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;64-17&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;43-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;54-27&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;35-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;53-28&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;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35-16
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;53-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&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;31-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;5&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;53-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;35-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49-32&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;30-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exterminated</B>
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49-32&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-9&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;28-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bridled</B>
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-33&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4-6&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;33-18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Silenced</B>

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #5 seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>April 13</B>.

We’re almost there. Only 2 days remain, and every team has only 1 game left on their schedule. The Rockets are on the verge of their first division title in 15 years and with a bit of help the #2 seed and an extremely favorable Playoff bracket. I’m laying out all the scenarios in this long Magic Number edition.

I’ve got to say I can’t wait for Wednesday night to get here so we finally know how this will all end. A few nights ago, I woke myself and my wife in the middle of the night when I shouted out “3.” I don’t know what scenario I was running through my head while I was supposed to be resting, but the madness will stop in 48 hours (cue maniacal laughter).

And for the record. If there is a 4 way tie between Houston, Enver, Portland, and SA. The division winners are Houston and Enver, and they would be seeded Houston, Enver, Portland, SA.

Rockets Stomp All Over Hornets
The Rockets picked up a sweet victory over the Hornets tonight. They started out a bit lethargic in the first quarter then simply demolished the Hornets the remainder of the game in picking up their fifth straight win. The defense in the second and third quarters was smothering. Yao put to rest any doubts about his foot with 22 points and 7 boards, and Scola had another strong performance with 15 rebounds. Carl Freaking Landry continues to pick up steam with 10 points and 7 rebounds, and the Red Baron came off the bench to score 13 points. This team is peaking at the absolute right time and can clinch the Southwest division with a win over the Mavs. I’m calling it right now. This team will win in Dallas on Wednesday.

With a win @Mavs
Rockets are #2 and Southwest champ with a Nugget loss
Rockets are #3 and Southwest champ with a Nugget win

With a loss @Mavs
Rockets are #3 and Southwest champ with a Spur loss AND a Blazer loss
Rockets are #4 and Southwest champ with a Spur loss AND a Blazer win
Rockets are #4 with a Spur win AND a Blazer loss
Rockets are #5 with a Spur win AND a Blazer win

The Rest of Monday’s Games
The Mavs had a golden opportunity to avoid the #8 seed with a win over the visiting Wolves, but they nearly blew their chance. Minnesota led for much of this game, until the Mavs went on a 4th quarter rally, capped by Jason Terry’s game-winner with .2 seconds remaining. Dirk had 34 points and 9 rebounds, and Jason Terry scored 22 off the bench for the Mavs, who move into a tie with the Hornets for #6 and remain a game up on the Jazz. Mike Miller had 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists for the Wolves.

Suckramento gave the Nuggets a run for their money. They closed within 1 late in the third quarter, but Enver steamrolled the poor Kings from that point on. The victory gives the Nuggets the Northwest Division crown and a top 3 seed. They can clinch the #2 seed with a win in Portland or a Rocket loss in Dallas. Carmelo had 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists, and J.R. Smith scored 45 off the bench for the Nuggets. Ike Diogu had 32 points and 11 rebounds for Suckramento, who comes up short. Again. With their loss tonight the Kings clinch the worst record in the NBA.

The Jazz have been reeling, but the NBA schedule makers gave them the perfect tonic: a visit by the Clippers. Utah took full advantage and massacred the JV team from LA. We’ll see what they can do against the Lakers in LA tomorrow. A loss gives them the #8 seed. Deron Williams played 2 days after injuring his ribs. He had 17 points and 9 assists but shot just 3-11. Carols Boozer put up 20 points and 13 rebounds, and Paul Milsap added 19 points and 11 boards for the Jazz. No scoreboard highlights for the Clippers because they’re not a real NBA team.

The Blazers aren’t winning the Northwest division this year, but they certainly want home court advantage. They are on the verge of clinching it after they annihilated the visiting Thieves. That’s 9 wins in their last 10 games for the Blazers, who can guarantee themselves home court in the first round with a win over the Nuggets in Portland on Wednesday. Greg Oden had 16 points and 9 rebounds, and Brandon Roy scored 20 for the Blazers. Russell Westbrook had 15 points and 7 assists for the Thieves.

The Spurs hadn’t been looking too good on back-to-backs, but they got their groove back playing in GolXen State as they hammered the short-handed Warriors. The Spurs were up by 30 after 3 and got to rest all of their starters. Timmy finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Drew Gooden had 20 points and 15 boards for the Spurs.

Magic Numbers #2 - #5
2 Nuggets: @Blazers
Magic Number over Rockets: 1 (-1)

With a win @Blazers
Nuggets are #2

With a loss @Blazers
Nuggets are #2 with a Rocket loss
Nuggets are #3 with a Rocket win

4 Blazers: Nuggets
Magic Number over Rockets: 2 (-1)
Magic Number over Spurs: 1 (-1)

With a win against Nuggets
Blazers are #3 with a Rocket loss AND a Spur loss
Blazers are #4 with a Rocket win
Blazers are #4 with a Spur win

With a loss against Nuggets
Blazers are #4 with a Spur loss
Blazers are #5 with a Spur win

5 Spurs: Hornets
Magic Number over Rockets: 2 (-1)
Magic Number over Blazers: 2 (-1)

With a win against Hornets
Spurs are #3 and Southwest champ with a Rocket loss
Spurs are #4 with a Rocket win AND a Blazer loss
Spurs are #5 with a Rocket win AND a Blazer win

With a loss against Hornets
Spurs are #5

Magic Numbers #6 - #8
6 Hornets: @Spurs
Magic Number over Jazz: 1
Magic Number over Mavs: 1

With a win @Spurs
Hornets are #6

With a loss @Spurs
Hornets are #6 with a Mav loss AND a Jazz loss
Hornets are #7 with a Mav win AND a Jazz loss
Hornets are #7 with a Mav loss AND a Jazz win
Hornets are #8 with a Mav win AND a Jazz win

7 Mavs: Rockets
Magic Number over Jazz: 1 (-1)
Magic Number over Hornets: 2 (-1)

With a win against Rockets
Mavs are #6 with a Hornet loss
Mavs are #7 with a Hornet win

With a loss against Rockets
Mavs are #7 with a Jazz loss
Mavs are #8 with a Jazz win

8 Jazz: @Lakers
Magic Number over Mavs: 2 (-1)
Magic Number over Hornets: 2 (-2)

With a win @Lakers
Jazz are #6 with a Mav loss AND a Hornet loss
Jazz are #7 with a Mav win AND a Hornet loss
Jazz are #7 with a Mav loss AND a Hornet win
Jazz are #8 with a Mav win AND a Hornet win

With a loss @Lakers
Jazz are #8

The Lakers have nothing to play for but pride tomorrow night when they host the Jazz. With a win they will face Utah in Round 1, but even if the Jazz win, the Lakers could still face them. I think Phil will play his starters to get them acclimated to playing with Bynum and also to send a message to the Jazz that they are not afraid of Utah. I like the Lakers big in this game, especially with the way the Jazz having been playing lately (not counting the Clippers game, because once again they’re not a real team). It would certainly be nice to see the Jazz #8 and out of our bracket.

On tap for Tuesday: Jazz at Lakers