East playoff standings update after Timberwolves can't help Sixers
Here is a look at the Eastern Conference playoff standings after the Minnesota Timberwolves can't help the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Philadelphia 76ers were again idle on Wednesday night as they continued to prepare for a pivotal matchup with the Houston Rockets to continue their road trip. The Sixers still have a shot to finish in the top 6 and guarantee themselves a playoff spot, but they'll now need help. The Minnesota Timberwolves couldn't offer that help as they fell to the Orlando Magic 132-120 which allowed the Magic to vault ahead of the Sixers in the standings.
With three games remaining for Philadelphia, all of them feel like must-win contests at this stage of the season. Here is a look at the East standings after the Magic came up with a win over the Timberwolves: April 9 East playoff standings Detroit Pistons 58-22 --GB -X Boston Celtics 54-25 3. 5 GB -X New York Knicks 51-28 6.
5 GB -X Cleveland Cavaliers 51-29 7 GB -X Atlanta Hawks 45-35 13 GB Toronto Raptors 44-35 13. 5 GB Orlando Magic 44-36 14 GB (play-in tournament) Philadelphia 76ers 43-36 14. 5 GB (play-in tournament) Charlotte Hornets 43-37 15 GB (play-in tournament) Miami Heat 41-38 16.
5 GB (locked into the play-in tournament) Tiebreaker scenarios The Sixers do have tiebreakers over the Raptors, Magic, and Hornets which should serve them well down the stretch of the season. While there is no guarantee they can catch the Raptors at this point, they can take solace in the face that they should host at least one play-in game in order to get into the postseason. If Philadelphia wins out, and Toronto loses at least one game, then the Sixers can sneak into the top 6 and earn a much-needed week off before the playoffs start on April 18.