Spurs trying to track down the 2/3/4 seed

[BillMc]

Thanks for nothing Portland!

[Ice009]

You're fucking shitting me. The Blazers had the game in hand when I left and I come back and they've fucking choked it all away and are down almost double digits.

What a fucking joke of a team.

[Uriel]

Wait, why are we cheering for Portland again? We're tied with the Clippers in the loss column, but Portland is 1 game ahead of us.

Shouldn't we be happy they're about to lose?

[Mugen]

crofl

[01Snake]

Whole lot of fail right there.

[NASpurs]

Wait, why are we cheering for Portland again? We're tied with the Clippers in the loss column, but Portland is 1 game ahead of us.

Shouldn't we be happy they're about to lose?

Portland is going to win their division.

[Ice009]

Wait, why are we cheering for Portland again? We're tied with the Clippers in the loss column, but Portland is 1 game ahead of us.

Shouldn't we be happy they're about to lose?

Blazers are basically locked into the 4th seed because of their division. They also have a tougher schedule to finish the season than the Clippers. Spurs also can't finish tied with the Clippers.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Wait, why are we cheering for Portland again? We're tied with the Clippers in the loss column, but Portland is 1 game ahead of us.

Shouldn't we be happy they're about to lose?

Portland has more losses upcoming and arent a threat even with homecourt. They fucking blow, easiest first round matchup.

[itzsoweezee]

This Portland loss hurts. Spurs are going to have to win both games against Houston and hope they overtake them. Otherwise, San Antonio's looking at the 6 seed.

[Uriel]

This Portland loss hurts. Spurs are going to have to win both games against Houston and hope they overtake them. Otherwise, San Antonio's looking at the 6 seed.
But if the Spurs DO indeed overtake them and win their division, wouldn't this have been a good outcome for us in the larger scheme of things?

[timtonymanu]

Ugh fuck you Scrublazers

[BatManu20]

Cp3 with 41 pts and 17 asts...

[RD2191]

Barnes faggot

[Budkin]

Fucking guest team...

[Mugen]

You cheer for losers, you should expect loser results tbh.

[Sean Cagney]

You're fucking shitting me. The Blazers had the game in hand when I left and I come back and they've fucking choked it all away and are down almost double digits.

What a fucking joke of a team.Yep, but we can also thank our team for blowing that Cavs and Knicks game or else they are sitting pretty right now. If they just took care of business and did not blow games they had NO business in blowing then man they would be in good shape right now Ice.

I still will root for the other teams to lose though :lol
Fucking guest team...

Damn Blazers every year seem to fade down the stretch and get knocked out early... Clockwork.

[Beaverfuzz]

Just beat Houston, let the chips fall where they may.

[itzsoweezee]

But if the Spurs DO indeed overtake them and win their division, wouldn't this have been a good outcome for us in the larger scheme of things?

Spurs would have to overtake the Rockets and the Grizzlies to win the division. That seems unlikely. With this win and their cupcake remaining schedule, the Clippers probably have at least the 3 seed.

I think the 3 seed would have been ideal for the Spurs - two home court series, then GSW in the WCF.

Now, the Spurs are either (1) going to have only one home court series (if they're lucky), and GSW in round two, or (2) be starting on the road in every round of the playoffs.

[timtonymanu]

Yep, no one to blame but the Spurs for pissing away so many opportunities to move up. I just hope they draw Memphis instead of Houston in the 1st round.

[Beaverfuzz]

Wait, why are we cheering for Portland again? We're tied with the Clippers in the loss column, but Portland is 1 game ahead of us.

Shouldn't we be happy they're about to lose?

Portland can't fall any further, yes someone can have HCA over them in the first round but you'd have to catch #3 to move past Portland...tough job.

[peacemaker885]

Yep, no one to blame but the Spurs for pissing away so many opportunities to move up. I just hope they draw Memphis instead of Houston in the 1st round.

Like I mentioned before, it would be extremely difficult to repeat. The champs usually come from the the top two seeds from each conference. The last one that did it at 6th seed was the Rockets with Hakeem in 1995. It was the first and only time a sixth seed won the championship.

[spurraider21]

damn, spurs gained no ground today. its going to come down to how we handle b2b games against houston. memphis has a light schedule so they should be able to hang onto the division. the 3 seed can be had though. all those overtime losses coming back to sting

[SnakeBoy]

Spurs would have to overtake the Rockets and the Grizzlies to win the division. That seems unlikely. With this win and their cupcake remaining schedule, the Clippers probably have at least the 3 seed.

I think the 3 seed would have been ideal for the Spurs - two home court series, then GSW in the WCF.

Now, the Spurs are either (1) going to have only one home court series (if they're lucky), and GSW in round two, or (2) be starting on the road in every round of the playoffs.

Hopefully Spurs can get 4/5 so they can face GSW in the semis.

[Uriel]

If we win out, could we still finish as #2?

[SnakeBoy]

If we win out, could we still finish as #2?

With help. Spurs won't win out though.

[MultiTroll]

What happened to Lilliard?

Did CP Bitch get his usual ref pampering? Or did he actually play well?

[ezau]

I don't know why you guys are so scared of being the 6th seed and worried about not having HCA all throughout the playoffs. You guys are acting like it cannot be done, but the 95 Rockets team did it before. The probability of ringing as a 6th seed might be small, but the Spurs are the defending champs and they're actually clicking right in time for the playoffs. The thing about HCA is you only need to win one game on the road and you lose it already.

[apalisoc_9]

I don't know why you guys are so scared of being the 6th seed and worried about not having HCA all throughout the playoffs. You guys are acting like it cannot be done, but the 95 Rockets team did it before. The probability of ringing as a 6th seed might be small, but the Spurs are the defending champs and they're actually clicking right in time for the playoffs. The thing about HCA is you only need to win one game on the road and you lose it already.

every little advantage counts, IMO.

[will_spurs]

Nope. We're 4 conference games behind them with 7 overall games to play. If they lost that many conference games, we wouldn't need a tiebreaker. If we're tied, we're toast.

Actually the first tie-breaker against the Clippers would be division winner. They can't win theirs, but we can still win ours (however long of a shot it is).

Right now the Clippers, Spurs and Rockets all won, so nothing has changed compared to yesterday: the Spurs can still clinch #2, they are tied with the Clippers and Blazers in the loss column. But they really need the Grizz to start losing (2 games including one against NO, or 3 games if they win against NO).

What I can really see developing is that Portland is going to screw the rankings badly. The whole idea of #5 gets HCA over #4 if they have a better record, despite #4 being a division leader, works fine if there's only one team ranked 5th and below with a better record than #4. Right now it's totally imaginable, if not likely, that the Spurs and Clippers are both going to finish with a better record than the Blazers, and the Spurs will be ranked 6th. In this case I'd rather have Houston play well and Memphis lose.

In this case the Spurs could actually have a nice road to the WCF with Memphis then Rockets/Mavs (hopefully Mavs). In any case it's always a bonus to play in the 2nd round a team that has faced the Mavs in the 1st round, as we know Carlisle isn't rolling over against anybody. A Mavs series is destined to go 6 or 7 games regardless of opponent.

[BatManu20]

I don't know why you guys are so scared of being the 6th seed and worried about not having HCA all throughout the playoffs. You guys are acting like it cannot be done, but the 95 Rockets team did it before. The probability of ringing as a 6th seed might be small, but the Spurs are the defending champs and they're actually clicking right in time for the playoffs. The thing about HCA is you only need to win one game on the road and you lose it already.

I like your enthusiasm, but HCA is huge in the playoffs. The fact that only one team has ever on the ship without says enough. And with the West tougher than it's ever been, combined with the fact that the Spurs are no spry chickens, it's put us at a pretty big disadvantage, tbh. Would've been tough either way, but if we finish 5th or 6th the odds will be stacked heavily against us.

[will_spurs]

I like your enthusiasm, but HCA is huge in the playoffs. The fact that only one team has ever on the ship without says enough. And with the West tougher than it's ever been, combined with the fact that the Spurs are no spry chickens, it's put us at a pretty big disadvantage, tbh. Would've been tough either way, but if we finish 5th or 6th the odds will be stacked heavily against us.

Part of it is due to HCA, but I feel an even larger part of it is due to the fact that #1 or #2 seeds in a conference tend to have managed to stay healthy throughout the season. I'd be interested to know how many championships have actually been won because of injuries (or lack thereof).

This year we are in an uncommon situation: teams usually end the season more banged up than at the start. For the Spurs it's the reverse. Furthermore all the Western teams ranked #2 to #6 are so close in the standings, I'm not sure HCA is as important as it could be, nor does it feel like it's more representative of the gap between teams. Essentially teams with HCA tend to have HCA because they are certifiably better than others, not the other way around.

In other words, because of the way things are, we could very well end up with 4 teams (MEM, HOU, LAC and SAS) tied at the end of the season or within 1-2 games of each other and still be ranked from #2 to #6. That wouldn't suddenly make #2 MEM vastly superior to #6 SAS.

Last year #2 OKC had 8 more wins than #6 GSW. The year before #2 SAS had 11 (!) more wins than #6 GSW. The years before: 9, 9, 5, 4. You'd have to go back to the 2007-08 season to find such a level playing field (#1 team had 57 wins and #6 team had 55...)

[ezau]

I like your enthusiasm, but HCA is huge in the playoffs. The fact that only one team has ever on the ship without says enough. And with the West tougher than it's ever been, combined with the fact that the Spurs are no spry chickens, it's put us at a pretty big disadvantage, tbh. Would've been tough either way, but if we finish 5th or 6th the odds will be stacked heavily against us.

I get your point, bro. However, HCA only counts so much for teams that don't have much experience in the playoffs. The Spurs are not your typical number 6 team, and they're the most playoff-tested team since the Heat broke up last June. The Spurs will be a handful for any team in the West and the last time this team lost 4 times in a series, it took a miracle three-pointer from the greatest shooter of all time to do it. I'm not saying that the Spurs will not lose, but it will take every inch of talent, experience, and coaching to do it. GSW is rolling right now, but we also have to remember that Steve Kerr is a rookie coach and the core of that team hasn't played a single game in the WCF. It's going to be really tough to take out this Spurs team in a seven-game series with or without HCA.

