2010 Magic Numbers against the Western Conference

<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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Games&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Con&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Overall&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B>
<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Team&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W/L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Left&nbsp;&nbsp; TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;TieBreak&nbsp;&nbsp;Number &nbsp;Diff</B>
&nbsp;1&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;41</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-5&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;19-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;5&nbsp;OKC&nbsp;Thieves&nbsp;&nbsp;32-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;17-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32-25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;19-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
10&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-15
11&nbsp;Grizzlies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;27-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;17-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
12&nbsp;Clippers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-33&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
13&nbsp;Kings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18-37&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10-22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
14&nbsp;Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15-39&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
15&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13-43&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #15 seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>February 20</B>.

Not a great start to the 2010 Magic Number thread with a lone Magic Number falling tonight. All the big names from the Morey’s Big Trade lost tonight.

Déjà Vu?
That was an ugly but familiar game. The Rockets debuted their shiny new acquisition in an impressive first half. Kevin Martin was quietly efficient even if he didn’t shoot terribly well, and the Rockets looked good all the way around for the first 23:59. Scola was shooing well, Ariza was playing solidly, Aaron had the shooting touch and there were assists left and right. Then came that stupid foul at the end of the half. I was hoping things would keep rolling when play resumed, but the Rocket offense bogged down and their defense collapsed again as they let the Pacers run them over with a huge 71 point second half, snapping a 4 game Pacer losing streak. At the end of the game, you could see the Rockets tighten up. They either looked scared to take the next missed shot, or they tried too hard to set up something easy and wound up with a turnover. Uh, and the free shooting was pretty wretched too. It was a frustrating night, and even more so because I feel like I copied and pasted most of what I wrote above.

Kevin Martin wound up with 14 points on an atrocious 3-16 shooting night. He was a sterling 8-9 from the line and added 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Still we need him to find his shooting touch now. Luis was big with 25 points and 11 boards, and Aaron Brooks had another big game with 26 points and 7 assists. Danny Granger led the way for the Pacers with 36 points and shot 4-6 from the 3, and T.J. Ford helped lead the fourth quarter Pacer surge with 23 points.

Sitting 2.5 games out of the #8 spot, the Rockets need to beat almost all of their Probables and take care of business at home. Losing to a bad Pacer team at the Toyota Center is clearly an alarming sign. We’ve all got to have some patience as we integrate our new pieces, but we’re starting to run out of time. The defense needs to stay consistent, and please can somebody besides the new guy and 7’6” Chinese dude with the bad foot hit a freaking free throw.

The Rest of the Action
The red hot Thieves went to the Big Apple to take on McGrady and the 2010 Cap Spacers. For all the grief I have given him, I will be the first to say TMac came to play in his first real action of the season. McGrady finished with 26 points on 10-17 shooting, 4 boards, and 5 assists in 32 minutes of action. It was nearly enough to cool off the visiting Thieves, but Oklahoma rallied from 6 down late to force overtime and then Durant hit the go-ahead shot with 16 seconds left to steal a win at Madison Square Garden. Durant threw down 36 points and 5 boards, and Russell Westbrook was phenomenal with 31 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds. David Lee led the losing Knicks with 30 points and 10 boards.

Carl Landry got his first career start as he made his debut with the Kings. It pained me to see him in a Kings uniform, and it pains me even more that I can no longer call them Suckramento. That would make Carl Freaking Landy angry, and you would not like Carl Freaking Landry when he is angry. The former Rocket didn’t have the best game, finishing with 10 points on 4-11 shooting and 8 boards in a loss to the Clippers. Maybe Westpaul needs more time to work the system to fit Carl, or Carl needs more time to get acclimated to the existing system. I thought they’d run pick and rolls all night with Evans and Landry, but I’m not the coach of the Kings and neither is Rick Adleman. Eric Gordon had 30 points and 6 assists for the victorious Clippers, and All Star Chris Kaveman added an impressive 22 points and 16 boards. Tyreke Evans finished up with 21 points but just 4 assists for the Kings, who lose a Magic Number with their loss.

The Heat were without Dwayne Wade when they visited Dallas to take on the revamped Mavericks. The plucky Heat had a lead going into halftime, but the Mavs took charge in the third and Jason Kidd dominated in the fourth to propel the Mavs to a win over the Heat. Jason Kidd had 21 points (14 in the fourth) and 11 assists, and the Wunderkind scored 28 to go along with 5 boards. Former Wizard Caron Butler put up 20 points and 4 rebounds, while Brendan Haywood had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Daequan Cook had 22 points in the loss for the Heat, and Jermaine O’Neal put up 18 points and 13 boards. After the game Mark Cuban announced he was filing a petition with the league for Miami to return the 2006 O’Brien trophy, which he claims was stolen from his hope chest.

