I REALLY hate to say this, but I went with the Jazz. They're relatively healthy, they're playing great at the most critical time of the season...................and, with Sloan at the helm?
Its becoming more and more clear that the last game of the year vs Denver in Portland could be for the division title. Wow! What a game to pre-lude the playoffs. Especially if we end up playing Denver in the 1st round. It could be almost bigger than the series itself if we do meet Denver in the playoffs.
I think it will be the Jazz. They got healthy at the right time and are making a push. I think they will play better on the road then they have in the past since they have most of their players back.
Jazz is getting healthy at the right time, but we are hitting our stride at the right time! Therefore I believe this theory has some possibility. Do it Blazers!
Northwest Division is really tough. Perhaps the toughest in basketball. The Southwest is also a contender.
If we forget about the Jazz's woes on the road - it would be clear that they are the answer - but since I have yet to see them being any good on the road and with their upcoming schedule - I think it comes down to Denver and Portland - and I suspect Denver will the winner unless Oden comes back soon.
I chose the Blazers. I could be maybe pursuaded to change to Utah after tonight's game. If the Blazers dominate tonight I believe we will go on to win the Division.
I think Utah, but from what I hear we have the easiest schedule of the 3 (and along with the Hornets the easiest schedule of the Western 1-9). I think that it will REALLY depend on tomarrow's Den/PTD game. If Denver wins, I think Utah wins, if we win, I think we have a really nice chance.
I voted for them too. Denver seems to be having the annual emotional free fall and with the suspension it makes me wonder if Karl's effective coaching window has closed. He starts out great with whatever team he goes to but always seems to lose his players eventually. The Jazz have that great record with a whole bunch of major injuries to key players all season long. They're all coming back healthy now, Sloan consistently gets his team to over achieve, and they are peaking at exactly the right time.
I had to go with the mind over the heart. Utah is playing incredible basketball now and they are finally healthy. They got my vote. I do think that Denver will be an interesting team to follow down the stretch with Carmelo Anthony's latest bout of immaturity landing him in the doghouse.
It's going to be the Jizz, they are finally healthy, Deron is playing like an MVP lately and they are hotter than a habenero
At this point, almost nothing would surprise me. I can see the Blazers finishing anywhere from 1st to 3rd in the division.
I (obviously) hope the Blazers, but I voted for the Nuggets. I think they have the best mix of depth and veterans this year. Plus they have a (slight) lead so it makes them the safest vote. Ed O.
I gotta put my money on Portland. They have the least to lose and the least pressure. They are just playing loose basketball and they are playing well. I think they will be the dark horse to take the division and make some noise in the playoffs.
I just can't see the Blazers holding off either one. Not that we can't win 50, just that the other two are more experienced and will win more. I voted Jazz. Hopefully I will jinx them.
