Atlanta Hawks still 5th, miss opportunity to close gap

Atlanta missed out on an opportunity to close the gap on the Brooklyn Nets and further distance themselves from Chicago and Boston with Friday's 104-93 loss to the Trail Blazers. Atlanta's magic number to clinch a spot in the playoffs remains at three as the team prepares to embark on a four game road trip beginning on Sunday.

Going into play on Saturday the Hawks trail the Nets by 2.5 games pending the outcome of Brooklyn's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday night. Atlanta has a one game advantage over Chicago and a 1.5 game advantage over the Celtics. Milwaukee has fallen 3.5 back in eighth place and Atlanta can deal them a crushing blow in Sunday's matchup.

Important scores from Friday:

New York 99, Toronto 94 Poasting and Toasting | Raptors HQ

Indiana 102, Milwaukee 78 Indy Cornrows | Brewhoop

Dallas 104, Boston 94 Mavs Moneyball | Celticsblog

Relevant Saturday schedule:

Toronto vs. New York - 7:30 p.m. ET

Indiana vs. Chicago - 8 p.m. ET

Boston vs. Memphis - 8 p.m. ET

Brooklyn vs. L.A. Clippers - 10:30 p.m. ET

Current Eastern Conference Standings: