Here's How Boston Celtics Qualify for In-Season Tournament Knockout Round

The Boston Celtics could qualify for the In-Season Tournament quarterfinals with a sizeable victory against the Chicago Bulls.

On Friday, the Boston Celtics suffered a 113-96 loss to the Orlando Magic. The lopsided defeat jeopardizes Boston’s campaign for the NBA Cup.

The top eight teams advance to the knockout round of the In-Season Tournament. This includes the winningest team from each group and one wild card from each conference.

Orlando leads East Group C with a 3-1 record and a point differential of +22. Meanwhile, the Celtics are 2-1 and hold a point differential of 0.

Boston will face the Chicago Bulls in their final group-stage match. They must defeat the Bulls by at least 22 points to catch up to the Magic.

The Brooklyn Nets, with a 2-1 record and a point differential of +8, also have a chance to take control of East Group C. To do this, the Nets must defeat the Toronto Raptors by at least 14 points.

If Boston were to blow-out Chicago by fewer than 22 points, there is a possibility that it secures the Eastern Conference’s wild card spot. The Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat are also in the hunt.

The Celtics-Bulls game is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 28, at TD Garden; tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. EST. Chicago is currently on a three-game losing streak.

Further Reading

The Latest on Kristaps Porzingis After Exiting Celtics' Loss to Magic

Celtics' Loss to Magic Highlights Their Most Concerning Traits

Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis Discuss Their Quickly Cultivated Chemistry: 'An Automatic Connection'

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Best Bucks to Stay atop East at Thanksgiving

Jrue Holiday Shares His Perspective on First Matchup vs. Bucks Since They Traded Him

Kristaps Porzingis Explains Why Celtics Have NBA's Best Clutch Record

Celtics Discuss Significance of Rivalry Win vs. 76ers for No. 1 Seed in East

Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Chemistry with Jaylen Brown: 'I Love Playing with Him'

Kristaps Porzingis Gives Glimpse of How He'll Boost Celtics Late-Game Offense

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present