Standings Perspective: Remaining Games
by BlaseE on Mar 8, 2010 12:45 PM CST
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We are entering the last quarter of the season and most teams have around 20 games left. The Spurs have 22. This is a look at the Western conference teams' schedules to highlight games against each other. Because the East still has some good teams, I figured I'd list them as well.
RECORDS AND REMAINING GAMES
Here are the Western playoff teams ranked by their loss column. "Eastern Elite" refers to Cleveland, Orlando, Boston, and Atlanta. "Other Notables" includes Toronto, Milwaukee, Houston, Memphis, and New Orleans. I was tempted to include Miami and Chicago, but didn't. I did include OKC's @ Charlotte game because Charlotte is so dominant at home. Western Playoff Teams and SEGABABA's should be self-explanatory.
1. Lakers (46-18) - 18 games left
Western Playoff Teams: @ PHX, @ SAS, @ OKC, UTH, SAS, @ DEN, POR
Eastern Elite: @ ATL
Other Notables: TOR, @ HOU, @ NO
SEGABABA's: @ SAC, @ HOU, @ MIN, @ LAC
2. Dallas (43-21) - 18 games left
Western Playoff Teams: @ POR, DEN, OKC, @ POR, SAS
Eastern Elite: BOS, ORL
Other Notables: CHI, @ NO, @ MEM, MEM
SEGABABA's: LAC, ORL, @ SAC
3. Denver (42-21) - 19 games left
Western Playoff Teams: @ DAL, POR, @ OKC, LAL, SAS, @ PHX
Eastern Elite: @ BOS, @ ORL
Other Notables: @ NO, @ MEM, @ HOU, NO, MIL, @ TOR, MEM
SEGABABA's: @ MEM, WAS, @ BOS, @ DAL, LAL, @ PHX
4. Utah (40-22) - 20 games left
Western Playoff Teams: @ OKC, @ PHX, @ LAL, OKC, PHX
Eastern Elite: BOS
Other Notables: @ MIL, NO, @ TOR, @ HOU, @ NO
SEGABABA's: @ DET, WAS, NO, @ WAS, @ HOU, PHX
5. Oklahoma City (38-24) - 20 games left
Western Playoff Teams: UTH, SAS, LAL, POR, @ DAL, @ UTH, DEN, PHX, @ POR
Eastern Elite: @ BOS
Other Notables: NO, @ CHA, @ TOR, HOU, MEM
SEGABABA's: SAS, @ BOS, MIN, DEN, @ POR
6. San Antonio (36-24) - 22 games left
Western Playoff Teams: @ OKC, LAL, @ LAL, @ PHX, @ DEN, @ DAL
Eastern Elite: @ CLE, @ ORL, @ ATL, CLE, @ BOS, ORL,
Other Notables: HOU, MEM
SEGABABA's: LAC, @ ORL, @ OKC, @ NJ, @ PHX, @ DEN
7. Phoenix (40-25) - 17 games left
Western Playoff Teams: LAL, UTH, POR, SAS, @ OKC, DEN, @ UTH
Eastern Elite: -
Other Notables: NO, @ MIL, HOU
SEGABABA's: @ GS, @ NJ, @ MIL, @ UTH
8. Portland (37-28) - 17 games left
Western Playoff Teams: @ PHX, DAL, @ OKC, @ DEN, DAL, @ LAL, OKC
Eastern Elite: -
Other Notables: TOR, @ NO
SEGABABA's: @ SAC, @ OKC, @ DEN, OKC
TOTALS
Western Playoff Teams, Eastern Elite, Other Notables, SEGABABA's
LAL: 7, 1, 3, 4
DAL: 5, 2, 4, 3
DEN: 6, 2, 7, 6
UTH: 5, 1, 5, 6
OKC: 9, 1, 5, 5
SAS: 6, 6, 2, 6
PHX: 7, 0, 3, 4
POR: 7, 0, 2, 4
(Western Playoff Teams + Eastern Elite + Other Notables + Bad Team SEGABABA's)/Games Remaining
