http://trailblazerscentercourt.blogspot.com/2009/04/with-one-game-to-go-heres-playoff.html OK, we here at Portland Trail Blazers HQ know there has been some confusion as to the Western Conference playoff standings. It's difficult stuff. So in an attempt to clear up some of the misconceptions, our crack sports communications staff has put together a handy-dandy primer of all the possible playoff scenarios with one game left in the regular season. Here goes ... Eight Possible Playoff Outcomes Involving 2-5 seeds 1) NOPE 2) NOPE 3) NOPE 4) If Denver loses, Houston loses, Portland wins and San Antonio wins, then Denver finishes second, San Antonio finishes third, Portland finishes fourth and Houston finishes fifth. In this scenario, Houston (5) plays Portland (4). Portland gets home court advantage. 5) NOPE 6) NOPE 7) If Denver wins, Houston loses, Portland loses and San Antonio wins, then Denver finishes second, San Antonio finishes third, Houston finishes fourth and Portland finishes fifth. In this scenario, Portland (5) plays Houston (4). Houston gets home court advantage. 8) NOPE • Portland secures home court in first round with win vs. Denver (or a San Antonio loss). • Portland would have home court in the first round in 6 of 8 possible
bump. Once we know who wins the Houston and San Antonio games, I'll eliminated the scenarios that are no longer applicable. Go Blazers
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090414 Table at the bottom.
Doesn't matter if New Orleans wins. If NO wins, we get HCA no matter what we do. And if Houston also wins, our game means absolutely nothing.
Only two scenarios remaining. We play the Rockets in the first round. If we beat Denver, we get HCA. It's that simple.
