Around the NBA 1/2: 9 things Celtics fans should know from last night

While the Celtics were preparing for their first game of 2016 against the Nets, there were 10 NBA teams in action last night. Here are 9 things you should know:

2016 DRAFT PICK WATCH

1. The Nets, at 9-23, were idle last night. With the Lakers win though, Brooklyn is now only three back of the second-worst record in the NBA. However, they are only two ahead of Los Angeles in the win column as they have played two more games so far.  The Celtics own the Nets unconditional first-round draft pick.

2. The Timberwolves, at 12-21, were idle last night.  They remain three games back of the eighth-seeded Jazz.  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.  Therefore, this pick would NOT be conveyed if the season ended today because they would be projected to receive the sixth or seventh pick in the draft.

3. The Mavericks lost 106-82 to the Heat last night, moving them to 19-14 on the season. Despite the loss, Dallas kept their hold on the fifth seed in the West.  They are 1.5 games ahead of the sixth-seeded Grizzlies.  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.  Therefore, this pick would be conveyed if the season ended today as they would be projected to receive either the 20th or 21st pick in the draft.

ATLANTIC DIVISION UPDATE

4. The Raptors beat the Hornets 104-94.

5. The 76ers lost to the Lakers 93-84.

6. The Knicks were defeated by the Bulls 108-81.

Standings as of 1/2
Toronto 21-13
Boston 18-14 (2 GB)
New York 15-19
Brooklyn 9-23
Philadelphia 3-32

EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF UPDATE

7. Winners: Bulls and Raptors.

8. Losers: Hornets and Magic.

Standings as of 1/2
1. Cavaliers 21-9
2. Raptors 21-13
3. Hawks 21-13
4. Bulls 19-12
5. Heat 19-13
6. Magic 19-14
7. Pacers 18-14
8. Celtics 18-14
9. Pistons 18-15
10. Hornets 17-15

FORMER CELTICS

9. Brandon Bass played 25 minutes off the bench in the Lakers win over the 76ers last night and filled the stat sheet up. He shot 2-4 from the field and finished with 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

WHAT'S ON TONIGHT?

Nets @ Celtics
Pistons @ Pacers
Magic @ Cavaliers
Suns @ Kings
Thunder @ Hornets
Bucks @ Timberwolves

Follow Max Sandgrund on Twitter @SotoSpeakz