Chicago was defeated by Atlanta in the "United Center" (105:123), but thanks to Cleveland, which defeated Orlando (117:113) earlier in the evening, secured the play-in.
The Hawks already had a 20-point difference in the second quarter, and the team from the "windy" city spent most of the match without its best defender, Aleks Karus, who committed two fouls in the sixth minute of the game.
The guests from Georgia did not allow the "bulls" to approach them and threaten the victory until the end of the match.
Atlanta was led by Bogdan Bogdanović with 26 points, Sadik Bey added 18, and Dejonte Marie 17.
Nikola Vucevic registered his 49th double-double of the season. The Montenegrin representative scored 19 points (8/15 from the field) and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Zach Levin scored 26, while DeMar DeRozan stopped at 21 points.
The team from Illinois, from its current position, would need two consecutive triumphs in the playoffs in order to find themselves in the playoffs.
Bonus video:
