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Post by HawkEye on Nov 22, 2017 10:05:53 GMT -5
Off to a horrible 0-5 start. My team still looks lost with Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, Rajon Rondo and Bojan Bogdonavic trying to blend in with their respective new teams. Ben Simmons is coming along well while co-rookie Lonzo Ball needs to improve his efficiency. Bam Adebayo will be riding the pine as long as Miami's bigs are healthy. I can see an improvement in some players stats as the season progresses. Hoping to break the ice and get that first "W" soon.
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Post by Miege22 on Nov 27, 2017 18:34:35 GMT -5
Some key games went down to the wire this past week, and they should have serious playoff ramifications.
Brooklyn (5-1) over Chicago (4-2), 6-3 In a game that will definitely matter in the playoff race, the Nets used a strong Friday and Saturday to build a big enough lead to coast to victory on Sunday. James Harden and LeBron James were fantastic again, and Jeremy Lamb continues to impress as an all-around threat putting up 16-6-5 per game and 4 steals and 5 blocks total. Nikola Vucevic and Elfrid Payton had solid weeks for Chicago, but they definitely felt the losses of Pat Beverly and D'Angelo Russell. The Nets will go for 6 straight against the Swannies and Chicago gets the division-leading Toronto Raptors.
Orlando (4-2) over Cleveland (3-3), 4-4-1 The Magic had a four-game advantage, but they managed to hold on thanks to a tie in blocks (they won the tiebreaker, points, by 104). Dwight Howard averaged 20-14 for the Magic and he had 6 of the 19 blocks. Goran Dragic managed to hit double-figures in four categories. Kevin Love averaged 16-11 for the Cavaliers and Denzel Washington hit double figures in four categories. Orlando heads into a huge match-up with the Washington Wizards, and the winner will take the lead in the division as well as the tiebreaker. Cleveland will try and bounce back against Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay (2-4) over Atlanta (0-6), 7-2 The Bull Sharks ended a four game losing streak and kept the Hawks winless with a come from behind win over Atlanta. Russell Westbrook was a monster, averaging 32-12-10 while tossing in 8 threes and getting 11 steals. Six other players hit double figures in at least two categories. Will Barton, Rajon Rondo, Lonzo Ball and Ben Simmons hit double figures in three categories. Atlanta gets the 1-5 Celtics and the Bull Sharks face the Cavaliers.
Washington (4-2) over Boston (1-5), 8-1 The Wizards were at a four-game disadvantage, but they still managed to beat the Celtics to set up their showdown with the Magic. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way in just two games with 50 total points. For the Celtics, they had six players hit at least five three-pointers. The Celtics get the Hawks and the Wizards, as mentioned, will play the Magic.
Toronto (5-1) over Colorado (2-4), 7-2 This one was never really close as the Raptors had too much firepower for the Swannies. DeMarcus Cousins and Kristaps Porzingis continue to lead the way for Toronto, and Jaylen Brown also continues to impress in his second year. Anthony Davis averaged almost 30 points per game for Colorado, but they just didn't have enough depth to keep pace. Toronto gets a big match-up with Chicago and Colorado faces Brooklyn.
Utah (3-3) over Kansas City (2-4), 7-2 The Jazz took advantage of 8 extra games played and got back on track against the Kings. Kyle Lowry averaged 21-11-6 with 13 threes and 6 steals for the Jazz. Kemba Walker and Courtney Lee had decent weeks for Kansas City, but that was about it. Utah gets Minnesota and Kansas City heads to Golden State.
Memphis (6-0) over Houston (4-2), 6-3 In a battle of the West's best, Houston just couldn't overcome all of the injuries and Memphis stayed unbeaten. The Grizz rode 21-12 from KAT, and Paul George hit double figures in FIVE categories (including 18 steals!). George is now averaging a mind-blowing 2.8 steals per game. The Rockets got five players in double figures in three categories, but they definitely could have used Kawhi Leonard to counter PG13 in the steals category. Memphis will almost certainly improve to 7-0 against OKC, and Houston gets Las Vegas.
Golden State (4-2) over Seattle (3-3), 5-4 The Warriors and Seattle battled to the very end, and it would not be surprising for this loss to end up costing Seattle a playoff spot. The Warriors outscored the Sonics by 33 points on the final day to get the win. 7 of the 9 players Golden State played put up double figures in two categories. Damian Lillard was a monster for Seattle, but it just wasn't enough. Seattle gets Portland and Golden State faces Kansas City.