LAL: 14 / 18 = .78
DAL: 13 / 18 = .72
DEN: 16 / 19 = .84
UTH: 14 / 20 = .70
OKC: 16 / 20 = .80
SAS: 16 / 22 = .73
PHX: 12 / 17 = .71
POR: 10 / 17 = .59
OBSERVATIONS
1. Denver, LA, and OKC should all fall some.
2. Portland looks really good and could close the gap.
3. If the Spurs can beat their eastern opponents, we will be looking amazingly good. It needs to start tonight against Cleveland.
4. Utah could rise, but it depends on winning their road games and their SEGABABA's.
As a Spurs optimist, these are my 1st round playoff predictions:
1 Lakers vs 8 Phoenix (Lakers in 6, but fail to dominate)
2 Dallas vs 7 Portland (Dallas dominate in 5)
3 Utah vs 6 Oklahoma City (OKC in 7 in an epic series, but Durant leads the team to the second round)
4 Denver vs 5 San Antonio (San Antonio in 6 where both teams dominate some games and get blown out in others, Spurs prevail on the road though winning game 2.)
I might copy and paste this at a later date and update the information so any suggestions or comments about the format or content would be appreciated. Thanks for reading.
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Comments
Were these predictions made before or after Tony’s injury? I love the optimism but I don’t think the Spurs will be able to climb to that 5th spot with Tony hurt. I think Utah or Dallas is a much more likely first round opponent. Thanks for the analysis of schedule strength.
After…
I think Tony Parker being hurt is a blessing despite whatever the consensus here may be. I think we need Tony for the playoffs, but this team can continue to win and even improve without him on the stretch run. I think this could really help Mason and Bonner get their feet back under them before the playoffs. It also frees up minutes for Bogans and RJ and maybe even Hairston. I mean, honestly, if this team can’t win any games without Parker now, then getting him back for the playoffs won’t even matter.
It does not matter how good Bonner is before the playoffs he will run away scared in the playoffs… I love the guy during the season but he has not shown that he can keep his head above his shoulders in the playoffs. Maybe this will be the year.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
Per that Winston guy Varner has been using, Winston specifically told the Mavs prior to our series that limiting Bonner was a major key to beating us. Bonner sucked and we lost. I’m not sure how much credit of that goes to the Mavs.
ok then. The jury is still out on Matt Bonner’s playoffs proficiency.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
I was on the full on Bonner hate bandwagon after last year’s playoffs. It softened when we got Dice, Ratliff and Blair and I thought his minutes would be reduced though. I just thought that was a pretty big insight when Tim put that up on 48MoH.
Ima huge Bonner apologist. I love what he brings to the Spurs but he truly disappeared when it mattered last year. If the Mavs game planned for Bonner in last years series then I dont feel so bad about him. If a team is game planning for Bonner then he must be doing something right.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
This is how much of a Bonner homer I am. I even took the trouble of arguing with the now mythical GT. I need to lay off the drugs.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
If the Spurs can beat their eastern opponents, we will be looking amazingly good. It needs to start tonight against Cleveland.
So you’ll be beating the Cavs tonight in Cle? Damn that might be worth watching. But I got to go to my kid’s game tonight. Oh well, I do have league pass broadband but it is on NBA/TV so I am screwed anyway.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
there’s a chance that lebron might sit out again tonight.
i was hoping he’d play so RJ could watch him drop 50 on him like he did last year, iirc.
by FreshmakerDTM on Mar 8, 2010 2:46 PM CST up reply actions
wow – this is some glass half full kind of stuff here.
given the run of games we are in right now, i was figuring today’s game for the throwaway where pop keeps timmy’s and others minutes down. however, i also noted that LeBron has an ankle injury and may sit. that’s just the kind of good fortune we need to rise in the standings….though that good fortune didnt really help us last time in LA……..
yes, the team is playing better but its gonna be tough sledding without parker.
