Sports

Simmons’ 76ers clinch third seed in the east, face Miami in play-offs

The 76ers were led by Dario Saric (24 points) and Justin Anderson (25) as the team registered the longest ever winning streak entering the post-season.

Half of the 16 wins were achieved without All-Star centre Joel Embiid, who is a chance to return during the post-season having been sidelined by a facial fracture.

The Bucks entered their regular-season finale having won seven of 10 games and occupying sixth place in the east.

They were out of contention against the Sixers in the first quarter after falling behind by 30 points.

Australian Thon Maker finished his quiet second season for the Bucks with three points.

Dellavedova, who has missed the past 29 games with an ankle injury, will give the young Bucks play-off experience in the post-season.

The Bucks could consider themselves lucky to face Boston in the play-offs, with the Celtics losing four of their last six and minus the services of stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward.

Aron Baynes (left) looks for a shot against Brooklyn's Quincy Acy.

Photo: AP

The winner of the series will face the Sixers should they see off the Heat.

Brooklyn coach Kenny Atkinson feels like the Celtics defence will be tough for any play-off opponent.

No disrespect to the other teams, this is the best defensive team in the league, Atkinson said.

I dont care who they are throwing out there, they are very good defensively.

Boomers guard Patty Mills went scoreless as his San Antonio finished their regular season with a 122-98 loss to New Orleans.

The Spurs had already locked in their play-offs berth as they sit seventh in the western conference and will face defending champions Golden State in the first round.

The Jazz, featuring Australians Dante Exum and Joe Ingles, can claim the No.3 seed in the western conference with a win over Portland.

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