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Post by Miege22 on Dec 19, 2022 12:39:38 GMT -5
We usually wait until the last quarter of the season for this, but since the schedule is now just conference games, I figured why not get the playoff juices flowing now. Since everyone still has a game left against their division opponents, I'm only including non-division games in the remaining schedule. Y'all can fill in the blanks. I'm also not going to do magic numbers until the last quarter because it's too jumbled right now. Here's where things stand... WESTERN CONFERENCE1. Phoenix Suns (8-1)Key Wins: Portland, Colorado Key Losses: Seattle Remaining Non-Division Games: Kansas City, Utah, Houston Both the Suns and Rockets are 8-1, and since they have yet to play, PHX is in first on the most categories won tiebreaker. This won't be the case should the two teams finished tied at the end of the season, since they only play once, the winner will hold the tiebreaker. It's been a surprisingly dominant season for Phoenix. Only one member of the power rankings committee had them in the top-5 (shoutout to crossover (Golden St. GM) for that prognostication). A win over KC this week, combined with a Seattle loss to OKC, would put the Suns 4 up with 6 to play. 2. Houston Rockets (8-1)Key Wins: Seattle, Colorado, Kansas CityKey Losses: UtahRemaining Non-Division Games: Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland Barring something unforeseen in their Vegas match-up, the Rockets will likely enter week 11 in the same place they were last year: 9-1. However, they'll be looking for a much stronger finish than last year. The bad news is Steph is out, possibly for the rest of our regular season. The good news is they should have everyone else back in time for that first place showdown in week 11 with Phoenix. The closing schedule is a gauntlet though: Phoenix, Colorado, Portland, Utah, Kansas City, OKC. 3. Colorado Swannies (7-2)Key Wins: Kansas City, Utah Key Losses: Houston, Phoenix Remaining Non-Division Games: Portland, Golden St., Seattle The Swannies occupy this spot based on their win over Utah, though the two meet again in week 13. The Swannies have fought through a rash of injuries to get here, and just when it looked like things were looking up with LaMelo and Hayward back, AD goes down for a month. It's looking increasingly likely that 10 wins will be necessary to get in, and with KC coming on strong, that won't be an easy task. Still, the Swannies have to like their chances to break the longest playoff drought in the league. 4. Utah Jazz (7-2)Key Wins: Houston, Portland Key Losses: Kansas City, Colorado Remaining Non-Division Games: Golden St., Seattle, Phoenix The other pleasant surprise out West, Utah just keeps on trucking. If John Collins comes back this week, they'll be completely healthy, and arguably the deepest team in the league. The next three games could make or break their playoff chances: Golden St., Seattle, Kansas City. Win all three, and the last quarter of the season should be relatively stress-free. Lose any, particularly to Seattle and/or Kansas City? And it's going to be a close finish. 5. Portland Trailblazers (6-3)Key Wins: Seattle, Kansas City Key Losses: Phoenix, Utah, Golden St. Remaining Non-Division Games: Colorado, OKC, Houston Portland is currently clinging to the 5th spot, leading both KC and Seattle by a game. However, they own the tiebreaker on the Kings, and are up 1-0 in their series against Seattle. They also get a big game with Colorado this week, so if they win, and the Swannies go on a slide, they'll be in position to move up with a strong finish. Portland recently made several signings to shore up their bench, so expect them to make a run at it. 6. Kansas City Kings (5-4) Key Wins: Utah, Seattle Key Losses: Colorado, Portland, Houston Remaining Non-Division Games: Phoenix, Las Vegas, Golden St. Another team overlooked by everyone on the committee, sans crossover (Golden St. GM), the Kings aren't in a bad spot to make a run for the playoffs. Two of their three Pacific games are against the Gamblers and Warriors, they own the tiebreaker on Seattle, and if they sweep Utah, they'll have that tiebreaker as well. Even if they miss out, they're in a fantastic spot to make a splash in the off-season. 7. Seattle Supersonics (5-4)Key Wins: Phoenix Key Losses: Portland, Houston, Kansas City Remaining Non-Division Games: OKC, Utah, Colorado The Sonics have the top-end talent to not just make the playoffs, but make noise once they are there. However, injuries and a lack of depth have hurt. When they play to their ceiling, as they did against Phoenix, they can beat anyone. Almost everything from here on out is close to a must-win, starting with this week's match-up against OKC. 8. OKC Thunder (2-7)Key Wins:Key Losses: Houston, Colorado, Kansas City, Phoenix, Utah Remaining Non-Division Games: Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas The Thunder have the rest of their non-division games in the next three weeks, and it could officially be a wrap for them before they even get to the last one. If they lose the next two to Seattle and Portland, they'll have nine losses and no tiebreakers. It's been shocking to see a team with Luka and Tatum struggle so mightily, but depth has mattered more this year than just about any year in the past. 9. Las Vegas Gamblers (2-7)Key Wins:Key Losses: Utah, Portland, Phoenix, Colorado, Seattle Remaining Non-Division Games: Houston, OKC, Kansas City The top-end talent for the Gamblers has already been wiped out, with Chet and Cade gone for the year, and MPJ still with no timetable for return. It won't be long before GS passes them. 10. Golden St. Warriors (2-7)Key Wins: Portland Key Losses: Phoenix, Seattle, Houston Remaining Non-Division Games: Utah, Colorado, Kansas City Maybe the most disappointing of the West teams, Golden State got their second win of the year over a bad Brooklyn squad, but it surely offers little solace in a nightmarish season. Untimely injuries and an underperforming bench has more or less ended their title defense. EASTERN CONFERENCE1. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (6-3)Key Wins: Miami, Atlanta, Memphis, Orlando Key Losses: Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games: Washington, Chicago, New York There's a fascinating scenario playing out in the East, where Tampa is at the top of the conference past the halfway point, and yet they clearly believe they are not capable of winning it all this year. They've already swept through the Southeast in the first run-through, but they are all looking more formidable as we gear up for the second round. Of more immediate importance, Tampa gets Washington and Chicago in the next two weeks, games which could make or break their playoff chances. 