2012 Magic Numbers Thread

[Mel_13]

This thread will track the magic number for the Spurs to clinch a better record than the other teams in the Western Conference.

I won't include a magic number with regard to OKC since the Spurs do not control their own destiny in that case. If the Spurs draw even in the loss column with OKC, I'll add them then. (added Thunder on April 4th)

As each team is eliminated, they'll join New Orleans and Sacramento in the "Johnny Moore Zone".

Thread will be updated daily, if required

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Monday, April 23rd:


http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets
Rockets
Grizzlies
Clippers
Lakers
Thunder

[Mel_13]

Current magic numbers:

http://sinbapointforward.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/tj-ford.jpg
Lakers


http://sports.espn.go.com/media/nba/2003/0615/photo/g_claxton_il.jpg
Clippers



http://48minutesofhell.com/48minutesofhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/tony-parker-san-antonio-spurs-nba-draft-2011.jpg
Grizzlies



http://www.spursportal.com/images/images/nesterovic_g.jpg
Mavericks


http://www.basketworldchampionship2010.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/fabricio-oberto-nothing-wrong-heart-retirement.jpg
Nuggets
Rockets


http://www.clap.name/images/avery1.jpg
None


http://newspaper.li/static/bd1938c1f082a3c8c9ff00dd41da2f64.jpg
Suns
Jazz


http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/01/Danny-Green-20120104-306x275.jpg
None


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
Timberwolves
Trailblazers


http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
None


http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
Warriors


http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings

[Mel_13]

Current magic numbers:

http://sinbapointforward.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/tj-ford.jpg
Lakers


http://sports.espn.go.com/media/nba/2003/0615/photo/g_claxton_il.jpg
Clippers



http://48minutesofhell.com/48minutesofhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/tony-parker-san-antonio-spurs-nba-draft-2011.jpg
Grizzlies



http://www.spursportal.com/images/images/nesterovic_g.jpg
Mavericks


http://www.basketworldchampionship2010.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/fabricio-oberto-nothing-wrong-heart-retirement.jpg
Nuggets


http://www.clap.name/images/avery1.jpg
Rockets


http://newspaper.li/static/bd1938c1f082a3c8c9ff00dd41da2f64.jpg
Suns
Jazz


http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/01/Danny-Green-20120104-306x275.jpg
None


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
Trailblazers


http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
Timberwolves


http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
None


http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors

[Obstructed_View]

Sorry, RJ. :lol

[Dex]

Lots of WC matchups tonight. Spurs are could gain as many as 5 magic numbers (distributed amongst teams still in the hunt).

[timvp]

Great thread idea :tu

The Spurs could go 11-5 and still be guaranteed of the second seed. Not bad.

[DPG21920]

Great thread idea :tu

The Spurs could go 11-5 and still be guaranteed of the second seed. Not bad.

That's what they should aim for because this schedule is bull shit. To head into the playoffs: 8 games in 10 days all back to back sets including a b2b2b

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Monday, April 2nd. OP updated:

http://sinbapointforward.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/tj-ford.jpg
Lakers



http://sports.espn.go.com/media/nba/2003/0615/photo/g_claxton_il.jpg
Clippers



http://48minutesofhell.com/48minutesofhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/tony-parker-san-antonio-spurs-nba-draft-2011.jpg
Grizzlies



http://www.spursportal.com/images/images/nesterovic_g.jpg
None



http://www.basketworldchampionship2010.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/fabricio-oberto-nothing-wrong-heart-retirement.jpg
Nuggets
Mavericks



http://www.clap.name/images/avery1.jpg
Rockets



http://newspaper.li/static/bd1938c1f082a3c8c9ff00dd41da2f64.jpg
Suns
Jazz



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/01/Danny-Green-20120104-306x275.jpg
None



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
None



http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
Trailblazers



http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
Timberwolves



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors

[DesignatedT]

Spurs should try and clinch as soon as possible. If they can secure the 2 seed before the last 2 games of the season I wouldn't even send the big 3 on the road trip. It's a b2b @PHO and @SAC on Wed and Thurs and the playoffs start on Sat.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

That's what they should aim for because this schedule is bull shit. To head into the playoffs: 8 games in 10 days all back to back sets including a b2b2b

We should not give a crap about any of those games down the stretch. play the starters only first half, use the deep bench the second. Keep the guys fresh.

