Around the NBA 12/5: Things Celtics fans should know from last night

With the Celtics in San Antonio preparing for the Spurs, there were 12 teams in action last night. Here are some things you should know:

2016 DRAFT PICK WATCH

1. The Nets traveled to Madison Square Garden last night, where they were defeated by the Knicks 108-91.  With the loss, they are 5-14 and only a half-game behind the Pelicans, who beat the Cavaliers, for the third most ping pong balls come draft night.  The Celtics own the Nets 2016 first-round draft pick.

2. The Timberwolves were idle and remain 8-10.  However, their two main competitors for the final seed in the West were in action, as the Suns lost to the Wizards and the Rockets beat the Mavericks. Although both teams are two games under .500, Houston holds the eighth seed because of a better winning percentage.  Minnesota will convey their first-round pick to the Celtics only if it falls between 13-30.  If Minnesota's pick falls between 1-12, they will instead convey their second-round picks in 2016 and 2017.  Thus, this pick would NOT be conveyed if the season were to end today.

3. The Mavericks lost a close game to the Rockets, which brought their record to 11-9.  With the loss, they moved into a tie with the Grizzlies for the fourth seed in the West.  Dallas will convey their first-round pick to the Celtics only if it falls between 8-30.  If Dallas' pick falls between 1-7, the conditional 2016 pick will become a 2017 first-round pick with the same conditions.  Thus, this pick would be conveyed if the season were to end today.

ATLANTIC DIVISION STANDINGS WATCH

4. The Knicks defeated the Nets.

Atlantic Division as of 12/5
Toronto 12-8
Boston 11-8
New York 10-10
Brooklyn 5-14
Philadelphia 1-19

COUNTDOWN TO CELTICS ENDING WARRIORS WIN STREAK ON 12/11/15

5. The Warriors, who were idle last night, are 20-0 and have only three more games to win before they receive their first loss on December 11th:

Saturday @ Raptors
Sunday @ Nets
Tuesday @ Pacers

WHAT'S ON TAP TONIGHT?

6. In addition to the Celtics game against the Spurs, there are six games you should know about tonight:

Nuggets @ 76ers
Warriors @ Raptors
Kings @ Rockets
Blazers @ Timberwolves
Knicks @ Bucks
Magic @ Clippers

Follow Max Sandgrund on Twitter @SotoSpeakz