(04-07-2025, 02:29 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: The East is less so.  It feels like it is again clearing out for Boston.  Clev is very good, but they appear to have lost their magic and i have trouble seeing them beating Boston in a series.    If they are upset prior to the ECF, that is just another run where Boston is hardly challenged in a series.

(04-07-2025, 02:27 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: The west playoff race is fascinating.  It looks like the Lakers are pretty well set at 3 if they take care of business.  That should be a pretty good spot, although their matchup will still be up in the air.  As good as Houston has been this year, I would love to play them in round 2 if Houston makes it there.   

Denver looked set for a top 4 seed but a slow finish they could see themselves in the playin. 

I think everyone is hoping to play Memphis, but they may not even make it to the playoffs if they are in the play in.  Despite Memphis having a good season and a good record, I think they are a clear #8 with the rest of the conference. 

The Denver, Clippers, Warriors and Minnesota battle to stay out of the playin is really interesting.  I guess Memphis is also tied with that group.  Although, personally I am not sure #7 is that bad of a spot.  You do have to take care of business in the first playin though.

(04-09-2025, 06:59 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: Just an update.  Houston secured #2 in the west.  What a turnaround and their future is bright. 

Lakers are in third.  One game up on the Clippers, Denver, Golden State and Memphis.   Crazy.  Minnesota is two games back...that blown lead by the wolves last night really hurts.  

I have no idea how the tie breakers go, but I don't think I have seen an ending this close.

(04-09-2025, 07:36 AM)omahen Wrote: I think Lakers hold a tie breaker against all but one of those teams. I wonder how much energy will they have left for todays game, fifth one in seven days. Three other teams in this cluster also play today. GSW shouldn't have problems against SAS. The other two games will be much more interesting. Denver plays in Sacramento and who knows how they will look like. Their defense has been beyond bad lately and Sacramento can score. Clippers are playing Houston, who already secured the second spot. 

While Houston has been good, I think they will have problems in the playoffs. I see them as a regular season team now. They just don't have a reliable go-to guy. I doubt they have another gear for the playoffs.

(04-10-2025, 11:08 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: Pretty exciting race for the last playin spots in the West.    PhX has lost 8 straight and are now eliminated.  Kings had two nice road wins but are 4 and 6 their last 10 and Dallas has lost 3 straight.  It is just a battle to get those spots