Las Vegas (2-4) over Oklahoma City (0-6), 6-3 In a match-up that will matter more in the draft lottery than the playoffs, Las Vegas took down OKC and kept the Thunder winless. Kyrie Irving led the way averaging 31 points per game on 60% shooting. Not much else to take from this one. Las Vegas faces Houston. OKC gets Memphis.
Minnesota (2-4) over Portland (4-2), 5-4 In this week's only upset, the Timberwolves outscored the Blazers by 19 points to get the win despite playing nine fewer games. Blake Griffin was the go-to guy for Minnesota averaging 27-7-6. Portland had at least six players who hit double figures in at least 2 categories. Portland will look to bounce back against Seattle and Minnesota faces Utah.
Player of the Week: Kyle Lowry, Utah Jazz- 21 pts/game, 11 rebs/game, 6 asts/game, 13 threes, 6 steals, 1 block, 47% FG, 90% FT Performance of the Week: Russell Westbrook, Tampa Bay Bull Sharks- 34/10/9/4/0 on November 22
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Post by Miege22 on Nov 27, 2017 22:39:56 GMT -5
Man, both James Harden and Andre Drummond vying for that best performance of the week and it's only Monday.
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Post by teefbe on Dec 4, 2017 7:08:42 GMT -5
Again a blowout, 2-7 loss, but in fact only 3 threes, .492 vs .495 in FG% and 7 assists away smh
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Post by Miege22 on Dec 4, 2017 19:37:19 GMT -5
Sorry guys, working today. Hopefully can get something up tomorrow
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Post by Miege22 on Dec 9, 2017 18:45:33 GMT -5
Best that I'm going to be able to do this week:
Chicago (5-2) over Toronto (5-2), 6-3
Brooklyn (6-1) over Colorado (2-5), 7-2
Atlanta (1-6) over Boston (1-6), 7-2
Cleveland (4-3) over Tampa Bay (2-5), 7-2
Washington (5-2) over Orlando (4-3), 8-1
Houston (5-2) over Las Vegas (2-5), 5-4
Utah (4-3) over Minnesota (2-5), 7-2
Kansas City (3-4) over Golden State (4-3), 5-4
Portland (5-2) over Seattle (3-4), 7-2
Memphis (7-0) over OKC (0-7), 7-2
Player of the Week: James Harden, Brooklyn Nets- 34 pts/game, 9 asts/game, 7 rebs/game, 16 threes, 5 steals, 2 blocks, 53% FG, 90% FT Performance of the Week: Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls- 26/22/6/4/0 on November 27th
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Post by Miege22 on Dec 10, 2017 22:34:52 GMT -5
Since the games ended early, here is the recap at the midway point of the season:
Utah (5-3) over Brooklyn (6-2), 8-1 The Nets raced out to the conference lead after winning their sixth straight last week. Unfortunately for them, the injury bug ravaged their roster. Whiteside is out with a knee bruise, Zeller will likely miss the rest of the year with a torn meniscus, and Muscala continues to nurse an injured ankle. To make matters worse, both Dennis Smith and Jeremy Lamb missed games with injuries. They were already up against it facing a red-hot Jazz team, and Utah has now won four straight. The Jazz have been bombing away in this winning streak, dropping in 54, 63, 82 and 71 threes in consecutive weeks. The Jazz are hitting their stride at the right time and will look to reach five straight wins against Seattle. Brooklyn, who didn't really lose any ground, as Chicago, Toronto, Cleveland and Orlando all lost, will try and bounce back against the Magic.
Colorado (3-5) over Seattle (3-5), 6-3 The Swannies used a fantastic final day to come from behind and record their third win of the season. They got more good news this week as Jahlil Okafor was traded and should start to see some playing time. The three wins is already one more than last season's win total. Colorado's got a chance to get their fourth win of the season against the Boston Celtics next week, while the Supersonics get the aforementioned Utah Jazz.
Atlanta (2-6) over Oklahoma City (0-8), 5-4 The Hawks are streaking! Atlanta used a 7-game advantage to hold off the OKC Thunder and win their second straight game. Will Barton and Ben Simmons led the way for the Hawks. Simmons has basically been a walking triple double, and Atlanta's trade for him a season ago is looking better and better with each passing game. Meanwhile, OKC's Jayson Tatum has been one of the most consistent rookies of the season, and, in another year, may be the favorite to win the award. Unfortunately, it looks like Simmons is all but a lock, provided he continues to play. Atlanta gets a very tough match-up with the Bulls next week, and OKC continues to look for their first win, this time against Minnesota.
