The Toronto Raptors locked up the Eastern Conference’s last automatic postseason ticket on Sunday, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 136–101 at Scotiabank Arena.
The victory guarantees Toronto the No. 5 seed, marking the franchise’s first playoff appearance in four years. The spot was clinched when the Atlanta Hawks, who entered the day tied with the Raptors, fell to the Miami Heat in their regular-season finale.
Forward Scottie Barnes closed his season with an 18-point triple-double. Fellow Canadians RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram added 26 and 25 points, respectively. “It’s a big relief,” Barnes said about returning to the postseason for the first time since his rookie year.
Not all news was positive for Toronto. Starting guard Immanuel Quickley exited after 17 minutes because of right hamstring tightness. Quickley has also been managing plantar fasciitis, but avoiding the play-in round gives him additional recovery time before the first round.
The Hawks’ loss dropped them to the No. 6 seed. Behind them, the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Milwaukee Bucks to claim No. 7, while the Orlando Magic fell to No. 8 after losing to a Boston Celtics team resting its starters. The play-in tournament will open with Orlando visiting Philadelphia, and the No. 9 Charlotte Hornets hosting the No. 10 Miami Heat.
Source: Hoops Rumors
