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;&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;W/L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;51-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;43-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;27-10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42-24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&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;27-12
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;41-24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;5&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;40-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-3&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;23-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;40-24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-19&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)
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;41-25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25-14&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;
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;40-25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-7&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;22-18&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34-30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20-17&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;
10&nbsp;Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-42&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vanquished</B>

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

For more information on the Magic Number Chart or about seeding or tie break rules, read the FAQ

<B>Clinched the #9 seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>March 11</B>.

It was a disappointing night for the Rockets, but I felt our point guard of the future kick for the first time tonight. Ian Thompson starts for the Rockets in 2031. Book it!

If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, and the Rockets sure had a great shot to beat the West’s #1 seed tonight. However, they were done in by sloppy play and fell apart in the second half and lost a game that was there for the taking. The Rockets looked brutal tonight. They had 23 turnovers, and I’m not sure if Ron brought his brain with him to the arena. Their free throw shooting returned, but they were 5-28 on 3 pointers. They persevered in Enver with an ugly performance, but that won’t cut it against the elite teams.

Still let’s keep things in perspective. There was good news and bad news in tonight’s Magic Numbers. Catching the Spurs just got a lot more difficult. We’re now 4 back in the loss column. However, we still control our own destiny to get the #3 seed, and we got some help tonight. Other Contenders lost, and we held onto the #3 for another day. We do have less breathing room between us and the #7 and #8 seeds though.

At some point their road record had to catch up to the Utah Jazz. They went for their 13th straight win in Atlanta against a Hawks team who has taken down a number of quality opponents. The Hawks built a solid first half lead, but got outscored 33-18 in the third. The Jazz had a 2 point lead with 5 minutes left but failed to score a basket after that as the Hawks halted the Jazz and their winning streak. Finally! Joe Johnson had 31 points and 9 assists, and Josh Smith added 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Hawks. Deron Williams had 20 points and 9 assists in Utah’s loss. The road doesn’t get any easier for the Jazz who travel to Miami and Orlando next. The Jazz lose a Magic Number.

The Mavs traveled to Portland in the other Contender Battle of the night. Brandon Roy appeared to be sick but still had a solid game with 22 points and 6 assists. Dallas built a comfortable lead in the second quarter and were able to keep it until the very end of the game. Despite some sloppy play and some really ugly shots from Dirk, the Mavs were able to pull out a close victory over the Blazers and take the season series 3-0. Dirk Nowitzki had 29 points and 10 rebounds, and Jason Terry chipped in with 24 points. LeMarcus Aldridge did the bulk of the work for the Blazers in the second half and finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Portland loses a Magic Number.

The Hornets dropped the first game of their 4 game road trip to the Hawks, but they were determined to not make it two in a row, especially not to the dreadful Wizards. Washington actually led at the half, but then Chris Paul took over. The Hornets blew the Wizards out in the third quarter 40-22 en route to an easy victory. Chris Paul is playing unbelievably good basketball right now and had a triple double with 30 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. Tyson Chandler had a double double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Antawn Jamison had 25 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

The Nuggets have been in freefall, falling from the #2 seed all the way to #7. They were in danger of slipping to #8 tonight, but they drew the woeful Thieves. Seeing how the Nuggets lost a bad game to the Kings recently, this was not a gimme game. Enver, however, made sure the outcome was never in doubt by stomping to the Thieves in the first quarter and cruising to victory. The win snapped a 3 game losing streak. Carmelo had 22 points, and Renaldo Balkman had 14 points and 14 rebounds in a rare start for the Nuggets.

The Warriors needed a victory in New Jersey to keep their dim Playoff hopes alive in what could be the last Cellar Dweller Battle of the season. Golden State tried to give this game away, but they outgunned the Nets 116-112. Captain Jack led the way for the Warriors with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 7assists. Devin Harris had 31 points and 12 assists for the Nets, who missed an opportunity to move into the #8 spot in the East.

On tap for Thursday: Lakers at Spurs, Cavs at Suns

 

Thanks! I was writing the roundup when my wife grabbed my hand, and I felt him kicking. Very cool.

