Atlanta qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2017, thanks to a 120-116 win against Washington.
Trae Young was the star of the Hawks with 33 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds. In the losing camp, Russell Westbrook was good for 34 points and 15 assists.
Atlanta is 4th in the Eastern Conference, Washington is 10th. The Wizards are sure of a place in the jump-offs when Chicago loses to Toronto.
Boston, 7th, will also compete in those jump-offs after the 102-94 defeat to Cleveland. New York, 6th, is assured of the play-offs for the first time in 8 years.
The LA Lakers narrowly defeated Houston 124-122. LeBron James was again missing from the defending champion. The star player is struggling with his right ankle.
The Lakers are only in 7th place in the Western Conference, the competitors for a place in the playoffs also won. Portland (5th) was ahead of leader Utah with 98-105 and Dallas (6th) was the winner against New Orleans: 125-107.
For Portland and Dallas, a win on the next match day is sufficient for a ticket to the play-offs.
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