03-19-2022, 10:52 AM
(03-18-2022, 08:15 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: I'd be surprised if we don't pass Utah for 4th in the west. The bigger question is whether we have a shot at 3rd given Curry's injury. They are 4-6 in their last 10. If they keep that up, they get five more wins to 52 if you round up. Dallas is 8-2 in its last 10. Keep that up and we get to 53 wins if you round down. Season series is tied and right now we own the tie breaker with a better division record.
If we get 4th/5th, we are in the Phoenix bracket. If we are 3rd, we'd catch Memphis in the second round assuming a first round win. I'd rather catch Utah than Denver in the first round, but we won't be able to control what happens below us, so it is probably futile to target a specific first round opponent. I do see value in avoiding Phoenix until the conference finals if we can.
I find this very interesting and is precisely what I have been thinking about. I agree seeing your numbers. Of course we have to keep playing well.