The pick option starts in 2013, iirc, but it is based on Memphis making the playoffs this year as Memphis had already traded their 2011 Lottery protected.
Tim Cowlishaw minutes ago on the WC playoff race during Around the Horn: "I'm going with the Rockets... they're reeling right now. We never talk about them on this show, but I'm going with Houston."
That fact that it benefits all of the teams fighting for the 8th is not that big a deal. We still have to fight hard to get in, another team has to lose a few more than anticipated. The big deal is who ever plays hard and gets that 8th seed plays a Duncan-less or fresh off an injury Duncan. Old age, big man size, and potential grade 2 sprain means the Spurs go into the playoffs hobbled. This is good news for us anyway you look at it. If we make it, we will be playing our best ball and our confidence would be high. That is really our best chance at winning going in as the 8th against the 1st. Goliath just got a sprained ankle and David is playing with swagger. Bring it.
I've never seen "reeling" being used to describe something positive but I agree with us getting in with the 8th seed. The remaining schedule for Memphis is brutal.
New Orleans schedule and my predictions. Since i think memphis is too good right now to catch... @ utah - W @ PHX - W @ LAL - L VS. Por - L VS. Memphis - W Vs. pacers - W vs. rockets - L vs. PHX - L @ Memphis - L vs. utah - L @ dallas - L 44-38
stupid celtics just got punched by the memphis, I guess the heat game suddenly becomes a must win scenario........
More realistically it would be: @ utah - W @ PHX - L @ LAL - L VS. Por - L VS. Memphis - L Vs. pacers - W vs. rockets - L vs. PHX - W @ Memphis - L vs. utah - W @ dallas - L Hornets end up 44-38. Rockets finish 7-3 to end up 45-37 and get the 8th seed. With Memphis seemingly beating everybody, it looks like we'll need a major choke job from the Hornets to sneak into the playoffs.