That end of season stretch is not worth burning the team out over

[Drom John]

http://jerrybrice.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/brent.jpg
Thunder

[Obstructed_View]

We should not give a crap about any of those games down the stretch. play the starters only first half, use the deep bench the second. Keep the guys fresh.

That end of season stretch is not worth burning the team out over

Last year, Duncan's minutes were limited the entire season and he'd run out of gas in the second half during the playoffs. Rest is fine, but the five or six best guys on the team need to have the wind to play 38 minutes a night.

[will_spurs]

Current magic numbers:

Mel,

thanks for doing this!

2 comments:
- would it be possible to say the day (e.g. "current after games on 4/2/2011") instead of just "current", as for overseas fans like me it can be tough to say when "current" is "current", without having to play mind games with timestamps and so on :lol
- it's nice to see new pictures of Spurs players every day, but I wished the 1st post had the current info, no matter what.

[Mel_13]

Mel,

thanks for doing this!

2 comments:
- would it be possible to say the day (e.g. "current after games on 4/2/2011") instead of just "current", as for overseas fans like me it can be tough to say when "current" is "current", without having to play mind games with timestamps and so on :lol
- it's nice to see new pictures of Spurs players every day, but I wished the 1st post had the current info, no matter what.

Thanks for the feedback. I've incorporated your suggestions so that the OP and the most recent post will contain up to date, and dated, information

[Mel_13]

http://jerrybrice.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/brent.jpg
Thunder

:lol

Patience..


Also, I won't include a magic number with regard to OKC since the Spurs do not control their own destiny in that case. If the Spurs draw even in the loss column with OKC, I'll add them then.

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Tuesday, April 3rd. OP updated:


http://sports.espn.go.com/media/nba/2003/0615/photo/g_claxton_il.jpg
Lakers



http://48minutesofhell.com/48minutesofhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/tony-parker-san-antonio-spurs-nba-draft-2011.jpg
Clippers



http://www.spursportal.com/images/images/nesterovic_g.jpg
Grizzlies



http://www.basketworldchampionship2010.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/fabricio-oberto-nothing-wrong-heart-retirement.jpg
None



http://www.clap.name/images/avery1.jpg
Nuggets
Mavericks



http://newspaper.li/static/bd1938c1f082a3c8c9ff00dd41da2f64.jpg
Rockets



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/01/Danny-Green-20120104-306x275.jpg
Suns
Jazz



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
None



http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
None



http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
Trailblazers



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves

[Seventyniner]

Also, I won't include a magic number with regard to OKC since the Spurs do not control their own destiny in that case. If the Spurs draw even in the loss column with OKC, I'll add them then.

The Spurs being behind the Thunder (i.e. not controlling their destiny) only means that the magic number is greater than the number of games remaining. Greater by 1 right now because the Spurs are 1 loss back and hold the tiebreaker. I think it's fair game.

Plus, you would get to dig up old pictures of Francisco Elson, Hedo Turkoglu, and James Silas! What's not to like?

[Mel_13]

The Spurs being behind the Thunder (i.e. not controlling their destiny) only means that the magic number is greater than the number of games remaining. Greater by 1 right now because the Spurs are 1 loss back and hold the tiebreaker. I think it's fair game.

Plus, you would get to dig up old pictures of Francisco Elson, Hedo Turkoglu, and James Silas! What's not to like?

Spurs win + OKC loss = Beno sighting?

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Wednesday, April 4th. OP updated (Accounting for tiebreakers and added Thunder with this update):


http://multimedia.heraldinteractive.com/images/20110428/2c8992_Spur_04282011.jpg
Thunder



http://48minutesofhell.com/48minutesofhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/tony-parker-san-antonio-spurs-nba-draft-2011.jpg
Lakers


http://www.spursportal.com/images/images/nesterovic_g.jpg
None



http://www.basketworldchampionship2010.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/fabricio-oberto-nothing-wrong-heart-retirement.jpg
None



http://www.clap.name/images/avery1.jpg
Clippers



http://newspaper.li/static/bd1938c1f082a3c8c9ff00dd41da2f64.jpg
Mavericks
Grizzlies



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/01/Danny-Green-20120104-306x275.jpg
None



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
Suns
Rockets
Nuggets



http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
Jazz



http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
None



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers

[Dex]

8 teams still "in the race". Only gotta get 1 more in the Moore Zone, and Spurs are, at the very least, guaranteed a playoff spot.

