Pacers eliminate 3 teams from playoff contention by beating Rockets
Thanks to the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, and Milwaukee Bucks have officially been eliminated from postseason contention.
With Sunday's 104-101 win over the Houston Rockets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the Pacers extinguished the last glimmer of hope the three teams had of possibly sneaking into the playoffs.
2015-16 Eastern Conference Standings (March 27, 2016)
| Seed | Team | Record | PCT | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Miami Heat | 42-30 | 0.583 | 9.5 |
| 6 | Charlotte Hornets | 42-31 | 0.575 | 10 |
| 7 | Indiana Pacers | 39-34 | 0.534 | 13 |
| 8 | Detroit Pistons | 39-35 | 0.527 | 13.5 |
| 9 | Chicago Bulls | 36-36 | 0.500 | 15.5 |
| 10 | Washington Wizards | 35-37 | 0.486 | 16.5 |
| 11 | Orlando Magic | 30-43 | 0.411 | 22 |
| 12 | Milwaukee Bucks | 30-44 | 0.405 | 22.5 |
| 13 | New York Knicks | 30-44 | 0.405 | 22.5 |
Pacers’ magic number is eight. Looking at schedule, they’re in awesome position. pic.twitter.com/Yhy4h2KKK5
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) March 28, 2016
The Magic have the longest playoff drought of the group, with this being the fourth straight season they've failed to qualify. The Bucks fell to the Chicago Bulls in the opening round last season, while the Knicks advanced to the second round during their last trip in 2012-13.