More and more likely for us to match up with these guys in the first round. And they're limping into the playoffs losing at home handily, while at full strength to the Wizards this weekend (who were playing without Pierce) while. All year long, I've dreaded the idea of facing MEM, but considering how bad they've looked as of late, and how good the Clips and Spurs have become, it might not be the worst thing in the world to grind a series out against the Grizz. Question is, will Terry ever tank to force a matchup vs a particular team?
I think it's possible, but not likely. Although it's probable that Portland will lose to the Thunder, Mavs and Warriors and win against Utah and Minnesota, ending the season 52-30. Memphis should finish 55-27 (3-4, 5) Spurs should finish 55-27 (3-4, 5) Rockets should finish 55-27 (3-4, 5) Clippers should finish 56-26 (2) Not sure who won what series here (among Memphis, Spurs and Rockets).
How will tanking change our playoff position? We can't drop any lower than we already are even if we lost everyone of our remaining games. 5th is low as we go by winning our division. Although they say 4th is......don't get me started.
I don't think it's "probable" that the Blazers will lose to either the Thunder or Mavs. I think it's highly unlikely that they lose to the Westbrooks and about 50-50 with the Mavs since it's at their place. I see the Blazers ending up with 54 wins.
This is where I see them as well, having the exact same record as they had last season. If only we didn't have all those injuries... We may have been a 60 win team.
If LA finishes ahead of MEM, they'd vault to 3, while MEM drops to 5. Key is Spurs staying behind MEM. We could then start the playoffs in MEM in a 4-5 matchup. TBH, I'd rather face a reeling MEM than a surging SA
We still have a shot at the third seed. We just need to tie the Clippers or Houston for the third best record. We could win out and Clippers lose one, or we go 4-1 and Clippers lose 2, which is very possible. Also, Houston has a pretty tough schedule 2 vs SAS and 1 vs NOLA (I think NOLA will be playing for a playoff spot). Even the Jazz could be a big problem for them. I could see Houston losing 2-3 more games.
This might seem like out of left field but could Memphis be purposefully losing because they know they match up well against us now that Wes is gone? I don't think it would have started out as that but maybe their coach/GM were like "fuck it lets play the Blazers and then get GSW after an easy matchup and see if Kerr is as good of a couch in a playoff series as he is in the regular season".
I don't think a team would tank for a specific opponent. You want to be playing your best going into the playoffs. Thinking you can turn that switch on and off is foolhardy.
I find that highly unlikely. The goal would try and meet GS in the WCF, not the second round. GS maybe that jump shooting team that fails in the playoffs, but they look pretty unbeatable. I wouldn't take my chances until it is absolutely necessary. The 2-3 is the goal because Houston may not be a good playoff team (as we saw last season), anyone would much rather face the Clippers than GS in the second round as well. And the reality is we still have a shot at getting the 2nd seed.
I agree. It's not an ideal matchup, but what is in the WC? They've also been battling injuries. Tony Allen has missed the last few games, but he'll be back before the playoffs. Green has had back issues. If we do face the Grizz, there's still a shot we could have HCA. If they go 2-3 and we go 4-1 we would tie with 54 wins, & tie-breaker would go to us because we won our division (even though they beat us down 4-0 head-t0-head). The Grizz have some tough games left, & they could very well cough up a few losses. I think it's at least a 50/50 series if we can grab HCA. Without it? To say that would be tough would be an understatement.
I'd want to take GSW as soon as possible. They will sweep the thunder offering no real challenge and there is still lingering doubts as to if they can win in the playoffs. Hit them hard and fast before they, and Kerr, have really gotten their playoff legs under them and have the confidence that overcoming a challenge in the playoffs will give them.
When was the last time 6 seeds in the west had 50 wins or more? There is definitely more parity in the league than I can ever remember. Championships mean beating the best and winning on the road so the challenge isn't that different for anyone in the west.
Yup. After seeing the Spurs make quick work of the Warriors this weekend, I want no part of them. Our team might want them to get revenge for last year, but that kind of thinking is misguided. Splitter plays LA better than most other big men, and Kawhi poses too many matchup problems for us. And playoff Parker is a different animal. And considering how CP has dominated Dame in every game of the season series with Terry yet to find a semblance of a solution, I'd rather take on the likes of Conley and Lee. I see LA doing well against ZBo in a long series, and CJ/Meyers can pose problems for their bench. We got owned in the season series, but I've seen chinks in the Grizz' armor over the last few weeks. I think we could do well with or without home court.
Who knows if they will even play the Thunder in the first round. NOLA is looking really good and still have a legit shot at making the playoffs.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2010.html The 8th seed Thunder had 50 wins http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html The 5th seed Mavs (NOLA 8th with 49 wins) http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008.html 8th seed Nuggets with 50 wins. It happens way more than you think
Late to the party.... I posted this... http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2010.html The 8th seed Thunder had 50 wins http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html The 5th seed Mavs (NOLA 8th with 49 wins) http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008.html 8th seed Nuggets with 50 wins. It happens way more than you think