Kansas City (4-4) over Tampa Bay (2-6), 7-2 The surprising Kings are back to .500 following a relatively easy win over the struggling Bull Sharks. Kevin Durant was an absolute monster for the Kings, averaging 30-9-7-3-1 and dropping in 7 threes. The Kings look like they might actually have a solid foundation to build from with KD, Kemba, Sabonis and the suddenly resurgent Alec Burks. The Bull Sharks, on the other hand, figured they'd struggle some as they retooled around Russ, Tobias Harris and Wiggins. However, I don't think even they anticipated Westbrook's shooting falling off a cliff the way it has. There's a lot of season left, but any hopes of the playoffs are probably dead in Tampa Bay. The Bull Sharks get the defending eastern conference champion Wizards, and the Kings can move a game above .500 against Las Vegas.
Memphis (8-0) over Toronto (5-3), 7-2 The Grizzlies are most likely going undefeated. That sounds like a bold claim, given we're only halfway through the season, but Memphis has now handled Houston and Toronto with no problems at all, and they're doing it with guys who are supposed to be "role players." Well, Victor Oladipo and Bradley Beal both averaged over 30 points per game for the week. They were so good, no one really noticed that PG and Embiid missed most of the week with injuries. Toronto got another great week from Boogie, but their depth will be tested now that Devin Booker is out for 2-3 weeks. Toronto will be tested again when they face the Cavaliers. Golden State is Memphis' next victim.
Minnesota (3-5) over Orlando (4-4), 8-1 It was NOT a good week for the Eastern Conference. The East lost 7 of 10 match-ups, and that includes 5 of their top 6 teams. This one was especially painful as it simply wasn't close. The Wolves took it to the Magic all week, led by Chris Paul's 20-10-6 average. Tyreke Evans continues to be a revelation for the Wolves, and they'll have a chance to get to 4-5 against OKC. The banged up Magic get an even more banged up Nets.
Portland (6-2) over Cleveland (4-4), 8-1 The Blazers went all in this week, moving Justise Winslow for Goran Dragic in an effort to shore up their point guard rotation. The deal was too late in the week for Dragic to play, but it didn't matter as the Blazers were all over the Cavaliers. The Cavs hope to have Wall back in time for next week's game against the Toronto Raptors, and the Blazers get a Rockets team that may just be welcoming back Kawhi Leonard.
Washington (6-2) over Golden State (4-4), 8-1 Not a whole lot to this one. The Wizards absolutely dominated, and they seem to be hitting their stride now. They've got a one game lead on Toronto, and with Brooklyn banged up, the East's top seed appears to be theirs for the taking. Giannis was masterful, averaging 32-11-4 for the week. The Warriors continue to try and tread water waiting for IT to get back, but things will get much harder with Evan Fournier out for some time with an ankle injury. Things don't get easier for Golden State as they get Memphis. Washington faces Tampa Bay.
Las Vegas (3-5) over Boston (1-7), 4-4-1 The Celtics had an 11-game advantage on the Gamblers, but couldn't get the one block needed to break the tie and lost on points. It's been a tough year for Boston. They've been much more competitive than they were last year, but things aren't quite translating into wins yet. The team has good pieces though, and they are set up nicely for the future. Vegas saw their title hopes die on opening day when both Hayward and Lin went down, but that doesn't mean the season is over. They're still only two games back, and they've got arch rival Kansas City this week. Boston faces Colorado.
Houston (6-2) over Chicago (5-3), 5-4 The Rockets made a gutsy call to sit Jrue Holiday on the final day, and it worked JUST enough to get them a win. The Bulls needed 29 points from Dougie McBuckets to pull off the comeback win, and he almost pulled it off falling just shy with 23 points. Ironically, Houston would have won with Jrue in the game, as he got the 5 assists needed to win the category. Houston was able to pull off the win despite getting just one game from Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard and Nikola Jokic. Houston will likely be without Jokic and Curry against Portland next week, but Kawhi should be back. Chicago gets Atlanta.