[Mel_13]

8 teams still "in the race". Only gotta get 1 more in the Moore Zone, and Spurs are, at the very least, guaranteed a playoff spot.

Need to relegate two more to clinch a playoff spot. With wins over the Hornets and Jazz, they will definitely have that spot clinched by Sunday.

[timvp]

So if the Spurs finish the season 5-9, they're still guaranteed homecourt in the first round. Hopefully Pop doesn't realize that :lol

[Mel_13]

So if the Spurs finish the season 5-9, they're still guaranteed homecourt in the first round. Hopefully Pop doesn't realize that :lol

Since Memphis plays Dallas one more time this season, 4-10 will guarantee HCA in the first round.

shhhh

[boutons_deux]

If Celts can hand the Bulls L #14, then HCA throughout the playoffs is within Spurs' reach.

[roycrikside]

I know the Spurs have been terrific on the road lately, but I think it'd be foolish to not secure the best seed possible. Miami has won 17 in a row at home, including yesterday against a great Thunder team. The Heat are just not the same team at home as they are on the road. Not nearly as intense, especially LeBron. The Thunder also are tougher to beat at home. The Bulls, I'm less concerned about.

Still, I think the Spurs can be relatively intelligent about this and still try to win every game they play. If you think about it, they're not playing anyone THAT good. They'll be favored to win 13 of their final 14 games.

In my mind, they have five playoff-level games left: The three with LA, Memphis, and @Phx. They have nine games against mediocre-or-worse teams (NO, @GS x2, vs. Utah, @Utah, vs. Phx (less difficult at home), Cle, @Sac, Por).

Simply rest one of the big three in each of those 9 relatively easy games. That's 3 games off for each of them. If you want to cash in one game, have it be the one on the road @LA, the one we're the likeliest to lose anyway, and it comes in the middle of a b2b2b. That's 4 out of 14 the big three don't play.

Go for a 13-1 finish, get HCA.

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Friday, April 6th. OP updated:


http://www.thenolookpass.com/Pix/bruce001.jpg
Thunder



http://www.basketworldchampionship2010.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/fabricio-oberto-nothing-wrong-heart-retirement.jpg
Lakers



http://www.clap.name/images/avery1.jpg
None



http://newspaper.li/static/bd1938c1f082a3c8c9ff00dd41da2f64.jpg
Clippers



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/01/Danny-Green-20120104-306x275.jpg
Grizzlies



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
Mavericks



http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
Rockets
Nuggets



http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
Jazz
Suns



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Saturday, April 7th. OP updated:


http://www.thenolookpass.com/Pix/bruce001.jpg
Thunder



http://www.clap.name/images/avery1.jpg
Lakers



http://newspaper.li/static/bd1938c1f082a3c8c9ff00dd41da2f64.jpg
Clippers



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/01/Danny-Green-20120104-306x275.jpg
Grizzlies



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
None


http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
Rockets



http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers

[Mel_13]

Spurs have clinched a playoff spot. With games remaining among the 4 teams with a magic number of 1, at least two of them have to lose at least one more game.

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Saturday, April 8th. OP updated:


http://doublepump.com/images/jacquevaughn.jpg
Thunder



http://newspaper.li/static/bd1938c1f082a3c8c9ff00dd41da2f64.jpg
Lakers



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/01/Danny-Green-20120104-306x275.jpg
Clippers



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
Grizzlies



http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
None



http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
Rockets



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets

[spursince#99]

lol I'm confused as to what the meaning of this thread stands for

[Mel_13]

lol I'm confused as to what the meaning of this thread stands for

Magic number is the number of positive results (Spurs wins plus opponent losses) that are required for the Spurs to clinch a higher seed than the other team.

For example, any combination of Spurs wins and Laker losses totaling five means that the Spurs will have clinched a higher seed than the Lakers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_number_%28sports%29

[Obstructed_View]

This keeps up and there might become a need to put Miami and Chicago on this list.

[boutons_deux]

Spurs finish a road B2B @GS on a Thursday.

Can we expect the playoffs to start less than 48 hours later on that Saturday, as they traditionally start on a Saturday?