[cantthinkofanything]

Like I mentioned before, it would be extremely difficult to repeat. The champs usually come from the the top two seeds from each conference. The last one that did it at 6th seed was the Rockets with Hakeem in 1995. It was the first and only time a sixth seed won the championship.It was also the second of back to back championships. A champion team that suffered some early season setbacks but put it together at the end of the season and for the playoffs. I like the comparison.

[BillMc]

It was also the second of back to back championships. A champion team that suffered some early season setbacks but put it together at the end of the season and for the playoffs. I like the comparison.

Good point!

[peacemaker885]

It was also the second of back to back championships. A champion team that suffered some early season setbacks but put it together at the end of the season and for the playoffs. I like the comparison.

So if somehow Spurs get it done, it would be epic.

[cantthinkofanything]

So if somehow Spurs get it done, it would be epic.

It would seriously be a poetic ending for the Big Three as well as an great beginning for KL. Would love to see Pop quote Rudy T when holding the trophy. Damn...I got a chill thinking about it.

[ducks]

Role players Like green play better at home

[$pursDynasty]

It was also the second of back to back championships. A champion team that suffered some early season setbacks but put it together at the end of the season and for the playoffs. I like the comparison.
Faintly we can all hear Rudy T with his famous, "never underestimate the heart of a champion" take.

[$pursDynasty]

It would seriously be a poetic ending for the Big Three as well as an great beginning for KL. Would love to see Pop quote Rudy T when holding the trophy. Damn...I got a chill thinking about it.
cantthink we had the same thought at the same time, Spurs zeitgeist.

[cantthinkofanything]

cantthink we had the same thought at the same time, Spurs zeitgeist.

Surely Pop would say that wouldn't he? Would be fitting on so many levels. Especially if the Spurs have to go through Houston on the way. 20 year anniversary of the Rockets win and having to go through the Spurs. And it's a great quote even without all the tie-ins.

A sportswriter's dream.

[Arcadian]

As "stacked" as the western conference is, how many of those teams can really beat the Spurs in a series? Memphis no. Portland no. Clippers no. Dallas no. Thunder no. Warriors and Rockets maybe. So there's really only two teams we need to worry about at all, regardless of who has HCA.

[BillMc]

As "stacked" as the western conference is, how many of those teams can really beat the Spurs in a series? Memphis no. Portland no. Clippers no. Dallas no. Thunder no. Warriors and Rockets maybe. So there's really only two teams we need to worry about at all, regardless of who has HCA.

I agree, except I think the Clippers "could" beat us too, and are maybe even more able to do so than the Rockets.

That said, only Warriors would be favored, I think.

[apalisoc_9]

Go mavs go!!

rooting from dem Mavs tonight...

If Houston loses and spurs win..spurs 1 game behind.

[$pursDynasty]

Go mavs go!!

rooting from dem Mavs tonight...

If Houston loses and spurs win..spurs 1 game behind.
This!!!

[$pursDynasty]

Go mavs go!!

rooting from dem Mavs tonight...

If Houston loses and spurs win..spurs 1 game behind.
Is Monte a go for tonight?

[spurs10]

As "stacked" as the western conference is, how many of those teams can really beat the Spurs in a series? Memphis no. Portland no. Clippers no. Dallas no. Thunder no. Warriors and Rockets maybe. So there's really only two teams we need to worry about at all, regardless of who has HCA. That HCA worries me most with Los Dubs. They haven't lost many games at home. Harden isn't going to live on the foul line in the playoffs. We will take them out. :ihit

[MultiTroll]

But if the Spurs DO indeed overtake them and win their division, wouldn't this have been a good outcome for us in the larger scheme of things?
Last nights Slippers over the Blazers was still a net gain for us.
We gained on the Blazers and we need to overtake their record (nevermind the stupid assed #4 seeding) for HCA vs Portland.
HCA would be nice even if it's just the 1st round.

[peacemaker885]

As "stacked" as the western conference is, how many of those teams can really beat the Spurs in a series? Memphis no. Portland no. Clippers no. Dallas no. Thunder no. Warriors and Rockets maybe. So there's really only two teams we need to worry about at all, regardless of who has HCA.

The problem I see is that the Spurs will have to beat those teams 3x on the road just to get to the finals, where we also do not hold the home court. That makes winning 4 series without home court. That's really very difficult. Assuming our guys are fully healthy and playing exceptional ball, you will have to deal with officiating on the road. Road games have to be won convincingly or else, the balance will tip to the home team. Unfortunately, we haven't really been a great road team this year. Can Spurs do it? Definitely - nothing is impossible. It will take great effort and heart - only real champions would have it.

[Beaverfuzz]

Last nights Slippers over the Blazers was still a net gain for us.
We gained on the Blazers and we need to overtake their record (nevermind the stupid assed #4 seeding) for HCA vs Portland.
HCA would be nice even if it's just the 1st round.

You do realize that the Spurs have to pass SOMEBODY in order to play Portland right?

[Arcadian]

The problem I see is that the Spurs will have to beat those teams 3x on the road just to get to the finals, where we also do not hold the home court.

Oh yes we do. Cleveland will be the finalists, and they have 27 losses right now. :)

Even if Atlanta somehow makes it to the finals, do you really think they can beat the Spurs even with HCA?

[NASpurs]

*cough* Go Mavs *cough*

[peacemaker885]

Oh yes we do. Cleveland will be the finalists, and they have 27 losses right now. :)

Even if Atlanta somehow makes it to the finals, do you really think they can beat the Spurs even with HCA?

I stand corrected should Cleveland be the Eastern conference champs and should we win the rest of the way.

[Malik Hairston]

As I've been saying for a few weeks, the Clippers are almost a lock for the 2 seed IMO..if they had lost vs. Portland, that could have changed things(every game matters in this scenario), but winning that game puts them in the driver's seat..

Obviously anything can happen, but strictly based on probability, these are the potential losses for the teams battling for the 2-6 seeds IMO:

Memphis:
home to OKC- possible(although unlikely)
home to Washington- no
home to NO- yes
@ Utah- yes
@ Clippers- yes
@ Warriors- yes
home to Indiana- no

5 potential losses

Rockets:

@ OKC- yes
@ SA- yes
home to SA- yes
home to NO- no
@ Charlotte- no
home to Utah- no

3 potential losses

Clippers:

@ Denver- yes
@ LA- no
home to LA- no
home to Memphis- yes
home to Denver- no
@ Phoenix on the final day- no

2 potential losses(Denver might be a reach, too)

Spurs:

home to Denver- no
home to GS- yes
@ OKC- yes
home to Houston on a back-to-back- yes
@ Houston- yes
home to Phoenix- no
@ NO on the final day- yes if they're still playing for 8th, no otherwise

4 or 5 potential losses

Obviously anything can happen, the Spurs could get hot and win all their remaining games, or the Grizzlies could continue to collapse, etc, but the odds are that the Clippers are going to finish #2 and the Spurs will finish at 6 IMO..

Best-case is that Memphis gets 3rd if the Spurs get 6, but I'm betting on the Rockets getting 3..

As many of us have been saying, the Spurs need to win the 2 Rockets games to get a top 5 seed IMO..

[Malik Hairston]

If the Rockets win tonight, it'll be a massive blow to the Spurs' chances to get a top seed, tbh..

[Mel_13]

If the Rockets win tonight, it'll be a massive blow to the Spurs' chances to get a top seed, tbh..

A Rocket win probably forces the Spurs to win out to get HCA in Round 1. A loss allows the Spurs to lose a game along the way as long as they sweep Houston.

[Malik Hairston]

A Rocket win probably forces the Spurs to win out to get HCA in Round 1. A loss allows the Spurs to lose a game along the way as long as they sweep Houston.

If the Spurs win out, they won't have any problems, regardless:lol..

I can't see them winning out, though, there are some tough games on the schedule..hopefully I'm wrong, obviously..

The Clippers beating Portland was a blow, and a Rockets W tonight would be a blow, too..both teams were down by double-digits in the 2nd half..

[timtonymanu]

smh we can't catch a break.

[Mel_13]

If the Spurs win out, they won't have any problems, regardless:lol..

I can't see them winning out, though, there are some tough games on the schedule..hopefully I'm wrong, obviously..

The Clippers beating Portland was a blow, and a Rockets W tonight would be a blow, too..both teams were down by double-digits in the 2nd half..

Winning out guarantees that they'll finish no worse than 5th, of course. Key wins by other teams makes it less and less likely to get HCA with even one loss. Two losses probably makes it impossible.

[itzsoweezee]

If the Mavericks lose by two or less i'm going to be really pissed considering that bunny layup they missed at the end of the first half.

[RD2191]

mavs choking. lets just face the reality that we are going to be the 6th seed and are going to play Houston in the 1st round

[Malik Hairston]

Wow, Dallas is playing horrendous basketball in this quarter..

[RD2191]

game

[TDfan2007]

Goddamnit so not only have we choked away games, but the teams that we need to win are choking their games away too!

[timtonymanu]

Ugh worthless scrub teams can't win at home

[Malik Hairston]

These Clippers-Blazers and Rockets-Mavs games have been painful, tbh..

Spurs only have themselves to blame, though..that fucking 1-6 OT record..

[itzsoweezee]

Wow, dirk looks like he can barely move side to side.

[TDfan2007]

:pctoss of course Ellis goes 6-17 tonight

[timtonymanu]

mavs choking. lets just face the reality that we are going to be the 6th seed and are going to play Houston in the 1st round

What a nightmare 1st round matchup, too.

[ElNono]

Dallas chokericks

[TDfan2007]

These Clippers-Blazers and Rockets-Mavs games have been painful, tbh..

Spurs only have themselves to blame, though..that fucking 1-6 OT record..

That Knicks game...that fucking Knicks game. That one, Portland, Cleveland, and Memphis were the worst OT losses.

[Malik Hairston]

That Knicks game...that fucking Knicks game. That one, Portland, Cleveland, and Memphis were the worst OT losses.

The Pistons loss was the worst of the season IMO..

Blowing an 18-point lead, Duncan throws the ball away, Jennings makes a layup at the buzzer:lmao..

[RD2191]

What a nightmare 1st round matchup, too.
i doubt we beat them tbh. how long has it been since we've had a convincing win against them? tbh

[RD2191]

Dallas chokericks
:lol

[TDfan2007]

On the bright side, Houston isn't scary. Dwight is broken, and Harden has yet to have a solid playoff series as an alpha.

