Magic Number for the Rockets against West Playoff Contenders

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<B>Team&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W/L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Left&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Div&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conf&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;TieBreak&nbsp;&nbsp;Number Diff</B>
Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lakers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-21&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;29-12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-21&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;10-5&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;31-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;45-25&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;26-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-22&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;24-18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-23&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-6&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;24-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;44-25&nbsp;&nbsp;1-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-5&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;26-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42-26&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;22-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;41-28&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;23-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-33&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;22-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
Kings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-37&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;14-25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deposed</B>

* Indicates that the Tie Break is final and cannot be changed due to the outcomes of upcoming games. The Magic Numbers are calculated on an assumption that we will lose the Tie Break unless it's already been clinched. If we clinch a Tie Break, that will drop the Magic Number 1 point.

<B>Clinched #10 Seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>March 21</B>.

This is a great win for the Rockets and a much-needed morale booster for depressed (manic, bipolar, suicidal, homicidal) Clutch Fans everywhere. We’re now 2-2 in our Week from Hell, and Carl Freaking Landry is back in the house! All Magic Numbers drop 1.

With the Rockets win, they have officially clinched the #10 seed over the Kings. Sacramento, buh-bye. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, and Ron, please don’t chew on the door or your coach. Reggie hasn’t had his rabies shot yet. Next up: Blazers and the #9 seed.

The Warriors loss drops their Magic Number an additional point. Our win also salvages a tie with the Warriors in the Head to Head category. This means the Tie Breaker between us will be decided by the Conference Record, where we are 2.5 games up, including 2 in the loss column. Looking good on that front.

Lakers, Spurs, Nuggets, and Blazers all won.

The Rockets have another huge game (this is getting repetitive) against the Suns Saturday. It doesn’t clinch a Tie Breaker either way, since the two teams will match up again on April 11. However, winning the game guarantees at least a tie in the Head to Head column, which throws it to the Conference Record. Looking at the Conference Records, the Suns have 4 more losses than the Rockets. Advantage: Rockets (if we win).

Also on tap: Celtics at Hornets, Sonics at Jazz, Blazers at Clippers.

 

I'm going to keep posting until we get the #1 seed or have been mathematically eliminated from taking down any more teams above us.

I'll update my Race for the #1 Seed post on Monday.

 

Thanks for all the kind words. Glad everyone else is finding the Magic Number watch as fascinating as myself!

That is my understanding. In a two-team tie where both teams are from the same division it goes Head to Head, Division Record, Conference Record. That's why our upcoming game against the Spurs will decide the Tie Break. If they beat us (which won't happen), the Head to Head would be 2-2, but they would be assured a better Division Record.

What I'm not clear on is a three-team tie. If the Rockets, Lakers, and Hornets wind up with the same record atop the West, who is #1? The Hornets would win the division by virtue of their Division Record, but we would get a top 4 seed by being the winningest non-division winner. Could we win out a threeway Tie Break there? The Hornets and Lakers still have to play once more, but let's assume the Lakers win that game. Our overall Head to Head would be 4-3, the Hornets 4-4, and the Lakers 3-4. We have the best record of that bunch. Could we leapfrog the Hornets even though they are the division winner?

I'm going to keep assigning the Tie Break based on a two-team tie, but I'd be curious if anyone can answer the question above.

 

<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Games&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Con&nbsp; Overall&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B>
<B>Team&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W/L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Left&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Div&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conf&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;TieBreak&nbsp;&nbsp;Number Diff</B>
Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lakers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-21&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;29-12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-21&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;10-5&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;31-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-25&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;27-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-22&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;25-18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-23&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-6&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;24-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;44-25&nbsp;&nbsp;1-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-5&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;26-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42-26&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;22-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;41-28&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;23-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;37-33&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;23-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Kings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-38&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;14-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deposed</B>

* Indicates that the Tie Break is final and cannot be changed due to the outcomes of upcoming games. The Magic Numbers are calculated on an assumption that we will lose the Tie Break unless it's already been clinched. If we clinch a Tie Break, that will drop the Magic Number 1 point.

<B>Clinched #10 Seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>March 22</B>.

Well this is a first for this thread. Not a single Magic Number dropped. Hornets, Jazz, and Blazers all won.

It was a disappointing loss, but we did end our Week from Hell at 2-3. Not great, but it doesn’t seem as catastrophic as 0-5 or even 1-4. We’ve got a light, easy schedule of Kings and Wolves at home this week. We need to take care of business with these teams. We’re getting close to the end and can’t afford to let these opportunities slip by. A lot of the other teams have their own brutal week (or more) stretch now, and we could make some really great progress.

