Dame Lillard heats up to start, but Pistons comes back

Dame Lillard heats up to start, but Pistons comes back

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

Advancement to the quarterfinals: Atlanta Hawks (Group C winners)

Expected progress: Orlando Magic (a win puts them in Group A; a loss puts them likely as the East wildcard)

Win and they advance: Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks

Another 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

Advancement to the quarterfinals: Houston Rockets (Group A winner), Golden State Warriors (Group C winner)

Win and they advance: San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks (will receive wild card if they win tonight 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

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