The Celtics concluded NBA Cup group play Friday with a 138-129 win over the Bulls that improved their record to 3-1, tied with the Hawks atop Group C. But Atlanta won the group thanks to its head-to-head win over the Celtics, leaving the conference’s wild card slot as Boston’s only path to the quarterfinal.

The Celtics need some help Tuesday night to advance as a wild card in the 2024 NBA Cup. Here's how they can punch their ticket to the knockout stage of the tournament.

The Boston Celtics are still alive in the NBA Cup, but whether they advance to the Knockout Round on Tuesday night is out of their hands.

Milwaukee and Detroit play each other on Tuesday night, and the winner will officially take Group B. Both are still alive as potential wild cards with a loss, too, but need a better overall point differential than the Celtics and the loser of New York and Orlando.

The Celtics didn't win their group, but can still make the knockout stage of the NBA Cup under the right circumstances.

The Boston Celtics can wrap up Group C in the NBA Cup group stage on Friday night if they beat the Bulls in Chicago. But they'll also need a little help earlier in the afternoon.

The Boston Celtics have a chance to advance to the knockout stage of the NBA Cup on Friday. The team will be taking on the Chicago Bulls and Boston needs a few

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket abasing Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, right, during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez) AP