Chasing The Playoffs v2 - 2019 Magic Numbers

[FkLA]

So Clips have GS and UTA. Thunder has HOU and MIL. Would suck to end up as the 6th seed. 7th seed is where it's at, tbh.

[C-Dub]

Would rather finish 7th and play Denver but I have a feeling that if the Clippers beat GS tonight and the Spurs beat Dallas in our last game then the Spurs end up 6th and playing the Rockets in the 1st round. Still better than playing GS in 1st round.

[weeks]

damn i'm watching the clips @ dubs game and i dont know if it's just this game but DMC has been absolutely cancerous..0-7 shooting, plenty of turnovers, plenty of fouls

[HarlemHeat37]

Getting Portland would be winnable, as well..shouldn't be difficult for Pop to gameplan against them and they didn't do anything to fix their flaws from last year's playoffs..

Just hope they avoid GS and Houston..

[Mugen]

Clippers up and looking like they are gonna beat GSW. Wouldn't be surprised if OKC wins out as well.....

Dumbass Spurs couldn't beat lottery teams to avoid the Dubs :lol

[GreekSpursfan]

Fucking Dubs wearing the "we believe jerseys", "we believe we want the Spurs". I changed my mind, i hate them more than Houston now.

[rascal]

If the clips or okc lose one game and we win Dallas , we will be ahead of them so yes.

And behind them in the draft.

[phxspurfan]

Dubs up at the half against the clips. Curry already has 22 I think. Dubs last home game in Oakland so they’re trying to send their fans in Oakland off in style. Next year they move to a new stadium in San Francisco, abandoning Oakland where they spent the last 40-50 years or so

[daslicer]

Dubs up at the half against the clips. Curry already has 22 I think. Dubs last home game in Oakland so they’re trying to send their fans in Oakland off in style. Next year they move to a new stadium in San Francisco, abandoning Oakland where they spent the last 40-50 years or so

I have heard they would prefer the Clippers because of short travel. It does seem like they are trying to win this game just that the Clippers are also playing hard.

[212094ever]

Houston still has the chance of moving up to the 2 seed right? So it's still possible that the Spurs get the 6th seed and play Denver in the first round anyway.

[Leetonidas]

I don't think a team as good as GS gives a shit who they play

[daslicer]

I don't think a team as good as GS gives a shit who they play

They know they are going to win against whoever they play but at the same time I would assume they prefer the Clippers because they enjoy being in LA over versus SA.

[Realdeal1]

Yeah I think golden state knows they would beat anyone and at this point it's about travel in round 1.. less travel going to LA for round 1 ...I don't buy the "let's get the Spurs and Forbes matchup on curry over Patrick Beverly "

[Mugen]

So all they have to do is win Wednesday at home to avoid the Dubs. If they lose that one....:lmao

[GreekSpursfan]

Ok Spurs, you have one job, don't make me come here and say the same thing in a past tense.

[cjw]

Thunder are going to be going all out in that Rockets game, as it could be difference between the 7 and 8 seed. Clippers losing tonight puts them a game behind OKC in loss column, and at 24 conference losses (tied season series). OKC losing to Houston would put them back tied and at 25 conference losses. Both teams losing last game would put LAC at 25 as well, and OKC can’t do worse than 25 as last game is against a resting Bucks team. If that’s the case, would need to look at record against west playoff teams. Too much to spin through on phone...

Spurs now can avoid Warriors by beating a Mavs team that will have HUGE incentive to lose. Their pick is top 5 protected, and there are 5 teams that will definitely be ahead of them. Their lottery spot could fall anywhere from 6th to 9th most likely. Washington is tanking hard losing to Knicks today, so Dallas needs to lose out to be no worse than tied for 6th. Dallas’ other game is the Suns, who will be tied for ping pong balls with bottom four anyway.

Other two teams tied are Pels and Grizzlies, but Pels are actually winning today!

[Mugen]

With the Clipps losing tonight, just gotta hope the Spurs/Thunder both win out.

That would put it as 6. OKC 7. SA 8. Clipps

Houston would be locked into the 3rd seed as well and Spurs get Denver in the 1st round....to get obliterated in 5 games :lol

[paperboy77]

We can't possibly screw this up by losing to Dallas right? If they do SA will finish 6th and still play Denver. Although Portland losing tonight screws up SA being 6th. Still we are getting greedy, that we won't play GSW is good enough.

[HarlemHeat37]

Denver tried to tank tonight, but Portland is so trash:lol

Spurs might fuck around and get Houston..

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1115082870840799232

[DAF86]

Denver tried to tank tonight, but Portland is so trash:lol

Spurs might fuck around and get Houston..

Why would Denver want to surrender HCA vs the Rockets?

[HarlemHeat37]

Why would Denver want to surrender HCA vs the Rockets?

That's what everybody has been asking today, they sat their 3 best players tonight..

[DAF86]

Denver tried to tank tonight, but Portland is so trash:lol

Spurs might fuck around and get Houston..

Wait, you mean they tried to gift Portland the win so that they could catch Houston? That seems too risky, imho.

[DAF86]

That's what everybody has been asking today, they sat their 3 best players tonight..

I didn't know that, tbh. Maybe they really tried to gift Portland the win.

[Arcadian]

I don't think Denver is tanking, they're just resting players. They're unlikely to move from 2nd place regardless.

[Chinook]

With the Clipps losing tonight, just gotta hope the Spurs/Thunder both win out.

That would put it as 6. OKC 7. SA 8. Clipps

Houston would be locked into the 3rd seed as well and Spurs get Denver in the 1st round....to get obliterated in 5 games :lol

Nah. If the Rockets lose and Portland wins out, the Blazers get the three-seed. By far the best-case scenario is to get:

GS
DEN
POR
HOU
UTH
SA
LAC
OKC

Spurs would have a legit chance against all three teams in their half of the brakcet, whereas the three teams with the best chance to beat the Spurs are all in the other half.

[HarlemHeat37]

I didn't know that, tbh. Maybe they really tried to gift Portland the win.

It's a weird move..the 1st round matchup is irrelevant, since Spurs/Clippers/Thunder are all very flawed teams, but you would think they would want to ensure they have HCA in a potential matchup against Houston in round 2..