Player of the Week: Victor Oladipo, Memphis Grizzlies- 31 pts/game, 7 rebs/game, 4 asts/game, 19 threes, 7 steals, 3 blocks, 51% FG, 69% FT Performance of the Week: Kevin Durant, Kansas City- 36/10/7/1/5 on December 8th
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Post by teefbe on Dec 11, 2017 7:22:43 GMT -5
Gamblers didnt set their lineup everyday so there's the game advantage for me that's why im not THAT mad this week, but man, this loses are just brutal lol. I'd rather lose 8-0 than 4-4-1...Im surprised Minny crushed Orlando like that
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Post by Miege22 on Dec 17, 2017 22:14:08 GMT -5
Another early Sunday finish, another early recap:
Chicago (6-3) over Atlanta (2-7), 7-2 The Hawks jumped out to the early lead, but Chicago finished strong to pull away and win easily. The Bulls were boosted to victory with a couple of surprising weeks from newcomers Trey Lyles and Mario Hezonja. Lyles averaged 16-5 and knocked down 8 threes, and Hezonja also averaged 16-5 while knocking down 10 threes. If those two continue to put up solid performances, the Bulls suddenly become a dark horse to come out of the East with Andre Drummond and rookie Donovan Mitchell leading the team. Speaking of Mitchell, he put up 25-5-3 and shot 53% from the field. In a year with a ton of good rookies, he's been among the best. And he got the better of fellow rookies Lonzo Ball and Ben Simmons. The Hawks looked like they were getting on a nice role with two straight wins, but they'll have to bounce back against the Orlando Magic. Chicago can solidify their playoff hopes when they take on Washington.
Orlando (5-4) over Brooklyn (6-3), 5-4 The Nets were decimated by injuries, and they played 10 fewer games, but they still nearly come back to take down Orlando. The Magic held on by two turnovers to get a huge win and stay in the playoff race. Jonas Valanciunas and Dwight Howard were no match for the depleted Nets frontcourt, combined for 143 points, 103 rebounds and 11 blocks. The Nets were kept in the match thanks in large part to heroic efforts by James Harden and LeBron James, but those two also turned the ball over 26 times between the two of them. The Nets will continue their murderer's row against the Raptors, and the Magic look to stay in the hunt against Atlanta.
Toronto (6-3) over Cleveland (4-5), 7-2 The Cavaliers got Nikola Mirotic back, and he played really well. Meanwhile, the Raptors lost Kristaps and Fox late in the week. However, it simply didn't matter. Boogie Cousins, Reggie Jackson and Jaylen Brown were simply too much for the overmatched Cavs. Kevin Love continues to play well for Cleveland, averaging 21-9 this week with 13 threes, and John Wall is back, so not all hope is lost, but they are now two games back of the playoffs. Their game against Boston is a must win. Toronto goes into a huge game against the Nets.
Boston (2-7) over Colorado (3-6), 6-2-1 Speaking of the Celtics, they got their second win of the year, easily dispatching the Swannies. The Celtics continued to get a balanced effort from the entire roster, and they were helped by a fourteen game advantage. The Swannies basically need MVP-level performances from Myles Turner and Anthony Davis to get wins, and they didn't get that from either guy this week. We'll see if Boston can put together a winning streak against Cleveland. Colorado gets the struggling Bull Sharks.
Washington (7-2) over Tampa Bay (2-7), 8-1 The Bull Sharks put up a good fight, and the score was not indicative of how close this one really was, but the Wizards pulled it out to take the lead in the conference. The Bull Sharks recently made a move for the future, trading Frank Kaminsky for a draft pick, and their bench is now filled with injured players. Still, they came dangerously close to beating the Wizards, which seems to be the theme for them this year. They continue to survive close games. Giannis was a monster again, averaged 30-11 with 9 total steals. Other than him, everyone was just ok. The Wizards are at the top in the East, but they will need much better performances from the supporting cast to win it all. They face a tough game against the Bulls. Tampa Bay plays Colorado.
Portland (7-2) over Houston (6-3), 6-3 The Trailblazers are back. They proved it in their win over Houston, cementing themselves as the clear cut number 2 in the Western Conference. It should be noted that the Rockets were without Steph Curry and Jabari Parker, and both Nikola Jokic and Kawhi Leonard were limited in returns from injury. Should these two play again in the playoffs, it could be a very different result. That said, today, Portland takes the 2 spot thanks to big weeks from DeMar DeRozan, DeAndre Jordan and Eric Gordon. Houston should bounce back against the winless Thunder. Portland plays Golden State.