[quentin_compson]

The Spurs finish the RS on a quite brutal stretch of games. So I wouldn't be surprised if OKC lands the number 1 spot in the end.

[Dex]

Spurs finish a road B2B @GS on a Thursday.

Can we expect the playoffs to start less than 48 hours later on that Saturday, as they traditionally start on a Saturday?

That's what I've been hearing.

Hopefully the Spurs will get lucky and get slated for the Sunday games.

[Dex]

The Spurs finish the RS on a quite brutal stretch of games. So I wouldn't be surprised if OKC lands the number 1 spot in the end.

Finishing ahead of Oklahoma City would certainly be a bonus, but is going to require some help on their part. Pushing the Spurs to try to get 11 wins out of their last 12 would be a mistake, especially considering the flurry that the games will be coming in.

Spurs need to focus securing #2, then start getting guys ready for the playoffs. If the Thunder decide to implode a bit and make #1 possible, all the better, but I'd feel better about the Spurs having a rested squad ready to play them on the road, as opposed to a battered squad with home-court advantage. HCA can be overrated IMO.....you can spend 82 games (or 66 games, in this case) trying to get it, and then you can lose it in the course of one bad outing.

[TJastal]

Finishing ahead of Oklahoma City would certainly be a bonus, but is going to require some help on their part. Pushing the Spurs to try to get 11 wins out of their last 12 would be a mistake, especially considering the flurry that the games will be coming in.

Spurs need to focus securing #2, then start getting guys ready for the playoffs. If the Thunder decide to implode a bit and make #1 possible, all the better, but I'd feel better about the Spurs having a rested squad ready to play them on the road, as opposed to a battered squad with home-court advantage. HCA can be overrated IMO.....you can spend 82 (or 66-games, in this case) trying to get it, and then you can lose it in the course of one bad outing.

You're theory makes sense for a team like the lakers who relies so much more on their starters to win games and has practically no bench to speak of. This isn't the lakers however. The spurs can afford not to tank games with the quality on their bench. And for the most part Pop has been doing this now since the Portland "forfeit" game where he played Eric Dawson 30+ minutes and several other scrubs like James Anderson. Thank god.

Now add to that the fact that OKC plays especially well at home and you've got even more justification. Remember the last game? The spurs built up a near 30 point lead and still had to rely on Danny Green's late-game heroics to pull out the victory. That team will fight and claw on their home court like no other team in the league. Let's not also forget the spurs aren't too shabby on their home court either. It's a pretty big advantage for the spurs to have. Also consider the fact that the spurs will likely end up facing OKC in the playoffs. I think it's a pretty big deal actually.

Also consider there are only two teams with better road records than home records, NJ & NO. It makes a fairly substantial difference.

[Dex]

You're theory makes sense for a team like the lakers who relies so much more on their starters to win games and has practically no bench to speak of. This isn't the lakers however. The spurs can afford not to tank games with the quality on their bench. And for the most part Pop has been doing this now since the Portland "forfeit" game where he played Eric Dawson 30+ minutes and several other scrubs like James Anderson. Thank god.

Now add to that the fact that OKC plays especially well at home and you've got even more justification. Remember the last game? The spurs built up a near 30 point lead and still had to rely on Danny Green's late-game heroics to pull out the victory. That team will fight and claw on their home court like no other team in the league. Let's not also forget the spurs aren't too shabby on their home court either. It's a pretty big advantage for the spurs to have. Also consider the fact that the spurs will likely end up facing OKC in the playoffs. I think it's a pretty big deal actually.

Also consider there are only two teams with better road records than home records, NJ & NO. It makes a fairly substantial difference.

I agree that with the Spurs depth, they face a better chance than most in games that they rest their core players, and that could definitely end up yielding benefits in the end (it already has, really). I certainly don't think the Spurs are just going to give up games for the sake of giving them up...we can be competitive even if Tim, Tony, or Manu don't get off the bench.

That being said, those three need to be the focus. Running any of those three guys ragged (especially Tony, who seems to be the one player Pop is willing to put out for 30+ minutes in games they are really gunning for), I fear would be a mistake. If he continues to rotate nights off for the guys, or limit their minutes when they do play, I'm all for going for the #1. Just don't run the Big Three down to get there.