They probably would have won tonight, they've killed Portland all season..could have just rested Jokic at the end instead..

[DAF86]

I don't think Denver is tanking, they're just resting players. They're unlikely to move from 2nd place regardless.

Only half game ahead of Houston with two relatively tough games to go. Who has the tiebreaker between those two?

[Mugen]

Nah. If the Rockets lose and Portland wins out, the Blazers get the three-seed. By far the best-case scenario is to get:

GS
DEN
POR
HOU
UTH
SA
LAC
OKC

Spurs would have a legit chance against all three teams in their half of the bracket, whereas the three teams with the best chance to beat the Spurs are all in the other half.

Id rather the Spurs play the Nuggs than Portland tbh. Lillard and Mccollum would eat up losers like Bryn/Patty.

[Chinook]

Only half game ahead of Houston with two relatively tough games to go. Who has the tiebreaker between those two?

Houston 3-1

[Chinook]

Id rather the Spurs play the Nuggs than Portland tbh. Lillard and Mccollum would eat up losers like Bryn/Patty.

Can't be serious. Portland has absolutely no one to guard Aldridge or DeRozan. White can at least slow down one of Lillard and McCollum. No way would I prefer Denver, even though I do think the Spurs have a good chance there too. Ideal scenario would be for OKC to beat GS and Houston why SA beats POR then DEN. Spurs against OKC with HCA would be a close series, though there's a good chance the Spurs would be playing 6-on-4 by then with DeMar going into playoff mode.

[DAF86]

Houston 3-1

Denver now has to go to Utah and then the Wolves in a b2b. The fuck were they thinking?

[HarlemHeat37]

Id rather the Spurs play the Nuggs than Portland tbh. Lillard and Mccollum would eat up losers like Bryn/Patty.

Disagree..the Pelicans' game plan against Portland in last year's playoffs is still perfect, Portland didn't do anything to address it other than adding Rodney Hood:lol

Portland has just as many flawed players in their rotation as the Spurs..Enes Kanter shouldn't be starting, Zach Collins and Evan Turner are complete trash and they have their own version of Mills/Forbes in Seth Curry..

DeRozan could actually succeed against them since they have an atrocious defensive backcourt..

They're the only team that the Spurs would have a good shot against IMO..Nurkic getting hurt was a massive blow..

[HarlemHeat37]

Denver isn't scary because they lack star power(Jokic is great, but he doesn't have the mentality or scoring ability to carry a team + they don't have a legit 2nd option), but they're deep and athletic, which hurts the Spurs..as long as they don't use Isiah Thomas:lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Looks like Utah's getting 5th, tough for them, half their team is legitimately injured..

[TD 21]

Harkless/Aminu/Turner/Hood would be the DeRozan defenders on the Trail Blazers, not Lillard/McCollum/Curry.

I don't want them and not because they're all that good, but because of the desperation, motivation, urgency, etc. that they'll inevitably have to atone for last season's embarrassment vs the Pelicans.

Even when they were rolling for the first 2/3rds or whatever it was, the Nuggets were always the team. One star (a reluctant one at that), one rotation player with meaningful playoff experience (Millsap), no size on the wings and now, scuffling for a while and because of their lack of pedigree, probably deep down questioning just how good they really are.

[HarlemHeat37]

Harkless/Aminu/Turner/Hood would be the DeRozan defenders on the Trail Blazers, not Lillard/McCollum/Curry.

I don't want them and not because they're all that good, but because of the desperation, motivation, urgency, etc. that they'll inevitably have to atone for last season's embarrassment vs the Pelicans.

Even when they were rolling for the first 2/3rds or whatever it was, the Nuggets were always the team. One star (a reluctant one at that), one rotation player with meaningful playoff experience (Millsap), no size on the wings and now, scuffling for a while and because of their lack of pedigree, probably deep down questioning just how good they really are.

They'd be using Hood on DeRozan(Turner kills their offense and whichever of Harkless/Aminu would have to take Gay and they got Hood specifically to counter what happened last year), which is as good of a matchup as you can ask for IMO..

Not just DD, but Aldridge would dominate..motivated against Portland + also playing against a team that only has Enes Kanter and a complete scrub in Collins at C? Or Aminu and Harkless?

Denver isn't scary, either(nobody in the West is outside of GS and Houston), but at least their rotation is full of athletes and energy..

[cjw]

I don't think Denver is tanking, they're just resting players. They're unlikely to move from 2nd place regardless.

Houston wins out and Denver loses once (including a game at Utah), and Houston is the 2 seed...

[TD 21]

They'd be using Hood on DeRozan(Turner kills their offense and whichever of Harkless/Aminu would have to take Gay and they got Hood specifically to counter what happened last year), which is as good of a matchup as you can ask for IMO..

Denver isn't scary, either(nobody in the West is outside of GS and Houston), but at least their rotation is full of athletes and energy..

Harkless would start out on DeRozan. Aminu would be the primary Gay defender. Hood comes off the bench, but you're right, he is ahead of Turner and so is Layman.

I've been tempted to pick the Rockets to win the championship for a while, but Paul being past his prime and the lack of size on the wings will probably by their undoing.

[Jsmythe]

Houston wins out and Denver loses once (including a game at Utah), and Houston is the 2 seed...

In that scenario, since Houston plays OKC that would mean OKC loses a game. So then if the Spurs win out, they would be the #6 seed facing Denver as the #3 seed.

[Benoit]

It's a weird move..the 1st round matchup is irrelevant, since Spurs/Clippers/Thunder are all very flawed teams, but you would think they would want to ensure they have HCA in a potential matchup against Houston in round 2..

They probably would have won tonight, they've killed Portland all season..could have just rested Jokic at the end instead..

They want Houston to drop to the 4 seed

If Portland wins out (Lakers, Kings) and Houston loses in their finale against OKC, Blazers move up.

I think Houston is better off being the 4 seed anyway-- you have to play the Warriors at some point, better to play them early because Harden wouldn't be as worn down.

[Benoit]

Although it'd be weird-- first time since Spurs-Suns in 2007 that the real WCF would be played in round 2 and we get a lame duck WC Finalist.

