Around the NBA 12/16: Things Celtics fans should know from last night

As the Celtics and Cavaliers squared off in Boston, there were six other teams in action last night. Here are some things you should know:

2016 DRAFT PICK WATCH

1. The Nets were idle and remain 7-17.  As of now, they have the fourth worst record in the NBA and are only a game behind the Pelicans for the third worst.  Also, the Lakers, who own the second worst record in the NBA, got a win over the Bucks last night and are now 4-21.  The Celtics own the Nets 2016 first-round draft pick.

2. The Timberwolves had a disappointing home loss to the lowly Nuggets 112-100 last night. 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.  With the loss, they are 9-15 and have the fifth worst record in the NBA, which demonstrates how far they have fallen recently.  In fact, they are only two games ahead of the Nets for the fourth-worst and three ahead of the Pelicans for the third-worst.  Thus, this pick would NOT be conveyed if the season were to end today.

3. The Mavericks were idle and remain 14-11.  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.  As of today, the Mavericks will receive the 20th pick in the draft.  However, they and the three teams behind them, the Celtics, Grizzlies and Magic are only separated by a game or less, which means they are that close to falling one, two or three spots to 17th.  Thus, this pick would be conveyed if the season were to end today.

ATLANTIC DIVISION STANDINGS WATCH

4. The Celtics lost the Cavaliers 89-77.

Atlantic Division as of 12/16
Toronto 16-10
Boston 14-11 (1.5 GB)
New York 11-14
Brooklyn 7-17
Philadelphia 1-25

FORMER CELTICS

5. Kevin Garnett started and played 13 minutes in the Timberwolves loss to the Nuggets.  He finished with 6 points and 4 rebounds.

WHAT'S ON TAP FOR TONIGHT?

Heat @ Nets
Celtics @ Pistons
Timberwolves @ Knicks
76ers @ Hawks
Grizzlies @ Bulls
Pelicans @ Jazz
Bucks @ Clippers

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