NBA

NBA Playoff Race Update: Miami Holding On in the East

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Eastern Conference - Sure Things

(1) Milwaukee Bucks (55-19, clinched)
(2) Toronto Raptors (51-23, clinched)
(3) Philadelphia 76ers (47-27, clinched)
(4) Indiana Pacers (45-29, clinched)
(5) Boston Celtics (43-31, 100.0%)

The order of the top-five in the Eastern Conference is starting to look pretty well set.

The first-place Bucks have a fairly safe four-game lead on the second-place Raptors, who are a comfortable four games up on the third-place 76ers themselves. Beyond that, the Sixers are two games up on the Pacers, who are two games up on the Celtics. There could be some mild shuffling from here on out, but it's looking less and less likely with each passing day.

The Pacers clinched a playoff berth this week, and the Celtics should manage to do the same with one more win themselves or a loss by the Orlando Magic.