[monty4329]

That's what everybody has been asking today, they sat their 3 best players tonight..

They have MIN at home last game...

[Shakril]

I am pretty sure it will be Denver in the End. Cause if Denver falls to 3rd, it means Houston has won against OKC, and the Spurs have the 6th Seed. If OKC Wins, Denver stays 2nd and Spurs will be 7th Seed. (Assumption that OKC and Spurs win against Milwaukee and Dallas).

[kobyz]

OKC HOU gonna be a big game, OKC need to win to avoid GSW, while HOU want to win to make GSW to face OKC...

[spursistan]

Plenty of seedings permutations out there, but the most important thing for the Spurs is that their chances of avoiding the 8th seed and the Warriors have increased massively over the last couple of days. (That Clipper loss vs the Lakers was huge)..

[Seventyniner]

Should we be rooting for the Thunder or the Rockets tomorrow?

I bet Milwaukee rests everybody against OC. They got to 60 wins and locked up the best record.

[BillMc]

I am pretty sure it will be Denver in the End. Cause if Denver falls to 3rd, it means Houston has won against OKC, and the Spurs have the 6th Seed. If OKC Wins, Denver stays 2nd and Spurs will be 7th Seed. (Assumption that OKC and Spurs win against Milwaukee and Dallas).

This. As you say, as long as Spurs beat Mavs and OKC can overcome the Bucks scrubs (since they'll surely be resting their big guns),

[ZeusWillJudge]

This. As you say, as long as Spurs beat Mavs and OKC can overcome the Bucks scrubs (since they'll surely be resting their big guns),



Don't be surprised if the Mavs play their best game of the season in the last game of the season. Unless Denver is the 1 seed, and then they'll tank the last game to put the Spurs into a first round matchup with GSW. Cuban would love that.

Well I hope I was wrong.

[sook]

I don't think Denver is tanking, they're just resting players. They're unlikely to move from 2nd place regardless.


Wait, you mean they tried to gift Portland the win so that they could catch Houston? That seems too risky, imho.


That's what everybody has been asking today, they sat their 3 best players tonight..


If the rockets lose to the thunder they go to the 4th seed and out of their bracket. The rockets have made sport of Denver this season and they know it, and this strategy has been acknowledged by their fans.. HCA vs us wouldn’t matter so it’s pretty smart tbh. Though, if they drop the game to the jazz and the rockets beat the thunder then we slip into 2nd. Let’s see if their gamble plays off

[Arcadian]

Trying to choose your seed/matchup is a fruitless endeavor. There are too many moving parts you can't possibly predict or control.

[SpurSpike]

The Mavs have every reason to want to lose their last few games. They gave up their 1st round pick (protected top 5) last year to move up to #3, they still have a shot to keep that top 5 pick this year if they can keep a worse record than the Grizzlies (tied), Pelicans (1 game up) and Wizards (1 game down). They literally get nothing if they win more this year and next year with a more experienced Doncic and adding Porzingis and a possible top 5 draft pick that 1st round pick the following year most likely wont be as valuable.

[TDomination]

The Mavs have every reason to want to lose their last few games. They gave up their 1st round pick (protected top 5) last year to move up to #3, they still have a shot to keep that top 5 pick this year if they can keep a worse record than the Grizzlies (tied), Pelicans (1 game up) and Wizards (1 game down). They literally get nothing if they win more this year and next year with a more experienced Doncic and adding Porzingis and a possible top 5 draft pick that 1st round pick the following year most likely wont be as valuable.

and yet they beat the grizzlies yesterday for some reason which now puts them with the same record.

[SpurSpike]

and yet they beat the grizzlies yesterday for some reason which now puts them with the same record.

Yeah, then again they could be looking at it like they are a lottery team either way and just win for Dirk and pray the ping pong ball is kind to them in the draft.

The differance is basically a 29% chance for a top 4 pick if they keep a losing record vs those teams or 14% for top 4 pick if they end up ahead of those teams. Add maybe 3% to each for top 5.

[Mugen]

Can't be serious. Portland has absolutely no one to guard Aldridge or DeRozan. White can at least slow down one of Lillard and McCollum. No way would I prefer Denver, even though I do think the Spurs have a good chance there too. Ideal scenario would be for OKC to beat GS and Houston why SA beats POR then DEN. Spurs against OKC with HCA would be a close series, though there's a good chance the Spurs would be playing 6-on-4 by then with DeMar going into playoff mode.


Disagree..the Pelicans' game plan against Portland in last year's playoffs is still perfect, Portland didn't do anything to address it other than adding Rodney Hood:lol

Portland has just as many flawed players in their rotation as the Spurs..Enes Kanter shouldn't be starting, Zach Collins and Evan Turner are complete trash and they have their own version of Mills/Forbes in Seth Curry..

DeRozan could actually succeed against them since they have an atrocious defensive backcourt..

They're the only team that the Spurs would have a good shot against IMO..Nurkic getting hurt was a massive blow..

Completely forgot about Nurk being out for the year. Him being out obviously changes the equation and agree that i'd rather draw Portland than the Nuggs.

I just think the Spurs would get blown out in any first round series. I don't think Pop has the chops to outcoach anybody anymore plus the team is obviously deeply flawed.

[monty4329]

and yet they beat the grizzlies yesterday for some reason which now puts them with the same record.

Nobody really wants to lose. You play scrubs, they need to impress and find a contract. You play good players, they are too good. It is not that easy to just go out and lose...

[monty4329]

Completely forgot about Nurk being out for the year. Him being out obviously changes the equation and agree that i'd rather draw Portland than the Nuggs.

I just think the Spurs would get blown out in any first round series. I don't think Pop has the chops to outcoach anybody anymore plus the team is obviously deeply flawed.

Spurs have bigger problems guarding the frontcourt than the bigs. In a vacuum, Nurkic injury is a disaster for Portland, but not so much if they play SA. We have no way to stop both McCallum and Dame.
Same outcome against both DEN or POR. I don't understand all the negative hype towards the Nuggets, because "they have no playoffs experience"...yes they don't have it, they also have 53 wins and last time we tried them it was a massacre...

