Another bad loss tonight to the Twolves, now yesterday's loss to the Cavs doesnt feel as bad. Just as long as Kobe and co keep losing, and we can keep that 5th seed. Odom's out too, so it looks like we are pretty safe at #5, we might not even need to win 50 games
That is, unless we somehow get the Spurs in the first round. It's possible with a simple two-three game win streak by the Jazz paired off with a two-three game losing streak with the Spurs. We stand a good chance against the Jazz; the Spurs in the first round? Nuh-uh.
If we get the 5th seed (which we should, hopefully we pick it up over the next few games and LA continues their level of play) I'll be satisfied. I think we could still get homecourt over the 4th seed with a better record (though Im not positive, I'm sure a lot of you guys know) so that'd be good to aim for if we can get on a streak going into the playoffs and the Jazz kind of slip up. If we meet the spurs though... oof. That's a tough 1st round opponent, especially since they'd likely have home court. Still though, it's not as bad as Dallas or Phx., and we're gonna have to encounter 2 of the 3 somewhere along the way so.... If by then Yao and Tracy are meshing, they are both at or near 100%, and Bonzi is back and healthy then we have a real good shot to upset the Spurs.
Good points- I think meeting the Spurs is just as bad as meeting Dallas at this point. The Spurs have been playing so good since the All Star break. I'm concerned about our defensive strength going into the playoffs.
I know what the standings are and realize there are 21-22 games left, but I don't expect the Jazz the pass the Spurs. At this moment in time, the Spurs are playing the best basketball in the NBA. It is very likely we are locked into #5 and will face the Jazz, leaving the Lakers with the unfortunate prospect of facing the Spurs in round 1.
It'll be hard to play any team in the playoffs, no matter what our seed is. Spurs or Jazz, we have to put ALOT of effort into it. I wanna see what tmac evolves into after finally passing the first round...SOMETHING WILDDD
The way the Lakers are playing it wouldnt be a surprise if they fell the 7th or 8th seed or even out of the playoffs altogether.
On Mike and Mike ESPN radio this morning, they were saying that they think Kobe should be suspended for hitting Jarik last nite, similar to what he did to Manu a few months ago.
You are not playing Lakers in the playoffs. They are done anyway with so many injuries in one season. Rox are going to play the top 4 and they are going to do it without home court. The series are all winnable but Rox are certainly not favored. I hope Rox get 50 wins though, and I think they will. A team hyped by management and fans as "win now" should win at least that amount of games to be considered having a somewhat successful season.
Good points- I do not think we get home court- I do hope get 50 wins. Lakers losing Lamar Odom hurt them. What is Luke walton's status? Being the underdog helped us years ago......
It does not matter who the Rockets play it will tough. No excuses just play which ever team and get to the finals.
The Rockets are not playing well enough right now to beat any of the elite teams in the playoffs. They really need to get it going in the next few weeks or a first round exit is very probable. This is the cold hard reality, but I am still hopeful that they will get in sync and on a roll. If not, much adieu about nothing.
In the first round it does, this team needs to get that first playoff series win and then we will take on anyone.
The Lakers have helped us for sure but unless we start winning some games we aren't guaranteed to make the playoffs. I'm not saying that we won't make it, I expect us to be a 5th or 6th seed but we can't rely on other teams to fall down the rankings.
Looks like they're trying to help us again. Just read that Kobe's been suspended from tonight's game for his hit to Marko Jaric last night. They're playing second night of back-to-back with multiple injuries and without Kobe "lead pipe" Bryant. Of course, they are playing the Bucks... GOOOO BUCKS!!!!! http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2790534 -Humer
I said it before and will repeat: I think PJ may retire after the season. The way the Lakers are losing has got to grate on him pretty hard. He's not the kind of coach who tolerates mental mistakes and a lack of discipline very well. Smush, LO, Radman, Bynum, Kwame (and maybe even today's Kobe) are not PJ's type of players. If most of those guys come back, he may not want to deal with it.
No way in hell I would enjoy the Spurs' company in the first round. Yeah it's good and dandy in the regular season when they aren't trying, but don't underestimate them. They're good. They have a good coach, and now they have a great bench with Manu coming off it. They'll give Dallas a run for their money. If they don't beat them, that is.
