Magic Number for the Rockets against West Playoff Contenders

<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;Games&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Con&nbsp;&nbsp;Overall&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B>
<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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>

&nbsp;1&nbsp;&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;54-23&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;10-5&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;32-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;2&nbsp;&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;53-24&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;10-6&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;30-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;3&nbsp;&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;53-25&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;33-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;4&nbsp;&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;52-26&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;31-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;5&nbsp;&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;52-25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;6&nbsp;&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;52-26&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;28-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;7&nbsp;&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49-29&nbsp;&nbsp;1-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;31-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;8&nbsp;&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-31&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;28-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dusted</B>
&nbsp;9&nbsp;&nbsp;Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-31&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;27-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vanquished</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 #7 Seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>April 8</B>.

The NBA is back after a night off. I feel recharged after watching parts of 3 or 4 games a night and obsessing over Rocket Magic Numbers as well as what the results meant for the rest of the field. We have an unbelievable number of awesome contender contests over the next 8 days. The Rockets meet up with the Suns, Jazz, and Nuggets. I am really looking forward to this stretch run to see how it all shakes out.

The huge game Tuesday was the Jazz at Hornets. Unfortunately for the Rockets, Deron Williams and the Jazz defeated Chris Paul and the Hornets. The Hornet’s Magic Number drop 1, but the Hornets are still in command for the #1 seed. Utah clinched the Northwest division with their victory and is still within range of moving up from the #4 spot, but they have 4 tough games left on their schedule.

We didn’t get any help from Phoenix either. The Suns, as expected, beat the Grizzlies. Shaq sat out with a hip contusion. I have no idea if it’s serious and will keep him out of Friday’s game, but it’s doubtful seeing how important that game is to both teams. However, it would fit into the star players being injured during their games with the Rockets phenomenon.

The Lakers proved you cannot predict this race as they dropped a game to the Blazers. LA’s Magic Number drops 1. They’re still in a commanding lead for the Pacific crown and in good shape for the #3 seed, but this loss will probably prevent them from moving up into the top 2 slots. We are in good shape to knock their Numbers down to zero. It can never hurt to have a better record than them in case of a WCF meeting (I am drinking the cool aid today ).

The Mavs moved a bit closer to a Playoff berth and solidifying their hold on the #7 spot, sending the Sonics to their 60th loss of the season.

The Nuggets snapped out of their 2 game slide by crushing the hapless Clippers. The Warriors kept pace by outgunning the Kings in a shootout. The Warriors-Nuggets game on Thursday is probably going to decide this race and should be an entertaining game.

We get a rematch with the Sonics, this time at home, on Wednesday. Durant and company are coming are on the second night of a back-to-back and only 3 days removed for a double overtime game with the Nuggets. This is a game we should win, and the Rockets really need to capitalize on these easy games, especially with Utah winning. A win drops all Magic Numbers by 1, and hopefully the Suns will lose.

Also on tap for Wednesday: Hornets at Wolves, Suns at Spurs

 

I'd add Dallas as well now that they've righted themselves.

This is why it's critical for us to get the #5 seed and stay in the top half of the bracket. I'm perfectly fine letting Dallas, San Antonio, LA, and Phoenix beat each other up in the bottom half.

 

<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;Games&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Con&nbsp;&nbsp;Overall&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B>
<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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>

&nbsp;1&nbsp;&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;55-23&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;10-5&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;33-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;2&nbsp;&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;53-25&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;10-6&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;30-18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
&nbsp;3&nbsp;&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;53-25&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;33-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;4&nbsp;&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;52-26&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;31-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tie<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;5&nbsp;&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;53-25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;6&nbsp;&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;53-26&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;29-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;7&nbsp;&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49-29&nbsp;&nbsp;1-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;31-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;8&nbsp;&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-31&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;28-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dusted</B>
&nbsp;9&nbsp;&nbsp;Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-31&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;27-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vanquished</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 #7 Seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>April 9</B>.

No McGrady, no problem. They looked a bit sloppy in the first half, but the Rockets buckled down and dominated the Sonics in the second. This was definitely a game we needed to win. All Magic Numbers drop 1. Tonight’s victory also assured us of the Tie Break edge over the Suns if we defeat them on Friday. We currently have 31 conference wins and a victory on Friday gives us 32. The Suns would be capped at 31.

Speaking of the Suns, they went to San Antonio for a huge showdown with the Spurs. This was a game I was really hoping Phoenix would lose, but the Spurs have apparently forgotten how to score. The Suns took control of a tight game and threw a beatdown on the Spurs in the fourth quarter. This drops San Antonio’s Magic Number an additional point. Things are suddenly a lot tighter from seeds 2-6, and we could move as high as #2.

After losing last night, the Hornets took out their frustrations on the Timberpups, winning by 32. Their Magic Number is 2 to clinch the Southwest division.

On tap for Thursday: Nuggets at Warriors, Jazz at Mavericks, Lakers at Clippers

 

We had a path that didn't require victories against the Jazz and Sun, but then the Jazz won in New Orleans and the Suns won in San Antonio. That really killed our margin of error.

If we lose Friday, I don't see the Phoenix number dropping 4. We'll beat the Clippers, and I feel good about Denver. Maybe the Suns drop a game @Warriors, but that would still require us winning in Utah or the Suns losing at home to the Blazers.

We still have a shot with the Jazz if we lose our game in Utah. It starts with them losing tonight in Dallas (Suck it up and root for the Mavs). Victories for us over Denver and the Clippers would probably be required. Then we'd have to hope for the Jazz to lose at home to the Nuggets or on the road at the Spurs. That's a lot easier to see happening. Of course, clinching home court over the Jazz does us no good if we slip to the #6 seed.

