Hawks playoff watch: Nets move closer to No. 6 seed

Indiana Pacers' Roy Hibbert (55) goes to the basket against Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

Indiana Pacers' Roy Hibbert (55) goes to the basket against Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

The Nets continue to win, posting their seventh victory in the past eight games Monday over the Trail Blazers. They are now only two games behind the Bucks for the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference and still have four of their remaining five games at home. The Hawks chances of snagging a lottery pick from the Nets are fading.

The top-seeded Hawks' first-round opponent appears to be down to the Celtics, Pacers or Heat with eight days left in the regular season.

On the NBA schedule tonight, the Heat and Hornets play in Miami.

Here’s how things stand in the Eastern Conference for the final two spots:

7. Brooklyn      (36-41)     21.5 GB    5 games remaining

8. Boston          (35-42)    22.5 GB    5 games remaining

9. Indiana         (34-43)    23.5 GB    5 games remaining

10. Miami         (34-43)    23.5 GB    5 games remaining

11. Charlotte     (33-43)    24.0 GB    6 games remaining

Upcoming schedules

Nets: 4 home, 1 away – vs. Trail Blazers April 6, vs. Hawks April 8, vs. Wizards April 10, at Bucks April 12, vs. Bulls April 13, vs. Magic April 15

Celtics: 2 home, 3 away – at Pistons April 8, at Cavaliers April 10, vs. Cavaliers April 12, vs. Raptors April 14, at Bucks April 15

Heat: 4 home, 1 away – vs. Hornets April 7, vs. Bulls April 9, vs. Raptors April 11, vs. Magic April 14, at 76ers April 15

Pacers: 2 home, 3 away – at Knicks April 8, at Pistons April 10, vs. Thunder April 12, vs. Wizards April 14, at Grizzlies April 15

Hornets: 2 home, 4 away – at Heat April 7, vs. Raptors April 8, at Hawks April 10, at Pistons April 12, vs. Rockets April 13, at Raptors April 15