Over in the NBA, the Toronto Raptors are in the midst of their best-ever season. The Dinos had already picked up 56 wins, the most-ever in franchise history, thanks to the play of All-Stars DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. And by beating the Indiana Pacers the squad could clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time ever. So with the team's All-Star backcourt having a night off - it would Serge Ibaka, a player the Raps picked up last year at the trade deadline that would lead the charge.
And the Congan, who plays for Spain gives the T-dot a 12-point lead in the opening quarter by nailing the three-pointer. Domantas Sabonis steps his way into the lane for an unorthodox bucket and Indy are trying to stay in it. Then its the Dinos bench that helps out, Fred Van Vleet finding Jacob Poelt for the dunk, and the hosts are in control. DeRozan is able to come off a screen and takes the rock to the rack - as the Drakes continue to lead by double digits.
After recess, the hosts continue to stay in front, as DeRozan spots a streaking Ibaka for the slam on the fast break. Toronto on the verge of sealing the East's top seed. Ibaka ensures that happens - firing home another triple - as the lead swells to 20 at the Air Canada Centre. And the 29-year-old extends the margin to 25 as he dials another from long distance. He would nail five of seven from the land beyond. The Raptors hold on for a club record 57th win in a 92-73 triumph, and claim the conference's top record - first time in team history they have done that.
In other games, Philly ran their win streak to 13 by edging Cleveland. LeBron had a triple double 44-points, 11-rebounds, 11-assists in the loss. The 76ers now move past the Cavs for third in the East. Atlanta, Boston, and New York pick up wins. New Orleans tops Phoenix, helping their playoff chances. Jimmy Butler returned from a knee injury for Minnesota, as the Timberwolves beat the Lakers to move into 8th in the West.
So after today's games here are the projected first round match-ups. Toronto gets Washington. Boston faces Milwaukee. The Streaking Sixers play Miami, while LeBron James and the Cavs would draw Indiana. The top two seeds are set, the rest can still change.
Out West, Houston, the top overall seed would face Minnesota. Golden State meet New Orleans. The 3-6 match-up is Portland-OKC. And Utah would take on San Antonio. There are still a couple games to go - so those may change, and Denver could still move into the top 8.