2. New York Knicks (5-3-1)Key Wins: Miami, Washington Key Losses: Chicago, Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games: Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa Bay It remains to be seen if the tie with Memphis actually comes into play, but it likely shouldn't matter. New York is being carried by Joel Embiid right now, as some of it's depth has been hit or miss through these first nine weeks. Still, they're the most talented team in the conference, so it would be legitimately shocking if they miss the playoffs. 3. Toronto Raptors (5-4)Key Wins: Washington, New York, Tampa Bay Key Losses: Chicago, Atlanta Remaining Non-Division Games: Miami, Memphis, Orlando The key wins and losses here are instructive for how crazy the East is. Toronto has already beaten both the teams in front of them (with another left to play against NY), but they've also lost to a couple of teams below them. It will be interesting to see if they try and find productive players to fill the Wiseman and Goga spots, though they could certainly still get in without doing that. 4. Washington Wizards (4-5)Key Wins: Orlando, Chicago Key Losses: Toronto, Miami, New York Remaining Non-Division Games: Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Memphis Their win against OKC jumped them all the way up to 4, as they currently own the tiebreakers against Orlando (locked in) and Chicago (one more to play). That they're even in this spot despite missing Desmond Bane for most the season, and already having lost four straight, is pretty remarkable. If they somehow squeak in, Giannis may just be the MVP. 5. Chicago Bulls (4-5)Key Wins: Toronto, New York, Memphis Key Losses: Washington, Atlanta Remaining Non-Division Games: Orlando, Tampa Bay, Miami They're in this spot at the moment because of their superior conference record (4-2) compared to Orlando (3-3), though that tiebreaker will go out the window after this week since the two face off for their one and only match-up. The next two games are hugely important for this squad. Since they only face Orlando and Tampa Bay once each, two wins would go a long way to clinching a playoff spot. Two losses could doom them. 6. Orlando Magic (4-5)Key Wins: Memphis, Atlanta Key Losses: Washington, Miami, Tampa Bay Remaining Non-Division Games: Chicago, New York, Toronto Really could go either way for the Magic, which is basically the case for the entire Eastern Conference. They do own their pick, so missing out wouldn't be the end of the world. Though one would have to think that this team would be rather excited about the possibility of making the playoffs in a wide open conference. 7. Memphis Grizzlies (3-5-1)Key Wins: Atlanta, Miami Key Losses: Orlando, Chicago, Tampa Bay Remaining Non-Division Games: Brooklyn, Toronto, Washington The Grizz get their last three North games out of the way in the next three weeks, with the chance to really make some moves now that they are (almost) fully healthy. Unlike the Knicks, the tie figures to play a big role for the Grizzlies down the stretch, and they are behind the 8-ball at the moment with losses already on the books against Orlando and Chicago. 8. Atlanta Hawks (3-6)Key Wins: Miami, Chicago, Toronto Key Losses: Memphis, Tampa Bay, Orlando Remaining Non-Division Games: New York, Washington, Brooklyn The Hawks are just waiting in the wings for Toronto or Chicago to hit a skid, given they already own the tiebreakers against both teams. They've had some brutally close losses already this season, and without a strong finish, they'll likely be ruing all of them. 9. Miami Heat (3-6)Key Wins: Orlando, Washington Key Losses: Tampa Bay, Atlanta, New York, Memphis Remaining Non-Division Games: Toronto, Brooklyn, Chicago Is this the team others least want to face right now? If they can pull off a win this week, they'll likely get to week 12 at 5-6. If they can get Middleton and WCJ back in time for the last five weeks, they may have the best team in the conference. It would be quite the turnaround for a team that started 2-6, but they have to get the job done in Toronto. 10. Brooklyn Nets (0-9)Key Wins: lol Key Losses: All of them Remaining Non-Division Games: Memphis, Miami, Atlanta "I'm trying, Jennifer"CURRENT LOTTO ODDS1. Brooklyn Nets 2. Brooklyn Nets (GS) 3. Las Vegas Gamblers 4. Brooklyn Nets (OKC) 5. Memphis Grizzlies (MIA) 6. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (ATL) 7. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (MEM) 8. Orlando Magic 9. Kansas City (SEA) 10. Brooklyn Nets (KC)
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Post by Miege22 on Dec 28, 2022 23:21:01 GMT -5
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. Phoenix Suns (9-1) Key Wins: Portland, Colorado, Kansas City Key Losses: Seattle Remaining Non-Division Games: Houston, Utah
The Suns eked out a big win over a feisty Kings squad, which now puts them 4 games up on 6th place. With just 6 games remaining, it would take a collapse of epic proportions for the Suns to miss the postseason.
2. Houston Rockets (9-1) Key Wins: Seattle, Colorado, Kansas City Key Losses: Utah Remaining Non-Division Games: Phoenix, Portland
Houston is in, essentially, the same spot as the Suns. The winner of their match-up this week will have the inside track on the one seed.
3. Colorado Swannies (7-3) Key Wins: Kansas City, Utah Key Losses: Houston, Phoenix, Portland Remaining Non-Division Games: Golden St., Seattle
Colorado lost a tough one to the Trailblazers, and the last three spots in the West are now tied. There's a bit of a rock-paper-scissors situation with these teams at the moment. It should resolve itself in the coming weeks.
4. Utah Jazz (7-3) Key Wins: Houston, Portland Key Losses: Kansas City, Colorado, Golden St. Remaining Non-Division Games: Seattle, Phoenix
Utah might end up kicking themselves for their loss to the Warriors. Devin Booker going down with a groin injury is one of the rare times where a team was actually hoping their opponent's star would play. They'll have a chance to really bolster their position with Seattle next.
5. Portland Trailblazers (7-3) Key Wins: Seattle, Kansas City, Colorado Key Losses: Phoenix, Utah, Golden St. Remaining Non-Division Games: OKC, Houston
Portland bounced back in a big way with a convincing win over the Swannies. With wins already in the bank over KC and Seattle, Portland should just need a solid finish.
