BREAKING: Celtics Officially Clinch Playoff Spot as Quest For Title Repeat Begins -TRUC.

Boston is officially skipping the play-in tournament for the fourth straight season.

Mar 8, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn ImagesThe Boston Celtics are officially skipping the NBA play-in tournament for the fourth straight season.

In order to clinch a playoff berth (i.e. a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference), Boston arrived at Kaseya Center on Friday night needing both for itself to beat the No. 9-seeded Miami Heat and for the No. 7-seeded Atlanta Hawks to fall to the L.A. Clippers, per NBA Communications.

That’s exactly what happened.

The Celtics bested the Heat (losers of six straight now) on the road, while the Clippers vanquished the Hawks.

Securing the East’s No. 2 seed, however, is not yet a guaranteed outcome for Jayson Tatum and co.

The 42-23 New York Knicks, currently the third seed, are lurking. That Tom Thibodeau-coached club, led by All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, has struggled with health issues of late, but so has Boston. The Knicks could make a concerted push to lap the Celtics late.

So who will the Celtics face in the first round of the playoffs?

While the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, and Detroit Pistons duke it out for the Nos. 4-6 seed, the Hawks, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls are looking like the East’s play-in seeds. Technically, none of the conference’s 15 franchises have officially been eliminated, but the Bulls currently have a sizable lead for the 10th and final seed in the East over the Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets. That trio is itself markedly ahead of the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards.

As has been the case since the 2020-21 season, the Nos. 7-10 seeds will have to face off in a pre-playoffs play-in tournament format. The Nos. 7 and 8 seeds will play for the right to earn the seventh seed in the postseason and the right to face the reigning champion Celtics in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs proper. The Nos. 9 and 10 seeds will play for the right to suit up against the loser of the 7-8 matchup, for the chance to nab the eighth seed and a (likely) date with the mighty Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.

Boston’s quest to become the first team to repeat as a champion since the Golden State Warriors in 2018 officially got a little easier.

Related Posts

BREAKING: Astros must lock down new star with HUGE contract right before the season.-EH

“Astros in a Crunch: Must Lock Down New Star with Huge Contract Before Season Begins!” As the Houston Astros gear up for the 2025 MLB season, the…

Yankees Breaking News: Big Win, Rizzo’s $135M Deal, & Cole’s Season-Altering Injury!-EH

“Yankees’ Rollercoaster Season: Rizzo’s Record Deal, Cole’s Devastating Injury, and a Big Win – A Turning Point or a Season of Uncertainty?” The New York Yankees have…

Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter takes major step in Tommy John surgery rehab…TS.DHUNG.

What’s the biggest question mark facing the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025? What’s the biggest question mark facing the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025? 21:40 The road to return to…

Rob Gronkowѕkі offіcіаlly returnѕ to the NFL, Sаn Frаncіѕco 49erѕ аnnounceѕ he wіll ѕіgn hіm wіth а record contrаct. G

Iп a stυппiпg move that has seпt shockwaves throυgh the NFL, legeпdary tight eпd Rob Groпkowski has officially aппoυпced his retυrп to professioпal football. The Saп Fraпcisco…

Travis Kelce will retire from Kansas City Chiefs and will consider an offer to join the Green Bay Packers as tight ends coach. G

New Title: “Travis Kelce’s Hypothetical Retirement and Coaching Career: A Packers Perspective” In a fictional scenario, let’s imagine Travis Kelce retiring from the Kansas City Chiefs and…

Jets’ Sauce Gardner Reveals How He Prepared Lions’ DJ Reed For New Job in Detroit…TS.DHUNG.

© Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Nick Meyer  |  Last updated Mar 15, 2025 11:09 PM ET The New York Jets gained a former Detroit Lions coach…