April 11th Playoff Seeding Update

by Dave on Apr 11, 2009 2:10 AM PDT

Here are the standings in the West, 2-7, after the games on Friday, April 10^th. Each team's remaining games are listed after the record.

2. Denver 53-27 (Sacramento, @Portland)

3. Houston 52-28 (New Orleans, @Dallas)

4. Portland 51-28 (@Clippers, OKC, Denver)

5. San Antonio 51-28 (@Sacramento, @Golden State, New Orleans)

6. New Orleans 48-31 (Dallas, @Houston, @San Antonio)

7. Dallas 48-31 (@New Orleans, Minnesota, Houston)

8. Utah 47-32 (Golden State, Clippers, @L*kers)

--As you can see, the Rockets and Spurs both won tonight. Portland remained in the same place relative to both teams despite the victory over L.A.

--The Jazz lost to the Spurs tonight, notching their 32^nd loss. The Blazers can now finish no lower than the 7^th seed even if they lose every game remaining. One more victory would ensure Portland at least the 5^th seed.

--The Blazers could still climb as high as the 2^nd seed. A win against the Clippers tonight would tie them with Houston. Portland does not hold the tie-breaker with either of the teams in front of them and must surpass their record to finish ahead of them.

--The Hornets lost along with the Jazz but the Mavericks won. Dallas and New Orleans have identical records. Utah is one game behind. If Dallas manages to win in New Orleans Sunday afternoon they would have a good chance of retaining the 6^th seed. If not it's up in the air between the Hornets, Jazz, and Mavericks for those last three spots. It could go any way. We won't know for sure about the tie-breaker between New Orleans and Dallas until after their game but we do know that Dallas has the tie-breaker over Utah while the Hornets would lose to the Jazz in the event of a tie.

--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)

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Comments

First!

Dave, you are the hardest working blogger I know!

Thanks!!!

by LaoTzu on Apr 11, 2009 2:16 AM PDT reply actions

As I understand it,

we are guaranteed home court in the first round if we win out, is that correct? Even if the Spurs and the Rockets keep pace with us, because of the the tiebreaking record vs playoff teams, Rockets would beat out the spurs for the 3rd seed and the division, and we would have the tiebreaker with the spurs due to head to head.

by premthegrem on Apr 11, 2009 2:16 AM PDT reply actions

That is correct

Winning out is the key.

—Dave

by Dave on Apr 11, 2009 2:21 AM PDT up reply actions

It depends on the tiebreakers of the Spurs and the Rockets

Last I checked, it was a dead heat in Division and Conference. But you could simply add the wins in each category to what they have and determine it. I don’t know if they tie what their records are against other playoff teams, which is another tiebreaker.

If we all tie say at 54-28, and the Spurs out tie-break the Rockets, then Houston in the head-to-head would out tie-break the Blazers who finish 5th. This is bad.

If the Rockets win that tie-breaker, we then finish 4th and have homecourt against a depleted Spurs team.

by LaoTzu on Apr 11, 2009 2:21 AM PDT up reply actions

In prem's scenario though

Houston would beat out San Antonio.

—Dave

by Dave on Apr 11, 2009 2:23 AM PDT up reply actions

And prem's scenario

would have to play out in order for tiebreakers to be invoked between the teams should Portland win out. There’s no way Portland could win out and lose a tiebreaker to both Houston and San Antonio and end up in 5th.

—Dave

by Dave on Apr 11, 2009 2:25 AM PDT up reply actions

(sigh)

It’s late and I’m not being clear. To avoid confusion:

If Houston and San Antonio both won out they’d be equal in record, division wins, and conference wins but Houston would own the best percentage against other Western playoff teams, so Houston would win. Portland would beat out San Antonio by virtue of head-to-head record.

—Dave

by Dave on Apr 11, 2009 2:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks, Dave

That last piece I had not figured out.

Same if tied at 53 or at 54?

by LaoTzu on Apr 11, 2009 3:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Same on any tie

San Antonio can’t overtake Houston’s tiebreaking advantage.