Good catch. I guess the standings hadn't updated on ESPN when I copied them. It's fixed on the main post.

 

<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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;52-13&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;&nbsp;35-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;43-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;27-11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42-24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&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;27-12
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;41-24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;5&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;40-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-3&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;23-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;40-24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&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;21-19&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;
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;41-25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&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;25-14&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;
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;40-25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-7&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;22-18&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34-31&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;20-17&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)
10&nbsp;Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-42&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-7&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;12-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vanquished</B>

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

For more information on the Magic Number Chart or about seeding or tie break rules, read the FAQ

<B>Clinched the #9 seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>March 12</B>.

The Lakers are getting back with the program. They only have 2 things they need to do: defeat Western Conference Contenders and lose to the Rockets. Fresh off winning in Houston, the Lakers romped to an early lead and held on to beat the Spurs in San Antonio. It was inevitable, but the victory clinched the Pacific division title and a Playoff spot for the Lakers. Pau Gasol had 23 points and 11 rebounds and outplayed Duncan. Tony Parker had 25 points and 9 assists, and Michael Finley also put up 25 for the Spurs in a losing effort. The Spurs lose a Magic Number and are only 3 losses up on the Rockets. We can put some real pressure on the Spurs with a win in Houston on Saturday.

Give the Suns credit. They are fun to watch as they crash and burn. They’re pretty much all must-win games for the Suns at this point, but once again Phoenix came up short in a high-scoring affair. LeBron went crazy with 34 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds for his third straight triple double, and Mo Williams added 30 points for the Cavs. Steve Nash had 20 points but just 6 assists, and Shaq could only muster 12 points and 7 rebounds. The Suns finished their Seven Games of Doom stretch at 1-6 with 6 straight losses, and they move a full 6 games behind Dallas for the last Playoff spot. The Suns also lose a Magic Number. The Alvin Gentry era of SSoL is now just 6-8.

The Rockets go back on the road to face an intriguing Bobcats team. We should win this game, but the Bobcats are coming off a 6 game winning streak, which was broken up by the Spurs on Tuesday. However, I think that had more to do with the weak Eastern Conference teams they feasted on. We really need to bag as many easy victories as we can or we are in danger of falling back a few spots.

Also on tap for Friday: Hornets at Bucks, Mavs at Warriors, Nets at Blazers

 

It’s time for another Friday look at the State of the Western Conference Playoff Race. I’m using Magic Numbers from 3/12 in this post.

I bumped Detroit back into Contender status. Ever since AI went out, they’ve played pretty well and taken out some good teams. I draw the line there though. Phili and the rest of the Eastern Conference are Pretenders even if they are “contending” for a Playoff spot.

Once again, I’ve completely shaken up the rankings. The teams are just so close, and the tiniest bit of an edge or a flaw can make a team rise or fall quite a bit. I base my predictions on quite a bit of intuition, looking at how teams have played lately and weighing their remaining schedule.

<B>Rockets</B>: @Bobcats, Spurs, @Hornets, Wolves, Pistons, @Spurs, @Jazz, Clippers, @Suns, @Lakers, Blazers, Magic, @Kings, @Warriors, Hornets, @Mavs

<B>Last Week: 3-1</B>
@ROCKETS 116, Suns 112
@ROCKETS 93, Grizzlies 83
ROCKETS 97, @Nuggets 95
Lakers 102, @ROCKETS 96

The Rockets could have had a stellar week, but they still had a pretty good one. I’ll take 2-1 against Contenders even if we threw the Laker game away. We also hammered a scrub Grizz team that had beaten us twice earlier in the season. We finished the week as the #3 seed, although 3-8 are closer than ever. The upcoming week is huge for the Rockets with contests against the Spurs and Hornets. These are teams we’re fighting with for seeding, but more importantly, we need to pad our division record to help with division tie breaks down the stretch.

The Rockets have 11 Contender and 5 Probable games left on their schedule. The Rockets seem to have turned a corner in regards to the scrub teams. I’m going to consider the Bulls game an aberration and assume the Rockets go 5-0 with their Probables. That would drop all Magic Number 5.

