Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks: Playoff Fate Hangs on Final Game
The Indiana Pacers have a clear path to clinch a playoff spot in the 2023-24 regular season by beating the Atlanta Hawks on the final day, securing a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. With a record tied with two other teams, they currently hold the sixth seed, with the top six directly entering the NBA playoffs. However, the seventh and eighth seeds will participate in the Play-In Tournament, a scenario the Pacers seek to avoid by finishing in the top six.
By the Numbers- Indiana Pacers are tied with the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic at 46-35.
- The Miami Heat closely trail at 45-36, vying for a higher seed.
The Pacers have various scenarios to secure a top-six spot, needing a win against the Atlanta Hawks and potentially some assistance from other results if they do not emerge victorious.
State of Play- The Pacers must defeat the Atlanta Hawks to guarantee a top-six finish.
- Four games concurrently decide the final standings, all starting at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday.
- Eleven out of 16 possible outcomes in the other games put the Pacers in the postseason contention.
The outcome of the upcoming games will determine the Pacers' playoff fate, with a win sealing a top-six berth and a loss requiring favorable outcomes in other matches to stay in contention.
Bottom LineThe Indiana Pacers face a decisive final regular-season game, aiming to secure a playoff spot by finishing in the top six of the Eastern Conference standings, emphasizing the importance of victory to avoid the challenging Play-In Tournament and fulfill their season-long goal.
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