—Dave

by Dave on Apr 11, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions

What if they they are tied

but SA wins against NO. Then SA would have a better record against the Div right since it implies that Houston lost against a Div team.

That is the only way that they can be tied and SA end up ahead I think.

by QuebecBlzrFan on Apr 11, 2009 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions

Ah yes

I missed that one.

The only way it would work is:

Houston goes 1-1.

San Antonio goes 2-1 but their 1 loss was to either Sacramento or Golden State, NOT New Orleans.

Houston goes 0-2

San Antonio goes 1-2

In either of those cases San Antonio could end up ahead of Houston. So I guess there is still a chance.

I didn’t consider that because it wasn’t the original question. The top comment in this sub-thread still holds. If Portland wins out they can’t get worse than 4th.

—Dave

by Dave on Apr 11, 2009 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions

good job

i know that was a handful

Other than death and taxes, only 4 things in this world are indisputable:
Brandon Roy is the BEST player in the NBA in the clutch.
Montana to Rice were the greatest to ever play the game.
The Four Horsemen of Maddux, Smoltz, Glavine and Avery were unstoppable.
No one protects the pipes like Luongo.

by GreatOden'sRaven on Apr 11, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks Dave

My question might have been out of context, I was just trying to clarify that I understood how it worked… my head is spinning with the possible match-ups and all.

I have concluded that we just try to win all the games we can and on Wednesday maybe we throw the game if it can help us get the right match-up! Kidding!

I got the impression listening to BRoy that even if the team were to drop some games they are loose and know they are good and can win any given game.

They seem to feel they have developed all year long and are now peaking at the right time and I think that’s a fantastic feeling to have heading into the 1st round!

by QuebecBlzrFan on Apr 11, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Tiebreakers

Tiebreakers are always interesting to look at midseason, but they’ve been so rarely used. I love that 2-5 and 6-8 all have tiebreaker situations that have to be taken into account. Especially with Houston and San Antonio potentially going to the 5th tie-breaker. Amazing.

Say what you will about the East’s big three, but I love that in the West you have to actually be elite to make the playoffs. -.500 won’t do it here. Out here it’s +.600 or bust. I think Hollinger’s “Portland” chat yesterday said that 2 teams were better this year by 10 games or more over last year. Add the Blazers to that list.

by martinezec on Apr 11, 2009 2:29 AM PDT reply actions

I love that I would have been happy with an 8th seed before the season started

I love that the Blazers let it be known early in the year that they weren’t going to limp into the playoffs.

I love that the Blazers exceeded every national sportswriters opinion (and the opinion of MANY fans) on probable playoff seeding.

I love that 2 weeks ago I was sure we were destined for a 5th seed, no homecourt and a likely first round exit and that I would have been thrilled with that.

I love that the Blazers are now looking strong in the race for homecourt advantage in the first round.

I love that the Blazers could steal the third seed, get homecourt and possibly make the conference finals by avoiding the L#kers in the 2nd round.

I love that the Blazers are still in the race for the division title and the number two seed.

but you know what I love the most….

I love that we are getting some playoff basketball and I love that the pressure is on every other team to prove themselves; the Blazers have already exceeded expectations and are playing with house money.

"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"

by Magnum on Apr 11, 2009 3:22 AM PDT reply actions

I'm disappointed in the Blazers. They've let me down.

I predicted 55 wins. Ah well, young team, what can you expect?

by MiledAnimal on Apr 11, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions

I partied severely last night

because I predicted they would reach 51. Anything we get now is gravy, and I love gravy. – Elgin

Blazers win BDL 2 on 2 tournament!
Skeets: i’ll close it down now … congrats. you bastards

by 22baylor on Apr 11, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Take another for the Team!!

