Post by Miege22 on Jan 14, 2020 15:14:02 GMT -5
WEEK 12
1. Brooklyn Nets (12-0)
Week 12 result: Beat Cleveland, 5-4
Last week: 1
Brooklyn defeated Cleveland, and despite having a 200 minute advantage, it must have been too close for comfort, as they opted to sit players on the final day to ensure a victory. With PG, LeBron, Capela, and FVV banged up, they have really taken a hit in defensive stats. An in-week trade of Cedi for Ingles helps shore up their bench, and Garland had a fantastic week. If anything can slow this team down, it will be the injuries. Big game this week against an Orlando team looking stronger.
2. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (10-2)
Week 12 result: Beat Utah, 6-3
Last week: 3
Another team facing some injury concerns, with KAT, Sabonis, and Morris all out of the lineup. At a minutes disadvantage, they pulled off a victory against a Western conference playoff team. This might have been their most impressive win yet this season. LaVine was fantastic and had an MVP caliber week. Tampa Bay do not face a team above .500 the rest of the way and look locked at the two seed. They'll need KAT healthy if they wish to avoid an upset in the playoffs if Chicago lands the three seed.
3. Kansas City Kings (10-2)
Week 12 result: Beat Golden State, 6-3
Last week: 2
In what was a close match-up all week, Poopy edged out the Golden State Warriors to win 6-3. Less than 2% in FT and 13 rebounds separated the two teams. Kansas City showed their depth in the final days coming back from a 5-4 deficit to take the lead and hang onto win. The Kings are in the driver seat out west, but a few pivotal match-ups remain if they want to hold onto the number one seed. They’ll get a beatable Houston team this week, but Minnesota and Oklahoma City await them down this final stretch of the season. So far, Poopy has taken care of business, but these late season showdowns should provide a glimpse at some potential playoff match-ups.
4. Seattle Supersonics (9-3)
Week 12 result: Beat Las Vegas, 6-3
Last week: 4
Bit of an unusual week for the Sonics, as it seemed as though they were trying to make things tougher on themselves since Vegas, at this point, is a mash unit. Rudy Gobert sat multiple match-ups, as did Bam and Jarrett Allen. They didn't even bother setting their lineup on Sunday given that the match-up was such a one-sided affair. With that in mind, it's hard to pinpoint a positive or a negative. Things get considerably tougher for the Sonics as we hit the homestretch. They've got Golden State up next, then Memphis, Houston and Portland.
5. Portland Trailblazers (8-4)
Week 12 result: Beat Chicago, 7-2
Last week: 5
The Portland Trailblazers are rolling right now. They would have beaten all-comers last week, and there's not one black hole on this roster. With their recent trade for Dennis Schroder, they're only going to be more dangerous. They don't have the easiest schedule remaining, but it seems likely they'll head into their season finale against Seattle on a 7-game winning streak. That match-up could determine the champion of the Pacific division and have some serious seeding implications. Their stretch run starts with Oklahoma City.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-4)
Week 12 result: Beat Houston, 6-3
Last week: 8
The Wolves just keep on keepin' on, this time defeating the Houston Rockets. Somehow, down Malcolm Brogdon, Larry Nance and Dante Exum, this team managed to do just enough to claim their third straight win. And, with Utah's loss to Tampa Bay, they've vaulted into 5th place. The good news is Minnesota already has wins over Portland and Seattle, should those tiebreakers come into play. The bad news is they've lost to OKC and Utah, which appear to be the more important tiebreakers. They've got a suddenly competitive Washington team on deck, but they should see the return of Brogdon and Exum.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (8-4)
Week 12 result: Lost to Orlando, 6-3
Last week: 6
Things have gone from bad to worse for the Thunder. After looking like a surefire playoff team early in the season, they were upset by Orlando. Then the injuries hit. Murray, Tatum, Millsap, Looney, and Robert Williams have all missed time or will miss time in the immediate future. With games remaining against Portland, Golden State and Kansas City, two losses could end their playoff hopes. We'll see if they can pull a rabbit out of their hat against the Blazers.
8. Utah Jazz (7-5)
Week 12 result: Lost to Tampa Bay, 6-3
Last week: 7
Utah fell to Tampa Bay in what was one of the closest matchups of the season. Less than 1% in FT, 2 three pointers and five assists were the difference in this one. After having lost their last two matchups (to Brooklyn and OKC), this almost felt like a must win matchup for the Jazz to keep pace out west. Utah’s season gets far more interesting after this loss. If the playoffs started today, Utah would be on the outside looking in for the first time in league history. Things should get a bit easier for the Jazz down the stretch and with the west being as wild as it is, they are by no means out of the playoff hunt.