Las Vegas (4-5) over Kansas City (4-5), 8-1 The Gamblers won the rivalry game, barely winning 6 of 8 categories. Kyrie Irving and Steven Adams were very good. MKG somehow averaged almost 15 points a game. And that was kind of it. Kemba Walker shot like crap, KD was good, not great, and Sabonis was just ok. Las Vegas gets Utah. Kansas City heads to Minnesota.
Utah (6-3) over Seattle (3-6), 6-3 The Jazz won their fifth straight game and are absolutely wrecking teams right now. Lou Williams put up 21-6-3 with 10 threes, and LaMarcus Aldridge put up 20-11. It all seems to be coming together for the Jazz, despite Pau Gasol being a no show and Mike Conley still out. Damian Lillard was pretty good for the Sonics, though he didn't shoot it well. They could have benefited from Markaanen playing, but it likely wouldn't have mattered. The Jazz will try and make it six in a row against Utah. Seattle is in for a rough bounce back against Memphis.
Minnesota (4-5) over OKC (0-9), 7-2 This one wasn't close, and the Thunder don't seem any closer to getting that first win. Chris Paul is back, and as amazing as ever. He put up 26-8-6, recorded 13 steals, knocked down 16 threes and shot 54/95. He was simply unstoppable. And that was really all she wrote. Minnesota keeps faint playoff hopes alive, and they'll look for another win with KC coming to town. OKC faces Houston.
Memphis (9-0) over Golden State (4-5), 7-2 The Grizzlies dominate again. They are going undefeated. The only thing stopping them from winning the title is significant injuries. A lot of them. Golden State's playoff hopes are probably dead. They'll be buried if they lose to Portland. Memphis gets Seattle.
Player of the Week: LeBron James, Brooklyn Nets- 26 pts/game, 10 rebs/game, 13 asts/game, 4 threes, 5 steals, 2 blocks, 61% FG, 79% FT Performance of the Week: DeAndre Jordan, Portland Trailblazers- 16/20/3/2/2 on December 13
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Post by Miege22 on Dec 24, 2017 0:30:14 GMT -5
With no games tomorrow, the week is over. Let's take a look at who won...
Brooklyn (7-3) over Toronto (6-4), 5-4 The Nets bounced back from a tough loss to the Magic to hop in the driver's seat in the North Division. With wins over both Toronto and Chicago, the Nets now own the tiebreaker against the only two teams that could win the division. James Harden was a monster, averaging 42-4-6 with 14 threes. LeBron was also incredible in two games, averaging 36-8-3, shooting 58% from the floor and knocking down all 13 free throws. The Raptors will have a suddenly tough game against a surging Hawks team, while the Nets continue their stretch of death against the Wizards.
Washington (8-2) over Chicago (6-4), 7-1-1 The Wizards have moved into sole possession of first place in the east by a game on the Brooklyn Nets, and next week's showdown looms large in the playoff picture. The Wizards have kicked the tires on trading some key pieces in an effort to shore themselves up for the future, but they continue to win in the present. Robert Covington picked up 15 steals and hit 10 threes, and Marcus Smart hit double digits in four categories to pace the Wizards. The Bulls were paced by Elfrid Payton, who put up 20-8. They'll try and bounce back against the Orlando Magic, and the Wizards play the Nets.
Atlanta (3-7) over Orlando (5-5), 6-3 The Magic followed up their big win over Brooklyn with a dud of a loss to the Hawks. Atlanta got a balanced effort, as four players scored at least 60 points, and Lonzo Ball hit double figures in four categories. Not much to report from the Orlando side of it. Their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, and their game against Chicago will make or break their postseason hopes. The Hawks play Toronto.
Portland (8-2) over Golden State (4-6), 5-3-1 The Trailblazers came from behind to hold off the upset bid by the Warriors. DeMar DeRozan led the way averaging 34 points per game. DeAndre Jordan averaged 18 rebounds per game and Eric Gordon dropped in 18 threes. Eight players for the Warriors had double doubles. Portland inched a step closer to clinching a playoff berth after a down season last year. The Warriors, on the other hand, are probably out of the playoff race. The Blazers get a big match-up with the Grizzlies. Golden State takes on OKC.
