NBA News Roundup, Monday, April 8th: Orlando Magic end playoff drought, Rockets set NBA record and more

After a long and tireless six months of basketball, the final week of the regular season is finally upon us. The 2019 playoffs will begin on Saturday and teams such as the Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers will be hoping to end the Golden State Warriors' recent dominance.

However, while the West contenders are set, the final spot n the East is still up for grabs. The Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, and Charlotte Hornets are all still in with a chance to secure the final postseason berth, and all eyes will be on this battle during the final two games of the season.

Meanwhile, eliminated teams are gearing up for the upcoming NBA draft, and teams such as the Lakers and the Knicks are preparing to make offers for some of the NBA's most exciting free agents. So, as we enter the final week of the regular season, here is the latest news and rumors you need to know.

Orlando Magic End Postseason Drought

The Orlando Magic overcame the Boston Celtics to end their postseason drought

Entering March, the Orlando Magic looked set for another season of disappointment. However, the team has since rallied to win eight of their last ten games, and last nights 116-108 win over the Boston Celtics clinched Orlando's first playoff appearance since 2012.

It is the first time that the team has reached the postseason since Dwight Howard left for Los Angeles, and the teams latest win was fuelled by the trio of Terrence Ross, Nikola Vucevic, and Evan Fournier -- all of whom contributed at least 20 points.

The win leaves the Magic facing a difficult first-round matchup with either the Toronto Raptors or the Philadelphia 76ers, however, as the most in-form team in the league, the Magic will be confident of pulling off a first-round upset.

Warriors honor final regular-season game at Oracle Arena

Steph Curry and co. honored the Oracle Arena during their final home game of the season (Picture credit: SkySports)

Ahead of their move to a new home next season, the Golden State Warriors last night opted to pay homage to Oracle Arena. During their 131-104 blowout win over the LA Clippers, the Warriors donned the famous jerseys that they sported for much of the 2000's -- and Stephen Curry's 27 points ensured a triumphant night.

The Warriors have spent 47 years in Oakland, although the team is set to move to San Francisco for the beginning of the 19/20 season. To honor their longtime home, the Warriors held a short ceremony after the game -- with Steve Kerr unveiling a 47 Oakland banner that will hang in the new Chase Center.

With the regular season now over, Golden State will look to give their arena the perfect send-off as the team looks to win a third-straight championship.

Houston Rockets set a new three-point record

Chris Paul and the Houston Rockets set a new NBA record for made three's

During last nights huge 149-113 win over the Phoenix Suns, the Houston Rockets once again set a new record for three-pointers in a regular-season game. The Rockets made 27 three's against the Suns, which beat the previous record of 26 -- which were recorded by Houston back in December against the Wizards.

The Rockets had also matched the previous record 26 last week in Sacramento, although the team this time managed to go one better and seal a new record.

In total, Houston combined for 27-of-57 beyond the arc -- with Eric Gordon leading the pack with eight made three's. James Harden also knocked down five during a performance in which he was one assist shy of a triple-double.

The latest win renewed hope that the team could still finish 2nd in the West ahead of the faltering Denver Nuggets