[benefactor]

Spurs will be fine.

[Dex]

From the eggheads on Reddit:

https://i.redd.it/y6qp9kxo03r21.jpg

Spurs Probabilities:
6th seed: 65.7%
7th seed 28.1%
8th seed 6.2%

For the love of baby Jesus, let's just hope they win the game against Dallas and throw all this math out the window.

[GusT15]

From the eggheads on Reddit:

https://i.redd.it/y6qp9kxo03r21.jpg

Spurs Probabilities:
6th seed: 65.7%
7th seed 28.1%
8th seed 6.2%

For the love of baby Jesus, let's just hope they win the game against Dallas and throw all this math out the window.

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/UnrealisticEachBasenji-small.gif

Beat the Mavs.GSG

[Mugen]

Ideally:

It's
1. GSW
2. Denver
3. Portland
4. Houston
5. Utah
6. Spurs
7. Thunder
8. Clipps

For that to happen, I think the following has to occur (though I'm really not sure, shit's confusing):

-Spurs beat Mavs
-OKC beats Houston, loses @ MIL
-Portland wins out

[Arcadian]

Spurs Probabilities:
6th seed: 65.7%
7th seed 28.1%
8th seed 6.2%


Isn't it,

6/14 = 42.9%
5/14 = 35.7%
3/14 = 21.4%

?

[bluebellmaniac]

Isn't it,

6/14 = 42.9%
5/14 = 35.7%
3/14 = 21.4%

?

I don't think it's based on random occurance probably, but on the probability of the result of each game happening.

[Russ]

Trying to choose your seed/matchup is a fruitless endeavor. There are too many moving parts you can't possibly predict or control.

So just beat the Mavericks, right?

[Dex]

Isn't it,

6/14 = 42.9%
5/14 = 35.7%
3/14 = 21.4%

?


I don't think it's based on random occurance probably, but on the probability of the result of each game happening.

Should have given some more context on that one. Here is what those probabilities are based off of:


These probabilities are based on fivethirtyeight's odds along with some messy coding, just thought I'd share.


https://i.imgur.com/LzEs84S.png

More info and credit to the poster here: https://www.reddit.com/r/NBASpurs/comments/baxpba/spurs_seed_probabilities/

[rascal]

All I care about is a higher draft pick. Spurs are not getting anywhere near a title.

[exstatic]

It looks like HOU@OKC will determine 6-7 and maybe 8th place, HOU will be probably able to choose its opponent for first round.
If Clips go 1-1 we may make 6th or 7h depending on HOU.
I suppose they will want to play LA in the first round so they might want to beat OKC and push them to 8th.
Provided we go 2-0.

If we win Wednesday, Houston cannot work the system to get the LAC. We would be either 6th or 7th, and LAC could not finish in 6th. They can do no better than tie us, and we own the tiebreaker. Only OKC can finish ahead, and only if they win both games. HOU will get either us, or OKC, assuming they hold on to 3rd. If they fall into a tie with POR, they drop to 4th

[exstatic]

Denver now has to go to Utah and then the Wolves in a b2b. The fuck were they thinking?

I don’t think Utah can move up or down. They’re locked at 5.

[Mugen]

I don’t think Utah can move up or down. They’re locked at 5.

I think OKC owns the tie breaker with Utah. If they win out and Jazz lose out, Thunder go to 5th, Jazz to 6th.

[gambit1990]

would definitely prefer denver... pretty vanilla take though.

[monty4329]

If we win Wednesday, Houston cannot work the system to get the LAC. We would be either 6th or 7th, and LAC could not finish in 6th. They can do no better than tie us, and we own the tiebreaker. Only OKC can finish ahead, and only if they win both games. HOU will get either us, or OKC, assuming they hold on to 3rd. If they fall into a tie with POR, they drop to 4th

But HOU can also finish 2nd if DEN loses one -unlikely now that the Jazz have half team injured, but still possible.
And HOU will get into the 4th quarter of the game with OKC knowing the result of DEN@UTAH
Other than that (remote, sure), all true about the Clips.

It might not cover every single iteration, but basically everything depends on HOU@OKC outcome.

[monty4329]

I don’t think Utah can move up or down. They’re locked at 5.

They had HCA locked in, in theory, but they lost so many "easy" games lately.
Now they also have many injuries, they might be underdogs against POR in the first round.

[BillMc]

They had HCA locked in, in theory, but they lost so many "easy" games lately.
Now they also have many injuries, they might be underdogs against POR in the first round.

If Portland can take out Jazz, Dubs could have another cakewalk to the Finals. Over-achieving Clippers team first, then Portland without Nurkic, and in the WCF maybe Houston, by which time Harden will be exhausted and Paul inevitably injured

[TDMVPDPOY]

finishing 6 or 7 , i like the spurms chances of a premature ejaculation win against port or denver

[hater]

Regardless who we play we still lose the series handily unless the 2 top opposing players get killed

I say we probably lose to either Denver or Hou in 5

[phxspurfan]

If Portland can take out Jazz, Dubs could have another cakewalk to the Finals. Over-achieving Clippers team first, then Portland without Nurkic, and in the WCF maybe Houston, by which time Harden will be exhausted and Paul inevitably injured

Dubs are definitely gonna threepeat. Curry and KD are just too good. They don't even need any of the other guys. Or a coach.

[boutons_deux]

if OKC loses tonight and Spurs win Wed night, to Spurs climb to 6th?

[ducks]

If you stay off cnn you would know

[Ditty]

All I care about is a higher draft pick. Spurs are not getting anywhere near a title.

Same here. I hope we get the 7th seed as long as we avoid the warriors as long as possible.

[SpurPadre]

Considering how we've downgraded in personnel this year, lost Murray, and start arguably the worst starting guard in the league in Forbes, getting 6th seed would be a great accomplishment, tbh.

[timvp]

if OKC loses tonight and Spurs win Wed night, to Spurs climb to 6th?

Yes.

The outcome of that game and DEN vs UTA tonight will really begin to shape the picture.

[timvp]

The outcome of that game and DEN vs UTA tonight will really begin to shape the picture.

