Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

Jayson Tatum erupted for 50 points as the Celtics pulled away from the Wizards to secure the No. 7 seed and a first-round matchup with the Nets.

The NBA play-in game matchups are set, with Hornets-Pacers and Wizards-Celtics in the East, and Spurs-Grizzlies and Warriors-Lakers out West.

With just two days left in the regular season, the intrigue surrounding the play-in format has drawn more attention than the race for the No. 1 seed.

Duncan averaged 19 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 19 seasons that included five NBA titles, two MVPs and 15 All-Star appearances.

Russell Westbrook reached his 182nd career triple-double, breaking Oscar Robertson’s all-time record, during the Wizards’ game vs. the Hawks Monday.

After the Pelicans announced Zion Williamson is out indefinitely with a fractured finger, David Griffin went to town on league officiating.

The addition of this season’s play-in format has created an added level of intrigue with 24 of the 30 NBA teams in the mix for a playoff spot.

COVID-19 healthy and safety protocols uprooted the franchise from its home base in Toronto and displaced it to Tampa for the 2020-21 season.

Dwyane Wade has become close with new Jazz owner Ryan Smith, who owns the team with a small group of investors.