9. Boston Celtics (7-5)
Week 12 result: Beat Colorado, 6-3
Last week: 11
The rise and fall and rise and fall of the Boston Celtics is one of the gloomier storylines this season. A team that was full of promise and looked like a serious contender before the season has seen their championship quest derailed by injuries. Blake Griffin is done for the year. Joel Embiid may be done for the year. And the Boston Celtics appear done for the year. The team is making moves - trading WCS and DeRozan in the last week. It looks like Boston is taking the only approach they see fit, and that is to sell and retool for next year. Don’t count this team out for long - they’ll be back with a vengeance.
10. Golden State Warriors (6-6)
Week 12 result: Lost to Kansas City, 6-3
Last week: 10
This one might have been too close for comfort for Kansas City. Golden State pushed through but just did not have enough to drop KC. One of the hottest teams in the league over the last eight (6-2), and technically still in the hunt for the playoffs, their final four schedule might be too tough. If they can pull off upsets this might just be the spoiler team. They'll need Rui back soon to help. It was a true team effort in week 12 led by DRose and JRich. Big matchup with Seattle this week.
11. Chicago Bulls (6-6)
Week 12 result: Lost to Portland, 7-2
Last week: 9
The Blazers were just too good this week, and they easily dispatched the Bulls. Chicago now finds themselves just a game up on Orlando, though they own the tiebreaker, so it's really like being two games up. There is still the possibility to move up, should Boston really go in the tank. They've got D'Angelo Russell back, and Jordan McRae was impressive, even in a losing effort. The third seed is there for the taking, but they're most likely going to have to win out, since they lost to Boston earlier this year. Chicago gets Colorado next.
12. Orlando Magic (5-7)
Week 12 result: Beat OKC, 6-3
Last week: 15
The Magic shocked Oklahoma City with a demonstrable 6-3 win. Brandon Ingram led the way with 108 total points, 30 assists, and 25 rebounds, but got great support from a rejuvenated Kyle Kuzma (26 ppg), Scary Terry (20.8 ppg, 2.8 3pg), and Jonas Valanciunas (11.3 rpg, 18.7 ppg, 1.3 bpg and great percentages). Orlando is peaking at the ideal time for a playoff push, one game behind the Bulls for the final East playoff spot. Brooklyn, a deflating Boston, and Tampa Bay are the next three up.
13. Memphis Grizzlies (5-7)
Week 12 result: Beat Toronto, 5-4
Last week: 12
Eking by the Raptors on a handful of toss-up categories - the margins in steals was 3, blocks 2, and turnovers 5 - this Grizzlies squad was happy to have Beal back. No longer squarely in the fight for a Western Conference playoff spot, one wonders whether Bjelica or Cory Joseph will be on the move soon. The Gamblers and Supersonics are the two up next.
14. Washington Wizards (4-8)
Week 12 result: Beat Atlanta, 6-3
Last week: 14
Hey, the Wizards have won two in a row! Jaren Jackson averaged 22-5 to help keep Washington's slim playoff hopes alive. At this point, they'd probably need both the Magic and Bulls to lose out to give themselves a realistic shot at this thing, but they don't own their pick so every win helps. Other than Jaren, Giannis did Giannis things, and the rest of the team was solid. A tough one against Minnesota awaits.
15. Houston Rockets (4-8)
Week 12 result: Lost to Minnesota, 6-3
Last week: 13
Houston has thrown in the towel on this season, but you have to wonder where they would stack up in the West with a healthy Zion, Curry, and Kawhi. Either way, this team is still very good and came very close to beating Minnesota this week. They may still sell off assets, but the timing of it will be real interesting. This is the team to watch out West, because it is good enough to topple a playoff team and kill some playoff hopes. Their next four games? Kansas City, Portland, Seattle, Oklahoma City.
16. Toronto Raptors (4-8)
Week 12 result: Lost to Memphis, 5-4
Last week: 16
Defeated by the Grizzlies on a handful of toss-up categories - the margins in steals was 3, blocks 2, and turnovers 5 - this Raptors squad is two games behind the 4th East playoff spot with four matchups to go. Even if they don't squeak into the playoffs, they still will be a deciding factor in seeding as their final four are all against Eastern playoff teams.