Spurs could also do themselves some favors by getting a few more blowout wins where the core doesn't even sniff the fourth quarter.

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Monday, April 9th. OP updated:


http://doublepump.com/images/jacquevaughn.jpg
Thunder



http://newspaper.li/static/bd1938c1f082a3c8c9ff00dd41da2f64.jpg
Lakers



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/01/Danny-Green-20120104-306x275.jpg
None



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
Grizzlies
Clippers



http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
None



http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
Rockets



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets

[Seventyniner]

The Nuggets didn't make your most recent list, but since they're in the Johnny Moore zone anyway, it hardly matters.

[Mel_13]

The Nuggets didn't make your most recent list, but since they're in the Johnny Moore zone anyway, it hardly matters.

Thanks. I'll fix it.

And no update tonight. Just a couple of Johnny Moore Zone teams in action.

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Wednesday, April 11th. OP updated:


http://sports.espn.go.com/media/nba/2003/0615/photo/g_claxton_il.jpg
Thunder



http://newspaper.li/static/bd1938c1f082a3c8c9ff00dd41da2f64.jpg
Lakers



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/01/Danny-Green-20120104-306x275.jpg
None



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
Grizzlies
Clippers



http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
None



http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
None



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets
Rockets

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Thursday, April 12th. OP updated:


http://48minutesofhell.com/48minutesofhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/tony-parker-san-antonio-spurs-nba-draft-2011.jpg
Thunder



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/01/Danny-Green-20120104-306x275.jpg
Lakers



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
None



http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
Clippers



http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
Grizzlies



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets
Rockets

[Brazil]

lol I'm confused as to what the meaning of this thread stands for

too complicated, limit yourself to the great and interesting thread you created

[Mel_13]

The Spurs have now clinched the Southwest Division and HCA in the first round of the playoffs.

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Saturday, April 14th. OP updated:


http://www.spursportal.com/images/images/nesterovic_g.jpg
Thunder



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
Lakers



http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
None



http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
Clippers



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets
Rockets
Grizzlies

[Dex]

:elephant

TBH, Spurs need to get past the Lakeshow since it's right within grasp, then start focusing on resting up for the playoffs. We saw last season what can happen when you start chasing the #1 overall seed (see: Manu's injury in the last game against Phoenix)

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Monday, April 16th. OP updated:


http://www.clap.name/images/avery1.jpg
Thunder



http://www.woai.com/media/lib/12/4/6/2/4621f396-c0b4-4b44-bf28-b97c0edce640/Story.jpg
Lakers



http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
None



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets
Rockets
Grizzlies
Clippers

[Dex]

Down go the Lakers!

[Mel_13]

Lakers to the Johnny Moore Zone. Spurs have now clinched HCA through the 2nd round of the playoffs.


Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Tuesday, April 17th. OP updated:


http://newspaper.li/static/bd1938c1f082a3c8c9ff00dd41da2f64.jpg
Thunder



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets
Rockets
Grizzlies
Clippers
Lakers

[SA210]

Hell Yes!

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Wednesday, April 18th. OP updated:


http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/239/558/kerr_display_image.jpg
Thunder



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets
Rockets
Grizzlies
Clippers
Lakers

[GSH]

So if the Thunder lose one more game, the Spurs can go 3-2 to finish and still keep the 1 seed. I guess that makes Sunday's LAL-OKC game pretty important.

[Spurs Brazil]

Perfect scenario now is Lakers beat Thunder on Sunday. We win the next 2 at home and it's done. We don't even need to put the big 3 on the plane for the last 2 games

[timtonymanu]

Yeah thats the only time I'll ever root for the Lakers.

[roycrikside]

Perfect scenario now is Lakers beat Thunder on Sunday. We win the next 2 at home and it's done. We don't even need to put the big 3 on the plane for the last 2 games

are you crazy? We just need to win out and get one Bulls loss and we clinch best recover overall and HCA for whole playoffs. We can play the big three less than 15 mins each and win the next two home games. They just need to take the Suns game semi-serious and then breeze against the tanking Warriors.

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Friday, April 20th. OP updated:


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg
Thunder



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets
Rockets
Grizzlies
Clippers
Lakers

[Mel_13]

Perfect scenario now is Lakers beat Thunder on Sunday. We win the next 2 at home and it's done. We don't even need to put the big 3 on the plane for the last 2 games

Absolutely.