6. Kansas City Kings (5-5) Key Wins: Utah, Seattle Key Losses: Colorado, Portland, Houston, Phoenix Remaining Non-Division Games: Las Vegas, Golden St.
The Kings had an agonizingly close loss to Phoenix that would have really given them a boost toward the playoffs. However, with games left against Colorado and Utah, there's plenty of time left for them to make up ground.
7. Seattle Supersonics (5-5) Key Wins: Phoenix Key Losses: Portland, Houston, Kansas City, OKC Remaining Non-Division Games: Utah, Colorado
The Sonics suffered a tough blow at the hands of OKC, and now they're in a bit of trouble. If they lose this upcoming week to Utah, and both Colorado and Portland win, they'll be three games back with just five to play.
8. OKC Thunder (3-7) Key Wins: Seattle Key Losses: Houston, Colorado, Kansas City, Phoenix, Utah Remaining Non-Division Games: Portland, Las Vegas
The Thunder kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a big win over Seattle. Of course, with losses already to Colorado and Utah, they're still in a tough spot.
9. Golden St. Warriors (3-7) Key Wins: Portland, Utah Key Losses: Phoenix, Seattle, Houston Remaining Non-Division Games: Colorado, Kansas City
Can the Warriors run the table and sneak into the playoffs? Its certainly possible, and they completed step 1 by beating Utah.
10. Las Vegas Gamblers (2-8) Key Wins: Key Losses: Utah, Portland, Phoenix, Colorado, Seattle Remaining Non-Division Games: OKC, Kansas City
One more loss, and the Gamblers are eliminated.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (7-3) Key Wins: Miami, Atlanta, Memphis, Orlando, Washington Key Losses: Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games: Chicago, New York
Despite their best efforts, Tampa beat Washington to strengthen their grip on the top seed. A win over Chicago this week could all but wrap up their playoff spot.
2. New York Knicks (6-3-1) Key Wins: Miami, Washington, Atlanta Key Losses: Chicago, Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games: Orlando, Tampa Bay
The Knicks appear to be hitting their stride, and it would not be a surprise to see this team ultimately end up with the top seed. They still have a game left with Tampa, and one more with Toronto, that should determine that spot.
3. Toronto Raptors (6-4) Key Wins: Washington, New York, Tampa Bay, Miami Key Losses: Chicago, Atlanta Remaining Non-Division Games: Memphis, Orlando
The Raptors got a key win over the Heat, and they now sit just a game back of the top seed. Games against the two teams directly below them still remain.
4. Orlando Magic (5-5) Key Wins: Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago Key Losses: Washington, Miami, Tampa Bay Remaining Non-Division Games: New York, Toronto
The Magic picked up a massive victory over the Bulls to pick up that tiebreaker. The remaining schedule is not easy, so we'll see if they can hold this spot.
5. Memphis Grizzlies (4-5-1) Key Wins: Atlanta, Miami Key Losses: Orlando, Chicago, Tampa Bay Remaining Non-Division Games: Toronto, Washington
The Grizzlies took care of business against Brooklyn, and they have jumped Chicago and Washington for the last spot. A big game against Toronto is up next.
6. Washington Wizards (4-6) Key Wins: Orlando, Chicago Key Losses: Toronto, Miami, New York, Tampa Bay Remaining Non-Division Games: Atlanta, Memphis
The Wizards fell out of the top-5 after their loss to Tampa. They may need a couple of depth pieces if they want to make a real run at the playoffs.
7. Chicago Bulls (4-6) Key Wins: Toronto, New York, Memphis Key Losses: Washington, Atlanta, Orlando Remaining Non-Division Games: Tampa Bay, Miami
Chicago lost a big game to Orlando, dropping out of the top-5, and losing the tiebreaker with Orlando. They're only a half game back of Memphis, though, and they own that tiebreaker.
8. Atlanta Hawks (3-7) Key Wins: Miami, Chicago, Toronto Key Losses: Memphis, Tampa Bay, Orlando, New York Remaining Non-Division Games: Washington, Brooklyn
Atlanta was never really close in their match-up with New York. Their week 11 game against Washington is as close to a must-win as it gets.
9. Miami Heat (3-7) Key Wins: Orlando, Washington Key Losses: Tampa Bay, Atlanta, New York, Memphis, Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games: Brooklyn, Chicago
Untimely injuries doomed Miami against Toronto, but a get right game against Brooklyn is up next.
10. Brooklyn Nets (0-10) Key Wins: lol Key Losses: All of them Remaining Non-Division Games: Miami, Atlanta
Still technically alive, but not for much longer.
CURRENT LOTTO ODDS 1. Brooklyn Nets 2. Las Vegas Gamblers 3. Brooklyn Nets (GS) 4. Brooklyn Nets (OKC) 5. Memphis Grizzlies (MIA) 6. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (ATL) 7. Brooklyn Nets (CHI) 8. Washington Wizards 9. Kansas City (SEA) 10. Brooklyn Nets (KC)
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Post by Miege22 on Jan 1, 2023 23:54:44 GMT -5
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. Houston Rockets (10-1) Key Wins: Seattle, Colorado, Kansas City, Phoenix Key Losses: Utah Remaining Non-Division Games: Portland Magic Number: 2
After hanging on by just two turnovers, the Houston Rockets have moved into the driver's seat for the number seed in the West. They own the tiebreaker on the Suns, and they can clinch the tiebreaker over Colorado with a win in week 12.
2. Phoenix Suns (9-2) Key Wins: Portland, Colorado, Kansas City Key Losses: Seattle, Houston Remaining Non-Division Games: Utah Magic Number: 3
The Suns were this close to picking up the win over Houston, but they fell just short. Still any combo of 3 wins or Kings losses, and the Suns clinch a spot.
3. Colorado Swannies (8-3) Key Wins: Kansas City, Utah Key Losses: Houston, Phoenix, Portland Remaining Non-Division Games: Seattle Magic Number: 4
The 3-4-5 spots are still knotted up, so we aren't going to bother figuring all of that out just yet. Colorado picked up a key win over Golden State to keep pace with the teams "below" them.