There’s just a heavy use of acronyms around here on PtR. You’ll get used to it. It took me a while, too. There’s supposedly a lexicon in the works, depending on who you ask, haha.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Mar 8, 2010 3:54 PM CST up reply actions
It’ll be interesting to watch down the stretch. Injuries could definitely come into play for more than just the Spurs.
Careful, Cap.
That savors strongly of rooting for players to get hurt.
=]
Croissant on the shelf
Ninja-bot activated
More of a statement of fact than a wish.
Denver is already struggling, as K-Mart’s balky knee is really giving him problems, and the Nuggies can’t afford to lose any frontcourt players. Also, Kobe has been playing hurt all year – will he have the ability to step it up in the playoffs? The Paper Airplane is down for a while. And we all know the numerous injuries Portland has had to deal with this year.
I think the Western playoffs could easily come down to which team has the fewest injuries.
I don’t believe OKC can win their playoff series, their team is too young. As for the Spurs, having well-rested Tony for the playoffs could be a blessing in disguise. Tony did look like he could use some rest this year. Nice post. So, what is gonna happen in our 2nd round series against the Lakers?
We should start rebuilding around Durant
your signature is why I picked them…I like OKC too so they are an easy pick in what I honestly think would be a good series
Spurs in 7…..if Parker is at 75% and Phoenix can really take LA to 6 if we go to 6 or 7 against Denver…if LA sweeps the first round, I will be very very scared
I totally expect Tony to be at 125% by the 2nd round, if we ever go there. He should get plenty of rest in the next month, so I hope him to be as good as he was in the last year playoffs. I am more concerned about Tim and Manu getting tired. Still, these guys are veteran professionals, and barring an injury, they know how to take care of themselves during the playoffs. I get the feeling that the team is starting to come together in the last several games. I love having 7 guys in double figures. We used to have this sort of contributions during our best seasons. And last year it was a two-man show during the playoffs.
We should start rebuilding around Durant
Phoenix is on track for 50+ wins and you have them 8th? Wow.
I doubt Pop spends the Timmy and Manu minutes necessary for a 5th seed. Spurs could win 5 of their next 7 but after that the schedule turns brutal. Expected outcome for the last 15 games is 5-10. A 50 win seasons would be heroic.
yeah good point, with only 17 games left for them, 8th might not be fair….maybe this will be corrected in the second edition…they also have more home games left in terms of the tough ones
To me the real question is if the Spurs can actually turn a corner and have some decent streaks through this tough stretch to negate Phoenix’s +4 wins and only 1 more loss.
Next time, I have an idea to equalize the teams in terms of games remaining.
I also went optimistic on my matchups…the Lakers would steamroll Portland and be waiting on us or Denver. I want the Lakers to have to face Phoenix in the first round.
My more logical side I guess would be:
Lakers vs Portland (Lakers sweep)
Dallas vs OKC (Dallas in 6)
Utah vs San Antonio (can the Spurs beat Utah after being season swept? Manu, Parker, and Duncan did it Cleveland in 07 but that was 2 games and not 4….I’d love to watch this series though)
Denver vs Phoenix (Phoenix in 7)
I’ve been somewhat MIA lately so I haven’t read much of anything on here….sadly. I meant to put this in the main body of the article but forgot:
The Spurs are at +12 wins now. The BEST they have been at all season. We were at +11 after our epic back to back wins of LA and then @ OKC (without Duncan and Blair getting fouled out on the verge of his 30-20 game!!!). That means we finally recovered from losing 5 of the 6 games that followed those two wins.
We would also be 9-1 in our last 10 games if only we had beaten Philly and Detroit to end the RRT. Those two games are so inexcusable. The one loss would be the Houston game where Tony didn’t play and Brooks and Martin went crazy. If our guard rotation had been the norm, who knows if they don’t miss a few shots or if Tony doesn’t force us to foul as often.
These are the ranges I think teams can end up in terms of seeding:
Lakers (1-2) I’d bet that they are the top seed but they do have some tough road heavy games.
