Here’s a breakdown of the teams in each conference that still have a chance to advance in the NBA Cup before tonight’s group stage finale:
Eastern Conference
Advanced to quarterfinals: Atlanta Hawks (Group C winner)
Likely to advance: Orlando Magic (a win gives them Group A; they’re likely the East wild card with a loss)
Win and they advance: Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks
Still a chance: Boston Celtics (need Magic to beat Knicks and Pistons-Bucks game to be decided by at least six points to advance as wild card).
Already eliminated: Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
Western Conference
Advanced to quarterfinals: Houston Rockets (Group A winner), Golden State Warriors (Group C winner)
Win and they advance: San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks (will be wild card if they win tonight based on point differential)
Need a win and some help: Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers
Technically alive, but functionally out: Memphis Grizzlies, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets
Already eliminated: Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz
