The New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks booked their spots in the eighth seed NBA play-in matches with respective victories in their Conference paths on Wednesday night.
CJ McCollum led the charge for the Pelicans in a 113-103 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, who could not force a comeback in the fourth quarter after early Pelicans domination.
McCollum finished with 32 points and seven assists, while Brandon Ingram chipped in with 22 points and five assists to steer his side to the eighth seed game in the Western Conference versus the Los Angeles Clippers.
In the Eastern conference, the Atlanta Hawks never looked in any trouble against the Charlotte Hornets, whom they saw off 132-103 to set up a meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
De'Andre Hunter notched up 16 of his 22 points in the third quarter of the contest, although coach Nate McMillan bore the brunt of some frustration from the fanbase after deciding against handing some of his starters a rest.
The winner of the Western conference eighth seed game will go on to face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs, while the Eastern conference winner will set up a tie with the Miami Heat.
Ben Knapton