Going to the Big Easy
The plummeting Rockets visit New Orleans where they hope to get their groove back against a Hornets team that is on a downward slide as well. Chris Paul looks like he’s out again, but rookie point guard Darren Collison just had a triple double against the Pacers filling in for the injured All Star. Needless to say, every game is huge for the Rockets right now, but this is a game against one of the Contenders for those last few Playoff spots, and it’s a division game as well. It would be mighty helpful to be up 2-1 on the Hornets with a game left in Houston. As we have seen the past few years, tie breaks matter. You don’t want to say any game is a must win at this point, but it would be a damn helpful win for team morale (and the sanity of this board).

Also on tap for Sunday: Celtics at Nuggets, Spurs at Pistons, Grizz at Nyets, Thieves at Wolves, Hawks at Warriors, Kings at Suns, Jazz at Blazers

 

Blasphemy!

I do think I might do a pair of Magic Number threads next year. One for the Rockets' assault at the #1 seed and another in the NBA Dish that charts how close the Knicks are to the #2 pick after they strike out on LeBron, Wade, Bosh and have to give Rudy Gay a max contract.

 

<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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Games&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Con&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Overall&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B>
<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Team&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W/L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Left&nbsp;&nbsp; TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;TieBreak&nbsp;&nbsp;Number &nbsp;Diff</B>
&nbsp;1&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;41</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;37-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-5&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;19-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;5&nbsp;OKC&nbsp;Thieves&nbsp;&nbsp;33-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;17-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;20-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
10&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-5&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-16
11&nbsp;Grizzlies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;17-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
12&nbsp;Clippers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-33&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
13&nbsp;Kings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18-38&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
14&nbsp;Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-39&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
15&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13-44&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #15 seed</B>

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

Another disappointing night for the Rockets, but at least some of their main competition lost tonight to cushion the loss.

Stung in New Orleans
Well at least the Rockets mixed things up. Instead of taking a halftime lead only to surrender it with a second half meltdown, the Rockets fell behind early and despite a late half-hearted rally, they lost their second straight game. Not only did they fail to reclaim the #9 spot, the Rockets dropped a Division game and fell into a tie with the Grizz for #10. Barring a miraculous Rockets run, Houston can pretty much rule out anything above the #7 spot. Luckily everybody beneath Phoenix seems to be playing pretty wretchedly. 43 wins might just do the trick for a ticket to the Dance in 2010.

We got hit with the usual bugaboos. 50% free throw shooting, untimely turnovers, an inability to string together good offensive possessions, poor transition defense, and ill-timed Ariza three point attempts. I was impressed with Jared Jeffries, and I think he can contribute with a bit more familiarity with the team. Kevin Martin seemed more comfortable tonight and shot a respectable 5-12 for 14 points. Scola had his typical double-double, but Chase Budinger was the best Rocket on the floor tonight.

Still, the Rockets had a chance to make up some ground on the three teams above them, but played flat most of this game and looked like they never really wanted the win.

The Main Competition
The Spurs were without Tony Parker when they traveled to Detroit to take on the Pistons. It was a pretty close game through 3 quarters, but the Pistons took a late 11 point lead until Greg Popovich turned to a familiar tactic: Hack-A-Wallace. Substituting his usual foil Shaq, Popovich tagged the 44% free throw shooting Ben Wallace who bricked 6 of 10 free throws before getting pulled. That was enough for the Spurs to force overtime, but the Pistons used an early 8-2 run in overtime to hand the Spurs another loss. Richard Hamilton led the Pistons with 27 points, and Ben Gordon had an efficient 21 points to go along with 5 assists. Tim Duncan scored 29 points and collected 10 boards, and Manu had 21 points, 5 assists, 4 steals and 6 flops for the Spurs, who lose a Magic Number with the loss.

The Blazers stomped all over the visiting Jazz, amassing a 25 point 3rd quarter lead, but the Jazz rallied from 64-39 to force overtime on a Boozer putback. Roy hit a 3 to start overtime, but the Blazers went ice cold the rest of the period as the Jazz staged a huge come from behind win. Boozer had a monster night with 22 points and 23 rebounds for the Jazz, and Deron Williams added 12 assists to go with 18 points on 4-15 shooting. Roy 23 points, and Camby collected 18 boards for the Blazers, who drop a Magic Number with the loss.