4. Utah Jazz (8-3) Key Wins: Houston, Portland, Seattle Key Losses: Kansas City, Colorado, Golden St. Remaining Non-Division Games: Phoenix Magic Number: 4
The Jazz really put a damper on Seattle's playoff chances, and they head into week 12 with a chance to do the same to Kansas City.
5. Portland Trailblazers (8-3) Key Wins: Seattle, Kansas City, Colorado Key Losses: Phoenix, Utah, Golden St. Remaining Non-Division Games: Houston Magic Number: 4
The Blazers own the tiebreaker on Kansas City, but they have their sights set a little higher... a win over Phoenix next week ties them with the Suns for first in the division.
6. Kansas City Kings (6-5) Key Wins: Utah, Seattle Key Losses: Colorado, Portland, Houston, Phoenix Remaining Non-Division Games: Golden St.
Kansas City nearly had a disastrous loss to the Gamblers, but they managed to hold on thanks to the points tiebreaker. Now they have a chance to turn the screws on Utah and take that tiebreaker.
7. Seattle Supersonics (5-6) Key Wins: Phoenix Key Losses: Portland, Houston, Kansas City, OKC, Utah Remaining Non-Division Games: Colorado
It wasn't a must-win against Utah, but with Colorado and Portland also winning, it sure felt like it. Seattle is now three back with just five left to play.
8. OKC Thunder (3-8) Key Wins: Seattle Key Losses: Houston, Colorado, Kansas City, Phoenix, Utah, Portland Remaining Non-Division Games: Las Vegas
The Thunder are one loss away from officially being eliminated.
9. Golden St. Warriors (3-8) Key Wins: Portland, Utah Key Losses: Phoenix, Seattle, Houston, Colorado Remaining Non-Division Games: Kansas City
One more loss, and the Warriors are eliminated.
E--10. Las Vegas Gamblers (2-9)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. New York Knicks (7-3-1) Key Wins: Miami, Washington, Atlanta, Orlando Key Losses: Chicago, Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games: Tampa Bay Magic Number: 2
With their win over Orlando, and Tampa's loss to Chicago, the Knicks have now jumped into the one seed in the East. The tie makes it tricky, but two more wins and/or Memphis losses should lock up a spot.
2. Toronto Raptors (7-4) Key Wins: Washington, New York, Tampa Bay, Miami, Memphis Key Losses: Chicago, Atlanta Remaining Non-Division Games: Orlando Magic Number: 3
Toronto picked up a big win over Memphis, and they are now right on the Knicks' heels for first in the East. Those two meet up in week 14.
3. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (7-4) Key Wins: Miami, Atlanta, Memphis, Orlando, Washington Key Losses: Toronto, Chicago Remaining Non-Division Games: New York
The Bull Sharks nearly pulled off a miraculous final day comeback, but it fell just short. They're still 2.5 up on the Grizz with a win in the bag against Memphis.
4. Orlando Magic (5-6) Key Wins: Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago Key Losses: Washington, Miami, Tampa Bay, Orlando Remaining Non-Division Games: Toronto
The Magic ran into a New York buzzsaw, but their win over Chicago gives them the edge here. A big game against Miami awaits, as a loss gives the Heat the tiebreaker.
5. Chicago Bulls (5-6) Key Wins: Toronto, New York, Memphis, Tampa Bay Key Losses: Washington, Atlanta, Orlando Remaining Non-Division Games: Miami
The Bulls saw their playoff lives flashing before their eyes late Sunday, then Kristaps Porzingis picked up two second half steals to give Chicago the win and bump them back into the playoffs. They own the tiebreaker on Memphis, but the Grizzlies' tie makes it tricky.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (4-6-1) Key Wins: Atlanta, Miami Key Losses: Orlando, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games: Washington
Just a crushing loss for the Grizzlies with a chance to really solidify their playoff hopes. The last five are all winnable though.
7. Atlanta Hawks (4-7) Key Wins: Miami, Chicago, Toronto, Washington Key Losses: Memphis, Tampa Bay, Orlando, New York Remaining Non-Division Games: Brooklyn
The Hawks kept their playoff hopes alive, and they're just a game back of the Bulls with the tiebreaker in hand. Now they'll have to beat the South division leader in week 12.
8. Miami Heat (4-7) Key Wins: Orlando, Washington Key Losses: Tampa Bay, Atlanta, New York, Memphis, Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games: Chicago
They (barely) took care of business in Brooklyn, and now Orlando is next on the schedule. A win could jump them into the top-5, depending on what happens with Memphis.
9. Washington Wizards (4-7) Key Wins: Orlando, Chicago Key Losses: Toronto, Miami, New York, Tampa Bay, Atlanta Remaining Non-Division Games: Memphis
The Wizards still have the tiebreaker on Orlando, and the Grizz are next up, but that tiebreaker can't come into play if they don't win.
E--10. Brooklyn Nets (0-11)
X--: Clinched Playoff Berth Z--: Clinched Top Seed E--: Eliminated
CURRENT LOTTO ODDS 1. Brooklyn Nets 2. Las Vegas Gamblers 3. Brooklyn Nets (GS) 4. Brooklyn Nets (OKC) 5. Washington Wizards 6. Memphis Grizzlies (MIA) 7. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (ATL) 8. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (MEM) 9. Kansas City (SEA) 10. Brooklyn Nets (KC)
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Post by Miege22 on Jan 9, 2023 13:59:46 GMT -5
And now things get interesting...
