Published: About an hour ago
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
The Milwaukee Bucks (29-31) are currently two games back of the New York Knicks (31-29) for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and two and a half games back of the Philadelphia 76ers (31-28) for the seventh seed. With only six games remaining it seems unlikely the Bucks will make the playoffs, but that does not mean it is impossible.
Milwaukee had two solid opportunities to make up ground in the playoff race this past week but lost both games. A victory over the Knicks would have put them in the driver seat as the eighth seed and a win over the Indiana Pacers Saturday night would have moved them one game closer to their goal. Now, they will need some help to get in.
Milwaukee Bucks remaining schedule: at Washington, at Indiana, New Jersey, Toronto, Philadelphia, at Boston.
Philadelphia 76ers remaining schedule: at Orlando, Indiana, at Cleveland, at Indiana, at New Jersey, at Milwaukee, at Detroit.
New York Knicks remaining schedule: Boston, at New Jersey, at Cleveland, at Atlanta, Los Angeles Clippers, at Charlotte.
As you can see, the Bucks and 76ers still have to play each other one last time before the end of the regular season. That matchup could be the deciding factor who is in and who is out, depending on what happens between now and then. Considering the season series is tied 1-1, whoever wins the game on April 25 will own the tie-breaker if Milwaukee and Philadelphia have the same record once the season ends.
Let’s say the 76ers lose to the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers twice, but defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Jersey Nets. They will head into the matchup against the Bucks with a 33-31 record. Now, let’s say Milwaukee wins the next four games before hosting Philadelphia. They already know they must win out anyways so it is definitely feasible, especially given the quality of opponents. The Bucks would then also have a 33-31 record, meaning if they defeat the 76ers they automatically qualify for a playoff spot.
Assuming Philadelphia loses to the Magic and Pacers twice, Milwaukee can afford to lose one of their final six games as long as it is not to the 76ers. This would mean both teams would end the season with a 34-32 record with the Bucks advancing via the tie-breaker. However, that is asking a lot to get help from other teams so it is better to take care of business by winning out.
The Knicks could also very well end the season with a 34-32 record, which would mean it would come down to conference records. Current conference records are: Philadelphia (24-17), New York (24-19) and Milwaukee (22-20). The 76ers have seven remaining games against conference opponents while the Bucks have six and the Knicks have five.
Clearly, if Milwaukee takes care of business and wins out their last six games they will have a solid chance of making the playoffs. Â Of course, I am assuming the 76ers will lose to certain teams. If Philadelphia does not lose at least three games, not including the one against the Bucks, they will most likely earn a playoff spot. Milwaukee needs to win and hope for some help, but that means they still are mathematically eligible to make the postseason.
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