If Houston beats OKC and the Jazz beat the Nuggets, then the Nuggets are locked into the three seed and the Spurs clinch the sixth seed with a win versus the Mavs.

That ... wouldn't be bad news, tbh.

[DAF86]

If Houston beats OKC and the Jazz beat the Nuggets, then the Nuggets are locked into the three seed and the Spurs clinch the sixth seed with a win versus the Mavs.

That ... wouldn't be bad news, tbh.

Yeah, I'm pulling for those results (Denver and OKC losses) but the greedy in me still has a little wish of getting the Blazers on a 3-6 matchup.

[HarlemHeat37]

What a stupid decision by Denver to tank the Portland game if they end up losing this Jazz game(helping Houston get the 2 seed) :lol

Would be great for the Spurs, though..just beat Dallas and you can avoid GS and Houston .

[Cloud786]

If Houston beats OKC and the Jazz beat the Nuggets, then the Nuggets are locked into the three seed and the Spurs clinch the sixth seed with a win versus the Mavs.

That ... wouldn't be bad news, tbh.


I actually think that Jazz beating the Nuggets and OKC beating Houston today would be better. Portland should win out with 2 easy games. That would put Nuggets at 2 and Portland at 3 and it would put Houston in the Warriors bracket. Spurs/Nuggets in first round assuming OKC wins against Milwaukee tomorrow (who will be resting likely).

[timvp]

Yeah, I'm pulling for those results (Denver and OKC losses) but the greedy in me still has a little wish of getting the Blazers on a 3-6 matchup.

Yeah, Rockets dropping to four would be optimal but I'm good with simply dodging the Warriors and Rockets in the first round. If the Rockets win tonight and the Nuggets also win, that'd be pretty terrible news because then it'd almost for sure setup Spurs vs. Rockets in the first round. The Nuggets play the Timberwolves in Denver tomorrow but T'Wolves are already in full tank and sitting KAT so that's almost a guaranteed win or Denver.

[timvp]

I actually think that Jazz beating the Nuggets and OKC beating Houston today would be better. Portland should win out with 2 easy games. That would put Nuggets at 2 and Portland at 3 and it would put Houston in the Warriors bracket. Spurs/Nuggets in first round assuming OKC wins against Milwaukee tomorrow (who will be resting likely).

That's the dream scenario but also risky because Portland is so banged up they could easily lose either of their last two games (@LAL, SAC). If they lose, then it's Rockets in the first round for the Spurs.

[SpurPadre]

Yeah, I'm pulling for those results (Denver and OKC losses) but the greedy in me still has a little wish of getting the Blazers on a 3-6 matchup.

LMA would love that Blazers matchup the best for obvious reasons.

[hater]

Who's got d tie breaker between Denver n Houston?

[SpurPadre]

Yeah, Rockets dropping to four would be optimal but I'm good with simply dodging the Warriors and Rockets in the first round. If the Rockets win tonight and the Nuggets also win, that'd be pretty terrible news because then it'd almost for sure setup Spurs vs. Rockets in the first round. The Nuggets play the Timberwolves in Denver tomorrow but T'Wolves are already in full tank and sitting KAT so that's almost a guaranteed win or Denver.

Considering how terrible we are on the road, I wouldn't mind playing Houston, since it wouldn't be too far and there would be quite a few Spurs fans in attendance at Houston.

[DAF86]

Jokic fouled out in 16 minutes :lol

The sixth foul was an intentional hack with 9 minutes to go. :lmao

[HarlemHeat37]

Denver winning tonight would be devastating..Spurs would have to win tomorrow to avoid GS, but the consolation prize would be Houston:lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Jokic just fouled out and only played 16 minutes..I don't understand what Denver has been thinking this week..

[timvp]

Giannis not playing tomorrow so that's likely a win for the Thunder.

[DAF86]

Anxiously watching this Jazz-Nuggets game as if it was a Spurs one. :lol

[DAF86]

What are the Jazz playing for? They are playing as if their lives depended on this game.

[phxspurfan]

Jazz up by 9 over the Nuggets with 4 minutes and change remaining...


let's go Jazz

[timvp]

What are the Jazz playing for? They are playing as if their lives depended on this game.

They can still technically catch the Blazers or get caught by OKC, IIRC.

[DAF86]

If I had to built my own team, Gobbert would be my center.

[baseline bum]

Who's got d tie breaker between Denver n Houston?

Houston since they won the season series 3-1

[DAF86]

They can still technically catch the Blazers or get caught by OKC, IIRC.

Yeah, I figured. I don't know why folks were telling me, yesterday, that the Jazz would tank this game.

[Loquacist]

Denver winning tonight would be devastating..Spurs would have to win tomorrow to avoid GS, but the consolation prize would be Houston:lol

Jazz up 11 points, don't worry.

[FkLA]

Denver better pepper that angus. We're going in.

:flag:

[DAF86]

That should be game.

[YGWHI]

Jokic just fouled out and only played 16 minutes..I don't understand what Denver has been thinking this week..
I've said this before. It has been too easy for opponets to frustate Jokic and get under his skin in a game this season. A huge issue for Malone/Nuggets.

We just need Denver in first round. PLEASE POP

[8FOR!3]

Why do ya'll want Denver to lose? I don't really understand. It all seems like a crapshoot at this point I kinda hope we get Denver though.

[DAF86]

If I were a Nuggets fan I would be seething mad at Malone right now. The fuck was he thinking tanking that Blazers game?

[Mugen]

Drawing Denver after losing to the likes of Charlotte and Sacramento would be miraculous. Of course, I could totally see the Spurs losing tomorrow :lol

[timvp]

Why do ya'll want Denver to lose? I don't really understand. It all seems like a crapshoot at this point I kinda hope we get Denver though.

Denver or Portland in the first round is fine by me, tbh.

[DAF86]

Why do ya'll want Denver to lose? I don't really understand. It all seems like a crapshoot at this point I kinda hope we get Denver though.

You answered your own question.

[DAF86]

That's it. The Jazz fulfill their job.

If the Spurs choke tomorrow. :lol

[timvp]

If I were a Nuggets fan I would be seething mad at Malone right now. The fuck was he thinking tanking that Blazers game?