I’m most impressed with our ability to take down Contenders. During this stretch of basketball, the Rockets have take down the Mavs, Blazers, Cavs, Suns, and @Nuggets (I’ve mentally blocked out the Laker game). Granted 4 of those wins were at home, where the Rockets are outstanding. Of their 11 Contender games left, the Rockets have 5 at home and 6 on the road. In light of their recent solid track record against Contenders, I’ll predict a 6-5 record against these teams, which would give us a 53-29 record and the #5 seed with home court.


<B> Top Eight West Contenders</B>

<B>Suns</B>: Thieves, @Warriors, 76ers, Wizards, Nuggets, Jazz, @Blazers, @Jazz, @Kings, Rockets, Kings, @Mavs, @Hornets, @Grizz, @Wolves, Grizz, Warriors

<B>Last Week: 0-4</B>
@Rockets 116, SUNS 112
@Spurs 103, SUNS 98
Mavs 122, @SUNS 117
Cavs 119, @SUNS 111

You can stick a fork in the Suns. They are definitely finished, although I’ll keep them on this list for at least another week or two. Phoenix was in grim condition before their Seven Games of Doom, and they could not afford to bomb this stretch if they had any hopes to make the Playoffs. The Suns went a brutal 1-6, dropping 6 in a row after the promising victory over the Lakers. They are now a full 6 games behind the Mavs and barring a miracle will miss the Playoffs.

With our 5 Probable victories, we knock the Suns out with a combination of 4 Sun losses and Rocket Contender victories. The Rockets play the Suns April 1 and would reduce their Magic Number by 2 with a victory.

Phoenix has 7 Contender and 10 Probable games left on their schedule. They were destroyed on their Seven Games of Doom stretch and have a lull with 4 Probable games up next. Then they play 7 Contenders in a 9 game stretch, which will likely finish them off. I’ll be generous and assume they go 11-6, but even if they swept their remaining games, the Rockets would need to go just 4-7 against Contenders to close them out.

Likelihood: Damn Near Certain
Magic Number: 9 (-8)
Magic Number over Rockets: 25 (-1)
Magic Number over Mavericks: 23 (-1)
Magic Number over Nuggets: 24 (-3)
Projected Record: 45-37
Projected Seed: #9

<B>Nuggets</B>: Clippers, Nets, @Grizz, Wizards, @Suns, @Hornets, @Mavs, Warriors, Knicks, Jazz, Clippers, @Wolves, Thieves, @Lakers, Kings, @Blazers

<B>Last Week: 1-3</B>
@Jazz 97, NUGGETS 91
@Kings 114, NUGGETS 106
Rockets 97, @NUGGETS 95
@NUGGETS 112, Thieves 99

The Nuggets are in freefall. At the trade deadline, they were looking to deal to help their chances maintaining the #2 seed. Now they’ve fallen to #7 and might tumble all the way to #8. They dropped a couple of close games to Contenders, which isn’t too bad, but they got blown out in Suckramento, which is inexcusable for a team fighting for seeding. Only a victory over the lowly Thieves kept this week from being a complete disaster. They lost the division lead this past week, and I don’t think they’re getting it back.

With our 5 Probable victories, we knock the Nuggets out with a combination of 10 Nugget losses and Rocket Contender victories. The Rockets own the tie break over the Nuggets.

Enver has 6 Contenders and 10 Probable games left. Even more advantageously, 8 of their Probable games are at home. On the flip side, 5 of their Contender games are on the road. I’ve said it before, but Enver is an impossible team to predict. They are the most inconsistent team among the Western Conference Contenders. One night they can take down the Lakers, and the next get wiped off the court by the Kings. I don’t think they’ll fare well on the road against Contenders, and it’s pretty likely they’ll drop a few Probable games. I’ll call a 9-7 record down the stretch, but if they shape up, that could certainly improve. That means we need just 3 Contender victories down the stretch to close the Nuggets out.

The Nuggets own the tie break over the Mavericks and still have a make-or-break game with the Suns.