[timtonymanu]

That Knicks game...that fucking Knicks game. That one, Portland, Cleveland, and Memphis were the worst OT losses.

Don't forget the Pistons game they choked as well. Even though it wasn't an OT game, it was a really shitty loss.

[TDfan2007]

The Pistons loss was the worst of the season IMO..

Blowing an 18-point lead, Duncan throws the ball away, Jennings makes a layup at the buzzer:lmao..

Ugh I forgot about that one...yeah that takes the cake. I think I was less angry about that one because of the ridiculousness of it all. I remember laughing after Jennings' shot went in.

[Mel_13]

That Knicks game...that fucking Knicks game. That one, Portland, Cleveland, and Memphis were the worst OT losses.


The Pistons loss was the worst of the season IMO..

Knicks, Pistons, and Lakers. Losses to three of the worst teams in the league. Blew double digit leads in all three games. Would have the second seed right now if they won those three games.

[ElNono]

of course Monta... you only make those against us

[hater]

Lollas :lol

[TDfan2007]

i doubt we beat them tbh. how long has it been since we've had a convincing win against them? tbh

The only team that we should be worried about in a 7 game series is the Warriors. They're a matchup nightmare and the deepest team in the league.

Houston is very inconsistent and WAY too reliant on Harden. He'd have to play even better than he is now for them to beat us, and he has shown no signs of doing so in the playoffs.

The Clippers are mental midgets and we matchup well with them. Not to mention that Tony, Tim, and Kawhi always seem to play well against them.

The Blazers are very hot/cold. They don't have a chance in hell without Matthews.

The Grizzlies are our new whipping boys. They've only beaten us twice in the last 2 1/2 years, and one of those was that triple OT game where Tony and Kawhi weren't even playing. I hope we get them tbh :lol

[Mugen]

Can't rely on loser teams to bail you out.

[ElNono]

The Spurs need to focus on keep building on what they've been doing the past week or so... playing well, especially on the road. We do that, the rest will take care of itself.

[apalisoc_9]

SMDH..

[Malik Hairston]

I wouldn't worry about Portland(without Matthews) or Dallas, as I've been saying, neither of them are playoff-caliber teams in the West if you extrapolate their current rosters to an entire season of basketball IMO..

Memphis is a relatively easy match-up, too..

However, despite their flaws, I don't see how we shouldn't worry about a series vs. Houston or the Clippers in round 1 without HCA..especially when you consider that the Warriors are going to have an easy-ass bracket where they're probably going to avoid the only 2 teams that can match up with them until the WCFs IMO(Spurs and Clippers)..

A peaking Spurs team can beat anybody, but man, this team has really fucked itself by potentially not having HCA, at all..last year's Spurs were a historic team, an anomaly when you look at the points, minutes played and depth stats for each individual, it had never been done before, but like the Rockets' historic 6th seeded championship team, there's a reason it has only occurred once..

[ironman2886]

Houston's late game play is scary. They always seem to win the close games. Spurs overtime record has sucked this regular season, but I think the Spurs would close the deal in a playoff game/series(Spurs beat Rockets in series.)

[TDfan2007]

Tbh if the standings didn't change from today I'd be pretty happy. Memphis is a very favorable first round matchup. Either them or Portland would be ideal. Playing the Warriors in the semis would not be the greatest thing, but we'd probably have to play them one way or another, and I'd rather do so when our seniors are a little more fresh.

[RD2191]

The only team that we should be worried about in a 7 game series is the Warriors. They're a matchup nightmare and the deepest team in the league.

Houston is very inconsistent and WAY too reliant on Harden. He'd have to play even better than he is now for them to beat us, and he has shown no signs of doing so in the playoffs.

The Clippers are mental midgets and we matchup well with them. Not to mention that Tony, Tim, and Kawhi always seem to play well against them.

The Blazers are very hot/cold. They don't have a chance in hell without Matthews.

The Grizzlies are our new whipping boys. They've only beaten us twice in the last 2 1/2 years, and one of those was that triple OT game where Tony and Kawhi weren't even playing. I hope we get them tbh :lol
They would have home court advantage and the Spurs have been pure dog shit on the road. I'm also worried at how easily and effortlessly Harden will be able to draw fouls and get our best defenders into foul trouble.

[Malik Hairston]

Tbh if the standings didn't change from today I'd be pretty happy. Memphis is a very favorable first round matchup. Either them or Portland would be ideal. Playing the Warriors in the semis would not be the greatest thing, but we'd probably have to play them one way or another, and I'd rather do so when our seniors are a little more fresh.

I'd be very happy if the Spurs get 6th vs. Memphis at 3, tbh..it's probably the most realistic, optimistic outcome, at this point..

I'm still hoping for the best case IMO, which is Spurs at 5 with an easy 1st round matchup vs. Portland, and then getting the Warriors before any potential mileage issues hit Duncan/Manu/Parker..we need teams like the Wizards and Pelicans to get unlikely wins vs. Memphis..

[Silver&Black]

They would have home court advantage and the Spurs have been pure dog shit on the road. I'm also worried at how easily and effortlessly Harden will be able to draw fouls and get our best defenders into foul trouble.

Every team/player/fan in the NBA is worried about that. Not just us....

[TDfan2007]

I wouldn't worry about Portland(without Matthews) or Dallas, as I've been saying, neither of them are playoff-caliber teams in the West if you extrapolate their current rosters to an entire season of basketball IMO..

Memphis is a relatively easy match-up, too..

However, despite their flaws, I don't see how we shouldn't worry about a series vs. Houston or the Clippers in round 1 without HCA..especially when you consider that the Warriors are going to have an easy-ass bracket where they're probably going to avoid the only 2 teams that can match up with them until the WCFs IMO(Spurs and Clippers)..

A peaking Spurs team can beat anybody, but man, this team has really fucked itself by potentially not having HCA, at all..last year's Spurs were a historic team, an anomaly when you look at the points, minutes played and depth stats for each individual, it had never been done before, but like the Rockets' historic 6th seeded championship team, there's a reason it has only occurred once..

Here's my order of team's that I'd like to see:

1) Portland
2) Memphis
3) Clippers
4) Houston

Houston would be the worst matchup out of the 4, but I just don't see Harden going supernova for 4 out of 7 games against us. He's too ref-reliant and his go-to move (step-back jumper) is one of the lowest percentage shots in basketball. If Dwight is healthy, then that changes things, but he seems pretty beat up right now.

[ElNono]

However, despite their flaws, I don't see how we shouldn't worry about a series vs. Houston or the Clippers in round 1 without HCA..especially when you consider that the Warriors are going to have an easy-ass bracket where they're probably going to avoid the only 2 teams that can match up with them IMO(Spurs and Clippers)..

I just think neither series would be too physical (maybe the Clippers series), which is what I think would be more troublesome for us and our older guys. I actually think Houston has some pretty big flaws (which I don't expect Pop to exploit until a potential series), like Josh Smith, the PG situation and 3 players that cannot shoot freethrows at all (Howard, Dorsey, Capela).

[spurraider21]

we get b2b games against houston. if we're going to leap them in the standings, it will be in our control

[apalisoc_9]

we get b2b games against houston. if we're going to leap them in the standings, it will be in our control

What happens with a three way tie..Houston, Mem and SAS?

[RD2191]

What happens with a three way tie..Houston, Mem and SAS?

[Malik Hairston]

What happens with a three way tie..Houston, Mem and SAS?

I think it's head-to-head and then division record IIRC..maybe division record first..

Spurs probably need to win both Rockets games for the tiebreaker IIRC..

[Mel_13]

I think it's head-to-head and then division record IIRC..maybe division record first..

Spurs probably need to win both Rockets games for the tiebreaker IIRC..

That's right. They need to win both games against Houston to come out on top in a three-way tie.

[TDfan2007]

:lol I'm not used to caring about standings this much at the end of the season. Spurs have spoiled us since 2011 tbh...

[ironman2886]

The only team that we should be worried about in a 7 game series is the Warriors. They're a matchup nightmare and the deepest team in the league.

Houston is very inconsistent and WAY too reliant on Harden. He'd have to play even better than he is now for them to beat us, and he has shown no signs of doing so in the playoffs.

The Clippers are mental midgets and we matchup well with them. Not to mention that Tony, Tim, and Kawhi always seem to play well against them.

The Blazers are very hot/cold. They don't have a chance in hell without Matthews.

The Grizzlies are our new whipping boys. They've only beaten us twice in the last 2 1/2 years, and one of those was that triple OT game where Tony and Kawhi weren't even playing. I hope we get them tbh :lol

I agree, the Warriors look amazing. Can't find a flaw, except to shutdown/contain Curry or Thompson. They are very beatable when one of them goes cold. Thompson and Curry haven't proven to be the big dogs in the postseason.

Memphis has cooled off, and haven't been scary since 2011.

Clippers are still a threat. DeAndre Jordan is playing well. Chris Paul might actually show up this postseason. Spurs PGs haven't played consistently all season. Parker has been bad on most nights. Mills' shot and confidence is broken. Cojo is terrible running the point.

Portland is a regular season type of team. They lost Matthews, Zero bench. Tiago/ Timmy/Diaw are nightmares for that team.

Dallas has the second best coach in the league, but Dirk from 2006 or 2011 isn't playing anymore. Dallas can take a game from the Spurs.

[apalisoc_9]

Go westbrook!

Thunder vs Grizz tom...

[Cloud786]

Since Houston is easily our worst matchup from our potential first round foes, we should avoid them at all costs. The best way to do that is to either win both games vs Houston or lose both games. If we win both, we have a good chance to either grab the 2nd seed and play Dallas or if we do end up as the 3rd seed, we would get HCA vs Houston. If we lose both games, we would finish as the 6th seed and Houston would most likely grab the 2nd seed since their schedule is much easier than Memphis. This would most likely lead to a matchup with Memphis or LAC which would be more favorable. Splitting both games vs Houston would just increase our chances of facing them in the first round since we would most likely not finish higher than 6th. Obviously, we want to win as many games as possible and be playing the best we can play, but just in terms of avoiding Houston, it would be best to either win both or lose both.