17. Cleveland Cavaliers (3-9)
Week 12 result: Lost to Brooklyn, 5-4
Last week: 17
The Cavaliers announced their intention to move to the soon to be vacated Rose Garden (yes, I know, it's technically the Moda Center now... I don't care), and shake up the alignment of the league. Assuming the move is approved by the rest of the owners, the city of Portland should receive a potential playoff team in return for losing a Finals contender. The Cavs looked surprisingly good against the juggernaut Nets, which was wildly impressive and gives this team a lot of hope for the future. With Kevin Durant, John Wall and Rodney Hood returning next year, the new Blazers have the ability to make quite the splash.
18. Atlanta Hawks (2-10)
Week 12 result: Lost to Washington, 6-3
Last week: 18
What looked like a potential win earlier in the season morphed into a tough loss as the Hawks simply couldn't keep pace with the Giannis-led Wizards. The Hawks really don't have much to play for as the season winds down, starting with Tampa Bay.
19. Colorado Swannies (2-10)
Week 12 result: Lost to Boston, 5-4
Last week: 19
The Swannies didn’t stand much of a chance last week, even against an injury riddled Boston team. Anthony Davis missed time all week and that was the only chance Colorado would have had to keep this one interesting. The team hasn’t had a healthy point guard all season, Gary Harris has been MIA, and Myles Turner has been average at best. I think this is just a down year for Harris and Turner, but Colorado is going to have some work to do this offseason. They did flip Jingles for Cedi this past week - a wise move to clear out an older guy on a bad contract while getting a cheap, young player in return. It’s going to take more moves like this to get back on track, but this was a step in the right direction.
20. Las Vegas Gamblers (0-12)
Week 12 result: Lost to Seattle, 6-3
Last week: 20
Tampa Bay must have been salivating all year at this lovely lottery pick, but has now made it available. Are the James Wiseman sweepstakes beginning already? The Grizzlies are the lucky team this week that get to pad their win column total against the Gamblers.
BIGGEST RISERS
Orlando (up 3)
BIGGEST FALLERS
Chicago (down 2)
1. Brooklyn Nets (12-0)
Week 12 result: Beat Cleveland, 5-4
Last week: 1
Brooklyn defeated Cleveland, and despite having a 200 minute advantage, it must have been too close for comfort, as they opted to sit players on the final day to ensure a victory. With PG, LeBron, Capela, and FVV banged up, they have really taken a hit in defensive stats. An in-week trade of Cedi for Ingles helps shore up their bench, and Garland had a fantastic week. If anything can slow this team down, it will be the injuries. Big game this week against an Orlando team looking stronger.
2. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (10-2)
Week 12 result: Beat Utah, 6-3
Last week: 3
Another team facing some injury concerns, with KAT, Sabonis, and Morris all out of the lineup. At a minutes disadvantage, they pulled off a victory against a Western conference playoff team. This might have been their most impressive win yet this season. LaVine was fantastic and had an MVP caliber week. Tampa Bay do not face a team above .500 the rest of the way and look locked at the two seed. They'll need KAT healthy if they wish to avoid an upset in the playoffs if Chicago lands the three seed.
3. Kansas City Kings (10-2)
Week 12 result: Beat Golden State, 6-3
Last week: 2
In what was a close match-up all week, Poopy edged out the Golden State Warriors to win 6-3. Less than 2% in FT and 13 rebounds separated the two teams. Kansas City showed their depth in the final days coming back from a 5-4 deficit to take the lead and hang onto win. The Kings are in the driver seat out west, but a few pivotal match-ups remain if they want to hold onto the number one seed. They’ll get a beatable Houston team this week, but Minnesota and Oklahoma City await them down this final stretch of the season. So far, Poopy has taken care of business, but these late season showdowns should provide a glimpse at some potential playoff match-ups.
4. Seattle Supersonics (9-3)
Week 12 result: Beat Las Vegas, 6-3
Last week: 4
Bit of an unusual week for the Sonics, as it seemed as though they were trying to make things tougher on themselves since Vegas, at this point, is a mash unit. Rudy Gobert sat multiple match-ups, as did Bam and Jarrett Allen. They didn't even bother setting their lineup on Sunday given that the match-up was such a one-sided affair. With that in mind, it's hard to pinpoint a positive or a negative. Things get considerably tougher for the Sonics as we hit the homestretch. They've got Golden State up next, then Memphis, Houston and Portland.