Elizabeth had a partner and he had a rap from the cops, Him and Lenny Suckerpunch were just out Tooling around

by Lizzy Lowblow on Apr 11, 2009 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions

NEW'S FLASH!!!

no more talk of exiting after first round….we get 1-4…

WE’RE SUPPOSE TO WIN THE FIRST SERIES!!!!

PERIOD. no excuses after that.

THEY earned it….now they gotta PROVE IT.

GO Portland!!!!

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Apr 11, 2009 3:38 AM PDT reply actions

should read...

NO MORE TALK OF EXITING DURING!!! THE FIRST ROUND or somethin like that. ;)

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Apr 11, 2009 3:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Actually, I like the original

No exiting after the first round – we go all the way, baby! :-D

by DonkeyShins on Apr 11, 2009 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Gotta beat the Clips tonight first.

Pontiff of the Pryz for Prez Posse...

by timbo on Apr 11, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions

OK...now that that is out of the way

On to world domination.

by DonkeyShins on Apr 12, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Anyone else think

That the Blazers should intentionally lose the next three games to make sure they get a favorable match-up in the playoffs?

This signature intentionally left blank.

by tominhawaii on Apr 11, 2009 4:25 AM PDT reply actions

ick.

Bedge or go home.

by Ojala John on Apr 11, 2009 5:43 AM PDT up reply actions

lol

Yeah, I figure someone’s had that thought though so I brunged it up. I think most people agree it’s better to enter the playoffs on a roll.

This signature intentionally left blank.

by tominhawaii on Apr 11, 2009 6:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Works for me.

by MiledAnimal on Apr 11, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions

lol what?

Is that supposed to be someone entering the playoffs on a dinner roll?

why is he taking pictures… is that Ben checking out the players’ kicks?

by QuebecBlzrFan on Apr 11, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Photog crests the dinner roll...

…and snaps pics of PTBs eatin’ buffalo?

Elizabeth had a partner and he had a rap from the cops, Him and Lenny Suckerpunch were just out Tooling around

by Lizzy Lowblow on Apr 11, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions

I needs some "Blotter Acid" to help me visualize dis thang

Elizabeth had a partner and he had a rap from the cops, Him and Lenny Suckerpunch were just out Tooling around

by Lizzy Lowblow on Apr 11, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe its Quick's follow up series...

scooped: Behind the dinner roll!

by QuebecBlzrFan on Apr 11, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions

I think you're right, QBF.

Ben’s been or a roll ever since he joined Blazers Edge and gained access to NBA player footwear.

by MiledAnimal on Apr 11, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Ben's been on a roll...

well done Sir!

by QuebecBlzrFan on Apr 11, 2009 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh Snap!

Elizabeth had a partner and he had a rap from the cops, Him and Lenny Suckerpunch were just out Tooling around

by Lizzy Lowblow on Apr 11, 2009 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe the last game against Denver, if they have won the division anyway and that would help the team to get the opponent they like best

After the first quarter is about half over, Nate starts to pull the starters as usual, only this time he gives us 40 minutes of Sergio – Bayless – Shavlik – Channing – Ruffin. If Pop can rest his big 3, so can we.

Greg Oden = Robert Parish (HOF, 4x NBA champion, 9x NBA All-Star). The only other rookie with more than 500 points, 400 rebounds, and 66 blocks in under 1400 minutes played. Since 1946.

by Norsktroll on Apr 11, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions

I don't see Nate giving anyone a day off no matter what

I could see a half day maybe if they know their fate before or during the game.

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by tominhawaii on Apr 11, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions

He did that last year against Phoenix in the finale

Second half was all victory cigars.

by Timmay! on Apr 11, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions

we end up a 3 play dallas as the 6 ...and Norsk's head explodes

""Look. I can touch the rim on my tippy toes.. " – Greg Oden
"As for the depressed faces, the only faces I've seen at the Rose Garden that match that description are usually wearing Laker shirts, and they usually end up leaving early, after the Blazers have the game well in hand. At least that's the way it's been in the recent past. Then, like clockwork, they write comments to this blog, telling me I suck." -- Mike Barrett 4-9-09

by LetsBlaze on Apr 11, 2009 7:09 AM PDT reply actions

That's what I'm scared of...

