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The Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic provided the latest surprises in the 2023 NBA in-season tournament on Friday.
Houston secured a win against the Denver Nuggets to eliminate them from the competition, while Orlando handed the Boston Celtics their first defeat of the event.
Houston and Orlando are now leading their respective groups as the opening phase of the competition enters its final week.
The outcomes were surprising, but nothing was decided in the four groups without a winner. The Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers secured first in their respective groups on Tuesday.
Orlando, Houston, the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans sit in first place in their four groups after Friday.
The three group winners and the best second-place finisher from each conference advance to the quarterfinals.
Updated Standings
East Group A
1. Indiana (4-0)
2. Cleveland (2-1)
3. Philadelphia (2-2)
4. Atlanta (1-2)
5. Detroit (0-4)
East Group B
1. Milwaukee (3-0)
2. New York City (2-1)
3. Miami (2-1)
4. Charlotte (1-2)
5. Washington (0-4)
East Group C
1. Orlando (3-1)
2. Boston (2-1)
3. Brooklyn (2-1)
4. Toronto (1-2)
5. Chicago (0-3)
West Group A
1. Los Angeles Lakers (4-0)
2. Phoenix (3-1)
3. Utah (2-2)
4. Portland (1-3)
5. Memphis (0-4)
West Group B
1. New Orleans (3-1)
2. Houston (2-1)
3. Denver (2-2)
4. Dallas (1-2)
5. Los Angeles Clippers (1-3)
West Group C
1. Sacramento (3-0)
2. Minnesota (2-1)
3. Golden State (2-1)
4. Oklahoma City (1-2)
5. San Antonio (0-4)
Houston’s Upset Over Denver Does More For Other Western Conference Teams
Houston took down one of the top contenders for the in-season tournament title with its win over Denver.
The Rockets moved to 2-1 and dropped the Nuggets to 2-2, but they probably won’t be the biggest beneficiary of the victory.
That honor would go to the Pelicans, who sit atop West Group B with a 3-1 record.
The Rockets need to beat Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday to capitalize their head-to-head tiebreaker with New Orleans. The Pelicans will advance as the group winner if Houston loses to Dallas.
Dallas doesn’t have anything to play for with regards to the in-season tournament, but at full strength, it can challenge Houston and its two superstars could dominate the match.
Denver’s defeat also allowed the other competitors in the West to feel more confident about their chances to win the title.