[djohn2oo8]

Since Houston is easily our worst matchup from our potential first round foes, we should avoid them at all costs. The best way to do that is to either win both games vs Houston or lose both games. If we win both, we have a good chance to either grab the 2nd seed and play Dallas or if we do end up as the 3rd seed, we would get HCA vs Houston. If we lose both games, we would finish as the 6th seed and Houston would most likely grab the 2nd seed since their schedule is much easier than Memphis. This would most likely lead to a matchup with Memphis or LAC which would be more favorable. Splitting both games vs Houston would just increase our chances of facing them in the first round since we would most likely not finish higher than 6th. Obviously, we want to win as many games as possible and be playing the best we can play, but just in terms of avoiding Houston, it would be best to either win both or lose both.

I think the Spurs would be a bad matchup for Houston. Pop vs McHale would give me nightmares.

[SpursFan86]

Just took a look at our schedule and while it's tough, there's one bright spot: we're basically done traveling for the year.

Denver
GS
@ OKC
Houston
@ Houston
Phoenix
@ NO

5 games in Texas, and 2 games in states bordering Texas.

[in2deep]

If we cannot beat a mediocre team like Houston then we might as well forfeit the playoffs. Jeez

[SpursFan86]

I'm torn on Houston.

Their roster doesn't really impress me, and their point differential (usually a better indicator of how good a team is rather than W/L record) isn't that great either. McHale is a shitty coach, and I trust that Pop would coach circles around him in a playoff series. People talk about them being darkhorse contenders, and I really don't see that. I'd be shocked if they made it to the WCF, and I give them no chance at all to make it to the Finals. They also lost Beverley for the season.

But despite all that, I still feel like I'd rather avoid them. I know it's just the regular season, but they've won 5 of the last 6 against us. Harden seems to always kill us, and it'd probably drive me insane having to watch us play him for 5-7 games straight. Dwight would really wear down Duncan/Splitter. I'm confident we'd win, but it'd be a rough 1st round...especially since we probably wouldn't have HCA.

[daslicer]

One thing I wish the NBA would do is get rid of this division seeding bs. Normally it doesn't effect seeding because the teams that win the divisions are usually the best teams when it comes to the top 4 seeds. This year it is different considering Portland could potentially finish with the 6th best record and still get the 4th seed that to me is bs.

[Mel_13]

One thing I wish the NBA would do is get rid of this division seeding bs. Normally it doesn't effect seeding because the teams that win the divisions are usually the best teams when it comes to the top 4 seeds. This year it is different considering Portland could potentially finish with the 6th best record and still get the 4th seed that to me is bs.

I agree, but they would have to completely eliminate divisions in that case. If you keep divisions, there has to be some tangible reward for winning the division.

[daslicer]

I agree, but they would have to completely eliminate divisions in that case. If you keep divisions, there has to be some tangible reward for winning the division.

They should go back to how it was during the 90's and early '00s when each conference had only two divisions. Under that system I can't recall a time when the seeding was messed up. The closet thing I can remember was a few times you had the team with the third best record get the 2 seed by winning the division but even that wasn't bad considering once the second round started the team with the second best record got HCA.

[Mel_13]

They should go back to how it was during the 90's and early '00s when each conference had only two divisions. Under that system I can't recall a time when the seeding was messed up. The closet thing I can remember was a few times you had the team with the third best record get the 2 seed by winning the division but even that wasn't bad considering once the second round started the team with the second best record got HCA.

They did tweak the system after the Spurs and Mavs played in WCSF in 2006. Up to that point the division winners were guaranteed a top 3 seed and a 44 win Denver team was seeded ahead of a 60 win Dallas team.

Really, they just need to abandon the divisions altogether.

[Strategic]

This years' finish is a complicated scenario. As it stands only Denver and GS don't really have much to play for, although Phoenix and NO could be out by the time of their Spurs games. The problem is, the Spurs may need to win out for a home court seed. I think it's a sure thing that Memphis and Houston will play balls to the wall for HCA through their last game. TD may need a weeks rest meaning the others will have to carry the mail. Things should be shook out by the end of the first Houston game.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

This years' finish is a complicated scenario. As it stands only Denver and GS don't really have much to play for, although Phoenix and NO could be out by the time of their Spurs games. The problem is, the Spurs may need to win out for a home court seed. I think it's a sure thing that Memphis and Houston will play balls to the wall for HCA through their last game. TD may need a weeks rest meaning the others will have to carry the mail. Things should be shook out by the end of the first Houston game.

Tim wont rest unless we lose 1 of the 2 to Houston

[Seventyniner]

Really, they just need to abandon the divisions altogether.

:cry but but but the Thunder would lose 4/5 of their banners

[Mikeanaro]

:cry but but but the Thunder would lose 4/5 of their banners
They will hang up some KD´s Mom picture eating a taco.

[cjw]

Just took a look at our schedule and while it's tough, there's one bright spot: we're basically done traveling for the year.

Denver
GS
@ OKC
Houston
@ Houston
Phoenix
@ NO

5 games in Texas, and 2 games in states bordering Texas.

There's an off chance that the team doesn't have to leave Texas outside of one day trips to OKC and New Orleans until late May. And heck, maybe Curry and Thompson run into each other trying to stop a Westbrook drive, get hurt and the Thunder come out of nowhere.

[RD2191]

No allen and zbo is injured I think. Going to try to go according to twitter. Hopefully OKC can pull of a win.

[apalisoc_9]

No allen and zbo is injured I think. Going to try to go according to twitter. Hopefully OKC can pull of a win.

I can't believe we're rooting for the thunder now..

:lol

[RD2191]

I can't believe we're rooting for the thunder now..

:lol
:lolRotted for Dallas, Blazers, now Grizz. It's tough being a Spurs fan right now.

[timtonymanu]

I can't believe we're rooting for the thunder now..

:lol

Getting rid of Perkins and Fisher made them more likeable to me.

[SpurPadre]

I feel so fucking dirty rooting for OKC tonight, tbh. It's a necessary evil but still...

[soxxx]

Dallas should just tank the 8th seed and avenge 2007.

[RD2191]

okc choking

[SpurPadre]

Fuck you thunder!

[RD2191]

every single team we have rooted to has had a lead and then choked it:lol

[timtonymanu]

every single team we have rooted to has had a lead and then choked it:lol

smh

[SpurPadre]

Rot in hell okc, you fucking assholes.

[RD2191]

*for

[SpurPadre]

Now it's time to root hard for New Orleans, tbh. Fuck okc...then again, if they miss the playoffs, they'd get a lottery pick.

[RD2191]

Lakers with a solid 12 point qtr.

[RD2191]

THE PLAYOFFS ARE 2 WEEKS AWAY:wow

[BillMc]

I'm torn on Houston.

Their roster doesn't really impress me, and their point differential (usually a better indicator of how good a team is rather than W/L record) isn't that great either. McHale is a shitty coach, and I trust that Pop would coach circles around him in a playoff series. People talk about them being darkhorse contenders, and I really don't see that. I'd be shocked if they made it to the WCF, and I give them no chance at all to make it to the Finals. They also lost Beverley for the season.

But despite all that, I still feel like I'd rather avoid them. I know it's just the regular season, but they've won 5 of the last 6 against us. Harden seems to always kill us, and it'd probably drive me insane having to watch us play him for 5-7 games straight. Dwight would really wear down Duncan/Splitter. I'm confident we'd win, but it'd be a rough 1st round...especially since we probably wouldn't have HCA.

This pretty much matches my thoughts too.

[BillMc]

Rot in hell okc, you fucking assholes.

That should be on a bumper sticker or billboard somewhere. :toast

[cjw]

Now it's time to root hard for New Orleans, tbh. Fuck okc...then again, if they miss the playoffs, they'd get a lottery pick.

And reach for a marginal second rounder and convince him to sign for a discount + play in the D league.

[$pursDynasty]

Lakers have cut 25 point deficit to 13 by the half...I know I know but I'm just saying

[ace3g]

W (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins)
L (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses)
PCT (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/winpercent)
GB (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesbehind)
HOME
ROAD
DIV
CONF
PF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgpointsfor)
PA (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgpointsagainst)
DIFF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/differential)
STRK (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak)
L10


1zGolden State Warriors (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs)
62
13
.827
-
35-2
27-11
13-3
37-8
109.7
99.1
+10.7
W11
10-0


2xHouston Rockets (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou)
52
24
.684
10.5
28-10
24-14
7-6
30-17
103.5
100.2
+3.3
W2
8-2


3xMemphis Grizzlies (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem)
52
24
.684
10.5
29-9
23-15
8-7
33-15
98.6
95.4
+3.1
W2
6-4


4yPortland Trail Blazers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por)
48
26
.649
13.5
30-8
18-18
10-3
28-17
102.9
98.3
+4.6
L1
4-6


5xLos Angeles Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac)
50
26
.658
12.5
27-11
23-15
9-4
31-15
106.8
100.7
+6.1
W1
8-2


6xSan Antonio Spurs (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa)
50
26
.658
12.5
30-8
20-18
6-7
27-19
102.9
97.0
+5.8
W6
9-1


7Dallas Mavericks (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal)
46
30
.605
16.5
25-13
21-17
7-9
25-21
104.5
101.4
+3.1
L1
5-5


8Oklahoma City Thunder (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc)
42
34
.553
20.5
27-10
15-24
8-6
22-25
103.5
101.2
+2.2
L2
5-5


New Orleans Pelicans (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/no)
40
34
.541
21.5
25-13
15-21
7-6
24-20
99.6
98.5
+1.0
W3
5-5

[apalisoc_9]

I am 90% sure the spurs will have a better record than Portland.

It's LA, MEM and HOU that we have follow here.

LA has the easiest schedule by far.

Let's hope the beatdown the spurs gave denver today would motivate those guys to play tom against LA..

[RD2191]

Looks like we play the Roxs either in the 1st round or 2nd round.

[MultiTroll]

I predict the regular season will end at 82 games.

[boutons_deux]

ESPN iphone app's Standings page has the Spurs at 42-34, has been for many days.

[timtonymanu]

Tomorrow's game will be a L without Splitter.

Hopefully Washington and Denver do the unthinkable later tonight.

[bklynspursfan]

Tomorrow's game will be a L without Splitter.

Hopefully Washington and Denver do the unthinkable later tonight.

Not necessarily. Diaw needs to play like we know he can, and Baynes needs to play like he has been, if he gets the start. Can't shy away from the moment. But it's a winnable game with or with Tiago. Hopefully he'll be back for the Houston games, but I'm not so optimistic with the MRI report. Hoping it's just them being extra cautious.

