slate, the Boston Celtics had an opportunity to become the first team to clinch their spot in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

The Celtics’ opportunity to lock-in a spot depended on two scenarios. First, the Celtics had to take care of business against the Phoenix Suns.

Then, they needed help from the Milwaukee Bucks, as a win over the Philadelphia 76ers would be the second step to help Boston punch their early ticket.

Throughout the 2023-2024 season, the Celtics have dominated in the Eastern Conference. Heading into Thursday night’s game against the Suns, the Celtics possessed a 51-14 record, which places them in front of the entire NBA.

The closest team behind the Celtics in the Eastern Conference are the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland trails nearly ten games behind the Celtics, who remain sharp down the stretch.

Boston’s first desirable scenario came to life on Thursday night. Although they were taking on a Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal-led Suns team, Boston once again proved they are a force to be reckoned with as they secured a dominant victory, beating out Phoenix 127-112.

As for the Sixers, they had a tough test on Thursday night. Coming off of a blowout loss against their Atlantic Division rival, the New York Knicks, the Sixers were set to take on the 42-24 Bucks, who were tied for second in the conference in front of New York. 

In their previous two games against the Bucks this season, the Sixers struggled to come away with any wins. Back in October, the two teams opened up the season against each other. While it was a tight battle, the Bucks defeated the Sixers 118-117.

When the two teams met for a second time in late February, the Bucks waltzed into South Philly and collected a comfortable 119-98 victory.

The Sixers bounced back with a better effort in Milwaukee on Thursday, but the results weren’t any different. With a 114-105 loss, the Sixers dropped their third game against the Bucks this year to move to 36-30 on the year. 

With that loss, the Sixers helped the Celtics clinch an inevitable playoff spot early.