Celtics win Group C, advance to in-season tournament knockout round after chaotic Tuesday night

The Celtics advanced to the next stage of the NBA in-season tournament during a chaotic slate of games Tuesday night.

The Boston Celtics will advance to the knockout round of the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament following a loud 124-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls Tuesday evening. After the Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers this Friday, they will then head out to face the Indiana Pacers for the next stage of the tournament and further their chances of winning the 2023-24 NBA Cup.

The Celtics needed a little help to advance in the tournament. Boston entered the game in third place in Group C by virtue of point differential, and needed to win by at least 23 points over the Bulls. Likewise, the Celtics needed a victory from the Brooklyn Nets, who ended up defeating the Toronto Raptors 115-102 at home. With those results, Boston and Brooklyn ended group play with a 3-1 record, but because the Celtics won so handily over Chicago, they finished the round with a greater point differential and will advance as a result.

If the Celtics defeat the Pacers early next week in the quarterfinals, they will head to Las Vegas. Sin City will host the last two games of the tournament later next week.