The Suns loss give them a 2-1 advantage in the Tie Break with a Houston. We play again in Houston on April 11. If we win that, we have a good shot at taking the Tie Break. The Suns currently have 3 more losses than us, so if we play even ball, we should get the better Conference Record.

We will drop a few Magic Numbers tonight after Sunday’s games are played: Spurs at Mavericks, Nuggets at Raptors, Warriors at Lakers.

 

That should say the Suns have 3 more <B>Confernece</B> losses than us.

Trying to post before morning coffee + holding baby = typo in the post.

 

<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Games&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Con&nbsp; Overall&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B>
<B>Team&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W/L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Left&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Div&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conf&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;TieBreak&nbsp;&nbsp;Number Diff</B>
Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-21&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;10-5&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;31-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lakers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-22&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;29-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-22&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;25-18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-25&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;27-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-23&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;25-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;44-26&nbsp;&nbsp;1-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;26-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;43-26&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;23-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42-28&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;23-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;37-33&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;23-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Kings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-38&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;14-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deposed</B>

* Indicates that the Tie Break is final and cannot be changed due to the outcomes of upcoming games. The Magic Numbers are calculated on an assumption that we will lose the Tie Break unless it's already been clinched. If we clinch a Tie Break, that will drop the Magic Number 1 point.

<B>Clinched #10 Seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>March 23</B>.

Great night of Head to Head competition in the West. Spurs beat the Mavs. Dallas drops a point, and it looks like Dirk is out a few weeks. Warriors beat the Lakers, which drops LA a point. The Nuggets won.

Rockets play the Kings at home today, and they need to take care of business. A pair of wins against the Kings and Wolves drops all Magic Numbers two as well as any other losses by the other contenders.

Other games on Monday: Suns at Pistons, Nuggets at Grizzlies, Blazers at Sonics, Lakers at Warriors (The Sequel)

 

I thought I’d take another look at my Race for the #1 Seed post now that we finished up our Week from Hell. We have 12 games left.

<B>The Winnables: 8 Games</B>
Kings, Wolves, @Kings, @Blazers, @Sonics, @Clippers, Sonics, Clippers
We should beat all of these teams. Half are at our home, and two of the road games are as cupcake as they get (@Sonics, @Clippers). Wining all of these games would drop all Magic Numbers by 8 and also add 8 more wins to our Conference record (Currently 25-15). I’m going with the assumption that we’ll beat these teams. That takes care of the Blazers and Nuggets. It leaves the Mavericks and Warriors at 2, the Jazz at 3, Spurs and Lakers at 5, the Suns at 6, and the Hornets at 7.

<B>The Slugfest: 4 Games</B>
@Spurs, Suns, @Nuggets, @Jazz
These are the tough games left on our schedule. We went 2-3 in our last batch of tough games, and I think we’ll get a pair here.

We still have Tie Breaks to be decided against the Jazz, Suns, Spurs, Warriors, and Nuggets. Winning the Tie Break drops the Magic Number 1 point.

The Top Eight West Contenders
<B>Nuggets</B>: @Grizzlies, Mavs, Warriors, @Suns, Suns, Kings, @Sonics, @Clippers, @Warriors, @Jazz, Rockets, Grizzlies

We should knock them out by winning all of our easier games. If we drop one or two of those games, the Nuggets would still have to win out, which I just don’t see happening.

If we win our game with them on April 19, that would clinch the Tie Break, dropping the Magic Number 3 in one game. If we lose, the Tie Break would go to Conference Record, where they are up 2 in the loss column.

Likelihood: Very High

<B>Mavericks</B>: Clippers, @Nuggets, @Warriors, @Clippers, Warriors, @Lakers, @Suns, Sonics, Jazz, @Blazers, @Sonics, Hornets

We knock them out with a combination of 2 Slugfest victories or Mav losses. The Mavs just lost Dirk for at least two weeks, and that really doesn’t look good for their Playoff chances. They play 7 more Slugfest games of their own, and without Dirk I think 3-4 is a generous estimate. They are 0-8 against winning teams in the Kidd era.

We have lost the Tie Break with the Mavericks, due to our 1-3 Head to Head record.

Likelihood: Very High

<B>Warriors</B>: Lakers, Blazers, @Nuggets, Mavs, @Spurs, @Mavs, @Grizzlies, @Hornets, Kings, Nuggets, Clippers, @Suns, Sonics

We knock them out with a combination of 2 Slugfest victories or Warrior losses. Another team with a brutal Slugfest schedule. The Warriors face 9 Western Conference contenders down the stretch. I think they lose at least 3 of those.

