05-14-2021, 12:44 PM
(05-14-2021, 07:54 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: My head hurts too much to figure this out, but I wonder what Denver would do if there is a scenario where they can pick their opponent by either winning or losing the last game with Portland?
(05-13-2021, 11:49 AM)Hogmelon Wrote: For the Mavs' first-round opponent, I definitely prefer the Nuggets over the Clippers.
Next question ...
Who do the Nuggets prefer for their first-round opponent, Portland or Dallas?
The Nuggets have a lot of control over their first-round match-up, especially if Portland beats Phoenix tonight.
Well ...
Portland did not beat Phoenix last night [WOOHOO!!!], but my question (from yesterday) still stands:
Who do the Nuggets prefer for their first-round opponent, Portland or Dallas?
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The Clippers last two games are tonight against the pathetic Rockets and on Sunday versus the Thunder (who need to tank because they are tied with Orlando for third-worst record in the NBA).
If the Clippers go 2-0, then the Clippers will be the #3 seed and Denver will be the #4 seed, regardless of the outcome of Denver's final two games. As I suggested yesterday, the Nuggets could very easily screw the Lakers by "tanking" against the Blazers on Sunday.
To answer Dan's question about Denver having some ability to "pick their opponent by either winning or losing the last game with Portland" ...
Yes, there are several possible scenarios of interest.
For example, if [1] the Clippers win out; and [2] the Lakers DO NOT win out (i.e., the Lakers lose at least one of their last two games); and [3] the Mavs win exactly one of their last two games; then a Denver win vs. Portland would give the Nuggets a first-round match-up with the Mavs [#3 Clippers, #4 Nuggets, #5 Mavs, #6 Blazers, #7 Lakers], while a Denver loss vs. Portland would give the Nuggets a first-round match-up with the Blazers.
On the other hand, if [1] both the Clippers and the Lakers win out, and [2] the Mavs win exactly one of their last two games, then a Denver win vs. Portland would give the Nuggets a first-round match-up with the Mavs (and also a Lakers vs. Clippers first-round pairing) [#3 Clippers, #4 Nuggets, #5 Mavs, #6 Lakers, #7 Blazers], while a Denver loss vs. Portland would still give the Nuggets a first-round match-up with the Mavs (winners of the 3-way tie-breaker), but the Lakers and Blazers would trade places.
Etc.
http://gph.is/1RDNt2R