[timtonymanu]

Not necessarily. Diaw needs to play like we know he can, and Baynes needs to play like he has been, if he gets the start. Can't shy away from the moment. But it's a winnable game with or with Tiago. Hopefully he'll be back for the Houston games, but I'm not so optimistic with the MRI report. Hoping it's just them being extra cautious.

True and there's also the possibility of Kerr resting players.

[spurraider21]

Iirc last season we beat gsw when the entire big 3 was resting. Anything can happen, and it's at home

[bklynspursfan]

True and there's also the possibility of Kerr resting players.

Yea. Green is likely going to be out, plus it's a B2B for them.

[bklynspursfan]

Iirc last season we beat gsw when the entire big 3 was resting. Anything can happen, and it's at home

Yea, I remember that. This is a game we should win, I know it's GS, but it'd be a disappointment to lose when they're playing B2B. The last 2 times we played them this year, we were on the 2nd night of a B2B after playing the Clips the night before both times. I was shocked we were able to steal 1 of those. 1 night of rest, we should come out and attack from the tip. Just like last night. That was the best I've seen the starters play offensively all year, usually it's the bench who comes in and scores the ball in a hurry

[RD2191]

:wakeup

[RD2191]

wiz up 12 on the grizz

[bklynspursfan]

Hopefully wiz hang on. Hoping for a pelicans win and a nuggets miracle comeback

[TXstbobcat]

Cool. Wiz took care of the bear cubs.

[TXstbobcat]

It's early in the game but the Pelicans are beating the Blazers.

[RD2191]

If we beat the rocks dont we pretty much guarantee we play them in the 1st? Should we tank both and keep the grizz at 3 if possible? i could be wrong though.

[ducks]

If we beat the rocks dont we pretty much guarantee we play them in the 1st? Should we tank both and keep the grizz at 3 if possible? i could be wrong though.

Look at the standings you are wrong on a lot of things

[ace3g]

W (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins)
L (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses)
PCT (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/winpercent)
GB (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesbehind)
HOME
ROAD
DIV
CONF
PF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgpointsfor)
PA (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgpointsagainst)
DIFF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/differential)
STRK (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak)
L10


1zGolden State Warriors (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs)
62
13
.827
-
35-2
27-11
13-3
37-8
109.7
99.1
+10.7
W11
10-0


2xHouston Rockets (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou)
52
24
.684
10.5
28-10
24-14
7-6
30-17
103.5
100.2
+3.3
W2
8-2


3xMemphis Grizzlies (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem)
52
25
.675
11
29-10
23-15
8-7
33-15
98.4
95.4
+3.0
L1
5-5


4yPortland Trail Blazers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por)
49
26
.653
13
30-8
19-18
10-3
29-17
102.9
98.0
+4.9
W1
5-5


5xLos Angeles Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac)
50
26
.658
12.5
27-11
23-15
9-4
31-15
106.8
100.7
+6.1
W1
8-2


6xSan Antonio Spurs (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa)
50
26
.658
12.5
30-8
20-18
6-7
27-19
102.9
97.0
+5.8
W6
9-1


7Dallas Mavericks (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal)
46
30
.605
16.5
25-13
21-17
7-9
25-21
104.5
101.4
+3.1
L1
5-5


8Oklahoma City Thunder (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc)
42
34
.553
20.5
27-10
15-24
8-6
22-25
103.5
101.2
+2.2
L2
5-5


New Orleans Pelicans (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/no)
41
34
.547
21
25-13
16-21
7-6
25-20
99.6
98.5
+1.1
W4
5-5

[timtonymanu]

Thank you, Wizards!

[timtonymanu]

Hopefully Golden State can rest some players tomorrow.

[SpurPadre]

Thank you, Wizards!

Yup and Fuck you, Nuggets! Benching Galinari for rest?! Fuckers.

[timtonymanu]

Yup and Fuck you, Nuggets! Benching Galinari for rest?! Fuckers.

The Clippers should have no problem finishing with a top 3 seed. Just have to hope Memphis keeps falling at this point.

[SpurPadre]

The Clippers should have no problem finishing with a top 3 seed. Just have to hope Memphis keeps falling at this point.

Winning both rockets games are mandatory, too.

[timtonymanu]

Winning both rockets games are mandatory, too.

Yep. I think the Spurs can only afford one more loss at most to have a chance to move to 5. Looking at the schedule, only the Houston road game should be tough.

[RD2191]

Look at the standings you are wrong on a lot of things
how so? if we beat them twice they fall to 3rd and the grizz move back up to 2nd. unless the clips lose we stay at 6th.

[Outlier]

Warriors arent resting anyone tomorrow. They coasted this mavs game hard.

[SpurPadre]

Warriors arent resting anyone tomorrow. They coasted this mavs game hard.

Coasting, are you kidding? They won by 13 and scored 123 points. That's exerting a lot of energy.

[Assman]

Who owns the tie-breaker between us and the Grizz? Too lazy to look it up.

[Outlier]

Coasting, are you kidding? They won by 13 and scored 123 points. That's exerting a lot of energy.

I was watching the entire game, and not just looked at the box score like you buddy. They were laughing and smiling and having a good time after every play. They weren't even playing serious.

[Outlier]

The Warriors didn't struggle to make any shot tonight against the Mavs. Everything was going in. Curry was walking around on offense. Spleights was making 3's (he's only made 2 during the whole season). They played Livingston against Dirk. Iguodala's 3's went in. They cruised to this win. Mavs never had a chance and didn't even lead.

[mystargtr34]

Lineups
TEAM
GP
MIN
OffRtg
DefRtg
NetRtg
AST%
AST/TO
AST Ratio
OREB%
DREB%
REB%
TO Ratio
eFG%
TS%
PACE
PIE


Duncan,Tim - Green,Danny - Leonard,Kawhi - Parker,Tony - Splitter,Tiago
SAS
29
265
116.8
93.2
23.6
62.2
2.46
21.2
21.9
74.9
50.8
0.1
56.9
60.1
96.84
62.2


Irving,Kyrie - James,LeBron - Love,Kevin - Mozgov,Timofey - Smith,J.R.
CLE
30
441
116.5
96.4
20.1
61.8
1.79
19.8
26.8
74.5
52.6
0.2
58.1
60.9
97.92
60.7


Barnes,Harrison - Bogut,Andrew - Curry,Stephen - Green,Draymond - Thompson,Klay
GSW
51
727
113.5
94.4
19.2
70.7
2.19
22.2
20
77.6
50.5
0.1
58
60.2
100.55
60.2


Barnes,Matt - Griffin,Blake - Jordan,DeAndre - Paul,Chris - Redick,JJ
LAC
54
1080
118
100.9
17.1
68.2
2.45
21.5
26.9
77
53
0.1
57.4
59.8
97.11
60.2

[mystargtr34]

Those are the top 5 man units in the league sorted by net rating minimum 250 minutes played together... damn that has been dominant.. i can't see anyone beating the Spurs outside of the Warriors.. so I'm starting to think its better to avoid them until the finals and hope the Clips finish in the 4-5 and get a crack at them in 2nd round.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

With the Memphis loss tonight, we move to only a game back in the loss column, they have a few more tough games coming up but we don't have tiebreakers over them so we essentially need to run the table to pass them up

[apalisoc_9]

portland losing to pelicans right now...

[timtonymanu]

Pelicans folding. Not surprising.

[ElNono]

Asik is such a faggot.... Gordon too, tbh

[apalisoc_9]

If the pelicans can get rid of monty williams they might be able to fight for a higher seed next year.

[timtonymanu]

These fuckers beating up the wrong teams. smh.

[ElNono]

If the pelicans can get rid of monty williams they might be able to fight for a higher seed next year.

Blaming Monty is a nice cop-out, but Tyreke Cancer, Gordon and Asik are all quitters...

[SpurPadre]

Fuck you, Pelicans.

[apalisoc_9]

Well atleast the grizzlies lost tonight. If the thunder can win tom, LA, POR and SAS will all be a game behind the L colum. memphis and houston. What happens if all these teams end up with identical records?

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Fuck you, Pelicans.

Portlands record is irrelevant, if we have homecourt, they are done in 5, if they have homecourt, they may last 6 if they are lucky. They arent my concern

[FlAVaK]

Well atleast the grizzlies lost tonight. If the thunder can win tom, LA, POR and SAS will all be a game behind the L colum. memphis and houston. What happens if all these teams end up with identical records?

Depends on how the HOU-SAS games turn out, but I guess those would be Spurs wins, to get to this scenario. And what about the Clips?

Too many unknowns, here are the rules:

http://stats.nba.com/playoffpicture/


b. More Than Two Teams Tied
(1) Division leader wins tie from team not leading a division.
(2) Better winning percentage in all games among the tied teams.
(3) Better winning percentage against teams in own division (only if all tied teams are in the same division).
(4) Better winning percentage against teams in own conference.
(5) Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in own conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).
(6) Better net result of total points scored less total points allowed against all opponents (“point differential”).

Do the math...

[FlAVaK]

And for tie-breakers:

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/3/11/8174759/nba-playoffs-2015-tiebreakers-western-conference


The most relevant head-to-head tiebreaks already clinched are:

Memphis over Portland
Memphis over Dallas
Portland over Houston
Portland over San Antonio
Los Angeles over Portland
Los Angeles over Dallas
Dallas over Oklahoma City
Dallas over New Orleans
Phoenix over Dallas
New Orleans over Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City over Phoenix

The most relevant head-to-head tiebreaks that have already ended in ties are:

Houston and Memphis
Houston and Los Angeles
San Antonio and Memphis
San Antonio and Los Angeles
San Antonio and Dallas

[SpurPadre]

Portlands record is irrelevant, if we have homecourt, they are done in 5, if they have homecourt, they may last 6 if they are lucky. They arent my concern

It is more about me wanting the pelicans to get the eighth seed and not okc.

[Duncanforthree]

I'd love for us to finish 3rd tbh.

Avoid GSW until the real wcf.

Not have to deal with the Mavs and their hard on for us since they are all but locked in at 7.

Road to the finals is Hou-Mem-Gsw. I'd take it.

Houston with no Beverley, broke DHo, and most importantly Terrence out.

It's been a long time and SAS/HOU in the playoffs.

[cd021]

Who owns the tie-breaker between us and the Grizz? Too lazy to look it up.

Depends on how the division standings shake out.