Dallas (1-4) I don’t think we can catch them and I think they will end up the 2 or 3.
Utah (2-7) I don’t think they will be in the bottom 4 though. I expect them to win their division.
Denver (2-7) Their schedule is tough enough for an epic meltdown. I think they are set for a minor meltdown though.
Phoenix (4-8) See above reply to doggydogworld…
OKC (4-8) They have some really tough games. They are still a big question mark to me without veteran leadership and mental toughness but they have been so impressive all year.
San Antonio (4-8) Can we make a sustained push through a difficult schedule without Parker to get some wins?
Portland (6-8) Impressive they are still in the playoffs with all of their injuries but their 8th standing in the loss column is too much to overcome. I think 7th is as far as they will really rise. 6th would be very impressive.
So to me it really comes
down to how many times Crawford refs for us the rest of the way. If we can buy a
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
Honestly I hope we get the 8th seed.
If we’re gonna make it to the finals the roads going through LA anyway. The earlier we face them the better; if they hit a stride it’s over.
Of all the western conference teams we have a best chance against the Lakers because of Tony. If he’s 100% we can exploit their weakest position like no other team besides maybe the Celtics with Rondo.
"It's Manuway or the Highway" - tlo
With the way the Mavs are playing and the ease of their remaining schedule..the Lakers may not be the team we face in the first round.
...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.
Now this I agree with.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Mar 9, 2010 3:32 AM CST up reply actions
Of all the western conference teams we have a best chance against the Lakers because of Tony. If he’s 100% we can exploit their weakest position like no other team besides maybe the Celtics with Rondo.
No offense but . . .
U B Dreamin’.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Mar 9, 2010 3:31 AM CST up reply actions
Stop making sense.
I don’t know if I could make it through the rest of today knowing that I sided with a Laker fan against Manuwar.
Then again, maybe I should just ask Manuwar to stop talking nonsense.
Croissant on the shelf
Ninja-bot activated
Sorry, I recorded the game but fell asleep watching it later (hence the time of my post). The last I remember it was nearing the end of the 3rd qtr. Didn’t realize how the game turned out and I don’t usually post much after Spur losses.
Although my team is on a 3 game losing streak so there’s plenty of pain to go round.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
The Lakers weakest defensive position is at PG. Spurs strongest scoring position when Tony is healthy, is at PG. How is this nonsense? Jason Kidd doesn’t really exploit ths area of Lakers deficiency because he’s not a big time scorer.
I think a lot of us have forgotten exactly how explosive Tony is when 100%.
"It's Manuway or the Highway" - tlo
I haven’t forgotten what TP can do.
Have you forgotten what LA’s defense can do after they’ve been exploited by Frenchie for long enough? Let’s flash forward to a play from a game in a hypothetical 2010 playoff series against the Lakers, and see what happens.
Parker gets past Fisher (whom he DOES tend to dominate from time to time) and finds the defense clamped all over him.
And since he’s NOT Jason Kidd (you brought him into this, not I) he doesn’t pass out, but instead forces a shot without being bailed out by the refs.
After 4 to 6 quarters of this he has stopped trying to penetrate and is living or dying by his jumper — which is not option A, because said jumper is still rounding back into shape since Tony’s only been out of his cast for a couple of weeks or so.
Yes, the Croissant can exploit LA’s deficient point guard 1×1 defense all we wants, but if he doesn’t adjust better than he has in the past, and if our shooters don’t hit outside shots better than they have been, then Fisher’s lack of D isn’t the Achilles’ heel you’re making it out to be.
Croissant on the shelf
Ninja-bot activated
Good points. I’d still rather have our best scorer go against their worst defender. Dallas and Denver will have their best scorers matched up against the Lakers defensive strengths.
I don’t think any team will beat the Lakers in a 7 game series. But because of how we match up, I think we have a better chance than Denver or Dallas. Again, when Tony’s healthy.
"It's Manuway or the Highway" - tlo
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