Raptors Clinch Final Playoff Seed In East

The Raptors have clinched a playoff spot in the East after beating the Nets 136-101. This will be Toronto’s first playoff appearance in four years.

Scottie Barnes closed out his season with an 18-point triple-double, while RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram contributed 26 and 25 points, respectively.

“It’s a big relief,” Barnes said about reaching the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season, per Michael Grange of Sportsnet (Twitter link).

It wasn’t all good news, though. Immanuel Quickley left the game after just 17 minutes with right hamstring tightness, according to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg (Twitter link). Quickley has been struggling with injuries over the last few days, but getting out of the play-in will allow the point guard more time to get healthy before the Raptors’ first-round matchup.

Toronto’s playoff seeding ultimately came down to the result of the season finale between the Celtics and the Magic. Despite sitting their entire starting lineup, the Celtics led for much of the second half against the healthy Magic, who were fighting for homecourt play-in position. The Magic tied the game up with 34.8 seconds to go following a three-pointer by Jalen Suggs, but a three from Luka Garza off an inbounds play gave Boston the lead, which they never relinquished.

With the Orlando loss, the Raptors are set to face off against the Cavaliers as the fifth seed, while the Hawks fell to sixth as they sat their starters and lost to the Heat. Game one against Cleveland will tip off on either Saturday or Sunday.