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. Houston Rockets (10-2) Key Wins: Seattle, Colorado, Kansas City, Phoenix Key Losses: Utah, Colorado Remaining Non-Division Games: Portland Magic Number: 1
The Rockets suffered a tough loss at the hands of the Swannies, but they remain on the cusp of clinching a playoff spot. There is still a scenario where they lose out and KC wins out, which would knock Houston out of the playoffs due to the tiebreaker rules (KC would win on division record). However, the odds of that happening seem pretty slim, and one more win or Kings loss wraps up their spot.
x--2. Phoenix Suns (10-2) Key Wins: Portland (x2), Colorado, Kansas City Key Losses: Seattle, Houston Remaining Non-Division Games: Utah
The first quirk of the division-heavy schedule right here. The Suns are currently in the two spot because they lost the head-to-head to Houston... but they are the first team in the West to clinch a playoff spot since they own the tiebreaker against KC. There is no scenario in which KC can pass Phoenix. We could, technically end up with a three-way tie between Phoenix, Houston, and KC, but since Phoenix still has Vegas on the schedule, I'm not wasting time trying to figure out which two would get in in that scenario.
3. Colorado Swannies (9-3) Key Wins: Kansas City, Utah, Houston Key Losses: Houston, Phoenix, Portland Remaining Non-Division Games: Seattle Magic Number: 2
Just an absolute monster of a win for Colorado against Houston. Their path to the playoffs is straightforward at this point. Win and KC loses, and they are in.
4. Utah Jazz (9-3) Key Wins: Houston, Portland, Seattle, Kansas City Key Losses: Kansas City, Colorado, Golden St. Remaining Non-Division Games: Phoenix Magic Number: 2
The Jazz have guaranteed that Seattle cannot pass them with their win over KC and Seattle's loss to Golden St. They're in the same spot as Colorado.
5. Portland Trailblazers (8-4) Key Wins: Seattle, Kansas City, Colorado Key Losses: Phoenix (x2), Utah, Golden St. Remaining Non-Division Games: Houston Magic Number: 2
Tough end of the week for Portland, which lost KD for multiple weeks due to a knee sprain. They should still be ok, as they maintain a two-game lead on KC (three with the tiebreaker), and they get Vegas in a couple weeks. Two wins, two KC losses, or some combination of the two gets them in. If they finish in a 9-7 tie with Seattle, they would be out on division tiebreaker. If they finish in a three-way tie with KC and Seattle, it would depend on who won which match-ups, so we'll cross that bridge if it comes into view.
6. Kansas City Kings (6-6) Key Wins: Utah, Seattle Key Losses: Colorado, Portland, Houston, Phoenix, Utah Remaining Non-Division Games: Golden St.
The loss to Utah could be their death knell. One more loss, and a Portland win, and they're eliminated.
7. Seattle Supersonics (5-7) Key Wins: Phoenix Key Losses: Portland, Houston, Kansas City, OKC, Utah, Golden St. Remaining Non-Division Games: Colorado
Just a disastrous loss to GS, and now Seattle's path is almost completely gone. They need to win out, and have Portland drop three of four to get in.
9. Golden St. Warriors (4-8) Key Wins: Portland, Utah, Seattle Key Losses: Phoenix, Seattle, Houston, Colorado Remaining Non-Division Games: Kansas City
There is one scenario, and one scenario only, where GS would make the playoffs... but it requires Portland to lose out, and that's just not going to happen. I know never say never, but I'm saying never. GS is not technically eliminated, but they will be, officially, at some point in the next two weeks.
E--9. OKC Thunder (4-8)
E--10. Las Vegas Gamblers (2-9)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
x--1. New York Knicks (8-3-1) Key Wins: Miami, Washington, Atlanta, Orlando Key Losses: Chicago, Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games: Tampa Bay
New York is the first team to clinch in the East following their win over Brooklyn. They can all but wrap up the 1-seed this week against Tampa Bay
2. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (8-4) Key Wins: Miami, Atlanta (x2), Memphis, Orlando, Washington Key Losses: Toronto, Chicago Remaining Non-Division Games: New York Magic Number: 1
The Bull Sharks nearly blew it late against Atlanta, but they held on to sweep the Hawks and continued their Southeast dominance. One more win or Orlando/Washington loss gets them in.
3. Toronto Raptors (7-5) Key Wins: Washington, New York, Tampa Bay, Miami, Memphis Key Losses: Chicago (x2), Atlanta Remaining Non-Division Games: Orlando Magic Number: 3
The Raptors blew a golden opportunity to jump into the 1-seed conversation, but they are still two up on 6th with tiebreakers against Miami and Memphis, so they're in good shape.
4. Chicago Bulls (6-6) Key Wins: Toronto (x2), New York, Memphis, Tampa Bay Key Losses: Washington, Atlanta, Orlando Remaining Non-Division Games: Miami
The Bulls are back! They've been living on the edge the last couple of weeks, but they pulled off nail-biting wins over Tampa Bay and Toronto, the latter giving them a season sweep, and they're now up by a game on Miami, Washington, and Orlando. Of course, they get Washington and Miami in the next two weeks, so if they lose both, it gets dicey.
5. Miami Heat (5-7) Key Wins: Orlando (x2), Washington Key Losses: Tampa Bay, Atlanta, New York, Memphis, Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games: Chicago
The Heat are finally in the playoff picture following a close win over Orlando. That gives them the tiebreaker on the Magic, and they already hold it against Washington. Wins over Memphis and Chicago the next two weeks would be massively beneficial.
6. Washington Wizards (5-7) Key Wins: Orlando, Chicago, Memphis Key Losses: Toronto, Miami, New York, Tampa Bay, Atlanta Remaining Non-Division Games:
The Wizards are right there, and if they beat Chicago, they'll take the season series and the tiebreaker.
7. Orlando Magic (5-7) Key Wins: Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago Key Losses: Washington, Miami, Tampa Bay, Orlando Remaining Non-Division Games: Toronto
Orlando isn't out of it yet, thanks to their win over Chicago, but if they lose to Atlanta this week, that could be the end of the road.
8. Memphis Grizzlies (4-7-1) Key Wins: Atlanta, Miami Key Losses: Orlando, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Washington Remaining Non-Division Games:
A really devastating loss for Memphis, who just couldn't quite get over the hump against the Wizards. Now the tie could be a problem. This week against Miami is a must-win.