Likelihood: Excellent
Magic Number: 16 (-6)
Magic Number over Rockets: 18 (-2)
Magic Number over Blazers: 18 (-2)
Magic Number over Jazz: 18 (-2)
Projected Record: 50-32
Projected Seed: #8


<B>Mavericks</B>: @Warriors, @Lakers, Pistons, @Hawks, @Pacers, Warriors, Nuggets, @Cavs, @Wolves, Heat, @Grizz, Suns, Jazz, Hornets, @Hornets, Wolves, Rockets

<B>Last Week: 3-0</B>
@MAVS 119, Wizards 103
MAVS 122, @Suns 117
MAVS 93, @Blazers 89

It was a solid week for the Mavs, with 2 wins over Contenders, including a likely deathblow for the Suns. I had them figured for a #8 seed, but they are looking like they have joined the scrum for seeds 3-8 and could contend for home court advantage.

With our 5 Probable victories, we knock the Mavs out with a combination of 11 Mav losses and Rocket Contender victories. If we beat the Mavs on the last game of the season, we drop their Magic Number by 3. If the Mavs win the last game in Dallas, we should have a better division record (we’re 6-5, they’re 5-7) and take the tie break anyways, reducing their Magic Number by 1.

Dallas closes with 11 Contender and 6 Probable games. 7 of the Contender games are at home, but 4 of their Probable games on the road. Dallas is an inconsistent team who has won impressive Contender victories, but also lost to the Thieves and other scrub teams. Still I seem them locking in for the home stretch, only dropping 1 Probable game and going 6-5 against the Contenders for a 11-6 finish.

If we take the game in Dallas, we’d only need 2 more Contender victories to close the Mavs out. If we lose, we’d only need 4 more Contenders assuming we win the tie break on our division record.

Likelihood: Good (Excellent if we win that last game in Dallas)
Magic Number: 16 (-3)
Magic Number over Rockets: 19 (-4)
Magic Number over Spurs: 22 (-4)
Magic Number over Hornets: 20 (-4)
Magic Number over Suns: 12 (-7)
Projected Record: 51-31
Projected Seed: #7

<B>Jazz</B>: @Heat, @Magic, Wizards, @Thieves, Rockets, @Suns, Suns, Knicks, @Blazers, Wolves, @Nuggets, @Hornets, @Mavs, @Spurs, Warriors, Clippers, @Lakers

<B>Last Week: 3-1</B>
@JAZZ 97, Nuggets 91
JAZZ 109, @Raptors 101
JAZZ 112, @Pacers 100
@Hawks 100, JAZZ 93

Thank you, Hawks, for stopping that %$*#$ 12 game winning streak. The Jazz showed they are a formidable team now that they are healthy, but they still have trouble with good teams on the road. They got a huge win over the Nuggets in Utah, which gives them the upper hand for now towards taking the Northwest division. However, Portland and Enver are still very much in the thick of it, and the Jazz have the most difficult closing schedule of all the teams in the Western Conference.

With our 5 Probable victories, we knock the Jazz out with a combination of 12 Jazz losses and Rocket Contender victories. The Rockets play in Utah on March 24, and a win would drop Utah’s Magic Number 3.

While the Jazz are hot right now, they close with 11 Contenders and 6 Probables. 5 of their Probables are in the safe confines of Salt Lake City, but a daunting 9 of their Contender contests are on the road. I know they’ve won a ton of games lately, but watching them struggle to good teams and bad on the road has been eye-opening. I think they ace their Probables, but struggle mightily against the Contenders to finish 10-7.

If we win our last game in Utah, we would likely need 1 more Contender victory to close the Jazz out. If we lose that game, we need 3 or 4 Contender victories depending on the outcome of the Conference Record tie-break (where they currently have a 1 game lead).

