Hawks clinch playoff spot today with loss by Heat or Bulls

Atlanta Hawks’ Tim Hardaway Jr., right, is congratulated by Malcolm Delaney after shooting a3-point basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Friday, April 7, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Atlanta Hawks’ Tim Hardaway Jr., right, is congratulated by Malcolm Delaney after shooting a3-point basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Friday, April 7, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

The Hawks are on the verge of clinching a postseason berth with back-to-back victories over the Celtics and Cavaliers.

And a 10th straight playoff appearance could come as soon as Saturday without the team taking the court.

According to the NBA, the Hawks clinch a playoff spot with either a loss by the Heat or the Bulls today. The Bulls play at the Nets at 5 p.m. and the Heat play at the Wizards at 7 p.m.

The Hawks (41-38) are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference.

According to the league there may be some more clarity to the bottom half of the conference playoff standings. The Bucks clinch a playoff spot with a win at the 76ers and a loss by either the Heat, Bulls or Pacers, who are at the Magic. The Bulls are also in position to clinch a berth with a win and a Bucks win and a Heat loss.

The Hawks have the longest active playoff streak in the Eastern Conference. They can finish no higher than fifth place meaning they will start the postseason next weekend on the road. The Hawks host the Cavaliers Sunday afternoon, the Hornets on Tuesday and end the regular season at the Pacers Wednesday.