9. Atlanta Hawks (4-8) Key Wins: Miami, Chicago, Toronto, Washington Key Losses: Memphis, Tampa Bay (x2), Orlando, New York Remaining Non-Division Games: Brooklyn
Several weeks of near-misses have to gnaw at these Hawks. They're not out of it yet, wins over Chicago, Washington, and Toronto assure them of that. But if they don't string together wins, none of those will matter.
E--10. Brooklyn Nets (0-12)
X--: Clinched Playoff Berth Z--: Clinched Top Seed E--: Eliminated
CURRENT LOTTO ODDS 1. Brooklyn Nets 2. Las Vegas Gamblers 3. Brooklyn Nets (OKC) 4. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (ATL) 5. Brooklyn Nets (GS) 6. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (MEM) 7. Orlando Magic 8. Washington Wizards 9. Brooklyn Nets (SEA) 10. Brooklyn Nets (KC)
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Post by Miege22 on Jan 16, 2023 10:27:22 GMT -5
WESTERN CONFERENCE
x--1. Houston Rockets (11-2) Key Wins: Colorado, Phoenix, Portland Key Losses: Utah, Colorado
The best thing that happened to the Rockets last week actually came out of Utah where the Swannies of Colorado completed a remarkable comeback to take down the Jazz. Had Utah won, it would have, potentially, set up a winner take all match-up this week in which Utah could have jumped into the driver's seat for #1. Instead, Houston can lose and still maintain their lead on the Jazz (however, the Suns are still hanging around).
x--2. Phoenix Suns (11-2) Key Wins: Portland (x2), Colorado Key Losses: Houston Remaining Non-Division Games: Utah
The Suns looked dead in the water, but a few steals late from Jokic got them back to tied in that category. They'll have to wait and see if there is a stat correction, but for now, they remain tied for 1st.
3. Colorado Swannies (10-3) Key Wins: Kansas City, Utah (x2), Houston Key Losses: Houston, Phoenix, Portland Remaining Non-Division Games: Seattle Magic Number: 1
Another week, another huge comeback win for the Swannies. This one gives them a season sweep of the Jazz and knocks their magic number down to just 1.
4. Utah Jazz (9-4) Key Wins: Houston, Portland, Seattle, Kansas City Key Losses: Kansas City, Colorado (x2), Golden St. Remaining Non-Division Games: Phoenix Magic Number: 2
Just an absolutely brutal loss for the Jazz, who will now need help if they want to climb out of the play-in. The good news is they still have games left against Houston and Phoenix, and if they win both, they'll also have the tiebreakers against both teams.
5. Portland Trailblazers (8-5) Key Wins: Seattle, Kansas City, Colorado Key Losses: Phoenix (x2), Utah, Golden St., Houston Remaining Non-Division Games: Magic Number: 2
Portland came close, but they could not pull off the upset against Houston. They'll now need to beat Vegas and have KC lose one to clinch their spot.
6. Kansas City Kings (7-6) Key Wins: Utah, Seattle Key Losses: Colorado, Portland, Houston, Phoenix, Utah Remaining Non-Division Games: Golden St.
The remaining schedule is not easy, and they don't have the tiebreaker... but the path to the playoffs is there after Portland's loss to Houston.
7. Seattle Supersonics (5-8) Key Wins: Phoenix Key Losses: Portland, Houston, Kansas City, OKC, Utah, Golden St. Remaining Non-Division Games: Colorado
If you thought last week's loss to Golden St. was disastrous, the Sonics just lost their 5th straight... this one to the Las Vegas Gamblers. That will just about wrap it up for Seattle. They now need to win out, and for both Portland and KC to lose out to get in.
E--9. Golden St. Warriors (4-9)
E--9. OKC Thunder (4-8)
E--10. Las Vegas Gamblers (2-9)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
x--1. New York Knicks (9-3-1) Key Wins: Miami, Washington, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa Bay Key Losses: Chicago, Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games:
The Knicks held on to beat Tampa, and they've moved one step closer to clinching the #1 seed. One more win likely gets that done (though they officially need one more win and one Tampa loss).
3. Toronto Raptors (8-5) Key Wins: Washington, New York, Tampa Bay, Miami, Memphis Key Losses: Chicago (x2), Atlanta Remaining Non-Division Games: Orlando Magic Number: 1
Pretty simple for the Raps from here on out. Win and they're in. If they win out, they can get the #1 seed if NY drops 2 of 3.
3. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (8-5) Key Wins: Miami, Atlanta (x2), Memphis, Orlando, Washington Key Losses: Toronto, Chicago, New York Remaining Non-Division Games: Magic Number: 1
It's the same deal for Tampa as it is for Toronto. Win and they're in.
4. Chicago Bulls (7-6) Key Wins: Toronto (x2), New York, Memphis, Tampa Bay, Washington Key Losses: Washington, Atlanta, Orlando Remaining Non-Division Games: Miami Magic Number: 2
Chicago continues to do just enough to win, and with Brooklyn still on their schedule, they've got to like their chances to get in. In fact, a win combined with a Memphis loss clinches a spot.
5. Orlando Magic (6-7) Key Wins: Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago Key Losses: Washington, Miami, Tampa Bay, Orlando Remaining Non-Division Games: Toronto Magic Number: 3
The Magic got a big time win over Atlanta, and they are back in the playoff picture holding down the #5 spot. If they beat Tampa this week, that would really boost their playoff chances.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (5-7-1) Key Wins: Atlanta, Miami (x2) Key Losses: Orlando, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Washington Remaining Non-Division Games:
Memphis picked up a key win over Miami last week, and it looks like their week 16 game against Orlando could be a win or go home match-up.
7. Miami Heat (5-8) Key Wins: Orlando (x2), Washington Key Losses: Tampa Bay, Atlanta, New York, Memphis (x2), Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games: Chicago
Miami is really behind the 8-ball now. This week against Chicago is an absolute must win.
8. Washington Wizards (5-8) Key Wins: Orlando, Chicago, Memphis Key Losses: Toronto, Miami, New York, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Chicago Remaining Non-Division Games:
Washington really had a chance to solidify their playoff hopes, but they're fading fast.
