Magic Numbers against the Western Conference

That's a bug in my Magic Number calculator. Good catch! It'll be fixed for tonight's version.

The Rockets have a pretty good Conference Record at 22-10, which is better than every team except the Spurs and Lakers. It didn't affect any of the tie breaks yet (since we lose the head to head with LA and the division tie break with SA), but it'll be good to have that working correctly before the end of the season.

 

Definitely. Luckily we've also had a majority of the egregious losses come to the dregs of the East. We only have 10 conference losses right now, which is 3rd best in the west. As long as we stay competitive with the good teams and take care of business with the bad ones, we'll be in good shape with our conference record.

The Grizz losses are going to kill us with our division record. It cost us last year with the Spurs and could haunt us with the Hornets, Mavs, and Spurs this year. We'd better take the head-to-head with these teams or finish with a better overall record because we'd likely lose the division tie break if we wound up with identical records.

 

<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;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;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;47-10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;37</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;38-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-3&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-8&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;(-1)
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;37-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;22-11&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)
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23-10
&nbsp;5&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;17-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33-22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-3&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;21-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;23-11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;18-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32-24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;19-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
10&nbsp;Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20-37&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;11-22&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)
11&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18-38&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
12&nbsp;Grizzlies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15-41&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-9&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-2)
13&nbsp;Clippers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14-43&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
14&nbsp;OKC&nbsp;Thieves&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13-44&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-27&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;(-2)
15&nbsp;Kings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12-46&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;12-24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deposed</B>

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #14 seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>Feburary 24</B>.

Thanks to <B>freemaniam</B> and <B>desihooper</B> for catching a bug in the Conference Tie Break column, which is now fixed. Man, put in a new engine, and you’ve got retest everything…

The Rockets faced a stern test tonight when they faced the Blazers. Portland is a team we’re battling for playoff position and a possible first round opponent. We played damn impressively for 42 minutes then held on by the skin of our teeth to win our fifth straight game. For most of this game we played solid defense and moved the ball crisply. Ron Artest had another huge game, and Aaron Brooks looked like he was getting comfortable in the starting role. For the fifth straight game, Scola had a double-double as well as some clutch rebounds. The crafty Argentenian has become our most consistent player.

Despite the late offensive stagnation, the Rockets appear to have some momentum. With just over a quarter of the season left, we’re finally clicking as a team. It’s no coincidence that our five game winning streak has been accompanied by 5 straight games of fluid offense and a more focused defensive effort. Portland could very well be our first round opponent, and if so the Rockets look like they have excellent chances to advance.

The Rocket win moves them up to the #4 spot and home court advantage in the standings. All Magic Numbers drop 1, and Portland gives up an additional point for their loss. This victory was also huge for our tie break with Portland. We’re now tied 1-1 for the season head-to-head. The winner of the game on April 5 in Houston claims the tie break edge. We would knock the Blazer Magic Number down 3 points with a victory. This race is going to be tight, and that tie break edge would be a huge benefit down the stretch.

Our victory tonight also means we have officially clinched over the Sacramento Kings and will finish at least the #14 seed. I expected Sacramento to be bad this season but not to reach such low depths. Seriously, the Thieves, Clippers, and Grizz all have better records. I’m glad Rick is on our team and didn’t have to stay and coach the motley group of players (except for Kevin Martin) assembled in Sacramento. The Kings will stay on the list until they are officially eliminated from the Playoffs, which should be in the next week. Up next: the OKC Thieves and the #13 seed.

The other marquee matchup of the night saw the Mavs visit San San Antonio. My dream playoff bracket would see these two teams meet up in the first round (along with a Laker-Sun pairing). In addition to Manu Ginobili’s absence, Tim Duncan also sat out the game with a sore knee. Luckily Tony Parker was <I>tres bien</I> with 37 points and 12 assists in leading his team to a victory over Dallas. The loss drops the Mavs an additional Magic Number and also nicks up their divisional record, which can only help us down the line in a tie breaker scenario with Dallas. The Mavs are in the #8 spot and only 1 game up on Phoenix.

Cleveland was missing Delonte West, who was out of the lineup again with a sore right wrist. He fractured it earlier in the season and was out six weeks, returned for 1 game, and now is back out. The Cavs didn’t need West, however, since they were only hosting the Grizz. They made mincemeat out the Grizz, trouncing Memphis. Cleveland was up 21 at the half and rested LeBron in the fourth in a game that was never close. The Grizzlies drop an additional point. The win is Cleveland’s fifth in a row, which means they’ll put their 5 game streak up against the Rockets’ 5 game streak on Thursday.

Minnesota continues its freefall, losing to the Raptors in Toronto. Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani each had 24 for the Raptors, who are trying to make a playoff push with newly acquired Shawn Marion. They’re 13 games under .500, but it is the bottom of the Eastern Conference so anything’s possible. The Wolves drop an additional point.

The Lakers have been playing down to their competition lately, having close games with teams both good and bad. They let the Thieves hang around in this game, but Kobe took over in the fourth and sealed a win by scoring 10 points in a 3 minute stretch to squash any chance of a rally by the Thieves. I guess you can’t steal a win from the best team in the NBA even if you are a stolen team playing on stolen land. The Thieves drop an additional Magic Number.

