I still believe Portland can/will pass Phoenix (and SA) for 6th. However, IMO, this is contingent upon the Blazers beating the Suns next Sunday @ Phoenix. HUGE game!
Oh hell, I'll be optimistic and say 7th ... I'm not sure when or if it's going to happen, but I keep expecting the Spurs to kind of falter with Parker out with his broken hand and their heavy slate of games coming up.
I'm going with 6th because I think the team still has another gear left to go into. The effort the last few weeks wasn't top notch, but last night they showed they can play much harder. The question is, what was it last night that triggered that? Is it Brandon Roy being agressive? Did somebody say something to them to get a fire lit under them? I am not sure. But if Roy keeps playing like he did last night, I can't see the team under 6th.
Yes. Apparently it was Martell ... http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2010/03/portland_110_sacramento_94_bra.html
I hope they move up, but I don't think they'll catch the Spurs. They have 3 more losses and that's the column I look at. I think the Spurs are a vet enough of a team to get by with Parker being out. The Suns we might catch, but right now I'm just figuring 8th spot and will be happy if we do move up.
I think you guys will get the 6th or 7th seed. The Spurs have a brutal schedule to close out the season and the Blazers schedule is pretty much on par with the Suns.
I'll be optimistic and say the 6th seed. I think the Spurs will fade and I think the Blazers are better than the Suns, even as currently constituted.
Congrats Martell for helping the team out. I wish you were contributing more when you are playing, but something is better than nothing.
I haven't given up hope yet of 4th. Assuming All-Star Roy is here to stay, and Oden makes a late-season appearance. Though 6th and Denver is more likely.