The Celtics lost to the Heat on Sunday night, all but ruining their chances to grab the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed. When the Celtics lost to the Wizards on Monday as the Heat knocked off the Hawks, it became official.
Miami’s 98-90 win means they will occupy the second seed in the East, while the Celtics will man the third spot. In doing so, Boston is on a collision course for a first-round showdown with the New York Knicks. The C’s have won all three matchups with the Knickerbockers this season, and the two teams will meet on Wednesday in the regular-season finale for both.
That also means that the Heat will get the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.
Meanwhile, out West, there are still some matchups to be decided. San Antonio is the top seed, and that’s about all that’s settled. The Lakers have, for now, fallen into the No. 3 spot, while Dallas assumes the second seed.
The NBA regular season ends on Wednesday, but here are all of the potential first-round matchups.
Eastern Conference
1. Chicago vs. 8. Indiana
2. Miami vs. 7. Philadelphia
3. Boston vs. 6. New York
4. Orlando vs. 5. Atlanta
Western Conference
1. San Antonio vs. 8. New Orleans
2. Dallas vs. 7. Memphis
3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 6. Portland
4. Oklahoma City vs. 5. Denver