Nuggets don't know about dem playoffs, tbh. They thought they could massage the bracket with like five days to go :lol

[Joseph Kony]

watch the spurs fuck it up tomorrow and lose to Dallas :lol

[timtonymanu]

Most important game 82 since 2015. We know how that ended lol

[DAF86]

No chance of the Blazers getting 3rd seed over Denver, right?

[HarlemHeat37]

Denver with the stupidest strategy I've seen in a long time..just embarrassing, somebody should get fined for that..

Great for the Spurs, though..somehow they're going to end up with a winnable 1st round matchup(I'd still pick Denver, but they aren't anything special)..

[Mugen]

Don't trust Portland to win @ Sac tomorrow. Rockets need to close it out tonight and get 2nd.

The Spurs losing tomorrow at home against the Mavs would be the most 2019 Spurs thing of all time tbh....:lmao

[Mugen]

Most important game 82 since 2015. We know how that ended lol

:lmao true, Spurs need to blow them out early. If it's close at the end, not sure if there's a duo i trust less in the clutch than Pop and Demar....

[timvp]

The Spurs losing tomorrow at home against the Mavs would be the most 2019 Spurs thing of all time tbh....:lmao

It'd almost be too perfect of a final chapter tbh...

[Joseph Kony]

Why do ya'll want Denver to lose? I don't really understand. It all seems like a crapshoot at this point I kinda hope we get Denver though.

because they are inexperienced and most of the players have never even sniffed the postseason. plus they're young, not great defensively, and their best player is chubby with stamina issues. even though Spurs suck, we have way more playoff tested players and a much better coach than Denver. then again, this is the kind of coach pop loves to get inexplicably outcoached by

[hater]

Houston since they won the season series 3-1

So that's good

Denver lost if rox win they get 2nd seed


So if spurs win tomorrow we get Denver :tu

Tomorrow's game will be a playoff game :tu

[HarlemHeat37]

Houston and GS aren't going to face any resistance until round 3(other than maybe a healthy Jazz team for a game or 2)..not just because of their dominance, but the Thunder have been finished for weeks, the Clippers are hurt and declining and the Blazers lost Nurkic..

[8FOR!3]

Do we really have a better chance at getting the 6th seed than the 7th??

[timtonymanu]

Thunder climbing back

[007nites]

It'd almost be too perfect of a final chapter tbh...

via derozan turnover

[hater]

Goddam rox playing like warriors on pcp

We cannot face them

[HarlemHeat37]

Do we really have a better chance at getting the 6th seed than the 7th??

Spurs get 6th if they win tomorrow(assuming OKC doesn't miraculously beat Houston in the 4th tonight)

[timvp]

via derozan turnover

With the Spurs having a shot to win the game at the buzzer but Patty inexplicably dribbles out the clock...

[DAF86]

No chance of the Blazers getting 3rd seed over Denver, right?

Just checked: nop. Too bad, I think the Spurs would have taken down the Nurkic-less Blazers.

[ace3g]

Dirk announces retirement.

[timtonymanu]

Spurs are still getting tossed by the Nuggets but they might at least go 7 vs 4/5 against Warriors/Rockets.

[timvp]

Dirk announces retirement.

Talk about an embarrassing amount of pressure from Mark Cuban. Sure, Dirk has been terrible this season but you think Cuban would have let him make a decision about retiring without all but pushing him off the bus.

[Mugen]

With the Spurs having a shot to win the game at the buzzer but Patty inexplicably dribbles out the clock...

Probably because Pop had Jakob, DMo and Eubanks on the floor to set them great screens.

[007nites]

okc coming back

[FkLA]

Talk about an embarrassing amount of pressure from Mark Cuban. Sure, Dirk has been terrible this season but you think Cuban would have let him make a decision about retiring without all but pushing him off the bus.

What Cuban say/do?

[$pursDynasty]

Should we want the Thunderefs to win tonight? Any chance Rox fall to 4th?

[FkLA]

If Denver loses out and Portlands wins out, who owns the tiebreaker?

[hater]

Lol rockets choking hard

Of course they have cpchoke :lmao

[DAF86]

If Denver loses out and Portlands wins out, who owns the tiebreaker?

Denver.

[DAF86]

Should we want the Thunderefs to win tonight? Any chance Rox fall to 4th?

Yep, but it would be risky to bet on the Blazers.

[Cloud786]

If Houston loses tonight and Portland wins out, Houston would drop to 4th.

[Mugen]

Thunder will fuck this up somehow. That team is legit retarded tbh.

[Mugen]

Somebody tell me that Dallas needs to lose tomorrow to keep their pick, I need to feel better about the Spurs chances of winning tbh.

[DAF86]

Fuck. Who to root for? :lol

[davi78239]

So if okc wins tonight, we’re either the 7th or 8th seed right? No higher?

[DAF86]

So if okc wins tonight, we’re either the 7th or 8th seed right? No higher?

It depends on OKC last game vs the Bucks.

[timvp]

What Cuban say/do?

He's been not so subtly pushing for Dirk to retire all season even though Dirk had never said until tonight that he was retiring. He even said Dirk was retiring and Dirk had to come out and deny making his final decision.

Dirk has been Pau Gasol-ish and is beyond done but the timeline of it all was made awkward by Cuban, tbh.

[Robz4000]

So if okc wins tonight, we’re either the 7th or 8th seed right? No higher?

OKC has to win out to stay at 6. If they lose tonight or at MIL and the Spurs win tomorrow they fall to 7/8.

[HarlemHeat37]

Milwaukee without Giannis and Middleton could probably still beat OKC at home, at least:lol

[007nites]

2 point game

[davi78239]

It depends on OKC last game vs the Bucks.