9. Atlanta Hawks (4-9) Key Wins: Miami, Chicago, Toronto, Washington Key Losses: Memphis, Tampa Bay (x2), Orlando (x2), New York Remaining Non-Division Games: Brooklyn
Here's what has to happen: win out; Orlando loses out; Memphis loses to Tampa; Washington loses once. That would get Atlanta into the 5 seed. They can jump to 4 if all those things happen AND Chicago loses out.
E--10. Brooklyn Nets (0-13)
X--: Clinched Playoff Berth Z--: Clinched Top Seed E--: Eliminated
CURRENT LOTTO ODDS 1. Brooklyn Nets 2. Las Vegas Gamblers 3. Brooklyn Nets (OKC) 4. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (ATL) 5. Brooklyn Nets (GS) 6. Washington Wizards 7. Memphis Grizzlies (MIA) 8. Brooklyn Nets (SEA) 9. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (MEM) 10. Brooklyn Nets (KC)
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Post by Miege22 on Jan 22, 2023 23:12:27 GMT -5
WESTERN CONFERENCE
x--1. Houston Rockets (12-2) Key Wins: Colorado, Phoenix Key Losses: Colorado
The key wins and losses are down to just Colorado and Phoenix, since no other team can jump past Houston after their win over Utah. They're still in the driver's seat for the top seed.
x--2. Phoenix Suns (12-2) Key Wins: Colorado Key Losses: Houston Remaining Non-Division Games: Utah
They kept pace with Houston, and they're just two wins away from their best finish in franchise history.
x--3. Colorado Swannies (11-3) Key Wins: Kansas City, Utah (x2), Houston Key Losses: Houston, Phoenix, Portland Remaining Non-Division Games: Seattle
We'll have more in the recaps thread, but a massive congratulations to the Colorado Swannies for ending the longest playoff drought in league history. Next goal? Lock up a top-3 seed and avoid the play-in.
4. Utah Jazz (9-5) Key Wins: Houston, Portland, Seattle, Kansas City Key Losses: Kansas City, Colorado (x2), Golden St., Houston Remaining Non-Division Games: Phoenix Magic Number: 1
A tough loss to Houston, combined with Colorado's win has capped the Jazz at 4. They are one win or KC loss from clinching a spot, but they will be in the play-in.
x--5. Portland Trailblazers (9-5) Key Wins: Seattle, Kansas City, Colorado Key Losses: Phoenix (x2), Utah, Golden St., Houston
Once again, a quirk of the new schedule has allowed Portland to clinch before the team above them. The Blazers are in after their win and KC's loss.
6. Kansas City Kings (7-7) Key Wins: Utah, Seattle Key Losses: Colorado, Portland, Houston, Phoenix, Utah
The Kings are on the ropes after getting dismantled by Golden St. They'll need to win out and have Utah lose out to get in.
E--7. Seattle Supersonics (5-9)
E--9. Golden St. Warriors (5-9)
E--9. OKC Thunder (4-10)
E--10. Las Vegas Gamblers (3-11)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
z--1. New York Knicks (10-3-1)
With their win over Toronto, the Knicks have clinched the top seed in the East once again.
2. Toronto Raptors (8-6) Key Wins: Washington, New York, Tampa Bay, Miami, Memphis Key Losses: Chicago (x2), Atlanta, New York Remaining Non-Division Games: Orlando Magic Number: 1
The Raps got smoked by New York, but basically everyone below them lost, so no harm, no foul.
3. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (8-6) Key Wins: Miami, Atlanta (x2), Memphis, Orlando, Washington Key Losses: Toronto, Chicago, New York, Orlando Remaining Non-Division Games: Magic Number: 1
It remains win and in for Tampa, but Memphis and Miami look stout now, making that a tricky proposition.
4. Orlando Magic (7-7) Key Wins: Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago, Tampa Bay Key Losses: Washington, Miami, Tampa Bay Remaining Non-Division Games: Toronto Magic Number: 2
Orlando refuses to go away, and now they have a chance to jump into second with a win and Tampa loss in week 15.
5. Chicago Bulls (7-7) Key Wins: Toronto (x2), New York, Memphis, Tampa Bay, Washington Key Losses: Washington, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami Remaining Non-Division Games: Miami Magic Number: 2
Just when it looked like the Bulls had righted the ship and were going to jump up to second, they get knocked by the Heat and find themselves in a precarious position.
6. Miami Heat (6-8) Key Wins: Orlando (x2), Washington, Chicago Key Losses: Tampa Bay, Atlanta, New York, Memphis (x2), Toronto Remaining Non-Division Games:
The Heat kept their season alive with a huge win over Chicago. They now have the tiebreaker on both the teams above them, but they'll still need another win to stay alive.
7. Washington Wizards (6-8) Key Wins: Orlando, Chicago, Memphis Key Losses: Toronto, Miami, New York, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Chicago Remaining Non-Division Games:
The Wizards survived the Nets to stay in the playoff race, but they can't feel great about things with Giannis on the shelf.
8. Memphis Grizzlies (5-8-1) Key Wins: Atlanta, Miami (x2) Key Losses: Orlando, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Washington, Atlanta Remaining Non-Division Games:
An absolutely crushing loss to Atlanta has put Memphis on the brink of elimination.
9. Atlanta Hawks (5-9) Key Wins: Miami, Chicago, Toronto, Washington Key Losses: Memphis, Tampa Bay (x2), Orlando (x2), New York Remaining Non-Division Games: Brooklyn
The Hawks still have the win over Chicago keeping them alive, but if Chicago wins or they lose in week 15, they're out.
E--10. Brooklyn Nets (0-14)
X--: Clinched Playoff Berth Z--: Clinched Top Seed E--: Eliminated
CURRENT LOTTO ODDS 1. Brooklyn Nets 2. Las Vegas Gamblers 3. Brooklyn Nets (OKC) 4. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (ATL) - 57/67 5. Brooklyn Nets (SEA) - 57/66 6. Brooklyn Nets (GS) - 61 7. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks (MEM) 8. Washington Wizards 9. Memphis Grizzlies (MIA) 10. Brooklyn Nets (KC)
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Post by Miege22 on Jan 23, 2023 11:17:52 GMT -5
The East is a mess, so let's start with the easy ones...
