Well, looks like Minnesota will lose this game, if Denver holds on to its current 4-point lead. Denver look and play like they are absolutely RED HOT! Their confidence is oozing at this point, you could just see it, they will REALLY be a handful for whomever they play, especially if they play Sonics/Suns type of teams. I am happy Minny is losing, this means that the magic number to clinch the playoffs birth for us is down to "2". There is little chance that the T-Wolves will sweep the rest of the way. But even if they do, we only need to win 2 games the rest of the way. I really think Denver is too hot for us to hold them off (20-2 in last 22 games ), they are by FAR the hottest team in the league since the AS game. It might be too much to ask to hold on to that 6th spot with the condition our team is in physically. So as long as we get in, I will be content, then we can worry about our opponent once we get in.
At this point if we can hang onto 6 and play the Supersonics that would be the best. Dallas is heating up, the Suns are still going to very tough and if Tim Duncan comes back to the Spurs they will be the Spurs again. Right now though its going to be a dog fight to the end. Even hanging onto 6 Dallas could move up and both Denver and Memphis had huge wins tonight. Every game counts. Stay humble and stay hungry.
If the Rockets can split the remaining games on this road trip(Seattle is even more hobbled by injuries than Houston right now), they can hold off the Nuggets. All they have to do is win their remaining home games, including the showdown with Denver. A difficult, but doable task.
If we really do that and go 5-1 the rest of the way, we will move up to the 5th spot by virtue of our tie-breaker over the Kings who have to play Phoenix twice in their remaining schedule. Dallas will stay in the 4th spot 'cause the Spurs hold the tie breaker over them. We will have a very quick first round exit against Dirk. Because of various tie-breakers, 6th is the least likely outcome for us. It's gonna be either 5th or 7th for us. I prefer the 7th.
There's a chance for the Nuggets to move up to the 5th and the Kings dropping to the 7th, with the Rockets staying at the 6th. That'll be the best outcome.
Nuggets still can win the Northwest Division to move to 3rd seed. They are 6 games behind Seattle and there are 7 games left. With Seattle plays like a lottery team recently, its possible.
I am more and more believe that JVG is avoiding over coaching rox this season. Remember when he said why flip sanders got fired a while ago? His mission is to get rox to playoff, no matter 5 or 8.
Technically, Dallas can still get the #2 or #3 seed. Technically I said but is a long shot. Just think about it and you will figure it out.