Which pretty much brings us back to Friday is a must win game.

 

With things tightening up in the Western Conference (Thanks a lot Hornets and Spurs ), I'm taking a look at the Tie Break advantages for the top 6 teams. Who's got 'em, which are still up for grabs, and how the hell do they work?

<B>Order of Operations</B>
The important thing to remember with Tie Breaks is that there is an order to apply them. So how do the Seeds get divvied up?
1) Determine the Division winners. For each Division, look at the Division teams and select the best team. If 2 teams are tied, use 2 Team Tie Break rules.
2) From the remaining 5 teams, select the winningest team. If 2 teams are tied, use 2 Team Tie Break rules. If 3 are tied, go to the 3 Team Tie Break rules. Pick the top team.
3) Take the 4 teams selected and seed them 1-4 by record. If teams are tied go to Tie Break rules to determine who gets the higher seed.
4) Look at the 4 teams left and seed them 5-8 by record. If teams are tied go to Tie Break rules to determine who gets the higher seed.
5) Award home court in each round to the team with the best record. If teams are tied, use the 2 Team Tie Break rules to determine who wins.

<B>2 Team Tie Breakers</B>
If the 2 teams tied are in the same division, the Tie Break is awarded by the following criteria:
1) Head to Head record
2) Division record
3) Conference record

If the 2 teams are not in the same division, the Tie Break is awarded by the following criteria:
1) Head to Head record
2) Conference record

<B>3 Team Tie Breakers</B>
We don't normally see these, but it's seeming increasingly likely that we could have at least 3 teams wind up with the same record at the end of the season. To determine who wins the 3 (or more) team Tie Break, sum up their records against the other teams:
Team #1 -- Record against Team #2 + Record against Team #3
Team #2 -- Record against Team #1 + Record against Team #3
Team #3 -- Record against Team #1 + Record against Team #2

The team with the best record wins the Tie Break.

<B>&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tie</B>
<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Record&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Left&nbsp;&nbsp;Break</B>
<B>Hornets</B>
vs.&nbsp;Spurs:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes
vs.&nbsp;Lakers:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD
vs.&nbsp;Jazz:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No
vs.&nbsp;Rockets:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes
vs.&nbsp;Suns:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes

<B>Spurs</B>
vs.&nbsp;Hornets:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No
vs.&nbsp;Lakers:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD
vs.&nbsp;Jazz:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD
vs.&nbsp;Rockets:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes
vs.&nbsp;Suns:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No

<B>Lakers</B>
vs.&nbsp;Hornets:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Home&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD
vs.&nbsp;Spurs:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Home&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD
vs.&nbsp;Jazz:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes
vs.&nbsp;Rockets:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No
vs.&nbsp;Suns:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes

<B>Jazz</B>
vs.&nbsp;Hornets:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes
vs.&nbsp;Spurs:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD
vs.&nbsp;Lakers:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD
vs.&nbsp;Rockets:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD
vs.&nbsp;Suns:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes

<B>Rockets</B>
vs.&nbsp;Hornets:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No
vs.&nbsp;Spurs:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No
vs.&nbsp;Lakers:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes
vs.&nbsp;Jazz:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD
vs.&nbsp;Suns:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD

<B>Suns</B>
vs.&nbsp;Hornets:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No
vs.&nbsp;Spurs:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes
vs.&nbsp;Lakers:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No
vs.&nbsp;Jazz:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No
vs.&nbsp;Suns:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD

 

I was just looking at the standings again, and we do have another route to home court and the #5 seed even if we lose to Utah and Phoenix. It would require us beating the Clippers and Denver as well as some help from other teams.

If the Suns beat us, I could see them running the table and finishing 56-26.

The Lakers close with @Clippers, Hornets, Spurs, Kings. 2 losses from that group leaves their record at 55-27. The Pacific Division goes to the Suns. The Lakers drop all the way to #6, and we get the #5 seed. We need Phoenix to win the division because we have the Tie Break over the Lakers and not the Suns.

The Spurs, Jazz, and Suns would battle it out for 2-4, and might wind up tied at the end of the season. Jazz at Spurs on the last game of the season is huge. I think Utah winds up #4 though.

The question then is can we beat out Utah for home court. Our two victories knock Utah's number down to 2. The Jazz have @Mavs, Nuggets, Rockets, @Spurs left on their schedule. Assuming we lose in Utah, do the Jazz lose 2 games? @Mavs and @Spurs are definitely games they could lose.

Just another scenario to ponder in case we fall Friday night (which is going to happen). I'm definitely rooting for the Mavericks tonight. Go Mavs!

 

I meant to write "which <B>isn't</B> going to happen".

I really hope I didn't just jinx the team...

 

It's unlikely to happen, but it's certainly possible. Anything is possible this year.

It would take us winning all 4 of our games. That closes every team out except the Spurs. We then have to hope San Antonio loses 1 game, preferrably to the Jazz. Now we're the #2 seed.

For Utah to get #3, you need them to beat out LA or Phoenix. The Suns are more likely because Utah has the Tie Break on them. But the Lakers have the Tie Break over the Suns. Since we're projecting this with us beating the Suns, you'd need LA to lose 2 games. Spurs and Hornets are likely candidates. If that happens, and the Jazz win 3 of their last 4 (losing only to us), I think that would put us #2 and the Jazz #3.

That works. For today at least...