Oh yea, forgot they have another game

[benefactor]

OKC leads:lol

[Cloud786]

Houston with an epic choke :rollin

[HarlemHeat37]

What a meltdown..I have racks on Houston tonight, too, of course:lol

[FkLA]

Houston tanking to draw the Spurs :lol

[tbdog]

I thought clippers are 8th if Spurs win

[DAF86]

Fuck it, go Thunder. :lol

[Mugen]

Rockets with that playoff preview when the calls dry up and Gerald Green and Eric Gordon aren't doing their best Steph/Klay impression :lmao

[timvp]

Thunder winning tonight isn't terrible news but it keeps things up in the air for the Spurs. They'd still play the Nuggets in the first round as long as OKC wins in Milwaukee (who won't have Giannis), Denver beats the Timberwolves (probably without KAT) and Spurs beat Mavs. Any hiccups, though, and Spurs have either the Rockets or Warriors.

[DAF86]

Houston tanking to draw the Spurs :lol

Huoston should tank but to get GS in the second round instead of the WCF, so that Paul is still available.

[DAF86]

Thunder winning tonight isn't terrible news but it keeps things up in the air for the Spurs. They'd still play the Nuggets in the first round as long as OKC wins in Milwaukee (who won't have Giannis), Denver beats the Timberwolves (probably without KAT) and Spurs beat Mavs. Any hiccups, though, and Spurs have either the Rockets or Warriors.

Aim for the sky. A Nuggets, Blazers, Spurs, OKC half allow us to, at least, dream about an unlikely WCF appearance, tbh. :lol

[NASpurs]

Thunder will fuck this up somehow. That team is legit retarded tbh.

:lol I agree

[timvp]

Thunder winning tonight isn't terrible news but it keeps things up in the air for the Spurs. They'd still play the Nuggets in the first round as long as OKC wins in Milwaukee (who won't have Giannis), Denver beats the Timberwolves (probably without KAT) and Spurs beat Mavs. Any hiccups, though, and Spurs have either the Rockets or Warriors.

Actually, Portland enters the mix.

Basically, if Rockets win, things are simple for the Spurs. If OKC wins, it's still a mess.

[DAF86]

Aim for the sky. A Nuggets, Blazers, Spurs, OKC half allow us to, at least, dream about an unlikely WCF appearance, tbh. :lol

Besides, Clutchfans would be golden tonight if the Rockets choke the 2nd seed. :lol

[ace3g]

Rockets/Thunder for 7 games would be awesome after how this game is ending.

[Mugen]

Go Rockets tbh. Too much bullshit to root for tomorrow if the Thunder win tonight.

[tbdog]

No T on George ?

[Mugen]

Rockets/Thunder for 7 games would be awesome after how this game is ending.

Rockets in 5 easily tbh.

[tbdog]

Honestly, how is that not a T on PG?

[DAF86]

Go Rockets tbh. Too much bullshit to root for tomorrow if the Thunder win tonight.

Just two Vegas favoured results: Spurs over Mavs and Blazers over Kings. Cherry on top would be Bucks over Thunder.

[hater]

Who am I rooting for nigas?

I'm confused

[Mr. Body]

Rockets/Thunder for 7 games would be awesome after how this game is ending.

Two teams that do baffling shit often.

[DAF86]

Who am I rooting for nigas?

I'm confused

Rockets if you want to play it safe. OKC if you are greedy.

[GreekSpursfan]

Of course Westbrook with the clutch air ball.

[Mr. Body]

OKC keeps blowing threes.

[007nites]

lol Westair

[HarlemHeat37]

Rockets/Thunder for 7 games would be awesome after how this game is ending.

It would be fun due to their dislike for each other..wouldn't be much from a basketball standpoint IMO..can't see Houston struggling against anybody other than GS, the West is very shallow right now..

[Mr. Body]

Lol, Harden call.

[GreekSpursfan]

LOL that foul. Preview of what we're gonna see if we get Hardenrefs

[007nites]

LOL that foul. Preview of what we're gonna see if we get Hardenrefs

Better than Thunderefs though?

[hater]

:lmao westcrook

[Mr. Body]

Watching these teams play is entertaining because there's so much bizarre stuff going on, terrible shots, bad calls, bodies flying.

[Arcadian]

:lol WesTObrick

[GreekSpursfan]

About the same, though Thunderrefs have abandon them along with KD

[weeks]

cannot believe chuckbrook actually made one of those in the clutch

[DAF86]

OKC win in triple OT would be the best case scenario, tbh.

[benefactor]

So much awful basketball:lol

[Robz4000]

Ah fuck.

[Cloud786]

OMFG

[phxspurfan]

Paul George

[ace3g]

...

[benefactor]

:rollin

[GreekSpursfan]

Harden choke, no surprise here.

[Mr. Body]

Lol, Rockets gonna win.

[weeks]

holy shit george

[FkLA]

:wow

Is that PG's first game winner ever? Wasnt he like 0 for 42 in Indiana?

[Mr. Body]

No one guarded him.

[GreekSpursfan]

Good ole choker Harden
Who do we play now? Too much confusion still.

[Robz4000]

Playoff preview from Harden there.

[weeks]

welp
now we have to count on the guests

fuck

[$pursDynasty]

What needs to happen for the Rox to fall to #4?

[benefactor]

He almost pushed PG over. Karma on that miss.

[Mugen]

:lol

[SpurPadre]

Welp, there goes 6th seed. Fuck you, Harden.

[Cloud786]

Now we need Portland to win tonight and tomorrow, Nuggets to win tomorrow, and Thunder to lose tomorrow. That's the ideal scenario.

[phxspurfan]

lol playoff Harden

[hater]

and all this bullshit because we lost to the Knicks :lmao

[FkLA]

What needs to happen for the Rox to fall to #4?

Blazers beat Sacramento tomorrow.

[HarlemHeat37]

I spoke too soon, Denver may have lucked their way to success with that stupid strategy:lol

[SpurPadre]

Now we need Portland to win tonight and tomorrow, Nuggets to win tomorrow, and Thunder to lose tomorrow. That's the ideal scenario.

OKC won't lose tomorrow. Bucks are tanking that game.

[ducks]

Thunder beat rockets 3 out of 4 regular season

[tbdog]

What does this mean if Spurs win tomorrow?

[baseline bum]

If only the Mavs could trade for Lowry then Texas could claim the trifecta for top choking guards in the league.

[GreekSpursfan]

Now we need Portland to win tonight and tomorrow, Nuggets to win tomorrow, and Thunder to lose tomorrow. That's the ideal scenario.

