05-08-2021, 03:38 AM
(05-08-2021, 01:02 AM)Branduil Wrote: Disagree, the Lakers losing is far better because we have the tiebreaker to avoid the play-in over them.
If your goal is simply "avoid the play-in," then yes, it's better for the Lakers to be at the bottom of the ladder.
But I think the goal should be for 5th, by outdoing BOTH the Lakers and Blazers, and I replied in that vein.
The Mavs ALREADY had some cushion on a struggling LA team (who also has 2 tough games after this one and might not see Lebron play until the post-season), with both a lead in the standings plus the tiebreaker too.
OTOH Portland is only a hair behind the Mavs right now. Portland also has the tiebreaker. Space is needed to stay ahead. A single Mavs loss is enough for the Blazers to pass the Mavs.