The two teams we need to beat to make the playoffs

[Pinwheel1]

Out west there seems to be 7 teams destined to be in the playoff.

Assuming the Lakers will keep climbing we need at least two teams to drop. The most obvious to me to root against every night is Minnesota and Houston.

Denver could also drop but I would not bet on it, and Dallas and Utah could rise so we need to root against them as well.

Other than that I don't see the others being a factor. Clips, OKC, Memphis, SA, GS, and Denver all seem solid.

Sac Phoenix and New Orleans seem Lotto bound.

So in the end I think it will come down to Portland, Houston, Minnesota, Dallas, and Utah fighting for that 8th seed. That is assuming Denver and LA start pulling away from us who hovering around 500. If they do not pull away then those two spots will also be available.

But for now we need Houston to have a problem.

 

[Further]

I don't mind missing the playoffs, as long as our pick is 12 or lower. If we end up 13th or 14th, that just sucks, no pick and no playoffs.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I don't mind missing the playoffs, as long as our pick is 12 or lower. If we end up 13th or 14th, that just sucks, no pick and no playoffs.

Well then for you your best scenario is 10-12. I would put odds against us following any lower.
Personally i think it will be 13 or 14. So that is why i think we should root for making the playoffs.

 

[KingSpeed]

Den and GS are not locks at all. Only Mem, SA, LAC, and OKC. Yes, we must always root for Minnesota and Houston to lose. If Houston loses to Atlanta tomorrow, we pass them. GS doesn't have experience getting to the playoffs lately. I expect them to drop off. I think the 5th seed is there for the taking if we want it.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Den and GS are not locks at all. Only Mem, SA, LAC, and OKC. Yes, we must always root for Minnesota and Houston to lose. If Houston loses to Atlanta tomorrow, we pass them. GS doesn't have experience getting to the playoffs lately. I expect them to drop off. I think the 5th seed is there for the taking if we want it.

Denver is 9-1 at home. We will see how much separation they get when they play more home games. GS IMO needs injuries to slow them down. Playing well on the road.

 

[Further]

I would prefer making the playoffs, I just don't see that as the most important thing in this being a good season. I see this as clearly a rebuilding year, so if the blazers can come out of the season with three quality core pieces, Lillard, Batum, and Aldridge, other quality players like Wes and Hickson, and players with potential like Meyers, and no knee problems, I'm good. Just want to build on that in the offseason.