Can you count on New Jersey for any help this year? NYET! They can be up. They can dominate. They can even have the win in the bag. But the Nyets will always find a way to lose. Tonight they built up an 18 point first half lead on the Grizz, but Memphis then took over and added another notch to New Jersey’s astronomical loss column. With the win, Memphis moves into a tie with Houston for the #10 seed, although Houston owns the tie break for now over the Grizz. Rudy Gay led Memphis with 29 points and 8 boards, and O.J. May chipped in with 24 points, 7 assists, 4 steals and 6 rebounds. Brook Lopez had 26 points and 9 points, and Devin Harris added 17 points, 8 assists, but 8 turnovers for the Nyets, who seem a lock to have the worst record in NBA history.

The Upper Echelon
The Nuggets raced to an early 20 point lead over the visiting Celtics, but saw that lead disappear by the third quarter. Still the Nuggets proved too much as they pulled away again and beat the Celtics. Chauncey Billups had 26 points and 7 assists for the Nuggets, and Carmelo Anthony added 23 points and 8 assists. Ray Allen led the Celtics with 25 points, and Rondo chipped in with 15 points and 11 assists.

The Suns seem to have turned a corner and continued their winning ways, putting the screws to the hapless Kings as they wiped out a 3 point halftime deficit to
sweep Sacramento. Jason Richardson had 26 points and 7 boards, Nash dished out 17 assists, and Amare put up 19 points and 14 rebounds for the Suns. Carl Landry led the Kings with 18 points to go along with 7 boards, but shot just 6-15. Beno Udrih scored 17 points, and Tyreke Evans and Donte Greene each added 16 points for the Kings, who lose a Magic Number with the loss.

The red hot Thieves met a surprisingly tough team when they traveled to Minnesota. The Timberpups put a fight, but Durant was too much as the Thieves stretched their winning streak to 9 games. Kevin Durant scored 32 points and has very impressively put up at least 25 points in 28 straight games. Russell Westbrook notched a triple double with 22 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds. Jonny Flynn led the Wolves with 19 points, and Damien Wilkins and Corey Brewer each had 18 points for the woeful Wolves who drop a Magic Nubmer with the loss.

The Cellar Dwellers
The Hawks travel to GolXen State and are on pace for 120 points through the first three quarters with an 18 point lead. That seems like the typical script for a Warriors game. Surprisingly Stepen Curry led a huge comeback for the ever-shorthanded Warriors as the Hawks melted down and choked the game away. Curry finished with 32 points on 13-18 shooting and 8 boards, and Monta Ellis added 26 points for GolXen State. Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 31 points, and Al Halford scored 26 points and collected 11 boards.

On tap for Monday: Pacers at Mavs, Hawks at Jazz, Bobcats at Clippers,

 

<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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Games&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Con&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Overall&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B>
<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Team&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W/L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Left&nbsp;&nbsp; TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;TieBreak&nbsp;&nbsp;Number &nbsp;Diff</B>
&nbsp;1&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;41</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;37-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-5&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;19-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;5&nbsp;OKC&nbsp;Thieves&nbsp;&nbsp;33-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;17-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;20-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
10&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-5&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-16
11&nbsp;Grizzlies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;17-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
12&nbsp;Clippers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23-33&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
13&nbsp;Kings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18-38&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
14&nbsp;Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-39&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
15&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13-44&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-27&nbsp;&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #15 seed</B>

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

I apologize for the late edition. When your wife works 10 out of 11 nights, you take a break from the Magic Number thread on her one night off…

This year’s thread is off to an alarmingly disappointing start. Unlike the past few years, barring a miracle 22 game run, the Rockets will not be competing for anything above #6. In fact, the top 6 teams look to be a lock. There could be a lot of jumbling up for those teams, but I don’t see any of them falling to #7 or below.

That leaves us with the 5 teams fighting for the final 2 spots: Rockets, Spurs, Hornets, Grizz and Blazers. I’m going to reorient the focus of this thread to look at the Rockets and these teams. I don’t have as much free time and it seems pointless to fully chronicle the Wolves and Lakers, since neither team has any bearing on our Playoff chances.

The Action Monday
With the exception of their upset of the Rockets, the Pacers haven’t been losing road games left and right. The Mavs hosted them Monday and showed no pity as they put together a methodical, ugly-shooting victory. Dirk led the Mavs with 23 points and 7 boards, and Brendan Haywood racked up 13 points and 20 rebounds. Troy Murphy had 10 points and 11 rebounds, and T.J. Ford put up 14 points on 3-11 of shooting.