Boris Diaw and Raja Bell have had this game circled since they were traded to the Bobcats. The pair combined to ring up 50 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists against their former team, but it wasn’t enough as the Suns outgunned the Bobcats with another game of SSoL. Steve Nash left the game for a while with an injured ankle before returning the fourth and finishing with 22 points and 5 assists. The Suns are only 1 game behind Dallas for the last Playoff spot.

On tap for Wednesday: Grizz at Pacers, Pistons at Hornets, Jazz at Wolves, Bucks at Mavs, Blazers at Spurs, Hawks at Nuggets, Bobcats at Kings, Celtics at Clippers

 

Here's to the Hawks over the Nuggets, the Bucks beating Dallas, and Pistons motoring past the Hornets tonight.

I'm not sure who I want to win the Blazers-Spurs matchup, but at least one of those teams has to lose...

 

<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;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;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;47-10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;37</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;39-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-3&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25-8&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;3&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;38-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;22-11&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23-10
&nbsp;5&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35-22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;17-17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34-22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-3&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;21-14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;24-11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;18-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32-24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;19-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
10&nbsp;Warriors&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20-37&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;11-22&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
11&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18-39&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H,1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-25&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;(-1)
12&nbsp;Grizzlies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15-42&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-9&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
13&nbsp;Clippers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15-43&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
14&nbsp;OKC&nbsp;Thieves&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13-44&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-27&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
15&nbsp;Kings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12-47&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;X&nbsp;&nbsp;12-24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deposed</B>

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #14 seed</B>

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

The Rockets were off on Wednesday, but there were 8 games featuring Western Conference teams including 6 contenders. I was hoping to see some Magic Numbers drop, but our competition fared pretty well.

The Blazers went to San Antonio a night after losing to the Rockets. The Spurs were without Ginobili and Duncan again, but Tony Parker stepped it up with 39 points and 9 assists and led the Spurs to a victory. The Spurs are chugging along despire their injuries and are looking solid for the #2 seed. They’re 3.5 games up on the Rockets for the Southwest division lead. Portland drops a Magic Number.

The Pistons are imploding right now. It’s safe to say the AI experiment is not working. Forget a 7th straight trip to the conference finals. Detroit is about to drop out of the Playoff race. The Pistons went to New Orleans and played the Hornets tough, but the Hornets pulled away late and sent the Pistons to their 8th straight loss. David West had 30 and Chris Paul added 20 along with 13 assists.

The sputtering Hawks traveled to Enver to face a Nugget team mired in their own slump. Atlanta was without Mike Bibby and Josh Smith, but never doubt the Enver Nuggets. Despite 33 points from Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets barely held on to win when Flip Murray’s last second shot missed. The Nuggets were happy to break their 3 game losing streak, especially with the Lakers coming to town Friday night, but they certainly look like they’re going to have a tough time clinging to their lead over Portland and Utah.

The Jazz went to Minnesota and got a rough fight from the Wolves. This game was close for 3 ½ quarters with the lead going back and forth and many ties. However, the Wolves showed that they’re still the Timberpups without Al Jefferson and cratered late as the Jazz won 120-103. Minnesota loses a Magic Number.

The Mavs haven’t been playing well until losing 2 of their last 3 saw them only a game up on Phoenix for the last playoff spot. They received a gift in the shorthanded Bucks visting. Mark Cuban sensed the importance of this game and apparently took away Josh Howard’s bong, who responded with 27 points and 7 boards. That was enough for an easy Mav’s win over Milwaukee.

The Grizzlies played the injury-wracked Pacers in a close game, but T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack each scored 20 and helped Indiana pull away late for the win. Memphis drops a Magic Number.

The Kings hosted the Bobcats and proved once again that they are the worst team in basketball. Gerald Wallace had 27 points and Boris Diaw rung up 23 for a comfortable victory over the Kings. Sacramento is just about eliminated from the Playoffs.

In the shocker of the night, the Clippers upset a turnover-prone visiting Celtics. I know they’re missing KG, but wow! The Rockets would never lose to the Clippers. Wait…damn!

The Rockets return to action on Thursday as 1 of only 2 games on the schedule. They put their 5 game winning streak up against the visiting Cavs, who have their own 5 game streak. This is another test for the Rockets. They aced their Mav and Blazer exams, but now they get to face off against LeBron and one of the best teams in the NBA under the full lights of a national audience. It’s a non-conference game for Houston, but they would move within a ½ game of #3 with a victory (Denver plays the Lakers Friday) as well as dropping all Magic Numbers 1.

Moreover this is a statement game. I want to see Yao back up his “See you in Houston” statement at the end of the game in Cleveland on December 23. A 6th straight win would maybe shut up some of the naysayers in the media, and it would almost certainly bring out more Clutch Fans for an increasingly crowded bandwagon. Clutch, it looks like you ordered that new server just in time…

Also on tap for Thursday: Suns at Lakers