We have tied the Head to Head at 2-2, so this Tie Break will come down to the Conference Record. We’re barely ahead in that category, so if we wind up tied (which means the Warriors made up 3.5 games in the overall standings), we would probably lose the Tie Break.

Likelihood: Very High

<B>Jazz</B>: Bobcats, Clippers, @Wolves, Wizards, Spurs, @Hornets, @Mavs, Nuggets, Rockets, @Spurs

We knock them out with a combination of 3 Slugfest victories or Jazz losses. They close with 6 difficult games, and I think they drop a couple of those. I also think we win at least 1 of our Slugfest games. That should do the trick.

The Rockets play the Jazz April 21, and the winner of that game gets the Tie Break. Winning that single game drops the Jazz Magic Number by 3.

Likelihood: High (Very High if we win on April 21)

<B>Spurs</B>: @Magic, Clippers, Wolves, Rockets, Warriors, @Jazz, @Blazers, Suns, Sonics, @Lakers, @Kings, Jazz

We knock them out with a combination of 5 Slugfest victories or Spur losses. The Spurs seem to have righted themselves after a 4 game slide. They have 7 tough games left (and I do count @Magic on that list). I think they go 4-3 on that stretch, maybe 3-4. That means we have to win 1 or 2 Slugfest games.

We play the Spurs March 30. The winner of this game gets the Tie Break. A victory would knock the Spurs Magic Number down 3.

Likelihood: Fair (Very High if we win on March 30)

<B>Lakers</B>: @Warriors, Bobcats, Grizzlies, Wizards, Blazers, Mavs, @Kings, @Blazers, @Clippers, Hornets, Spurs, Kings

We knock them out with a combination of 5 Slugfest victories or Laker losses. They have fared well without Gasol and only face 4 more Contenders (with Gasol expected back soon). I think a 10-2 finish is quite likely for them. That means we have to win 3 of our Slugfest contents. That’s a pretty tough order.

We have won the Tie Break with the Lakers, due to our 2-1 Head to Head record.

Likelihood: Uphill climb

<B>Suns</B>: @Pistons, @Celtics, @76ers, @Nets, Nuggets, @Nuggets, Wolves, Mavs, @Grizzlies, @Spurs, @Rockets, @Warriors, Blazers

We knock them out with a combination of 6 Slugfest victories or Sun losses. They just smacked us pretty well, but I like our chances against this team. They have 9 more games against Contenders and a game @76ers (not sure what I think about this team). I think they drop 4 of these games. That means we have to win 2 of our Slugfest contests, which I think we’ll do.

We play the Suns April 11. They are currently up 2-1 in the Head to Head. A victory over them would tie us at 2 apiece. That would throw the Tie Break to the Conference Record, where they are currently 3 games back in the loss column. That should drop the Suns 3 points if we can win that game.

Likelihood: Fair (High if we win on April 11)

<B>Hornets</B>: @Pacers, @Cavs, @Celtics, @Raptors, @Magic, @Heat, Knicks, Warriors, Jazz, @Wolves, @Lakers, @Kings, Clippers, @Mavs

We knock them out with a combination of 7 Slugfest victories or Hornet losses. They have only 5 games left against Contenders (@Magic counts). After watching them beat the Celtics, I have to say they lose only 2 of these games. Hopefully they’ll fall off and drop 3 or 4, but I’m not too optimistic. We’d have to win at least 3 or maybe all of our Slugfest games and hope for the Hornets to fall off.

Likelihood: Bleak

<B>Final Tally</B>
<B>Playoffs -</B> We’re going to the playoffs. It’s only a matter of time before we catch the Nuggets or Warriors or even (gulp) the Mavericks.

<B>Homecourt in 1st Round -</B> This takes one of the 4 best <I>records</I> in the West. As stated above, we’ll pass the Nuggets, Warriors, and Mavericks soon. I think we will also beat out the Jazz when they close with their tough schedule. That means we have to beat out the Spurs or Suns to clinch a top 4 record. I think the Suns are more likely with their brutal schedule, but the Spurs are just as likely if we beat them March 30. We might be the #5 seed, but we’d have a top-4 record, which would mean home court in the first round.

<B>#1 Seed -</B> I just don’t see this one happening unless we go 11-1 or 12-0, the Lakers fall off, and the Hornets fall off. The loss to the Hornets last week really hurt since it cost us the Tie Break.

<B>Prediction -</B> Right now I think we’ll wind up the #3 seed, but moving up to #2 over the Lakers is a possibility.