Joe Johnson and the Hawks used a huge fourth quarter to beat the short-handed Jazz. Johnson scored 28 (11 in the fourth) to go along with 6 boards and 6 assists, and Josh Smith added 18 points, 9 boards, and 5 assists for the Hawks. The Jazz were led by Paul Milsap who had 14 points and 9 rebounds. The Jazz, who lose a Magic Number, were playing without AK47 and Deron Williams.

Just when you think the Bobcats are legit, they revert to form. Traveling to LA to face the JV team, the Bobcats let the new-look Clippers take over in the fourth quarter to pick up the win. Rasual Butler led the Clippers with 20 points, and Chris Kaman put up another solid stat line with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Gerald Wallace had 32 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals for the Bobcats, and Boris Diaw chipped in with 20 points, 9 assists, and 9 boards. Larry Brown’s club is back below .500 and currently out of the Playoff race, which they are trying to make for the first time.

Tuesday
The Rockets get another day off to hopefully integrate some of their new players. 3 of our closest competitors play tonight. The Hornets and Grizz are in for very tough matchups. The Blazers? Uh….not so much. Go Yi!

On tap for Tuesday: Hornets at Cavs, Lakers at Grizz, Blazers at Nyets, Wolves at Heat, Suns at Thieves, Pistons at Kings, 76ers at Warriors

 

<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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Games&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Con&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Overall&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B>
<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Team&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W/L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Left&nbsp;&nbsp; TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;TieBreak&nbsp;&nbsp;Number &nbsp;Diff</B>
&nbsp;1&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;43-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25-11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;40</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;38-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23-12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;37-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;37-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-5&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;20-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;5&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;6&nbsp;OKC&nbsp;Thieves&nbsp;&nbsp;33-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;18-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;20-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;27</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
10&nbsp;Grizzlies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;17-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;27</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
11&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-5&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-16
12&nbsp;Clippers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-33&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
13&nbsp;Kings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18-39&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
14&nbsp;Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-41&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
15&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14-45&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #15 seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>February 25</B>.

I haven't had a chance to post this in 3 days, which really isn't a bad thing while the faint playoff hopes the Rockets went on life support. As much as I'd like to chronicle the end of the season (despite our lack of success), I think I'm going to have to wrap up this year's edition early. My job is super busy and I don't sleep much these days. I think I bit off more than I can chew, but the Kevin Martin trade just got me really pumped up to try it anyways.

I'll go back to posting Magic Number charts in the post-game threads.

I'm very bullish on the Rockets' chances next year and look forward to firing up the Magic Number thread after the All Star Break as we fight for big stakes (#1 seed, home court, division title).

 

I had intended to let this thread die out. I'm just getting hammered with work and the kids right now (but the youngest has slept through the night 6 nights in a row :grin: and we're almost to the March 15 deadline at work). I felt guilty just putting the chart up without the full writeups I like doing. I just reach the end of the day, and usually crash out without having the time to write things up. I barely have time to watch the Rockets, let alone other teams.

I can post the daily numbers here if people are interested and write things up as I have time.

I do think that this next 5 game stretch is make or break for the Rockets. We almost have to go 5-0 to have a chance. 4-1 probably won't cut it, but if we do drop one, it has to be a Eastern Conference opponent.

The tie break situation starts becoming critical. We're tied 2-2 in the head-to-head with Portland and 2 games back in Conference record (3 in the loss column). Hopefully if we make up a couple of games on them, we'll overtake them in Conference record so we would win a 2 team tie break. We're up 2-1 on the Spurs and can take that series 3-1 with a win in SA on March 31. That would be a huge victory, not only taking the head-to-head with the Spurs but also giving us another huge division win.

If we beat the Hornets on the last game of the season, we tie them 2-2 and would have a 2 game lead in the division record, which should be enough to get us the tie break. A victory against the Grizz in either of our two remaining games against them clinches the two team tie break.

We are currently tied with the Mavs for the best Southwest division record, and that's a nice ace up the sleeve when 3 of our 4 competitors for playoff spots comes from our division.

I still think the Rockets can get in, but they need to feast on this easy stretch of 5 games and get healthy. If they emerge 35-29 on March 14 with a healthy Ariza, Battier, and especially Lowry, they have a solid chance to make the dance.

And people, please. The Magic Number thread is not the place for tanking talk. There are 8 billion other threads that cover that situation. This thread is about making the dance.

Thanks rpr52121 for posting the numbers. I'll definitely put a chart up after we face the Sacramento Landrys.