Post by Miege22 on Jan 31, 2022 11:46:18 GMT -5
The playoff picture really cleared itself up over the last couple of weeks, and we won't head into week 16 with a ton at stake. Match-ups are set in the East, and just one spot is up for grabs in the West. Won't be a super long recap, since there isn't a ton of new info.
OKC Thunder (11-4) over Seattle Supersonics (8-7), 6-3
The Thunder are back in the playoffs! For the first time since 2015, OKC will be participating in the second season. They have to feel legitimately good about their chances going into the postseason, with Tatum, Luka, and Anthony Edwards playing like a true three-headed monster. Russ has ticked his efficiency back up of late, though he still turns it over a ton. The role players have been solid, though there are a couple of dead spots on the roster between Svi and Udoka. Will be interesting to see if they do anything to change that, given they'll be in the play-in game. As for last week, Luka was amazing (26-9-10), as was Edwards (27/6/5/2). And don't forget Tatum (31/6/6). If those three are playing at a high-level, this is a tough team to beat. They have a chance to really determine who they play in the play-in too. They get the Rockets. Seattle wraps up a tough season against their rival, Portland, in what almost certainly a season they'd like to forget.
Brooklyn Nets (9-6) over New York Knicks (11-4), 7-2
Trouble is brewing in Madison Square Garden. The Knicks were beaten rather easily by their in-city rivals, and the Nets really didn't play all that well. The problem for the Knicks is they are really banged up right now. Donovan Mitchell has missed two weeks with a concussion. LeBron James has missed the last 3 games with knee swelling. Tim Hardaway Jr. is done for the season after breaking his foot. Larry Nance has been out since January 5th with a bone bruise in his knee. Kyle Lowry has missed two weeks tending to a mysterious personal matter (typically that means that, sadly, someone has passed away). Nerlens Noel and LaMarcus Aldridge are both dealing with nagging injuries. The most important things for New York are LeBron and Mitchell. If those two don't get right over the next week, the Knicks could be primed for an upset. Of course, it won't be the Nets doing the upsetting. With this win, and Atlanta's loss, the Nets clinched a spot in the 2-3 match-up against rival Tampa Bay. It'll be yet another playoff battle for these two, though given the state of their respective rosters, we wouldn't expect a knock-down, drag out fight.
Golden State Warriors (13-2) over Utah Jazz (4-11), 7-2
Now to check in, arguably, the hottest team in the league. Golden State won their 5th in a row, trouncing the Utah Jazz. It now sets up a showdown with the Kings for the top seed in the conference. Devin Booker dropped 33/6.5/4, and the question has to be asked... if Golden State is the top seed, is Booker the MVP? Book is playing at an incredible level right now, and he's been remarkably consistent. He may not be the favorite, but he certainly has to be considered. Utah wraps up their season with the Gamblers.
Orlando Magic (4-11) over Miami Heat (1-13), 6-2-1
This loss sets up a potential dream scenario for the Heat. If Vegas beats Utah, the Heat will lock up the first and second best lotto odds in May's draft lottery. There's a chance that Miami could get top-2 odds even if Vegas loses, but they would need to win with fewer total categories than Vegas "wins" this week (i.e. if Miami wins 4-4-1, and Vegas loses 5-4, then Miami has the 2nd worst record). Orlando will head into their season finale with Washington trying to just the opposite, given that Memphis owns their pick.
Portland Trailblazers (9-6) over Las Vegas Gamblers (2-13), 7-2
Too little, too late for Portland. Even if they beat Seattle, and both Houston and Colorado lose, they will lose the tiebreaker (conference record). Much like their conference rival, it's a season to forget for the Blazers. This team looked so incredibly dominant to start the year, then injuries and COVID derailed this juggernaut. The good news is they'll still have KD, PG, and Trae Young to build around in the off-season, they should be right back in the mix next season. Vegas has to be excited about Cade. Bout it, there.
Phoenix Suns (12-3) over Kansas City Kings (13-2), 6-3
If the Warriors are the hottest team in the league, the Suns are a very close second. They've spent the last month demolishing supposed contenders in the conference, and they'll look to keep the Swannies out of the playoffs this week. The one-seed is out of the question, but this is certainly a team you do not want to face right now (by the way, can you imagine if we get GS/PHX in the first round??). Nikola Jokic is patently absurd, and he is probably leading the way for a second-straight MVP. You can't overlook Anfernee Simons and OG Anunoby, however. This is a deep, well-rounded crew, and might be the betting favorite when it's all said and done. The Kings got a devastating blow last weekend with the news that SGA will be out for, possibly, the entire first round of the playoffs. It will likely end their run before it even starts.
Toronto Raptors (4-11) over Atlanta Hawks (7-8), 4-4-1
The Raptors got a big rebounding game late from Jarred Vanderbilt to shock the Hawks on points. It doesn't mean much for Toronto, but it does guarantee that Atlanta will be in the play-in. Of course, with how the Knicks look right now, the play-in might not be a bad spot. With this week's final game against Tampa Bay no longer mattering, the big thing for Atlanta is getting Hayward and Russell back in time for their play-in match-up with the Bulls. Toronto closes with the Nets.
Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (10-5) over Memphis Grizzlies (2-13), 7-2
This one was never close, though the lackluster steal and block totals could be concerning for Tampa Bay (those are categories the Nets excel in). Chris Paul has been on an absolute tear lately, and he may just end up being the piece Tampa Bay needed to get over the hump and back into the Finals. Memphis' dreadful season is just about finished, and they can look forward to a little lottery luck.
Colorado Swannies (10-5) over Houston Rockets (10-5), 6-3
The biggest game of the week came down to Colorado managing their lineup on the final day, and they played it brilliantly. Big rebounding weeks from Ayo Dosunmu, Kessler Edwards, and Maxi Kleber helped them secure a gigantic victory, and it sets up the biggest week 16 game in Colorado history: win and they're in the playoffs for the first time since 2010. We've already seen some new blood get into these playoffs (GS and ATL first appearance since 2016, OKC first since 2015, PHX third appearance all-time). However, if Colorado can get in, that would absolutely take the cake. It'll be tough. Phoenix is playing as well as anyone, and they look to have an early games advantage, but nothing has been easy for the Swannies in the last decade. Even if it doesn't happen this year, they have to be thrilled about the foundation for next year.
Washington Wizards (4-11) over Chicago Bulls (6-9), 6-3
Last but not least, we have the Wizards taking down the Bulls in yet another weird result in the East. While the final five teams were never really in doubt, the path taken to get there has been quite adventurous. The Wizards are going to miss the playoffs, possibly by two full games, despite recording wins over New York, Chicago, and Atlanta. It's been a really weird season in the East. We'll see if it continues.