The 2017 NBA playoffs are set! The Pacers and Bulls won their season finales against VERY TIRED and thus RESTING teams, negating Miami’s win against an also tired and resting team to clinch the final two Eastern Conference playoff spots. Heat fans did not take it well, especially when it came to the Nets sitting their starters against Chicago for no good reason. But man, despite missing out in the end, the Heat had a really special season.
The Pacers and Bulls are in the NBA playoffs!
Good morning. We have that and more in Thursday’s NBA newsletter.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Pacers end up with the No. 7 seed and a date with the Cavaliers. Indiana found its identity right in time. The Bulls get No. 8 and a series against the Celtics. What a weird season they’ve had.
Here’s the full schedule for the first round, tipping off Saturday afternoon.
The other important part of Wednesday night was ironing out the NBA draft lottery odds. The Knicks and Magic hurt their odds badly by winning on the final night. The Sixers, unsurprisingly given their experience in this game, came out ahead. The full draft order has some ties that need to be resolved, but Portland is on track to have three picks in the first round.
Scores Galore ...
DET 109, ORL 113
TOR 98, CLE 83
MIL 94, BOS 112
PHI 113, NYK 114
WAS 102, MIA 110
BKN 73, CHI 112
DAL 100, MEM 93
MIN 118, HOU 123
DEN 111, OKC 105
ATL 86, IND 104
SAS 97, UTA 101
SAC 95, LAC 115
LAL 94, GSW 109
NOP 103, POR 100
... And Plenty More
What an amazing season! To help us celebrate and remember it, I put together the 101 best moments of the regular season. There are many japes and jokes. I unfortunately forgot one of the most beautiful moments of the season: when Dirk Nowitzki hit the 30,000 points milestone. That was special. Thanks for reminding me, entire population of DFW!
The Thunder brought Oscar Robertson to Oklahoma City for the finale. He ended up leading M-V-P chants for Russell Westbrook. I think that settles it.
Reminder: Giannis has been touched by gods.
A long read on why the Sixers are going to be exciting to watch next season.
LeBron’s greatness knows no bounds. He’s opening a school in Akron for at-risk kids.
Mo Harkless had a $500,000 bonus riding on not missing a three in the finale. He ... did not shoot any threes.
See More:
