The next defeat all but sealed the Brooklyn Nets’ exit from the playoffs. The Orlando Magic put a lucky must-win in their books. The NBA on Tuesday morning.
Jalen Smith of the Indiana Pacers has to be held back by teammates after an altercation with Dennis Schröder (right). Getty Images
Dennis Schröder and the Brooklyn Nets (29-47) have virtually no chance of making the playoffs after their next defeat. The DBB captain also got into an argument with his opponent Jalen Smith in the 111:133 win over the Indiana Pacers (43-33). The two professionals had to be separated from each other by teammates and supervisors. Schröder (seven points, four assists) received a technical and Smith even received an ejection. The match winner for the Pacers was All-Star Tyrese Haliburton with 27 points and 13 assists.
Because the tenth-placed Atlanta Hawks (35-40) won their game at the Chicago Bulls (36-40) 113:101, the Nets’ deficit in the Eastern Conference can only theoretically be made up.
Franz Wagner match winner for Orlando
Schröder’s world champion colleagues Franz and Moritz Wagner, on the other hand, are getting closer and closer to participating in the playoffs with the Orlando Magic (44-31). Against the Portland Trail Blazers, the team earned a difficult 104:103 and defended its lead over the Pacers in fifth place. Franz Wagner was his team’s best scorer with 20 points, while his brother Moritz scored eight points in twelve minutes off the bench. The favorite played within its capabilities and was lucky that Portland center DeAndre Ayton was unable to throw in a free throw at the final buzzer, thus wasting the Trail Blazers’ chance of victory (19-56).
Timberwolves safely in the playoffs – Embiid returns
Because the New Orleans Pelicans (45-30) lost 111:124 to the Phoenix Suns (44-31), the Minnesota Timberwolves (51-23) are guaranteed to be in the playoffs as the third team in the Western Conference. Devin Booker scored a whopping 52 points for the Suns. The Oklahoma City Thunder (52-22) and defending champion Denver Nuggets (53-23) had previously completed their participation.
So far only the Boston Celtics (59-16) are certain to be in the Eastern Conference. The title candidate won a 118:104 mandatory win against the Charlotte Hornets (18-57).
The Philadelphia 76ers (40-35) are now looking forward to the early return of their superstar: Center Joel Embiid may be scheduled to play again this Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to US media. Embiid had been out since January 30 after meniscus surgery, and his team had slipped to eighth place in the East during his absence.
2024-04-02 07:42:53
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