Along with our battle for the 8th seed, there is also a fierce battle going on for the 12th pick (vs 13 and 14). Right now we are tied with WSH, and one game ahead of the Bulls. Both Bulls and WSH are already eliminated from the playoffs, so no playoff incentive to win, but their opponents might have equal incentive to lose in a Game of Tankers Tie-breakers: Ties are broken with coin flips. Remaining games Washington: -------------- @Brooklyn (highly meaningful game for BKN to tank in their fight for #3 pick v Suns...have only 1 gm lead). Could be a tough loss for WSH Atlanta (ATL needs to win this game in close race for 3-6 seeds in East). So, probably easy loss for WSH. Chicago: -------------- @NOLA (NOLA has incentive to tank this game for their own tanking reasons. They are two down to MIN for the 5th pick, and two ahead of SAC and NYK for the 6th. Note, if we lose to MIN, and NOLA loses to CHI, then NOLA and MIN face off for who can tank the best on the last day in MIN. Tough loss for CHI, but NOLA will have last home game festivities going on, and it is hard to lose those game. Philly Last game at home. Philly is locked into #1 Lottery Slot. Will be hard to lose at home for your last home game festivities.
So basically the worst case scenario is for the Rockets to win out and the Jazz to win out. Which means there is a STRONG likelihood of that happening.
Brooklyn need(s/ed) to win every last remaining game on their schedule. They send their pick to Boston. Washington is likely sending their pick to Phoenix(1-9 protected) Chicago — Gibson, Gasol, Rose & Moore are done for the season
Washington lost their pick. They don't need to tank. They're not going to be lower than 9th. Brooklyn doesn't have their pick either. They have no incentive to tank. Atlanta needs to win and finish strong. I think Washington beats the Nets while losing to ATL. It's more likely that Houston finishes with the 8th instead of keeping their pick and drafting at 12th. Drafting at 14th or 13th also the more likely out of the other two scenarios though.
Oh, cool. Forgot about BKN having no 1st rounders. Do they also not have their 2nd rounder. That's a good 2nd rounder. The WSH v BKN game tonight will be interesting We can win out and miss the playoffs. Our destiny is not in our hands. Mavs Magic Number is 1.
I love how his has turned into a Kobe v LeBron debate. Just read what Durant said about him. AGAIN, Kobe is not my guy. I have disliked him for years. I just think the respect level has been established. http://thebiglead.com/2016/04/11/kobe-bryant-kevin-durant-olympic-workout/