According to Espn we are basically stuck in the 4th seed

[WraithSentinel]

It won't matter if we have a better record than the Celts. Division winners get the top 3 seeds. I thought this wasn't allowed in the NBA. It appears that is the case. Basically are locked in at the 4th seed. In short the Hawks could start sitting guys now to rest up for the playoffs. I believe our magic # is now 4 to clinch the 4th seed.

[APE]

I thought it was only if the Hawks and Celtics had the same record? Link please

[wfhawkfan]

If we are tied, then they get the 3rd seed for being div. winners. If we have a better record, than we get the 3rd seed. Winning a division is the first tiebreaker, then head -to - head.

[TheTruth]

If we are tied, then they get the 3rd seed for being div. winners. If we have a better record, than we get the 3rd seed. Winning a division is the first tiebreaker, then head -to - head.

^This is the answer. I believe it was Hubie Brown, who commented during the Celtics game, that that rule should be changed if we end up with the same record because the Hawks have drilled BOS 4-0 in the regular season.

[AnthonyI11]

Since when is ESPN ever right?

[JTB]

Since when is ESPN ever right?

LOL. RIGHT! Since when is ESPN right!..............that was hilarious. ESPN does get stuff wrong! LOL

[coachx]

If we are tied, then they get the 3rd seed for being div. winners. If we have a better record, than we get the 3rd seed. Winning a division is the first tiebreaker, then head -to - head.

You are correct sir !

[LucastheThird]

This stupid rule needs to be changed, even for the Hawks it really doesn't matter. Either they get the Magic or the Cavs, pick your poison

[bonethugz]

i believe espn is right. if we have a better record than the celtics but not the magic. the celtics are still going to take the 3rd seed but if we play the celtics in the playoff. because we "have" a better record we have the home court.

[spotatl]

bonethugz- that used to be how the rule works but not anymore. I think the OP just misunderstood what ESPN said. they ahve been all over the correct rule. if the Hawks and celtics finish tied then winning the division is the first tiebreaker. But if the Hawks finish with the better record then the hawks would get the first seed.

[AU hawksfan]

Actually ESPN did have it right. And surprisingly, Jon Barry was on our side:

http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-100329/marion-d-shuts-melo (#2 on the daily dime).

[HawkRock1123]

But we're only "stuck in 4th" if we TIE Boston. So we have to finish a game ahead of them, and we get the #3.

Still sucks though.

[High5]

The Hawks haven't played like they wanted anything more than the 4th seed so I'm sure they're not too worried about it.