spectator
04-08-2010, 12:35 AM
there are many games left (approximating 4.5 games * 8 playoff teams = 36 outcomes) that may influence the final standings; however, in a game of percentages, i am looking at a realistic wish list for the playoff seedings.
main games - ready?
dallas wins @ portland.
utah loses @ new orleans
reasoning: if POR looses the game and plays the lakers the next day on a b2b, chances are they finish 2-2.
OKC most likely gets one more loss as well until the end (@POR)
this means that if the spurs want to avoid the 8th seed, they need to finish 3-1. assuming home victories over MEM and MIN, they really need to win out @dallas b/c it is HIGHLY unlikely they win @DEN on a b2b and 4th game in 5 days.
the best way to win in dallas is if they do not show up - if dallas wins @POR and the following easy games - they have no desire of showing up in the final game of the season. they would rather rest their starters, since they are assured the 2nd seed if utah loses @ NO.
utah could still get the no 2 seed if they win out the rest of their games (and the mavs loose the final game to the spurs). even though utah has a tough b2b with the rested suns on the last day, the mavs will still suit up their starters to win just in case utah also wins.
thus, for the easiest way to the highest spurs seed - 6th - i am rooting for dallas and NO in those games.
main games - ready?
dallas wins @ portland.
utah loses @ new orleans
reasoning: if POR looses the game and plays the lakers the next day on a b2b, chances are they finish 2-2.
OKC most likely gets one more loss as well until the end (@POR)
this means that if the spurs want to avoid the 8th seed, they need to finish 3-1. assuming home victories over MEM and MIN, they really need to win out @dallas b/c it is HIGHLY unlikely they win @DEN on a b2b and 4th game in 5 days.
the best way to win in dallas is if they do not show up - if dallas wins @POR and the following easy games - they have no desire of showing up in the final game of the season. they would rather rest their starters, since they are assured the 2nd seed if utah loses @ NO.
utah could still get the no 2 seed if they win out the rest of their games (and the mavs loose the final game to the spurs). even though utah has a tough b2b with the rested suns on the last day, the mavs will still suit up their starters to win just in case utah also wins.
thus, for the easiest way to the highest spurs seed - 6th - i am rooting for dallas and NO in those games.