Dallas could definitely give us a run. They are playoff tested, Dirk wants a ring and there is no way we can stop him if he’s on.. Not to mention all those little guards running around our big guys get confused.

by two buck chuck on Apr 11, 2009 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions

EVERYBODY

could give us a run and will. Let’s not fool ourselves.

Homecourt is where it’s at.

—Dave

by Dave on Apr 11, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Order of teams I least want to see in the Playoffs:

L*kers, Dallas, Houston, Nuggets, Hornets, Spurs, Jazz

by two buck chuck on Apr 11, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Worst matchups similar except for Jazz

My list: (Cleveland), L*kers, Dallas, Houston, Nuggets, Jazz, Hornets, Spurs

The Jazz actually play us pretty tough.

by LaoTzu on Apr 11, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions

The Jazz are an interesting team...

I mean they are good on paper, but have been slumping at the wrong time of the year.

by two buck chuck on Apr 11, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions

So, to summarize...

1) we want to finish 2nd (that’s a stretch, ok 3rd) and face Hornets or …
2) finish 4th and face Spurs or…
3) just finish the season and win the championship vs whoever has the misfortune to stand in our way!

by QuebecBlzrFan on Apr 11, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

If Dallas manages to win in New Orleans Sunday afternoon they would have a good chance of retaining the 6th seed

At this point I think Blazers fans have to “root” for Houston to finish 3rd, to set up a potential 4-5 matchup with the Spurs. Even if that means a 2nd round series against the L*kers. As we all know Portland does not match up well with the Mavs

by two4larue on Apr 11, 2009 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions

Denver, Dallas and Houston on the other "side" of the bracket works for me

1-8 plays the winner of 4-5 (L*kers-Utah?, Portland-SA)
2-7 plays the winner of 3-6 (Denver-NOLA?, Houston-Dallas)

by two4larue on Apr 11, 2009 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Here's hoping the Jazz fall to 8th

From Sean Meagher’s Qs with As with Kurt from Forum Blue & Gold.

Is there a team in the West you think the Lakers don’t matchup well with in the postseason?

The Blazers are one of two teams. One is Utah, who on paper should give the Lakers fits (and everyone, really). The problem is, if that paper is not in Salt Lake City it seems to disappear.
The Blazers are the other team. The things that hurt the Lakers current defensive system is great PG penetration (check) and a big who can consistently hit the 18-foot jumper so Bynum can’t hang back and protect the rim (check). I think the Blazers can score a lot on the Lakers. But, can they stop them enough to win. I have more confidence in the Lakers defense making the plays over 7 games than I do the Blazers. At least this year.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/blazers/2009/04/qa_blazerslakers_preview_1.html

by two4larue on Apr 11, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Yep

The way the Spurs are limping, they look like a team without much of a chance without homecourt.

by LaoTzu on Apr 11, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions

No, we play Dallas in the WCF and my head explodes. I might fly in to watch that one.

Greg Oden = Robert Parish (HOF, 4x NBA champion, 9x NBA All-Star). The only other rookie with more than 500 points, 400 rebounds, and 66 blocks in under 1400 minutes played. Since 1946.

by Norsktroll on Apr 11, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions

2nd Seed

Is it true that the Blazers could get the 2nd seed if they beat the Clippers, Thunder, and Nuggets, and if the Hornets beat the Rockets?

by IdahoGreen on Apr 11, 2009 10:29 AM PDT reply actions

Nuggets have to lose tomorrow to Sacramento and to us on Tax Day

And we can’t lose at all. And Houston has to lose a game.

by martinezec on Apr 11, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions

If the Nuggets lose on Monday

(which is not likely) and the Blazers take care of the games they should tonight (Clippers) and Monday (Thunder) then it all comes down to the last game of the season versus Denver at home for the division.

