Nets, Wizards Knocked Out of Playoff Race Following Thursday Losses
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The Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets were officially removed from postseason contention on Thursday night after dropping road games that left each club with a record too poor to recover.
Washington fell in overtime to the Orlando Magic, slipping to 16-49. With only 17 games remaining, the Wizards stand 18 wins behind the 10th-place Charlotte Hornets, eliminating any mathematical path to the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
Brooklyn’s fate was sealed a few hours later in Atlanta. A loss to the Hawks dropped the Nets to 17-49, and with 16 games left they trail Charlotte by 17 wins (16.5 games in the standings), likewise closing the door on a playoff berth.
The Wizards and Nets are the third and fourth teams to be knocked out of the 2023-24 postseason race, joining the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings.
Draft Implications
Washington owes its 2026 first-round pick to the New York Knicks, protected for selections 1-8. Holding the league’s third-worst record, the Wizards cannot finish lower than seventh in the draft lottery, making it unlikely the pick conveys. If it does not, New York would instead receive Washington’s second-round picks in 2026 and 2027.
Brooklyn retains its 2026 first-round pick outright. In 2027, however, the Houston Rockets possess the right to swap first-rounders with the Nets. Should Brooklyn finish below Houston that year, the Nets would still control two first-round selections—Houston’s own pick and one acquired from the Knicks.
Source: Hoops Wire
