The New Orleans Pelicans and the Atlanta Hawks both clinched the final two spots in the NBA playoffs with victories in their respective eighth-seed matches on Friday.
After getting the better of the San Antonio Spurs in their opening play-in battle, the Pelicans were paired with the LA Clippers, who went down to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Brandon Ingram led the way with 30 points for the Pelicans as they marched to a 105-101 victory in the Western Conference path, and an opening playoff tie with the Phoenix Suns now awaits.
Meanwhile, the Hawks' domination against the Charlotte Hornets did not lead to another emphatic margin of victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but a 107-101 triumph was enough for a spot in the playoffs.
Trae Young ended the encounter with 38 points to his name - 32 of which came in the second half of the match - as the Hawks prepare to meet the Miami Heat in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Ben Knapton
