In the game, which was meaningless for the standings in the Eastern Conference, both teams had given up several of their stars. Toronto were missing Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby. Pöltl was only there for 11:15 minutes before the break. Gary Trent Jr. recorded 23 points on the side of the Canadians as the top scorer. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez were absent from Milwaukee.
The NBA leader (58:24 wins) still has to wait for the opening opponent in the play-off. The Raptors (41-41) start Wednesday’s play-in with home advantage against the Chicago Bulls. The winner of the duel meets the loser of the encounter Miami Heat against Atlanta Hawks away on Friday. If the Canadians make it to the playoffs, they will face the Bucks in the first round.
An early end has repercussions for Dallas
Missing the playoffs in the National Basketball Association (NBA) has repercussions for the Dallas Mavericks. The league said Saturday it was investigating the circumstances of the Mavericks’ 112-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls the day before.
League spokesman Mike Bass mentioned in a statement an “investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions and playing behavior” at the game against Chicago, “including the rationale for those actions.”
Although Dallas was still in contention for a place in the play-in tournament for the last playoff spots, the Mavs had to do without numerous regulars – including new signing Kyrie Irving – in the game against Chicago. Superstar Luka Doncic started, but left the court early in the second quarter. Coach Jason Kidd spoke openly before and after the game of a decision that “was made by the organization”.
Increased chances in draft
With the season ending early, the Mavericks improved their chances and position in the annual draft for the most promising prospects. If Dallas gets one of the first ten draft picks, they can keep him, but from position 11 they have to give him to the New York Knicks as a result of the transfer of Kristaps Porzingis in 2019.
The principle of improving your chances in the draft by losing is called tanking. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was fined $600,000 five years ago after publicly admitting to tanking. Cuban has not yet commented on the current situation when asked. There is a big lot to be drawn in the upcoming draft: 19-year-old Frenchman Victor Wembanyama is considered one of the greatest talents of recent decades – and a safe first choice.
National Basketball Association
Tables basic round