5. Portland Trailblazers (8-4)
Week 12 result: Beat Chicago, 7-2
Last week: 5
The Portland Trailblazers are rolling right now. They would have beaten all-comers last week, and there's not one black hole on this roster. With their recent trade for Dennis Schroder, they're only going to be more dangerous. They don't have the easiest schedule remaining, but it seems likely they'll head into their season finale against Seattle on a 7-game winning streak. That match-up could determine the champion of the Pacific division and have some serious seeding implications. Their stretch run starts with Oklahoma City.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-4)
Week 12 result: Beat Houston, 6-3
Last week: 8
The Wolves just keep on keepin' on, this time defeating the Houston Rockets. Somehow, down Malcolm Brogdon, Larry Nance and Dante Exum, this team managed to do just enough to claim their third straight win. And, with Utah's loss to Tampa Bay, they've vaulted into 5th place. The good news is Minnesota already has wins over Portland and Seattle, should those tiebreakers come into play. The bad news is they've lost to OKC and Utah, which appear to be the more important tiebreakers. They've got a suddenly competitive Washington team on deck, but they should see the return of Brogdon and Exum.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (8-4)
Week 12 result: Lost to Orlando, 6-3
Last week: 6
Things have gone from bad to worse for the Thunder. After looking like a surefire playoff team early in the season, they were upset by Orlando. Then the injuries hit. Murray, Tatum, Millsap, Looney, and Robert Williams have all missed time or will miss time in the immediate future. With games remaining against Portland, Golden State and Kansas City, two losses could end their playoff hopes. We'll see if they can pull a rabbit out of their hat against the Blazers.
8. Utah Jazz (7-5)
Week 12 result: Lost to Tampa Bay, 6-3
Last week: 7
Utah fell to Tampa Bay in what was one of the closest matchups of the season. Less than 1% in FT, 2 three pointers and five assists were the difference in this one. After having lost their last two matchups (to Brooklyn and OKC), this almost felt like a must win matchup for the Jazz to keep pace out west. Utah’s season gets far more interesting after this loss. If the playoffs started today, Utah would be on the outside looking in for the first time in league history. Things should get a bit easier for the Jazz down the stretch and with the west being as wild as it is, they are by no means out of the playoff hunt.
9. Boston Celtics (7-5)
Week 12 result: Beat Colorado, 6-3
Last week: 11
The rise and fall and rise and fall of the Boston Celtics is one of the gloomier storylines this season. A team that was full of promise and looked like a serious contender before the season has seen their championship quest derailed by injuries. Blake Griffin is done for the year. Joel Embiid may be done for the year. And the Boston Celtics appear done for the year. The team is making moves - trading WCS and DeRozan in the last week. It looks like Boston is taking the only approach they see fit, and that is to sell and retool for next year. Don’t count this team out for long - they’ll be back with a vengeance.
10. Golden State Warriors (6-6)
Week 12 result: Lost to Kansas City, 6-3
Last week: 10
This one might have been too close for comfort for Kansas City. Golden State pushed through but just did not have enough to drop KC. One of the hottest teams in the league over the last eight (6-2), and technically still in the hunt for the playoffs, their final four schedule might be too tough. If they can pull off upsets this might just be the spoiler team. They'll need Rui back soon to help. It was a true team effort in week 12 led by DRose and JRich. Big matchup with Seattle this week.
11. Chicago Bulls (6-6)
Week 12 result: Lost to Portland, 7-2
Last week: 9
The Blazers were just too good this week, and they easily dispatched the Bulls. Chicago now finds themselves just a game up on Orlando, though they own the tiebreaker, so it's really like being two games up. There is still the possibility to move up, should Boston really go in the tank. They've got D'Angelo Russell back, and Jordan McRae was impressive, even in a losing effort. The third seed is there for the taking, but they're most likely going to have to win out, since they lost to Boston earlier this year. Chicago gets Colorado next.
12. Orlando Magic (5-7)
Week 12 result: Beat OKC, 6-3
Last week: 15
The Magic shocked Oklahoma City with a demonstrable 6-3 win. Brandon Ingram led the way with 108 total points, 30 assists, and 25 rebounds, but got great support from a rejuvenated Kyle Kuzma (26 ppg), Scary Terry (20.8 ppg, 2.8 3pg), and Jonas Valanciunas (11.3 rpg, 18.7 ppg, 1.3 bpg and great percentages). Orlando is peaking at the ideal time for a playoff push, one game behind the Bulls for the final East playoff spot. Brooklyn, a deflating Boston, and Tampa Bay are the next three up.