Memphis plays N.O.P

Spurs play Houston twice and N.O.P

Memphis are 8-7
Spurs are 6-7

A win to against the Warriors and a Memphis loss to the Pelicans would boost the chances of the Spurs jumping over Memphis.I'd be fine if the Spurs stay in 6th with Memphis staying in 3rd. If the Spurs can beat them in round 1, they could face Dallas in the second round (with the Spurs having home court in the second round in that scenario)

[MultiTroll]

OKC tankin to get the lottery chance rather then 8th seed and 1st round blown out.

[timtonymanu]

smh another team failing to help us

[apalisoc_9]

:bang

[timtonymanu]

:lol Harden, dumb way to foul out

Probably doesn't matter anyway

[apalisoc_9]

:lol

[timtonymanu]

:lol Enes Cancer

[Darius Bieber]

Damnit. Was hoping for an OKC upset.... Oh well.

[MultiTroll]

Houstons Brewer does an intentional foul with 3 seconds left and rigged ref lets it go. :lol

[Mel_13]

Houstons Brewer does an intentional foul with 3 seconds left and rigged ref lets it go. :lol

Not rigged, just incompetent.

[Ron Swanson]

Goddamn OKC can't do anything right.

[daslicer]

If the spurs can't get the 5th seed they are better off with the standings staying the way they are which is playing the Grizzlies in round 1 instead of the Rockets.

[spurs10]

If the spurs can't get the 5th seed they are better off with the standings staying the way they are which is playing the Grizzlies in round 1 instead of the Rockets. Might be the way it is.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

At this point, if the spurs go 6-0 to close out the season, they are guaranteed homecourt and will likely capture the 2 seed. However, if they lose even one game, they will likely finish 6 (with an outside shot at 5)

[Budkin]

If the spurs can't get the 5th seed they are better off with the standings staying the way they are which is playing the Grizzlies in round 1 instead of the Rockets.

That's what I'm rooting for at this point.

[MultiTroll]

At this point, if the spurs go 6-0 to close out the season, they are guaranteed homecourt and will likely capture the 2 seed.
Really?! Just when i thought i was out, you pulled me back in. (out of following the other teams. Gave up after their continual letdowns ie Portland choking to the Slippers in the 4th qtr.)

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Really?! Just when i thought i was out, you pulled me back in. (out of following the other teams. Gave up after their continual letdowns ie Portland choking to the Slippers in the 4th qtr.)

Yeah, we will have tiebreaker over Houston if we tie them and if Grizzlies end in 3 way tie we have the breaker over them (if head to head, grizzlies will have tiebreaker) and we would only need clippers to lose one more, then we would get the 2 seed

[SpurPadre]

Hope the Lakers make the clips sweat at least. One of our many inexcusable losses this season was to those fucking scrubs. Still remember Faggy P celebrating like it was Game 7 of the Finals.

[apalisoc_9]

Hope the Lakers make the clips sweat at least. One of our many inexcusable losses this season was to those fucking scrubs. Still remember Faggy P celebrating like it was Game 7 of the Finals.

damn...two easy wins for la

[apalisoc_9]

Let's go Lakers!

[Kidd K]

Gotta be honest, I didn't think the Spurs could close the gap in the standings this much. It's not even so much how the Spurs have played that surprises me as to how shitty the west has been doing to allow us to catch up.

Even the 2 seed is possible now. Crazy. I'll be very happy with the 3 seed though considering how far back we were

[spurraider21]

unfortunately, the clippers have been handling their business and not slipping up against their recent cupcake schedule

[apalisoc_9]

damn..at this point, I would rather Memphis win against LA in their upcoming game.

[RD2191]

Just stay healthy and win as many as you can. We play who we play. If we lose in the 1st we were never gonna win the title anyway.

[RD2191]

Denis Rodman


so 6'9 center is fine but 6'7 power forward isn't.

ok.


So you have him going against Tim or Tiago? Both are 7 footers.


Most of GS losses came against teams with above average bigs. Bulls,Clips, Spurs, Grizz. This Green can guard anyone is nonsense. Maybe scrub bigs but not above average.


Green has had success defending bigger players like Blake. he'd probably check Splitter, who isn't really a post scorer anyway.

at the same time, green could be a problem on the other side


We did lose to the Bulls, Clippers (twice) the Grizzlies (twice), and the Warriors 6 losses to those teams. Thats with Duncan and Splitter


to be fair we've had plenty of injuries and have been "off" the entire season.


regular season accomplishments? having 3 elite defenders isn't really a regular season accomplishment. We are posting here in a thread about playoff seeding which is based off regular season records.


iirc gs defense has been tops the past few seasons and didn't translate to post season success.


Sure but mentioning the Warriors losses isn't an indictment on how good or bad they are. Green is a great defender. His height is pretty irrelevant.
http://i.imgur.com/Jpi9CvA.gif

[ace3g]

W (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins)
L (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses)
PCT (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/winpercent)
GB (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesbehind)
HOME
ROAD
DIV
CONF
PF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgpointsfor)
PA (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgpointsagainst)
DIFF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/differential)
STRK (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak)
L10


1zGolden State Warriors (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs)
63
14
.818
-
35-2
28-12
13-3
38-9
109.7
99.3
+10.4
L1
9-1


2xHouston Rockets (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou)
53
24
.688
10
28-10
25-14
7-6
31-17
103.7
100.4
+3.3
W3
8-2


3xMemphis Grizzlies (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem)
52
25
.675
11
29-10
23-15
8-7
33-15
98.4
95.4
+3.0
L1
5-5


4yPortland Trail Blazers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por)
50
26
.658
12.5
31-8
19-18
10-3
30-17
102.9
97.9
+4.9
W2
6-4


5xLos Angeles Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac)
51
26
.662
12
27-11
24-15
9-4
32-15
106.8
100.6
+6.2
W2
9-1


6xSan Antonio Spurs (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa)
51
26
.662
12
31-8
20-18
6-7
28-19
102.9
96.9
+6.0
W7
9-1


7Dallas Mavericks (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal)
46
31
.597
17
25-14
21-17
7-9
25-22
104.6
101.7
+2.9
L2
4-6


8Oklahoma City Thunder (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc)
42
35
.545
21
27-11
15-24
8-6
22-26
103.6
101.4
+2.2
L3
5-5


New Orleans Pelicans (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/no)
41
35
.539
21.5
25-13
16-22
7-6
25-21
99.4
98.5
+1.0
L1
5-5

[RD2191]

Green has had success defending bigger players like Blake. he'd probably check Splitter, who isn't really a post scorer anyway.

at the same time, green could be a problem on the other side


14-15-1st D Rtg, 1st O Rtg

13-14-3rd D Rtg, 12th O Rtg (lost in 7 games without Bogut, their best defender to the Clippers)

12-13-13th D Rtg, 10th O Rtg (went to the semi-Finals, blew game 1, still won 2 games in that series with David Lee playing a handful of minutes)

Their offensive has drastically improved to match their big improvement on defense from the 12-13 season to the 13-14. Its similar to the Spurs big jump on defense from the 12-13 to 13-14 season (where they went from 13th to 3rd and went from losing to OKC in the WCF to making the finals)

teams with top 5 on one and top 10 on the other historically speaking, have deep playoff runs. The Spurs have been 3rd in defense the past two seasons and went to the Finals back to back years.


postseason success for any top team is largely based on health Lee hurt his hip and wasn't a factor when we played them and Bogut missed the entire playoffs last season. When Ginobili broke his arm and then we played the Grizzlies in the first round it was less that we couldn't beat them and more that injuries played a part in the loss. Ginobili missed the 09 playoffs and we lost in 5 to the Mavs.


they arguably play better without lee. so i don't think he would of been much of a factor. nonetheless i don't see them beating the spurs. do you really think they're going from 1st round exit to the finals in 1 season? not impossible but i doubt it. relying on the 3 is also asking for postseason failure imo. sure some teams shoot the 3 well throughout deep runs but it doesn't happen often iirc.


I mean, sure they're a threat and they got better but Spurs are damn near unbeatable when they play at the top of their game.


The Warriors are actually perfectly built to play either big or small. Barnes played the backup 4 (when Lee was out with an injury) and Green has played the 3 and is the starting 4. Iggy is the tallest wing and can play 4 as well but plays the 2 and 3 primarily.

Length, versatility and agility is extremely important in today's NBA. The Heat , after losing to the Mavs in the Finals, rebuilt their defense. The began playing Lebron at the 4 and Bosh at Center with Battier & Wade.

during that stretch of 3 years:

4th,
7th,
11th

in D Rtg

The Warriors have:

Livingston-6'7-PG
Thompson-6'7-SG
Green-6'7-SF/PF
Barnes-6'8-SF/PF
Igguadala-6'9-SG/SF
Speights-6'10-PF/C
Lee-6'10-PF
Bogut-7'0 (7'7 Wingspan)-C

they have 5 rotation wings that are at least 6'7 (The Spurs have 3, Green-6'6, Ginobili 6'6 & Leonard-6'7 ) Memphis has (Allen 6'6, Carter 6'7, & Green 6'9) The Clippers have 2 (Barnes-6'7 and Crawford 6'6)

they don't have traditional height this isn't the '90s its not nearly as big of an issue.

Memphis really only have 3 bigs and one of which is 6'9 (2 inches taller than Draymond Green)

neither do the Spurs, after Duncan and Splitter

If Randolph can't cover the Parker/Bonner or Manu/Diaw pick and pop how is he going to cover it with Curry/Green. Memphis matches up poorly with both Golden State and San Antonio.


Different team. Much better offensively and defensively Green is a better fit on both sides of the ball and that team didn't have Iggy and Livingston. Not to mention Thompson was in his seconds season and not averaging 22 ppg.


Westbrook would either have to cover Curry or Thompson (who is 5 inches taller and can post him up) Ibaka is a jump shooter at this point, Green should be able cover him. Boguts length and size will probably limit Kantor. Waiters has been trash, Morrow is an awful defender. Roberson is Tony Allen level-bad shooting the ball (he's actually air balled open 3's before). The Warriors can switch screen on Westbrook to keep him in front of them.

Durant would be checked by Iggy or Green (both great defenders as I've mentioned)

Its probably GSW in 5 with the current Thunder team. Maybe 6 for GSW if OKC was healthy.


I don't think you realize the impact a healthy Bogut has on that team.