Cleveland (5-5) over Boston (2-8), 6-3 The Cavaliers kept their playoff hopes alive with a come from behind win over the Celtics, and they were helped with losses by Orlando, Chicago and Toronto. John Wall and Mason Plumlee both had triple-doubles for the Cavaliers. Kyle Kuzma was a monster for the Celtics, who lost yet another close game. He averaged 27-8 and dropped in 16 three pointers. The Celtics will try and bounce back against the Bull Sharks, while the Cavs will try and get back in a playoff spot when they take on the Swannies.
Houston (7-3) over Oklahoma City (0-10), 7-2 For a couple of days, it looked like the Thunder might pull off a major upset. Then reality set in. The Rockets won despite getting just two games from Kawhi, and no games from Steph. Nikola Jokic led the way with a 20-8-4 average. Jimmy Butler put up 31 points per game for the Thunder, but they weren't really close to pulling this one off. The Thunder face the Warriors, while the Rockets will get the Jazz.
Utah (7-3) over Las Vegas (4-6), 5-3-1 It was a week of almost upsets, as Utah also came back on the final day to hold off the Gamblers' bid to get back into the playoff hunt. Lou Williams put up 28 points per game and LaMarcus Aldridge averaged 20-8. Kyrie Irving tried to keep the Gamblers in it by averaging 30-5 and hitting 19 three pointers. The Jazz once against crushed the league in three pointers, hitting 62 as a team. The Jazz have a big game against Houston and the Gamblers play the Wolves.
Minnesota (5-5) over Kansas City (4-6), 5-4 The Wolves kept their faint playoff hopes alive by beating the Kings. Dirk, Evans and Chris Paul all put up triple doubles. Kansas City got a monster effort from Kevin Durant, but that was about it. The Kings will face the Supersonics, and Minnesota gets Las Vegas.
Colorado (4-6) over Tampa Bay (2-8), 5-3-1 Another come from behind victory this week, this time it was the Colorado Swannies. They did it in spite of Russ putting up 30-9-9 for Tampa Bay. Colorado had four players with double doubles. There is still a very small chance Colorado makes the playoffs, but they will have to beat Cleveland next week. Tampa gets Boston.
Memphis (10-0) over Seattle (3-7), 7-2 The Grizzlies are going undefeated and winning the title provided they don't get injured.
Player of the Week: Russell Westbrook, Tampa Bay Bull Sharks- 30 pts/game, 9 rebs/game, 9 asts/game, 4 threes, 10 steals, 3 blocks, 60% FG, 85% FT Performance of the Week: James Harden, Brooklyn Nets- 51/4/8/3/0 and 6 threes on December 22nd
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Post by teefbe on Dec 24, 2017 6:33:14 GMT -5
Smh..merry christmas guys
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Post by Miege22 on Jan 3, 2018 15:04:35 GMT -5
Sorry I'm a little late on this, but last week's recap:
Orlando (6-5) over Chicago (6-5), 5-4 The Magic got back into the playoff picture in a big way, bouncing back from a loss to Atlanta to jump into the fourth spot and taking the tiebreaker from Chicago. TJ McConnell, Brandon Ingram, Dwight Howard, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Milos Teodosic all hit double figures in three categories for the Magic. The Bulls looked like a lock for the playoffs after 7 weeks, but they've been crushed by the injury bug. D'Angelo Russell, Pat Beverly, Nikola Vucevic, and Rudy Gay are all out for extended periods of time. The Bulls will try and get back on track against the Gamblers, while the Magic will look to shore up their playoff hopes against Golden State.
Brooklyn (8-3) over Washington (8-3), 6-3 The Nets got a huge win over the Wizards in the race for the top spot in the East, but it came at a huge cost. James Harden went down late on the last day of the match-up with a strained hamstring. After initial reports suggested two weeks, there is now speculation that he could miss up to six weeks, which would be the remainder of the regular season and the start of the playoffs. The Nets aren't out of the woods yet on their toughest stretch of the season, three more match-ups against playoff hopefuls. It's not out of the question that the Nets miss the playoffs. For the Wizards, it was a weird week as they fell behind early and seemed to punt on it. They'll take on Utah. Brooklyn gets Houston.
