The standings as of right now:
(2) Los Angeles Lakers 56-25
(3) Dallas Mavericks 56-25
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder 55-26
(6) Portland Trail Blazers 48-33 *Locked up 6 spot; but still play Lakers if they fall to 3.
(7) New Orleans Hornets 46-35
(8) Memphis Grizzlies 46-35
Scenarios:
Lakers to clinch (2) spot:
Lakers WIN or Mavericks LOSS
Mavericks to clinch (2) spot:
Mavericks WIN & Lakers LOSS
Mavericks clinch (3) spot:
Mavericks WIN & Lakers WIN
Mavericks LOSS & Thunder LOSS
Thunder clinch (3) spot:
Thunder WIN & Mavericks LOSS
Hornets clinch (7) spot:
Hornets WIN
Hornets LOSS & Grizzlies LOSS
Grizzlies clinch (7) spot:
Grizzlies WIN & Hornets LOSS
Tiebreakers:
If Lakers/Mavericks tie = Lakers
If Lakers/Thunder tie = Lakers
If Mavericks/Thunder tie = Thunder
If Hornets/Grizzlies tie = Hornets
Tonight's Games:
NO Hornets @ DAL Mavericks (5:00pm) *ESPN
MIL Bucks @ OKC Thunder (5:00pm)
LA Lakers @ SAC Kings (7:30pm)
MEM Grizzlies @ LA Clippers (7:30pm) *ESPN
------------------------------
If the Hornets beat the Mavericks tonight. Then the Lakers will face the Hornets in the first round of the playoffs.
That's what i'm hoping for since they don't have David West and the Lakers are (4-0) against them this season.
Also since that game is before the Lakers/Kings, Phil Jackson can rest some of the starters. That's only if the Hornets win their game.
More...