Who will the Suns face in the playoffs?

by Dan on Apr 18, 2007 11:09 AM MDT in Suns News Comment 6 comments

I was asked the question this morning, "What happens with a three-way tie between the Lakers, Clippers and Golden State?" Here's my answer. I am pretty sure it is correct but if you have any information that shows differently, feel free to correct me in the comments.

Technically, there could be a three-way tie between the Lakers, Clippers and Golden State. They could all have a record of 41-41. If that happens, the Lakers get the 7th seed because they have the best record in head-to-head matchups between the three teams. So the 7th seed is determined already.

The next thing that needs to be decided is the 8th seed. Golden State holds their destiny in their hands. If they win tonight against Portland, they are in. If they lose, they are out. This is because they will have a better record than the Clippers if they win. And if they lose, they are tied and the Clippers won more games in the head-to-head matchup so they will move into the 8th spot.

At this point, the matchups are all set except for who will play Dallas in the first round. The Suns will play the Lakers, the Spurs will play Denver. The Rockets will play Utah. It's up to Golden State to determine whether they are in the playoffs tonight.

If you have other information that refutes this, please post it in the comments. I am just interpreting the rules as I read them but I wouldn't be surprised if I'm wrong.

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I thought the 7th seed was still up for grabs

At least that's what I read... I'll have to go back and look it up now.

by TexSUN on Apr 18, 2007 11:20 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it was...

up until a game or two ago...once all teams had the ability to tie, the Lakers automatically got the 7th seed and it was just between the other two teams to fight for the last spot.

by Dan on Apr 18, 2007 11:23 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Ok, 7th seed is really not decided

Here's how the Suns could still end up playing GSW instead of the Lakers:

GSW (Currently 41-40) wins tonight for 42-40.

Lakers (Currently 41-40) loses tonight for 41-41

GSW would play the Suns, Lakers would play the Mavs.

Which, btw, would not surprise me at all.

by TexSUN on Apr 18, 2007 11:31 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Lakers or Warriors, who will it be?

I guess I'd rather the Suns play the Lakers. Not a chance in hell it would he a boring series with the Kobe/Raja factor, Amare's return to the post-season (and can he keep from fouling out of the games), etc. etc.

by TwinnerA on Apr 18, 2007 12:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I say Lakers too

Of course, I said the same thing last year, and nearly ended up regretting it. But I like GSW against the Mavs, and I also like the matchups better (in theory) for the Suns if they play the Lakers. Smush Parker and Jordan Farmar vs. Nash? Muhahaha. Amare vs. Kwame Brown and Andrew Bynum? Yeah, right. Diaw and LB vs. the entire Laker bench? Yeah, I like that... Kobe's ego vs. Raja? Works just about every time.

But then except for the Amare vs. Brown/Bynum part, I said the same thing a year ago, so who knows...

by TexSUN on Apr 18, 2007 12:54 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have a bad feeling for GSW

I don't mean GSW playing the Suns. I am afraid they would lose tonight to Portland, Clips will win and the Mavs will get a free ride (4-0) into round 2.

However, if GSW did make it into the playoffs, the Lakers may be a better option for the Suns only because they are sputtering and GSW is on fire.

I hope the Lakers continue to sputter and make an early exit if they play us. If they play the Mavs, I hope they will play tough and either win the series or stretch the Mavs to 7 games.

Makes sense? :)

by Vash01 on Apr 18, 2007 1:10 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs