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;60-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;39-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;31-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;5&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-16
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;29-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-30&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;31-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;45-31&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-8&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;24-22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42-34&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eclipsed</B>

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #8 seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>April 3</B>.

It was a disappointing night for the Rockets. They weren’t helped by a Pacer collapse, but they did get some help from other teams.

Swept by the Lakers
I didn’t harbor much hope for this game and predicted a loss, but it was frustrating nonetheless. The Rockets put all of their annoying flaws on display in a disappointing loss. They turned it over, shot poorly from the free throw line, gave up way too many offensive rebounds, and went brain dead on offense. I know the Lakers are good, but I had hoped to see some of these issues worked on over their extended break. The Rockets fall to #5 and face a must-win game on Sunday for home court in the first round.

Race for the Southwest Update
The Spurs haven’t been playing great ball, and they were traveling to Indiana to face a good home Pacer team. San Antonio looked like they were going to run away with this in a very high-scoring game, but Danny Granger and a barrage of Pacer 3’s gave Indiana a late lead. The Spurs’ experience, however, shone through as the Pacers played sloppy ball in the last minute and blew the game. Tony Parker was sensational with 31 points and 13 assists, and Duncan had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Spurs. Danny Granger scored 35 points, and Jarrett Jack had 22 points, 6 assists, and some bone-headed play in the final minute for the Pacers.

We're now 1.5 games behind the Spurs with us down 2 in the loss column. It was also a conference loss and a loss to a Playoff opponent, both of which hurt us against the Spurs. We pretty much need to sweep our remaining games to catch the Spurs. We might still catch them if we go 5-1 as long as that loss is to the Magic.

Criterion 3: Conference Record
Rockets Conference Record: 31-16
Rockets Conference Record Magic Number to Tie: 6
Rockets Conference Record Magic Number to Win: 7
Spurs Conference Record: 31-15
Spurs Conference Record Magic Number to Tie: 5 (-1)
Spurs Conference Record Magic Number to Win: 6 (-1)

Rockets Conference Games: Blazers, @Kings, @Warriors, Hornets, @Mavs
Spurs Conference Games: @Thieves, Blazers, Jazz, @Kings, @Warriors, Hornets

Criterion 4: Better Winning Percentage against Playoff Teams
Rockets Record: 12-12
Rockets Winning Pct: .500
Rockets Magic Number to Win: 3*
Spurs Record: 10-12
Spurs Winning Pct: .455
Spurs Magic Number to Win: 4*

*Please note that these Magic Numbers are volatile since the Spurs play only 25 of these games and the Rockets 27. Every Rocket game is worth .037 toward their final winning percentage while each Spur game counts .04 toward their final percentage. So a Spur loss could actually lower a Magic Number by 2.

Rockets Remaining Games: Blazers, Hornets, @Mavs
Spurs Conference Games: Blazers, Jazz, Hornets

For more information on the tie break situation with the Spurs, please read Post 607.

The Rest of Friday’s Games
The Blazers have been playing well, and they figured to keep things rolling as they visited OKC. I expected Portland to win, but I didn’t forsee a 35 point rout. The Blazers pick up another division win and stay just 1.5 games behind Enver for the Norhtwest lead. LaMarcus Aldridge dominated with 35 points and 18 rebounds, and Steven Blake had 14 points and 10 assists for the Blazers, who move up to the #4 spot. Kevin Durant scored 13 points for the Thieves.

The Suns looked like their Playoff dreams died in Suckramento last weekend, and they to be looking for some payback when the Kings came to Phoenix. The pretty Suns put their offensive arsenal on full display, racking up 139 points in a high-scoring win. They’re now only 3 games behind the Mavs with a critical game in Dallas on Sunday. If they win, they can at least make the race interesting, but a loss all but eliminates them. Steven Nash put up 29 points and 9 assists, and Matt Barnes had 11 points and 11 rebounds for the pretty Suns, who are now 4-3 on their 9 Games of All Doom. Spencer Hawes had 22 points and 10 boards, and Francisco Garcia scored 29 for the Kings.

The Mavs looked to capitalize on one of their few Probable games left as they traveled to Memphis. The Grizz, however, did not play the part of meek host as they took down the Mavs, who missed a golden opportunity to move up in the standings. Rudy Gay threw down 27 points and 10 rebounds, and Mike Conley added 25 points for the Grizz. Dirk had 35 points and 9 rebounds for the Mavs, who lose a Magic Number. This was also a divisional loss for the Mavs, which means we have clinched at least a tie in head-to-head and divisional records. We would have a better conference record if these teams wound up tied at the end of the season. That means we take the tie break from the Mavs and drop them an additional Magic Number.