If thats the case we fucked

[ducks]

OKC won't lose tomorrow. Bucks are tanking that game.westbrook is gassed

[hater]

damn its all down to Blazers vs Sacto tbqh :tu

I think it's doable

[ducks]

How many minutes is their coach going to let George and Westbrook play
George shoulder also

[DAF86]

lololololololol off to Clutchfans.

[DAF86]

damn its all down to Blazers vs Sacto tbqh :tu

I think it's doable

Don't forget us, tbh. :lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Doesn't Portland have the tiebreaker over Houston?

Wouldn't that mean that the Spurs would finish 7th and get Denver if the Nuggets and Thunder win tomorrow?

Warriors
Nuggets
Blazers
Rockets
Jazz
Thunder
Spurs
Clippers

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Rockets dropping to the 4 seed. Portland will be the 3 seed, Nuggets the 2 seed. Given that, I will take either the 6 or the 7 seed. Which we lock up with a win tomorrow. Just beat the Mavs and we are in decent position.

[Mugen]

Aside from the Spurs losing and playing Golden State, what has to happen for them to match up with Houston in the 1st round?

Portland loses one of their last 2 + OKC loses at MIL + Nuggets win
or
Denver loses at MIN + OKC Wins + Portland loses a game

that right?

[GreekSpursfan]

So we play Hardenrefs if OKC wins tomorrow vs the depleted Bucks?

[hater]

Don't forget us, tbh. :lol

well it doesn't matter. cause as long as rockets are 4th, we aint facing them :lol

[DAF86]

Blazers beat Sacramento tomorrow.

Blazers might still choke tonight, tbh. :lol

[hater]

So we play Hardenrefs if OKC wins tomorrow vs the depleted Bucks?



no

its down to blazers vs kings

[Cloud786]

OKC won't lose tomorrow. Bucks are tanking that game.

That's why it's the ideal scenario.

[DAF86]

well it doesn't matter. cause as long as rockets are 4th, we aint facing them :lol

Yeah, but we will be facing the Warriors. :lol

[FkLA]

So to draw Portland in a 3-6 matchup we need:

Spurs beat Dallas
Portland beats Sac
MIL beats OKC


If only the first two happen (most likely scenario) we end up 7th, face Denver and still avoid the GS/HOU bracket...is that right?

[Mugen]

Relying on the fucking Guests to win out :lmao

[Cloud786]

So to draw Portland in a 3-6 matchup we need:

Spurs beat Dallas
Portland beats Sac
MIL beats OKC


If only the first two happen (most likely scenario) we end up 7th, face Denver and still avoid the GS/HOU bracket...is that right?

Think Denver has to win tomorrow too. But yeah.

[hater]

Yeah, but we will be facing the Warriors. :lol

oh yeah well we have to win of course tomorrow. true

[Robz4000]

So we play Hardenrefs if OKC wins tomorrow vs the depleted Bucks?

An OKC win basically assures the Spurs of avoiding Houston. Denver would have to lose at home to the tanking T'Pups for the Spurs to get Houston.

[GreekSpursfan]

If Portland loses to the freaking Lakers, what happens then?

[DAF86]

So we play Hardenrefs if OKC wins tomorrow vs the depleted Bucks?

No, if Blazers win both their games we're playing Denver.

[diceman]

Blazers might still choke tonight, tbh. :lol

No doubt. Fakers up 1 after the 3rd.....

[Mugen]

Crofl at Portland already down to the Lakers.

[DAF86]

So to draw Portland in a 3-6 matchup we need:

Spurs beat Dallas
Portland beats Sac
MIL beats OKC


If only the first two happen (most likely scenario) we end up 7th, face Denver and still avoid the GS/HOU bracket...is that right?

Exactly.

[timvp]

So to draw Portland in a 3-6 matchup we need:

Spurs beat Dallas
Portland beats Sac
MIL beats OKC


If only the first two happen (most likely scenario) we end up 7th, face Denver and still avoid the GS/HOU bracket...is that right?

Looks right ..... but Lakers could jumble things even more if they beat the Blazers tonight. Two-point game as I type this.

[Arcadian]

Lakers lead atm

[spurs1990]

You guys are passing over a now very likely Warriors-Rockets 2nd round matchup. They will kill each other and not even get a finals trip for their trouble. And loser gets a nice 2nd round exit. That's very gratifying on top of what the Spurs do on their side of the bracket

[DAF86]

Fucking guests. :lol

[GreekSpursfan]

This is more intriguing than the fucking playoffs tbh.

[Mugen]

Portland loses tonight and you have to hope Denver/OKC wins tomorrow.

If OKC can still match up with the Warriors then I don't see them tanking that game against MIL (who's already missing Giannis). Helps that the Clippers game doesn't start until OKC/MIL is over....

[HarlemHeat37]

As I said yesterday, getting Portland in the 1st round would be perfect..a jump shooting team with just as many flawed players as the Spurs in their rotation..

Hopefully Lillard blows up in the 4th..

[DAF86]

An OKC win basically assures the Spurs of avoiding Houston. Denver would have to lose at home to the tanking T'Pups for the Spurs to get Houston.

Good thing is OKC can't tank tomorrow or they draw the Warriors, right? I think we're sweating it for nothing. If the Spurs take care of business tomorrow, they aren't likely to draw neither GS nor the Rockets.

[timvp]

Aside from the Spurs losing and playing Golden State, what has to happen for them to match up with Houston in the 1st round?

Portland loses one of their last 2 + OKC loses at MIL + Nuggets win
or
Denver loses at MIN + OKC Wins + Portland loses a game

that right?

Think so.

Denver is home vs the T'Wolves and KAT will probably be sat so that's likely a win unless Jokic gets hangry again.

[keithington1]

I feel like it would be easier too steal a game from the Rockets.

[FkLA]

If Portland loses to the freaking Lakers, what happens then?

We probably still end up 7th and face Denver, but we get HOU ends up in our bracket and we face them in the 2nd Rd if we beat Denver.

[TheDoctor]

Stupid Roxs is the only thing Imma say.

Fuck’em tbh.