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Atlanta Hawks still 5th, miss opportunity to close gap

The Atlanta Hawks missed an opportunity to close the gap on the Nets in the East Standings Friday night with a 104-93 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Craig Mitchelldyer-US PRESSWIRE

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:


Eastern Standings

GP W-L PCT
Miami Heat 68 54-14 .794
Indiana Pacers 69 43-26 .623
New York Knicks 67 41-26 .612
Brooklyn Nets 68 40-28 .588
Atlanta Hawks 69 38-31 .551
Chicago Bulls 67 36-31 .537
Boston Celtics 68 36-32 .529
Milwaukee Bucks 68 34-34 .500
Philadelphia 76ers 68 26-42 .382
Toronto Raptors 69 26-43 .377
Washington Wizards 68 25-43 .368
Detroit Pistons 70 23-47 .329
Cleveland Cavaliers 69 22-47 .319
Orlando Magic 70 18-52 .257
Charlotte Bobcats 68 16-52 .235