The Jazz have been money at home, winning 15 straight. Surely the lowly Wolves wouldn’t be the team to break that streak. That’s why they play the games. Minnesota played Utah close the entire game and had clutch plays down the stretch to walk away with a 1 point win. Rodney Carney and Ryan Gomes each scored 25, and Mike Miller added 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists for the Wolves. Deron Williams put up an impressive 34 points and 11 assist for the Jazz, who lose a Magic Number.

The terribly inconsistent Hornets played one last Probable in GolXen State before they begin their 7 Games of Peril. The unenergetic Hornets team showed up tonight, and the Warriors led nearly the entire game as they scored the upset. Jamal Crawford had 39 points, and Anthony Randolph added 20 points and 15 rebounds for GolXen State. Chris Paul had 43 points and 9 assists, and David West put up 31 points and 14 rebounds for the Hornets, who lose a Magic Number.

The Rockets are off Saturday as are most of our fellow Contenders. The action kicks back into gear on Sunday with 4 huge Contender vs. Contender matchups.

On tap for Saturday: Clippers at Nuggets

 

<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;60-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;39-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;51-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;31-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;5&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-16
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;29-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-30&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;31-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;45-31&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-8&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;24-22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42-34&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eclipsed</B>

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #8 seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>April 4</B>.

Not much going on tonight that affected the Rockets.

Enver has been rolling, and the Nugget Express kept right on chugging with a smackdown of the Clippers. That’s 6 straight wins and 11 of 12 overall for Enver, who is starting to look like a lock for a top 3 seed. J.R. Smith scored 34 off the bench, and Chauncey Billups added 12 points and 9 assists for the Nuggets. Zach Randolph put up 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers.

Sunday is absolutely huge for the Rockets. We host the Blazers in a decisive game that will determine who gets the tie break. We can knock the Blazers down 3 points with a win, and we’d also stay in the running for the Southwest Division. A loss, however, squelches any realistic shot for the division title, and likely prevents us from getting home court in the first round. The Rockets have played sloppy ball in our last 3 road games, but this one is at home and we need to capitalize. We’re going to find out what this team is made of tomorrow.

The Rockets-Blazers game isn’t the only one of note. Dallas hosts the Suns in a game that could finally throw dirt on Phoenix’s playoff coffin. The Spurs travel to the NBA’s most dangerous arena when they play the Cavs. The Hornets host a terrible road team when the Jazz come to the Big Easy. Forget the NCAA Championship game. Tomorrow is a hoops fan’s dream.

Also on tap for Sunday: Spurs at Cavs, Suns at Mavs, Jazz at Hornets, Nuggets at Wolves, Clippers at Lakers

 

<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;61-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;40-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;52-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;31-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32-16
&nbsp;5&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-3)
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-29&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;29-18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&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;32-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-31&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-8&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;25-22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42-35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eclipsed</B>

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #8 seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>April 5</B>.

It was a crazy busy day in the NBA with marquee matchups left and right. The Rockets picked up a very important victory and got a lot of help from their fellow Contenders.

A Huge Victory
How sweet it is! The Rockets have been sputtering, but they returned to the Toyota Center and picked up an impressive victory over a hot Blazers team. They looked in control and played with a ton of poise tonight. This victory gives us the inside track for home court in the first round, and we definitely have the Spurs in our sights for the Southwest lead. All Magic Numbers drop 1. The Blazers drop an additional point with the loss, and a third point because we clinched the head-to-head tie break over them. If we meet Portland in the Playoffs, we will likely have home court.

Race for the Southwest Update
The Spurs have looked mortal this past week, losing 2 of their last 3. That didn’t bode well as they traveled to Cleveland to face a lethal Cavs home team. LeBron and crew took over in the second quarter, and the Spurs never really threatened again as the Cavs scored another impressive win at home. LeBron put up a monster 38 points, 7 boards, and 6 assists, and Mo William and Delonte West each scored 22 for the Cavs, who have a Magic Number of 5 to clinch the best record in the NBA. The Big 3 didn’t fare too well for the Spurs. Tony Parker had 24 points but just 4 assists, and Timmy and Manu combined for only 10 points. San Antonio is cratering and faces a dangerous back-to-back next as they play at OKC (who seem to have their number) and host the Blazers. The Spurs could very well find themselves at #5 by Wednesday.