Unless Tiago starts doing work in the post, Green has more of a chance to exploit Splitter than the other way around. Green has similar skills to Diaw (Green is more aggressive from 3) but a much better defender. Just having two big men doesn't mean much. Diaw is a better match-up. He's more mobile and can spot up in the corner for extra spacing. The Spurs could get some offense from his post-ups on Barnes or maybe Green. It has less to do with size and more to do with Diaws craftiness in the post. He can back players down and finish with the hook shot or turn around and hit a fade away when teams bring a double team.
http://i.imgur.com/Jpi9CvA.gif

[Beaverfuzz]

Just win out and play who's on the opposite end. Memphis and Portland don't want to play the Spurs.

[Malik Hairston]

Clippers are a virtual lock for 2, tbh..

Spurs either need to beat the Rockets twice for the 3 seed, and/or hope Memphis keeps slipping and get that 5 seed(my preference)..

[Obstructed_View]

There's going to be a lot of ink about how good the Spurs are. They haven't done great this year when they start admiring their own headlines. Hope they're on letdown watch.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

There's going to be a lot of ink about how good the Spurs are. They haven't done great this year when they start admiring their own headlines. Hope they're on letdown watch.

What are you talking about dude :lol

[Obstructed_View]

What are you talking about dude :lol

They have had some bad losses when it seemed like they were rolling. The Raps, the Knicks, the Mavs.

ink - a term for stories written, because there used to be newspapers that were printed on paper
letdown - a bad loss when a team loses focus, usually after a big win

[Spurs 4 The Win]

They have had some bad losses when it seemed like they were rolling. The Raps, the Knicks, the Mavs.

ink - a term for stories written, because there used to be newspapers that were printed on paper
letdown - a bad loss when a team loses focus, usually after a big win

Uhh, thats because we were playing inferior opponents, (the Mavs loss was a product of their voodoo they have at home versus us, that place is a nightmare factory). But we have huge games for the remainder of the year, I dont expect the focus to diminish, they know whats on the line with every game.

[Obstructed_View]

Uhh, thats because we were playing inferior opponents, (the Mavs loss was a product of their voodoo they have at home versus us, that place is a nightmare factory). But we have huge games for the remainder of the year, I dont expect the focus to diminish, they know whats on the line with every game.

Uhh, that's why it's called a letdown. You don't expect it. :lol

We can agree to disagree, but they knew what was on the line before the Knicks game too. It's not like the standings have changed dramatically.

[tholdren]

Uhh, that's why it's called a letdown. You don't expect it. :lol

We can agree to disagree, but they knew what was on the line before the Knicks game too. It's not like the standings have changed dramatically.


I dont think it's a letdown as much as it is Spurs lacking killer instinct. SA has, for an extended period of time, played with their opponents at the opponents level. Until lately, I have not seen SA so aggressive and keyed in. Get on the court and handle your business then go home. Easy. No one can beat SA the way they are playing now. keep the intensity and confidence up

[crc21209]

I think (really hope) the Spurs are done fucking around this time. No more slip ups because of being "bored" or complacent. The Knicks and Mavs game shouldve been enough wake up calls this late in the year...

[100%duncan]

Those knicks LA jazz cavs losses smh

[apalisoc_9]

Damn that NY game...

:lol

I just don't see LA losing any games going forward. SAS best best is to steal the division from Houston and get 2nd seed..But they will only be a 2nd seed because they hold the division..LA is going to finish third at worst.

[Malik Hairston]

Damn that NY game...

:lol

I just don't see LA losing any games going forward. SAS best best is to steal the division from Houston and get 2nd seed..But they will only be a 2nd seed because they hold the division..LA is going to finish third at worst.

Clippers only have 1 potential loss remaining on the schedule, tbh, and that potential L is probably unlikely against a slumping Grizzlies team..they're a virtual lock for 2nd..

[RD2191]

Clippers only have 1 potential loss remaining on the schedule, tbh, and that potential L is probably unlikely against a slumping Grizzlies team..they're a virtual lock for 2nd..
Do the Spurs have the tiebreaker against the grizz?

[Malik Hairston]

Realistically, the Spurs aren't finishing 3rd unless they win both Rockets games, tbh..

Best-case from a realistic standpoint is that the Spurs win 2 of the 3 games vs. OKC and Houston + the Pelicans and Suns games, combined with Memphis losing 3 of their games vs. NO/Utah/Clippers/Warriors..

I'm pretty certain Memphis will lose 3 of those 4 games(3 of them are on the road) IMO..Spurs just need to win @ OKC, split the Rockets games and take care of NO/Phoenix, and they should have the 5 seed and HCA in the 1st round..it's a great scenario IMO, get Golden State in round 2 before Duncan/Parker/Manu have too much mileage on them..

[Malik Hairston]

Do the Spurs have the tiebreaker against the grizz?

Depends on the remaining games for the division and conference records, as both teams still play a few games vs. division and conference opponents..

[timtonymanu]

OKC looks done so the Spurs can definitely win that game. Only the Rockets b2b games will be a challenge.

[Malik Hairston]

I think it'll end up:

1- GS
2- LAC
3- Houston
4- Portland
5- SA(with HCA)
6- Memphis
7- Dallas
8- OKC or NO, doesn't matter

[apalisoc_9]

I don't even know who to root for in that Grizz vs LA game...I guess we will find out come game time. If both teams have equal amount of L..I'd probably root for Grizz because the Grizz still play the warriors.

[Malik Hairston]

I don't even know who to root for in that Grizz vs LA game...I guess we will find out come game time. If both teams have equal amount of L..I'd probably root for Grizz because the Grizz still play the warriors.

Cheer for the Clipps IMO..

[RD2191]

Sigh, I just hope we have HCA in the first round.

[RD2191]

Depends on the remaining games for the division and conference records, as both teams still play a few games vs. division and conference opponents..
Thanks. Appreciate it.

[apalisoc_9]

Cheer for the Clipps IMO..

Wouldn't be a bad idea to play the warriors in the 2nd round.

Another thing to look at is Lebron's standings in the east..I'm picking Atlanta in the east but if the spurs do play Lebron, would be a huge plus if the spurs have HC

[Johnny RIngo]

OKC looks done so the Spurs can definitely win that game. Only the Rockets b2b games will be a challenge.

You can never be sure with this team when it comes to road games. I thought they were rounding into shape a few weeks ago and then they end up dropping that away game in New York.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

You can never be sure with this team when it comes to road games. I thought they were rounding into shape a few weeks ago and then they end up dropping that away game in New York.

That house of horrors in OKC can never be counted as an easy win

[RD2191]

You can never be sure with this team when it comes to road games. I thought they were rounding into shape a few weeks ago and then they end up dropping that away game in New York.
Our road play will probably be our downfall this post season.

[Cloud786]

Remaining schedules for seeds 2-6 in the West.

Rockets: 53-24
- @ Spurs
- Spurs
- Pelicans
- @ Hornets
- Jazz

Grizzlies: 52-25
- Pelicans
- @ Jazz
- @ Clippers
- @ Warriors
- Pacers

Blazers: 50-26
- @ Nets
- Timberwolves
- @ Warriors
- Jazz
- @ Thunder
- @ Mavs

Clippers: 52-26
- Lakers
- Grizzlies
- Nuggets
- @ Suns

Spurs: 51-26
- @ Thunder
- Rockets
- @ Rockets
- Suns
- @ Pelicans

[Malik Hairston]

That Clippers schedule..ugh..2 seed wrapped up..

[apalisoc_9]

That Clippers schedule..ugh..2 seed wrapped up..

Who knows bro.

The Nuggets or Suns might just decide to play for the heck of it. :lol

[Cloud786]

Here's my prediction of how things will go down and shape up at the end.

Rockets: 53-24
- @ Spurs L
- Spurs W
- Pelicans W
- @ Hornets W
- Jazz W

-- 57-25


Grizzlies: 52-25
- Pelicans W
- @ Jazz L
- @ Clippers L
- @ Warriors W (Warriors resting)
- Pacers W

-- 55-27


Blazers: 50-26
- @ Nets L
- Timberwolves W
- @ Warriors W (Warriors resting)
- Jazz W
- @ Thunder L
- @ Mavs L

-- 53-29


Clippers: 52-26
- Lakers W
- Grizzlies W
- Nuggets W
- @ Suns W

-- 56-26


Spurs: 51-26
- @ Thunder W
- Rockets W
- @ Rockets L
- Suns W
- @ Pelicans W

--55-27


In this scenario, the seeds would breakdown like this.

1). Warriors
2). Rockets: 57-25
3). Clippers: 56-26
4). Blazers: 53-29
5). Grizzlies: 55-27
6). Spurs: 55-27
7). Mavericks
8). Thunder

Grizzlies would have the tiebreaker over us as their division record would be 9-7 as opposed to our 8-8 (in this scenario).

In my opinion, the only way the Spurs have any chance of having homecourt is to run the table. That would put us at 56-26, making the Rockets 56-26 as well as the Clippers (assuming the rest of the above stays true). In this three way tie, since there are two divisions involved, I believe the tiebreaker that would invoked would be best record in all games among tied teams. Rockets and Clippers split 2-2. Spurs and Clippers split 2-2. Spurs would be up 3-1 on Rockets. I believe this would put us at 2nd seed, Clippers at 3rd seed (division winner), and Rockets at 5th seed. Of course, this is just one scenario. Grizzlies could just as easily end up with the same record too, which could change everything up. Just mind boggling how close the Western Conference is this year.

[Cloud786]

In case anyone is wondering about how Rockets/Grizzlies/Clippers/Spurs have done against each other for tiebreaking purposes.

Rockets:
- Against Grizzles: 2-2
- Against Clippers: 2-2
- Against Spurs: 1-1 (2 games pending)

Grizzles:
- Against Rockets: 2-2
- Against Clippers: 2-1 (1 game pending)
- Against Spurs: 2-2

Clippers:
- Against Rockets: 2-2
- Against Grizzlies: 1-2 (1 game pending)
- Against Spurs: 2-2

Spurs:
- Against Rockets 1-1 (2 games pending)
- Against Grizzlies: 2-2
- Against Clipperes: 2-2

[FlAVaK]

^^that´s near to the scenario that was asked for the other day. Thanks for working that out! Would be a crazy outcome...


What happens if all these teams end up with identical records?


Depends on how the HOU-SAS games turn out, but I guess those would be Spurs wins, to get to this scenario. And what about the Clips?

