Hawks, Celtics, Sixers Shine in 15-Game Playoff-Clinching Friday

The Atlanta Hawks secured a 123-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to inch closer to a playoff berth and a potential division title. CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 26 points on 9-for-16 shooting and four 3-pointers, while Dyson Daniels contributed 18 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds in just 22 minutes of action. The Hawks now hold a four-game lead over the Cavaliers in the Southeast Division.

The Boston Celtics continued their dominance with a 112-89 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Sam Hauser was a key contributor, dropping 19 points on 6-for-8 shooting including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc. Derrick White added 18 points and four assists as the Celtics remain locked in for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. A win in their final game would clinch that top seed.

Philadelphia’s Paul George and Tyrese Maxey combined for 22 first-half points in a 117-105 win over the Indiana Pacers. George finished with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Maxey added 20 points and five assists. The Sixers, despite the win, remain winless in their last three games and sit at 8th in the East, fighting to secure a top-six seed for better seeding in the playoffs.

The Detroit Pistons took control of a potential first-round matchup with a 106-98 lead over the Charlotte Hornets at halftime. Jalen Duren tallied 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Ron Holland II added 14 points and five rebounds. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 21 points and five 3-pointers, but Detroit's defense held Charlotte to just 39% shooting in the first half.

The Washington Wizards struggled in a 98-90 loss to the Miami Heat, despite 18 points from Bub Carrington and 16 from Andrew Wiggins. The Heat’s Bam Adebayo led all scorers with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Miami now controls their own destiny in the East and can secure a top-four seed with one more win.

With just two regular-season games remaining, the playoff picture is still in flux. The Hawks, Celtics, and Sixers all took major steps in securing their postseason fates, while the Heat and Pistons are positioning themselves for favorable first-round matchups. The final slate of games on Sunday will determine the final seeding across both conferences.