13. Memphis Grizzlies (5-7)
Week 12 result: Beat Toronto, 5-4
Last week: 12
Eking by the Raptors on a handful of toss-up categories - the margins in steals was 3, blocks 2, and turnovers 5 - this Grizzlies squad was happy to have Beal back. No longer squarely in the fight for a Western Conference playoff spot, one wonders whether Bjelica or Cory Joseph will be on the move soon. The Gamblers and Supersonics are the two up next.
14. Washington Wizards (4-8)
Week 12 result: Beat Atlanta, 6-3
Last week: 14
Hey, the Wizards have won two in a row! Jaren Jackson averaged 22-5 to help keep Washington's slim playoff hopes alive. At this point, they'd probably need both the Magic and Bulls to lose out to give themselves a realistic shot at this thing, but they don't own their pick so every win helps. Other than Jaren, Giannis did Giannis things, and the rest of the team was solid. A tough one against Minnesota awaits.
15. Houston Rockets (4-8)
Week 12 result: Lost to Minnesota, 6-3
Last week: 13
Houston has thrown in the towel on this season, but you have to wonder where they would stack up in the West with a healthy Zion, Curry, and Kawhi. Either way, this team is still very good and came very close to beating Minnesota this week. They may still sell off assets, but the timing of it will be real interesting. This is the team to watch out West, because it is good enough to topple a playoff team and kill some playoff hopes. Their next four games? Kansas City, Portland, Seattle, Oklahoma City.
16. Toronto Raptors (4-8)
Week 12 result: Lost to Memphis, 5-4
Last week: 16
Defeated by the Grizzlies on a handful of toss-up categories - the margins in steals was 3, blocks 2, and turnovers 5 - this Raptors squad is two games behind the 4th East playoff spot with four matchups to go. Even if they don't squeak into the playoffs, they still will be a deciding factor in seeding as their final four are all against Eastern playoff teams.
17. Cleveland Cavaliers (3-9)
Week 12 result: Lost to Brooklyn, 5-4
Last week: 17
The Cavaliers announced their intention to move to the soon to be vacated Rose Garden (yes, I know, it's technically the Moda Center now... I don't care), and shake up the alignment of the league. Assuming the move is approved by the rest of the owners, the city of Portland should receive a potential playoff team in return for losing a Finals contender. The Cavs looked surprisingly good against the juggernaut Nets, which was wildly impressive and gives this team a lot of hope for the future. With Kevin Durant, John Wall and Rodney Hood returning next year, the new Blazers have the ability to make quite the splash.
18. Atlanta Hawks (2-10)
Week 12 result: Lost to Washington, 6-3
Last week: 18
What looked like a potential win earlier in the season morphed into a tough loss as the Hawks simply couldn't keep pace with the Giannis-led Wizards. The Hawks really don't have much to play for as the season winds down, starting with Tampa Bay.
19. Colorado Swannies (2-10)
Week 12 result: Lost to Boston, 5-4
Last week: 19
The Swannies didn’t stand much of a chance last week, even against an injury riddled Boston team. Anthony Davis missed time all week and that was the only chance Colorado would have had to keep this one interesting. The team hasn’t had a healthy point guard all season, Gary Harris has been MIA, and Myles Turner has been average at best. I think this is just a down year for Harris and Turner, but Colorado is going to have some work to do this offseason. They did flip Jingles for Cedi this past week - a wise move to clear out an older guy on a bad contract while getting a cheap, young player in return. It’s going to take more moves like this to get back on track, but this was a step in the right direction.
20. Las Vegas Gamblers (0-12)
Week 12 result: Lost to Seattle, 6-3
Last week: 20
Tampa Bay must have been salivating all year at this lovely lottery pick, but has now made it available. Are the James Wiseman sweepstakes beginning already? The Grizzlies are the lucky team this week that get to pad their win column total against the Gamblers.
TEAM | Miege22 | Fernans | Richardson239 | teefbe | zephyr |
Brooklyn | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Tampa Bay | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Kansas City | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Seattle | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Portland | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Minnesota | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Oklahoma City | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Utah | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Boston | 8 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
Golden State | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 11 |
Chicago | 11 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 9 |
Orlando | 12 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 |
Memphis | 14 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
Washington | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
Houston | 16 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 |
Toronto | 15 | 17 | 15 | 16 | 16 |
Cleveland | 17 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
Atlanta | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Colorado | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
Las Vegas | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
BIGGEST RISERS
Orlando (up 3)
BIGGEST FALLERS
Chicago (down 2)