NBA

[Dissident]

Atlanta/Orlando "manipulating" so they don't face Boston IMO

[Johno6]

anthony just hit 21 in the first term against the nets...

can he get to 50 guys?

[Jim05]

anthony just hit 21 in the first term against the nets...

can he get to 50 guys?

No, once we get a decent lead they tend to spell him. He wont get much more gametime today IMO, probably end up with 35-40 points

[Johno6]

yeah obviously the score makes a diff, if they have a big lead they rest him
if its close he plays the last term and will have a good chance of scoring 50.

[Jim05]

With the Bucks trailing in the last the Knicks can almost guarantee a playoff spot today.

[Johno6]

Bucks lose (thank u very much for costing me a multi if knicks do win)

so what im trying to say is... come on the nets!! lol

[Jim05]

Knicks win 104-95
Melo finished with 33
Knicks now 3.5 games clear of the Bucks with 5 games remaining.
Boston defeat Orlando to clinch the division and number 4 seed.

[Dissident]

Just sat in David Jones food court and watched James Harden drop 40 on the Suns on my phone

[jakovasaurus]

James Harden should start at the point instead of Westbrick, just an all round better player.

[Dissident]

Get out.

[Grahaml]

Not sure how the season series rules work in the NBA, but did Miami pinch it over Chicago by 1 point? It tied 2-2 but the overall scoreline across the 4 games (which I'd imagine separates the clubs next) is 368-367 in Miami's favour. Could be a nice advantage in any possible conference finals matchup should Chicago drop one of their last 3 (and Miami don't drop one of their last 4) and to have been decided in "junk time" of a regular season by a single point could make for an interesting talking point down the track.

[RoosterMarty]

It doesn't come down to aggregate, I would have thought they would use that system as well but it's just based on wins. It's interesting that only 1 point splits the two teams over 4 games, shows how close the two sides are.

1. Division winner
2. Head-to-head record
3. Record against teams in own division (if teams are in same division)
4. Record against teams in own conference
5. Record against playoff eligible teams in own conference

Chicago (47-16) has games with Dallas, Indiana and Cleveland left, while Miami (45-17) still has matchups with Washington (twice), Houston and Boston.

That is the run home, the Bulls really should beat the Mavs and Cavs but Indy could be a tough game. Miami will beat the Wizards and Rockets and it depends who Boston suits up. They could rest ahead of the Playoffs so Miami could win all their remaining games.

I can't seem to find records against teams from the same Conference but it appears that Chicago can lose the Mavs game but must beat the Cavs and Indy to seal the #1 seed. Assuming Miami don't drop games that is.

All wins in the series have come at home so HCA is pretty crucial.

[Jim05]

With the Bucks losing today the Knicks are as good as set for playoffs even though we probably wont go too far

[brod]

It doesn't come down to aggregate, I would have thought they would use that system as well but it's just based on wins. It's interesting that only 1 point splits the two teams over 4 games, shows how close the two sides are.

1. Division winner
2. Head-to-head record
3. Record against teams in own division (if teams are in same division)
4. Record against teams in own conference
5. Record against playoff eligible teams in own conference

Chicago (47-16) has games with Dallas, Indiana and Cleveland left, while Miami (45-17) still has matchups with Washington (twice), Houston and Boston.

That is the run home, the Bulls really should beat the Mavs and Cavs but Indy could be a tough game. Miami will beat the Wizards and Rockets and it depends who Boston suits up. They could rest ahead of the Playoffs so Miami could win all their remaining games.

I can't seem to find records against teams from the same Conference but it appears that Chicago can lose the Mavs game but must beat the Cavs and Indy to seal the #1 seed. Assuming Miami don't drop games that is.

All wins in the series have come at home so HCA is pretty crucial.

Conference
Chicago 36-10
Miami 35-10

.+500 teams
Chicago 17-11
Miami 24-13

[Grahaml]

While I wouldn't assume a win against the Mavs (Dirk is capable of anything) I agree the loss the bulls would need for a record tie is likely to come against Philly. Which then would give Miami home court as Miami would have one less conference loss. Every sport at the highest level in the end is a game of inches and this inch might be important, whether it falls to the Bulls or to the Heat. I vote we forget the first round, semi finals and just play a best of 15 Bulls v Heat conference finals. Let the others fight it out for the right to be third, because if either side doesn't make it then the finals will be a fizzer.

[Dissident]

I don't really think that aggregate points really shows how close teams are, not in basketball anyway. Just have to look at the fact they are 1/2 in the East to work out they are close

[Jim05]

Knicks lose to the Cavs in Amare's return
Spurs belting the Lakers, 26 up in the last

[Dissident]

Watched Knicks Cavs - Cavs played awesome. Samardo Samuels made sure Melo knew who he was this time.

[Jim05]

Heat lost to the Wizards, Bulls will finish number 1 seed now

[RoosterMarty]

Great win by the Wiz even though Miami had no Lebron, Bosh or Wade.

Bulls need to hold on to this lead against the Mavs now.