Here's How Boston Celtics Qualify for In-Season Tournament Knockout Round

The Boston Celtics could qualify for the In-Season Tournament quarterfinals with a sizeable victory against the Chicago Bulls.

Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, the Boston Celtics suffered a 113-96 loss to the Orlando Magic. The lopsided defeat jeopardizes Boston’s campaign for the NBA Cup.

The top eight teams advance to the knockout round of the In-Season Tournament. This includes the winningest team from each group and one wild card from each conference.

Orlando leads East Group C with a 3-1 record and a point differential of +22. Meanwhile, the Celtics are 2-1 and hold a point differential of 0.

Boston will face the Chicago Bulls in their final group-stage match. They must defeat the Bulls by at least 22 points to catch up to the Magic.

The Brooklyn Nets, with a 2-1 record and a point differential of +8, also have a chance to take control of East Group C. To do this, the Nets must defeat the Toronto Raptors by at least 14 points.

If Boston were to blow-out Chicago by fewer than 22 points, there is a possibility that it secures the Eastern Conference’s wild card spot. The Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat are also in the hunt.

The Celtics-Bulls game is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 28, at TD Garden; tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. EST. Chicago is currently on a three-game losing streak.

Further Reading

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