Martin is right that Houston must lose a game to make that for the #2 seed. Otherwise it’d be #3.

Personally all I want now is for Monday’s games to mean something for Portland and Denver, which will happen as long as Portland wins tonight.

—Dave

by Dave on Apr 11, 2009 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions

Just Keep On, Keepin' On

Truckin’ Along

Elizabeth had a partner and he had a rap from the cops, Him and Lenny Suckerpunch were just out Tooling around

by Lizzy Lowblow on Apr 11, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions

PTB's gots the ways and means

Dallas,
gots a soft machine

Houston,
too close to new orleans;

Elizabeth had a partner and he had a rap from the cops, Him and Lenny Suckerpunch were just out Tooling around

by Lizzy Lowblow on Apr 11, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions

hehe, Bumpity, Bumpity

Elizabeth had a partner and he had a rap from the cops, Him and Lenny Suckerpunch were just out Tooling around

by Lizzy Lowblow on Apr 11, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions

I wonder if Denver will rest their squad on Wednesday

by LaoTzu on Apr 11, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions

That's what I want -- the game to mean something for Portland (needing to win out for the 4) but not to Denver (who sits starters).

Pontiff of the Pryz for Prez Posse...

by timbo on Apr 11, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions

I say we just win all three and let the chips fall where they may

nothing wrong with that

by GreatOden'sRaven on Apr 11, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions

True dat

Elizabeth had a partner and he had a rap from the cops, Him and Lenny Suckerpunch were just out Tooling around

by Lizzy Lowblow on Apr 11, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd be scared of the Clippers tonight....

Youth patrol on the prowl!

by Newton Pham on Apr 11, 2009 11:39 AM PDT reply actions

havent they kinda packed it in?

i know they want blake griffin..
so they can trade zbo.. ?

by GreatOden'sRaven on Apr 11, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions

All Time Superstar Hall of Famers like Zach Randolph NEVER "pack it in" -- particularly when there are stats to be racked up!

Pontiff of the Pryz for Prez Posse...

by timbo on Apr 11, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions

they didn't pack it in last night

They were up 22 at the end of the first on Sacremento.

Of course, it’s possible the Kings were just packing even more in than the Clipps.

In which case, the scenarios involving Sac beating the Nuggs monday are even more far fetched.

My worry tonight is just with the Blazers. They got a late long flight to LA and have to somehow focus and get up for a team that 1) doesn’t naturally inspire one’s best effort and 2) already beat us this year.

I nominate that Clipps game as the one this year I’d most like to have back.

by sagcat on Apr 11, 2009 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I listened to a few minutes of the Kings postgame show last night

and Jerry Reynolds (or was it Gary Jerrold? I always confuse those two…) commented that he had never seen a Kings team give-up on a game the way this team did in that game, or words to that effect.

by MiledAnimal on Apr 11, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Makes you appreciate the Blazers who don't pack it in

even when they are down double digits in the 1st Qtr (or 2nd, 3rd, 4th)!

by QuebecBlzrFan on Apr 11, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions

I think the Blazer's are going to end up with the 3rd seed

Do you rather face New Orlean’s or Dallas? Me, New Orlean’s.

I have a feeling it is going to be Blazer’s vs Dallas in round 1. They certainly have the psychological advantage over us as well as lots of playoff experience. They seem to be on an upswing as well. Then again, so are the Blazers. Bring em’ on.

This is going to be fun!

by hoopsdreams on Apr 11, 2009 10:01 PM PDT reply actions

Dallas lost to the Hornets

Some “Happy Easter Chris Paul” foul calls, but overall New Orleans looked improved and Dallas is still not solid on the road.

Greg Oden = Robert Parish (HOF, 4x NBA champion, 9x NBA All-Star). The only other rookie with more than 500 points, 400 rebounds, and 65 blocks in under 1400 minutes played. Since 1946.

by Norsktroll on Apr 12, 2009 2:27 PM PDT reply actions