-Atlanta can make the playoffs if they win out and Chicago loses out, plus Washington and Memphis lose at least one game each
-Memphis can make the playoffs if they win out, Orlando loses to Toronto, and both Miami and Washington each lose a game
-Washington can make the playoffs if they win out, and Orlando and Miami each lose a game. They can also make the playoffs with one win if Orlando and Miami both lose out, PLUS Memphis and Atlanta each lose a game
-Miami can make the playoffs if they win out, and Orlando OR Chicago lose a game. They can also make the playoffs with one win if BOTH Orlando and Chicago lose out
-Orlando can make the playoffs with one win if both Miami and Washington lose one game each. They can also make the playoffs if they lose out if both the Heat and Wizards also lose out and either Chicago loses out or Memphis loses to Tampa Bay
-Chicago can make the playoffs with a win if both Miami and Washington lose a game
-Tampa Bay can make the playoffs with a win
-Toronto can make the playoffs with a win
Let's get into some scenarios!
SCENARIO 1 -Miami wins out (beats Atlanta and Tampa Bay) -Chicago beats Brooklyn, loses to New York -Toronto loses out to Orlando and Washington -Tampa Bay loses out to Memphis and Miami -Orlando splits with Toronto and Memphis -Washington loses to NY, beats Toronto
1. NY Miami, Chicago, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Orlando all tied at 8-8
Miami is the 2 seed based on 4-2 record against the other 4 Chicago is the 3 seed based on 3-2 record Tampa Bay is 4 seed based on 3-3 record plus better division record than Orlando Orlando is 5 seed based on 3-3 record Toronto is out (only 2-3)
SCENARIO 2 -Miami wins out (beats Atlanta and Tampa Bay) -Chicago beats Brooklyn, loses to New York -Toronto loses out to Orlando and Washington -Tampa Bay loses out to Memphis and Miami -Orlando splits with Toronto and Memphis -Washington beats NY, beats Toronto
Miami, Chicago, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Orlando, Washington all tied at 8-8
1. NY 2. MIA (based on 5-2 record against the other 5) 3. CHI (based on 4-3 record plus H2H win over TB) 4. TB (based on 4-3 record) 5. WAS (based on 2-1 record against ORL and TOR)
SCENARIO 3 -Miami wins out (beats Atlanta and Tampa Bay) -Chicago beats Brooklyn, loses to New York -Toronto loses to Orlando and beats Washington -Tampa Bay loses out to Memphis and Miami -Orlando splits with Toronto and Memphis
Toronto 9-7; Miami, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Orlando all tied at 8-8
1. NY 2. TOR 3. MIA (based on 4-1 record against other 3) 4. CHI (based on 8-5 conference record) 5. TB (based on better division record than ORL)
SCENARIO 4 -Miami wins out (beats Atlanta and Tampa Bay) -Chicago beats Brooklyn, loses to New York -Toronto loses to Orlando and beats Washington -Tampa Bay beats Memphis and loses to Miami -Orlando splits with Toronto and Memphis
Toronto and TB 9-7; Miami, Chicago, Orlando all tied at 8-8
1. NY 2. Toronto 3. Tampa Bay 4. Miami (based on 3-0 record against Chicago, Orlando) 5. Orlando (based on H2H win over Chicago)
SCENARIO 5 -Miami beats Atlanta and loses to Tampa Bay -Chicago beats Brooklyn, loses to New York -Toronto beats Orlando and beats Washington -Tampa Bay loses to Memphis and beats Miami -Orlando loses out to Toronto and Memphis
Toronto 10-6, Tampa Bay 9-7, Chicago 8-8, Memphis 7-8-1
1. NY 2. Toronto 3. Tampa Bay 4. Chicago 5. Memphis
There's a bunch of other scenarios, and if anyone wants to know a specific one, just post it here and I'll answer.
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Post by MemphisGM on Jan 24, 2023 7:52:52 GMT -5
I just need scenario 5 thank you, no need for other scenario's. Doesn't even sound too farfetched!
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Post by Miege22 on Jan 27, 2023 15:13:47 GMT -5
One thing I just noticed about the East...
If Chicago, Orlando, and Atlanta all win this week, then the East playoff teams will be set. Toronto, Tampa, Orlando, and Chicago would be in as all would be 8-7, and no other team could finish with 8 wins.
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Post by fernans (MIAMI HEAT) on Jan 27, 2023 16:12:59 GMT -5
One thing I just noticed about the East... If Chicago, Orlando, and Atlanta all win this week, then the East playoff teams will be set. Toronto, Tampa, Orlando, and Chicago would be in as all would be 8-7, and no other team could finish with 8 wins. that’s no fun, miege
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Post by MemphisGM on Jan 27, 2023 16:15:57 GMT -5
One thing I just noticed about the East... If Chicago, Orlando, and Atlanta all win this week, then the East playoff teams will be set. Toronto, Tampa, Orlando, and Chicago would be in as all would be 8-7, and no other team could finish with 8 wins. you better beat Chicago then, or you'll be spoiling all the fun!
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Post by Miege22 on Jan 27, 2023 16:40:19 GMT -5
I know! I didn't realize how much was actually riding on me actually getting a win lol
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Post by Miege22 on Jan 28, 2023 22:10:40 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure Chicago clinches a playoff spot with a win and a Tampa loss.
The worst they could do would be 8-8. Even if Tampa won next week, that means Miami would be 7-9 at best.
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Post by fernans (MIAMI HEAT) on Jan 28, 2023 22:57:50 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure Chicago clinches a playoff spot with a win and a Tampa loss. The worst they could do would be 8-8. Even if Tampa won next week, that means Miami would be 7-9 at best. 🤔
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Post by Miege22 on Jan 29, 2023 22:21:35 GMT -5
Uh, holy crap.
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