The Minnesota Timberwolves secured an automatic postseason spot on Tuesday night, defeating the Indiana Pacers 124-104 on the road while the Phoenix Suns fell 119-105 at home to the Houston Rockets.
The results locked Minnesota into one of the Western Conference’s top six positions, finalizing the group of teams that will bypass the play-in tournament. The Thunder, Spurs, Nuggets, Lakers, Rockets, and Timberwolves are now assured of first-round series berths. The Suns, Clippers, Trail Blazers, and Warriors will battle for the conference’s final two playoff spots in next week’s play-in.
Potential Path for Minnesota
At three games behind the No. 4 Lakers and No. 5 Rockets, Minnesota is on track to enter the postseason as the No. 6 seed. That scenario would set up a first-round matchup with the third-seeded Denver Nuggets and, if successful, a possible second-round series against the San Antonio Spurs.
Suns Facing Play-In Scenario
Phoenix’s loss dropped the club into the play-in, but the Suns keep a two-game lead over the No. 8 Clippers. Phoenix hosts the 25-54 Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, while Los Angeles welcomes the 63-16 Oklahoma City Thunder. A Suns victory combined with a Clippers loss would clinch seventh place for Phoenix, giving the team up to two home chances at Mortgage Matchup Center to secure a playoff berth.
Heat Locked Into East Play-In
In the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat became the first club confirmed for the play-in tournament. Tuesday’s defeat in Toronto ensured Miami cannot finish higher than seventh.
The race for the East’s final guaranteed playoff positions remains crowded. The Hawks, Raptors, 76ers, Magic, and Hornets continue to jockey for the Nos. 5 and 6 seeds, with Atlanta and Toronto holding those spots entering Wednesday’s games.
Source: Hoops Rumors