[timtonymanu]

Crazy how the Thunder were unreachable before.

[timvp]

Denver beating the Suns tonight could help the Spurs because if the Jazz beat the Magic tonight and then beat the Suns in their next game, the Suns will be eliminated before their upcoming game against the Spurs.

And now, getting the top seed looks even more valuable because Denver as a 7th seed is relatively dangerous. PHX/Utah at eight looks like a much easier road, tbh. The only worrisome thing about those two teams is Utah's physical play.

[timvp]

Miami just lost to the Wizards, which gives the Spurs a two-game lead over the Heat. Nice :tu

The Bulls appear headed to a win over the Mavs. That makes the two seed even less palatable.

[ffadicted]

Heat just lost one when Spolstra tried to pull a Pop... this pretty much solidifies our home court advantage against them

Let's cheer for the mavs!!

edit: goddamn it timvp y u so quick on the trigger

[timtonymanu]

Heat just lost too. I know they're in the East but if the Spurs can reach the Finals and they happen to play the Heat, having HCA would be huge.

[timtonymanu]

Lol 3 replies about the same thing.

[timvp]

Too bad there is absolutely no way the Mavs beat the Bulls tonight.


/elnono

[timtonymanu]

Magic number to clinch a better record than Miami is 3?

[Mugen]

Hoping for a Thunder loss tomorrow. Will gladly overlook that it means a Laker win. Spurs can go 2-2 the remaining games if that happens.

Pulling for:
SA
OKC
Lakers
Clippers
Memphis
Mavs
Nuggs
Jazz

But if Pop plays any of the Big 3 @ Oakland in hopes of catching the Bulls again for homecourt throughout, i will lose my fucking mind.

[szkorhetz]

Thank you, Washington Wizards!

[timvp]

Magic number to clinch a better record than Miami is 3?

Yeah, if the Spurs beat Cleveland, Portland and Golden State, they are now guaranteed HCA over every team other than the Bulls.

[Mugen]

Denver beating the Suns tonight could help the Spurs because if the Jazz beat the Magic tonight and then beat the Suns in their next game, the Suns will be eliminated before their upcoming game against the Spurs.


I'm chalking the Suns game as loss already, even if they got nothing to play for. Last game of the season, probably Nash's final game as a Sun.

They didn't have anything to play for in last year's final game and Spurs still got stomped. And Manu... :depressed

[ffadicted]

Fuck, chicago def winning

[timvp]

It looks like the Jazz are going to lose to the Howard-less Magic :td

[Dex]

It looks like the Jazz are going to lose to the Howard-less Magic :td

It would be nice if the Suns didn't have anything to play for when the Spurs face them in a few days, but I'd rather them nab the 8th spot and go up against them in the first round. Spurs could beat Utah, but they would get beat up doing it. Phoenix would pose less of a challenge, the Skunker notwithstanding.

[Mel_13]

It looks like the Jazz are going to lose to the Howard-less Magic :td

If the Jazz lose tonight and then again to Phoenix on Tuesday, then the Suns will have the 8th seed clinched by the time they play the Spurs. I'm assuming that Houston loses at Miami tomorrow.

[timtonymanu]

Time to pull out the Leonard pic. Might be Hairston after tonight.

[Mel_13]

Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Sunday, April 22th. OP updated:


http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/m_hairston_300_081223.jpg
Thunder



http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets
Rockets
Grizzlies
Clippers
Lakers

[DontStopBelieving]

:flag:

[Mel_13]

Final entry. The Spurs have now clinched the #1 seed in the Western Conference.



Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Monday, April 23rd. OP updated:


http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets
Rockets
Grizzlies
Clippers
Lakers
Thunder

[Spursfanfromafar]

Final entry. The Spurs have now clinched the #1 seed in the Western Conference.



Magic numbers current as of the end of NBA action for Monday, April 23rd. OP updated:


http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/moore_240_spurs.jpg
Hornets
Kings
Warriors
Timberwolves
Trailblazers
Jazz
Suns
Mavericks
Nuggets
Rockets
Grizzlies
Clippers
Lakers
Thunder

Your job is done :). Thanks for keeping this thread going.

Onto the playoffs!

[ElNono]

Thank you Mel! Great job! :toast