The Spur loss costs them an additional Magic Number. With our win, we are now a ½ game behind the Spurs with us down 1 in the loss column. It was a Conference win for us, as well as a victory over a Playoff Contender. It was not a Conference loss for the Spurs. We have only 1 game left against the Eastern Conference (Tuesday when we host the Magic), and the Spurs are done. Essentially, if we win the Magic game and we end up tied with the Spurs, we’ll be tied in Conference Record. If we lose to the Magic and wind up tied, we’ll have won that tie break.

Criterion 3: Conference Record
Rockets Conference Record: 32-16
Rockets Conference Record Magic Number to Tie: 5 (-1)
Rockets Conference Record Magic Number to Win: 6 (-1)
Spurs Conference Record: 31-15
Spurs Conference Record Magic Number to Tie: 5
Spurs Conference Record Magic Number to Win: 6

Rockets Conference Games: @Kings, @Warriors, Hornets, @Mavs
Spurs Conference Games: @Thieves, Blazers, Jazz, @Kings, @Warriors, Hornets

Criterion 4: Better Winning Percentage against Playoff Teams
Rockets Record: 13-12
Rockets Winning Pct: .520
Rockets Magic Number to Win: 2* (-1)
Spurs Record: 10-12
Spurs Winning Pct: .455
Spurs Magic Number to Win: 4*

*Please note that these Magic Numbers are volatile since the Spurs play only 25 of these games and the Rockets 27. Every Rocket game is worth .037 toward their final winning percentage while each Spur game counts .04 toward their final percentage. So a Spur loss could actually lower a Magic Number by 2.

Rockets Remaining Games: Hornets, @Mavs
Spurs Conference Games: Blazers, Jazz, Hornets

For more information on the tie break situation with the Spurs, please read Post 607.

The Rest of Sunday’s Games
There was no D in Big D when the Phoenix Suns came to town. This was a game the pretty Suns had to win if they were going to resuscitate their fading Playoff hopes. Instead they put forth a truly pathetic defensive effort, giving up 81 points in the first half and getting blown out in a high scoring game. When you score 116, you’re not supposed to lose by 24. Jeff Van Gundy had to be removed Hannibal Lecter style at the half to keep ABC from getting hit with massive FCC fines. The eloquent Mark Jackson summed up the Phoenix defensive effort best. “That’s called not getting it done.” Phoenix is eliminated with one more loss or a Maverick victory. Jason Kidd had 19 points and 20 assists (including 15 at the half ), and Dirk scored 28 for the Mavs. In their biggest game of the season, Steve Nash managed just 12 points and 8 assists, and Shaq added a paltry 14 points and 7 rebounds for the <strike>pretty</strike> pathetic Suns.

What the hell is up with Utah? They’ve become the Bizarro Jazz. First the Wolves snap their 15 game home winning streak. They were bound to play to form when they went to the Big Easy. The Jazz had lost 15 straight to winning teams on the road after all, but they were playing the Schizo Hornets. The bad Hornets team showed up and got blown out 41-19 in the first quarter. New Orleans got within 8 in the third quarter, but the Jazz never let them get closer as they snapped that road losing streak. Deron Williams had 21 points and 11 assists, and Ronnie Brewer scored 23 for the Jazz, who stay a game up on the Mavs for #7. David West had 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Chris Paul put up 19 points and 12 assists for the Hornets who lose an additional Magic Number.

Enver is no longer toying with bad teams. The Wolves were the latest to discover this as the Nuggets came to town and eviscerated Minnesota. That’s 7 in a row for the Nuggets, who are looking mighty good to win the Northwest. Their Magic Number over Portland is 2. Carmelo had 23 points and 8 boards, and Chauncey Billups added 17 points and 7 assists. Shelden Williams had 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Mike Miller had 7 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists for the Wolves, who get back to their losing ways after scoring the upset in Utah.

With the Cavs winning, the Lakers needed a victory to keep pace by beating the junior varsity team. It figured to be an easy win for the Lakers, but the Clippers managed to close within a point with under a minute to play. Never underestimate the power of the Clippers to blow last minute situations. Tonight was no different. Another missed 3 by Zach Randolph, and the Lakers pulled out a close win over a hapless Clippers team. I like having the Lakers this close to the Cavs. It’s going to give them a lot incentive when they play Enver and Portland later this week. Lamar Odom had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Kobe scored 18 for the Lakers. Eric Gordon had 24 points and 8 boards, and Zach Randolph had 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 ill-advised 3-point attempts for the Clippers.

On tap for Monday: Nada. Hug your kids and go outside and play.