Likelihood: Pretty Good (Excellent if we win in Utah, Good if we lose)
Magic Number: 17 (-4)
Magic Number over Rockets: 18 (-4)
Magic Number over Blazers: 18 (-4)
Magic Number over Nuggets: 17 (-6)
Projected Record: 51-31
Projected Seed: #6

<B>Blazers</B>: Nets, @Hawks, @Grizz, @Pacers, @Cavs, @Bucks, 76ers, Suns, Grizz, Jazz, @Thieves, @Rockets, @Grizz, @Spurs, Lakers, @Clippers, Thieves, Nuggets

<B>Last Week: 2-1</B>
@BLAZERS 95, Wolves 93
@BLAZERS 111, Lakers 94
Mavs 93, @BLAZERS 89

Not a bad week for the Blazers. They eviscerated the Lakers and lost a close game to the Mavs with Brandon Roy ailing. Portland has been playing pretty solid ball lately and are right in the thick of the battle for the Northwest division, although they’ll probably need to win it outright due to 1-2 records against both the Nuggets and Jazz. Still Enver is imploding, and the Jazz have a brutal schedule. I think Portland sneaks away with the title when the dust settles.

With our 5 Probable victories, we knock the Blazers out with a combination of 12 Blazer losses and Rocket Contender victories. If we beat the Blazers in Houston on April 5, we take the tie break and knock their Magic Number down 3.

The Blazers have 8 Contender and 10 Probable games left on their schedule. 6 of the Probables are on the road as well as half their Contender matchups. I think they’ll mow down almost all of the Probables, but struggle against the Contenders to finish 12-6. If we win on April 5, we’d need only 3 more Contender victories to close Portland out. Otherwise, we’d have to take 6.

Likelihood: Cautiously Optimistic (Very Good if we win April 5, Fair if we lose)
Magic Number: 17 (-4)
Magic Number over Rockets: 19 (-3)
Magic Number over Nuggets: 18 (-5)
Magic Number over Jazz: 19 (-3)
Projected Record: 52-30
Projected Seed: #4

<B>Hornets</B>: @Bucks, @Bulls, Rockets, Wolves, Grizz, Warriors, Nuggets, @Knicks, Spurs, @Kings, @Clippers, @Warriors, Jazz, @Heat, Suns, @Mavs, Mavs, @Rockets, Spurs

<B>Last Week: 2-1</B>
@HORNETS 108, Thieves 90
@Hawks 89, HORNETS 79
HORNETS 109, @Wizards 98

The Hornets are another team that is really hot. Chris Paul is unquestionably the best point guard in the NBA right now, and the team seems rejuvenated since Tyson Chandler came back. Only a loss to a tough Hawks team is keeping them from a 9 game winning streak. Granted most of that was against some pretty awful teams, but they also have a lot of awful teams coming up. The Rockets travel to New Orleans on Monday for a huge game with huge Playoff implications.

With our 5 Probable victories, we knock the Hornets out with a combination of 13 Hornet losses and Rocket Contender victories. The Rockets have a pair of games left with the Hornets, 1 home and 1 away. If we win both, we drop their Magic Number down 5. If we split, we knock it down 2. The Hornets have a 6-3 division record compared to our 6-5 record, so New Orleans would probably win the tie break if we split the season series 2-2.

The Hornets have the most games left on their schedule with 10 Contender games and 9 Probables. 6 of their Probables are on the road, but a whopping 7 of their Contenders games are in New Orleans. This team will take advantage of the scrub teams on their plate. It’s the last few weeks of the season that will really test the Hornets when they close with a brutal stretch of 7 games. I still think they close 14-5.

If we take both games from the Hornets, we’d need only 3 more Contender victories. If we split those games with the Hornets, we’d need 6 Contender victories. If the Rockets get swept in those 2 games, we’d need 8 Contender victories.

Likelihood: Sketchy (Excellent if we win both games, Dicey if we split, Bleak if we lose both)
Magic Number: 18 (-4)
Magic Number over Rockets: 19 (-3)
Magic Number over Spurs: 22 (-4)
Magic Number over Mavs: 18 (-2)
Projected Record: 54-28
Projected Seed: #3

<B>Spurs</B>: @Rockets, @Thieves, Wolves, Celtics, Rockets, Warriors, @Hawks, Clippers, @Hornets, Thieves, @Pacers, @Cavs, @Thieves, Blazers, Jazz, @Kings, @Warriors, Hornets

<B>Last Week: 3-1</B>
@SPURS 100, Wizards 78
@SPURS 103, Suns 98
SPURS 100, @Bobcats 86
Lakers 102, @SPURS 95

The Spurs got their mojo back after a rare off week for them. They had solid victories over the Wizards and Bobcats, and got a gritty win over the Suns. The Lakers loss had to be tough for the Spurs, but it was a relief as a Rocket fan after the Laker victory the night before in Houston. San Antonio definitely has the inside track towards the Southwest division, but they still have a pair of games against the Hornets and Rockets. If the Rockets want to preserve any shot to win this division, they must beat the Spurs on Saturday.