Too many unknowns, here are the rules:

http://stats.nba.com/playoffpicture/

"b. More Than Two Teams Tied
(1) Division leader wins tie from team not leading a division.
(2) Better winning percentage in all games among the tied teams.
(3) Better winning percentage against teams in own division (only if all tied teams are in the same division).
(4) Better winning percentage against teams in own conference.
(5) Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in own conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).
(6) Better net result of total points scored less total points allowed against all opponents (“point differential”)."

Do the math...


And for tie-breakers:

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/3/11/8174759/nba-playoffs-2015-tiebreakers-western-conference

"The most relevant head-to-head tiebreaks already clinched are:

Memphis over Portland
Memphis over Dallas
Portland over Houston
Portland over San Antonio
Los Angeles over Portland
Los Angeles over Dallas
Dallas over Oklahoma City
Dallas over New Orleans
Phoenix over Dallas
New Orleans over Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City over Phoenix

The most relevant head-to-head tiebreaks that have already ended in ties are:

Houston and Memphis
Houston and Los Angeles
San Antonio and Memphis
San Antonio and Los Angeles
San Antonio and Dallas"

[FlAVaK]

PS: We had a potential 5-team-tie in our league, which would have decided over relegation to the lower league (Europe).

Scenario: Teams A, B, C, D, E all end up with the same number of points (Wins respectively). Team D swept the season series against team E.
But team E would have ended infornt of them, because they got one more point in the 5-team-headtohead-comparison (A-B-C-E-D) :wow

All of this was prevented by team A winning against another team in the last game, pulling out of the 5-team-tie, so the 4-team-tie ended B-C-D-E...

[cd021]

http://i.imgur.com/Jpi9CvA.gif

:lol RS game. With Livingston suspended, they had to run out Barbosa and Holiday. GSWs defense is based more on length and versatility. The Spurs were able to play Mills or Cojo with the second unit without having to worry about Livingston (who is 6'7) posting up or challenging shots.

On the other end, Splitters absence was probably a plus with the added spacing of Bonner in the starting unit. Our defense wasn't that great at the rim on several occasions but we generally did a good job at closing out on shooters (specifically Green). The Warriors didn't play anywhere close to their best. Neither did the Spurs.

[cd021]

Here's my prediction of how things will go down and shape up at the end.

Rockets: 53-24
- @ Spurs L
- Spurs W
- Pelicans W
- @ Hornets W
- Jazz W

-- 57-25


Grizzlies: 52-25
- Pelicans W
- @ Jazz L
- @ Clippers L
- @ Warriors W (Warriors resting)
- Pacers W

-- 55-27


Blazers: 50-26
- @ Nets L
- Timberwolves W
- @ Warriors W (Warriors resting)
- Jazz W
- @ Thunder L
- @ Mavs L

-- 53-29


Clippers: 52-26
- Lakers W
- Grizzlies W
- Nuggets W
- @ Suns W

-- 56-26


Spurs: 51-26
- @ Thunder W
- Rockets W
- @ Rockets L
- Suns W
- @ Pelicans W

--55-27


In this scenario, the seeds would breakdown like this.

1). Warriors
2). Rockets: 57-25
3). Clippers: 56-26
4). Blazers: 53-29
5). Grizzlies: 55-27
6). Spurs: 55-27
7). Mavericks
8). Thunder

Grizzlies would have the tiebreaker over us as their division record would be 9-7 as opposed to our 8-8 (in this scenario).

In my opinion, the only way the Spurs have any chance of having homecourt is to run the table. That would put us at 56-26, making the Rockets 56-26 as well as the Clippers (assuming the rest of the above stays true). In this three way tie, since there are two divisions involved, I believe the tiebreaker that would invoked would be best record in all games among tied teams. Rockets and Clippers split 2-2. Spurs and Clippers split 2-2. Spurs would be up 3-1 on Rockets. I believe this would put us at 2nd seed, Clippers at 3rd seed (division winner), and Rockets at 5th seed. Of course, this is just one scenario. Grizzlies could just as easily end up with the same record too, which could change everything up. Just mind boggling how close the Western Conference is this year.

I'd expect Portland to beat OKC. They have been awful defensively (OKC has)

I could see the Spurs losing @ the Pelicans with the big 3 sitting and Kyle Anderson playing until he drops.

The Pelicans are making the postseason.

Pelicans

Warriors-L
Grizzlies-L
Suns -W
@ HOU -L
@ Min -W
SAS-W

44-38

OKC

SAS-L
@ IND-L
@ Kings-W
POR-L
@ MIN-W

44-38

Pelicans own the tie breaker. I could see them winning one of the GSW, Warriors, & Rockets other than that I agree with the projected W's & L's.

[Uriel]

Splitter injury not serious, per Popovich, but he’ll miss time

The tightness in starting forward Tiago Splitter’s right calf isn’t serious, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says, but the injury could still keep him out for at least a week, including a critical home-and-home set with Southwest Division rival Houston.

“There’s some edema and some stuff in there,” said Popovich, speaking less than two hour before tipoff of Sunday’s home game with Golden State. “It’s not real serious, but enough to keep him out a while. Hopefully we’ll get him back. He’s part of why we’ve played well lately, a big part of it.

“But he’ll miss tonight, he’ll probably miss (Oklahoma) City and Houston back-to-back, I’d imagine. I don’t want lose him. No matter who we end up playing (in the playoffs), he’s a big part of that.”

Popovich indicated he’ll fill Splitter’s spot on a game-by-game basis. He said he didn’t know who would replace Splitter for the Warriors during his pregame availability.
Splitter played just seven minutes in Friday’s victory over Denver before his calf tightened.

Despite the apparent lack of severity, the Spurs are still concerned given that Splitter missed 20 games in October and November with a similar injury. Not only that, Splitter didn’t consistently hit his stride until recently, with his reinsertion back into the starting lineup coinciding with their 16-3 hot streak. Those starters — Splitter, Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker and Danny Green — registered a net rating of plus 30.3 points per 100 possessions over that span, No. 2 among 24 units with at least 100 minutes.

Splitter was averaging 9.9 points on 58.1-percent shooting during the run. Overall, he’s averaging 8.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in his fifth NBA season.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2015/04/05/splitter-injury-not-serious-per-popovich-but-hell-miss-time/
:bang

[RD2191]

:lol RS game. With Livingston suspended, they had to run out Barbosa and Holiday. GSWs defense is based more on length and versatility. The Spurs were able to play Mills or Cojo with the second unit without having to worry about Livingston (who is 6'7) posting up or challenging shots.

On the other end, Splitters absence was probably a plus with the added spacing of Bonner in the starting unit. Our defense wasn't that great at the rim on several occasions but we generally did a good job at closing out on shooters (specifically Green). The Warriors didn't play anywhere close to their best. Neither did the Spurs.
Come on son. Livingston wouldn't of been the difference last night. I'm just messing with you though. 1 game is 1 game but I like what I saw, tbh.

[gameFACE]

:bang


Wait, that's actually good news! :lol

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Spurs have 5 games left to go 5-0 and secure homecourt, trickiest games are the next 2. We suck at OKC and then Houston will be well rested for the b2b.

[cjw]

Another thing to look at is Lebron's standings in the east..I'm picking Atlanta in the east but if the spurs do play Lebron, would be a huge plus if the spurs have HC

Spurs are a game up but Cleveland will likely run the table (@ Mil, BOS, @ Bos, DET b2b, WAS). Not sure how tiebreaker rules work for NBA Finals but given split of season series, would prefer Spurs win out and don't leave it to chance.

[will_spurs]

The most important game right now for the Spurs is Memphis vs New Orleans.

Why? First of all because we'd obviously be tied with Memphis in the loss column, but also because they would have a worse divisional record than us (always assuming we win out, or everything is moot). And that'd mean we own the tiebreaker against them. In the event of a tie at the end of season we'd win our division and be seeded 2nd.

We should all root for the Pelicans come Wednesday!

[SASdynasty!]

The most important game right now for the Spurs is Memphis vs New Orleans.

Why? First of all because we'd obviously be tied with Memphis in the loss column, but also because they would have a worse divisional record than us (always assuming we win out, or everything is moot). And that'd mean we own the tiebreaker against them. In the event of a tie at the end of season we'd win our division and be seeded 2nd.

We should all root for the Pelicans come Wednesday!
Yep, that's a big game in terms of seeding. Here's some more:

Head to head tiebreakers:

SAS vs HOU - 1-1 (2 games remaining)
SAS vs MEM - 2-2 (tied)
SAS vs POR - 1-3 (POR won)
SAS vs LAC - 2-2 (tied)

HOU vs MEM - 2-2 (tied)
HOU vs POR - 1-2 (POR won)
HOU vs LAC - 2-2 (tied)
MEM vs POR - 4-0 (MEM won)
MEM vs LAC - 2-1 (1 game remaining)
LAC vs POR - 3-1 (LAC won)

Division Records:

SAS: 6-7
HOU: 7-6
MEM: 8-7

Conference Records:

SAS: 28-19
HOU: 31-17
MEM: 33-15
POR: 30-17
LAC: 33-15

So basically if the Spurs don't win both games against Houston, they pretty much lose every tiebreaker. If they split those games, they couldn't win the tiebreaker over Houston or Memphis, even if they won their last divisional game against New Orleans. That would put them at 8-8, which would be the worst Houston or Memphis could finish at that point and then we lose the all the Conference tiebreakers.

[Obstructed_View]

I dont think it's a letdown as much as it is Spurs lacking killer instinct. SA has, for an extended period of time, played with their opponents at the opponents level. Until lately, I have not seen SA so aggressive and keyed in. Get on the court and handle your business then go home. Easy. No one can beat SA the way they are playing now. keep the intensity and confidence up

That's a pretty good characterization. It's also a very long season, so shit just happens sometimes. The Spurs have had third-quarter issues in past years, which made it seem familiar when they struggled with it recently. It also seemed like they would drop a game right after ESPN had three shows talking about their repeat chances.

Overall I agree with you: When they're focused and play their game, I don't think anyone can beat them in a series. It took Kyrie Irving hitting almost literally everything he put in the air to win that game in overtime. Doubtful anyone shoots that hot four out of seven.

[apalisoc_9]

its hard for me to see Memphis lose 2 games in a row at home.

[SpursFan86]

Blazers losing by 16 at the half to Brooklyn :hat