East Notes: Raptors, Playoff Push, Nets, Bulls

Raptors

The Raptors moved closer to securing the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with a win over the Hornets on Sunday.

The No. 8 team would have to win just one game in the play-in tournament — as opposed to the No. 9 or 10 teams, which would have to win two.

“It’s really important for us” to get to the 8 seed,” guard Fred VanVleet told reporters. “For the last couple of weeks it has been really simple for us — we’re in a win-every-game mode. There’s not much to think about. You have to go out and perform and play your best and try to take care of business. We are just trying to play our best basketball at this time of the year.”

• Forward OG Anunoby turned his ankle during the game, but coach Nick Nurse described it as a “mild, mild sprain.”

Nets

The Nets’ 111-110 win over the Jazz on Sunday may have been a little too close for comfort, but coach Jacque Vaughn said he’ll take it. At one point, Brooklyn led by 20.

“There’s only one winner and one loser in every single game; we won,” Vaughn said. “So we’re going to take the win and we’re going to keep this thing moving.”

• Guard Spencer Dinwiddie led the NBA in assists in March, compiling 146. He is averaging 8.7 since coming over in the Kyrie Irving trade from the Mavericks.

Bulls

• The Bulls committed just three turnovers in Sunday’s win over the Grizzlies — just the fourth time in franchise history they’ve had so few. The last was in 2014.
• Chicago also overcame a 23-point deficit to win by 21. “For how much we were down, to be able to come back and get a lead like we did, I think it’s great,” guard Zach LaVine said. “You gotta definitely pat yourself on the back.”