With our 5 Probable victories, we knock the Spurs out with a combination of 15 Spur losses and Rocket Contender victories. The Rockets have 2 games left with the Spurs, 1 home and 1 away. If we take both, we knock their Magic Number down 5. If we split, we knock it down 2. The Spurs have the divisional tie break edge with a 8-4 record compared to our 6-5, but that’s not insurmountable. Still I’ll assume we lose this tie break if we split.

They’ve got 8 Contenders and 10 Probables left on their schedule. The Spurs have 6 of their Probables left on the road, but they have 5 of their Contender games at home. They only have 3 back-to-backs left (@Thieves-Wolves, Warriors-@Hawks, @Thieves-Blazers). They’re banged up and Pop likes to rest starters, but that’s not exactly a brutal set of games. I would love to catch the Spurs, but this team will probably go 13-5 down the stretch.

If we take both of our games from the Spurs, we’d still have to win 5 more Contender games. If we win only 1 game, we’d likely need to win 8. If we lose both, we’re not catching them.

Likelihood: Very Unlikely (Dicey if we beat them twice more, Very Unlikely if we beat them once, Not Happening if we lose twice)
Magic Number: 20 (-4)
Magic Number over Rockets: 16 (-4)
Magic Number over Mavs: 15 (-3)
Magic Number over Hornets: 17 (-4)
Projected Record: 56-26
Projected Seed: #2

<B>Lakers</B>: Dallas, 76ers, Warriors, @Bulls, @Thieves, @Pistons, @Nets, @Hawks, @Bobcats, @Bucks, Rockets, Clippers, @Kings, Nuggets, @Blazers, Grizz, Jazz

<B>Last Week: 3-1</B>
@LAKERS 110, Wolves 90
@Blazers 111, LAKERS 94
LAKERS 102, @Rockets 96
LAKERS 102, @Spurs 95

I really wish Phil would read my memos. The Lakers didn’t help the Rockets much this week. They got hammered by the Blazers and managed to get Odom suspended. Sans Odom they took out the Rockets. At least they beat the Spurs. To nobody’s surprise, the Lakers clinched the Pacific and a Playoff spot this week.

With our 5 Probable victories, we’d need a combination of 23 Laker losses and Rocket Contender victories. Even the most die-hard Rocket fan would admit that’s not happening this season. The real question is how much damage will the Lakers inflict against the rest of the Western Conference.

The Lakers have 7 Contender and 10 Probable games left. Only 5 of the Contender games are against the Western Conference. LA will crush the Probables and inflict some payback on the Nuggets and Blazers. The Lakers are starting to ready themselves for the Playoffs and fighting for the best record in the NBA. They’ll finish 14-3.

Likelihood: Not This Year
Magic Number: 28 (-4)
Magic Number over Rockets: 6 (-5)
Magic Number over Suns: Eclipsed
Projected Record: 66-16
Projected Seed: #1

<B>Projected Matchups</B>:
#1 Lakers hosting #8 Nuggets
#2 Spurs hosting #7 Mavs
#3 Hornets hosting #6 Jazz
#5 Rockets hosting #4 Blazers

I did all of the team projections separately, but I have to say this is my dream first round matchup slate. Spurs-Mavs would be awesome, and I really want to see Deron Willams vs. Chris Paul. Home court over the Blazers would be about the best possible scenario for us.


<B>This Week’s Key Head to Head Matchups</B>:
Saturday: Spurs at Rockets
Sunday: Mavs at Lakers
Monday: Rockets at Hornets