Colorado (5-6) over Cleveland (5-6), 5-4 An incredible come from behind victory by the Swannies means they are, somehow, someway, firmly in the playoff race. D-Leaguer Jordan Bell has been called up by Colorado, and he chipped in with four blocks, a steal, and 4/4 shooting that helped edge the Cavaliers. The Swannies get a reeling Kings team, and, if they win, it could set up a playoff showdown with the Orlando Magic. The Cavaliers get the league's best team, but if they can pull off an upset, they still have Brooklyn and Washington.
Boston (3-8) over Tampa Bay (2-9), 6-2-1 The Celtics overcame injuries and a monster week from Russell Westbrook (35 points, 11 boards, 11 assists) to pull off their third win of the season. The Celtics should have a decent shot at their fourth win against the winless Thunder, but there are still injuries to deal with while the Thunder have been playing better (despite not winning). Tampa Bay takes on the Supersonics.
Toronto (7-4) over Atlanta (3-8), 7-2 The Raptors bounced back from three losses in four weeks and welcomed the return of Devin Booker. The Raptors, given the injuries the Wizards and Nets face, still have a shot at the top seed, despite losing to both teams. The Raptors have a somewhat favorable schedule, certainly better than the Nets, and they take on the Timberwolves this week. The Hawks, at one point, looked like a team that could get to 6 or 7 wins and surprisingly challenge for a playoff spot, but their next few games are against Portland, Washington, Utah, and a suddenly frisky Colorado team.
Las Vegas (5-6) over Minnesota (5-6), 6-2-1 The Gamblers aren't going to make the playoffs, but they've found themselves a bit of late, winning 3 of 4. It's easy to see how, with Lin and Hayward, this team would have easily contended for a playoff spot. Minnesota, on the other hand, welcomes back Blake Griffin, and now Chris Paul will get the reigns with James Harden going down. Minnesota had won 3 straight, and they won't be an easy out for any of their last five opponents. They get the Raptors this week.
Memphis (11-0) over Portland (8-3), 6-3 The Grizzlies went up against the second best team in the league, took them behind the woodshed, and moved to 11-0. They're going undefeated. They face the Cavs. Portland gets Atlanta.
Houston (8-3) over Utah (7-4), 5-4 The Rockets got through a tough stretch with Jokic, Leonard and Curry out, but those three are back and Jabari Parker will be on the floor come playoff time. The defending champions will be there to challenge Memphis should everyone stay healthy. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Caris LeVert led the way for Houston, which is a very positive sign on a team with the names mentioned in the first line. Utah will be a playoff team as well, and they did take down Memphis in a first round upset. It looks like that's where we're heading again this season. Utah faces Washington, Houston gets Brooklyn.
Golden State (5-6) over Oklahoma City (0-11), 6-3 The Warriors came from behind to keep the Thunder winless, thanks in large part to Dario Saric. He hit double figures in four categories, nabbed 5 steals, shot 53% and made all 12 of his free throws. And now, with IT back, the Warriors will be a tough out for everyone (similar to Minnesota). Golden State will get playoff hopeful Orlando. Oklahoma City faces Boston.
Seattle (4-7) over Kansas City (4-7), 5-4 The Supersonics managed to win despite Damian Lillard missing the whole week. The Kings have fallen on hard times, losing three weeks in a row and several players to injuries. The schedule doesn't lighten up either, as they face the Swannies this week, then three potential playoff teams after that. Seattle ended a five game losing streak, and their next four opponents are against non-playoff teams. That starts with Tampa Bay.
Player of the Week: Russell Westbrook- 35 pts/game, 11 rebs/game, 11 asts/game, 2 threes, 7 steals, 52% FG, 74% FT Performance of the Week: DeMarcus Cousins- 32/20/8/2/5 on Dec. 29
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Post by MemphisGM on Jan 4, 2018 5:20:07 GMT -5
Thanks again for these recaps, though my section gets a bit repetitive. My matchup with Portland was actually pretty close up 'til Sunday, at which point I was just +25 in Reb, +0 in Stl and +56 in Pts.
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Post by Miege22 on Jan 4, 2018 20:51:32 GMT -5
I forgot to include that Memphis is the first team to officially clinch a playoff birth.
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Post by Kots (Colorado GM) on Jan 5, 2018 21:04:50 GMT -5
We are really starting to see some equalisation now.
Clearly, there are the perennial finalists. 4-6 standout franchises.
The rest are making up ground and many matchups can go either way from week to week.
A changing of the guard is on the horizon!!
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