If the playoffs started today...

[ziggy]

We would be a mere 3.5 games out of the #8 seed.

If we continue to play the way that we have over the last 4 or 5 games, then we will climb up to the #8 spot by the All-Star break. Thats my prediction.

Crazy prediction? Yes or No. :biggrin:

[DanielWheeler]

Crazy if you think the current team is playoff caliber. This team needs more talent to be a playoff team, but they are heading in the right direction. Trading for Curry and Lee would be a nice start

[ziggy]

David Lee is nice, but I don't see how adding Eddy Curry to the roster helps us at all. He'd be just like Sean May except with a larger waistline and even less rebounding.

The team that I've watched over the last few games looked good enough to be an #8 seed in the East, thats playoff caliber to me.

[DanielWheeler]

I just think that he would play better if he went to a situation he wants to he in. He likes Larry Brown and I feel that he would mean more on a LB team then May and Morrison.

[DanielWheeler]

David Lee is nice, but I don't see how adding Eddy Curry to the roster helps us at all. He'd be just like Sean May except with a larger waistline and even less rebounding.

The team that I've watched over the last few games looked good enough to be an #8 seed in the East, thats playoff caliber to me.

I don't share that same opinion. They need more depth and pieces to be 8th IMO.

[TattoodCats4life]

I'd say we are 1 great trade, or 2-3 minor trades away from being able to put up a solid bottom half of the playoffs performance. I made predictions before the first preseason game, and while yes some are way off (wizards, 76ers) I put the bobcats in seed 6 against the heat, taking it in 7 games and losing to the knicks in the second round in 7 games... (Maybe it was wishful thinking)

We can only hope for something good. At least if we make it, we didn't just buy our way in like the Celtics did.

[bellringer21]

Not sure how adding Curry can help....he sucks. The only way the Knicks get rid of him is if they add a very nice player like Lee.

I think our current team will be able to compete for a playoff spot, but I don't think we are good enough.

[SWedd523]

Ziggy thats a CRAZY thought!

So crazy that it just.......might.......work....:o

[G-Force for MVP]

i honestly think this team will be in the mix for the last spot

[BIGCatBobcat]

3.5 games doesn't seem like much but in reality it's a lot right now. To take the 8th spot from the team that holds it would mean leapfroging 6 teams. 3.5 is 12% of the games played so far by the bobcats. Do you realistically think that the Bobcats will be 12% better over the next 53 games? Do you think that the other 6 teams to be jumped will be 12% worse? Or stay the same and the Bobcats will be 25% better? It's not a lost cause at all, just looking at the numbers here....Maybe it's not a question of better but a question of wins, simply wins. Most of the Bobcats losses come by 5 or less (10 of 19) and the average loss is by less than 9 (5 of the 19 by 15+ throwing off the average).

Check out basketball-reference.com's pythagorean w-l. by the for/against raw numbers the bobcats would be 9th in the east. some calls go our way, some shots fall late in games and we'd be a completely different team. But hey, we'll see how it goes down the stretch, we're only 29 games into the season with a new coach, 5 games in with Diaw and Bell and 0 game in past Christmas, which is when the real season seems to begin, wait until February and see how these guys play if they are within arm's reach of the playoffs under Larry Brown. The past 2 years they were too far gone when they realized they had a shot because they had coaches that did not look at the big picture, one of which is now coaching d-league in Siberia.

[TattoodCats4life]

To make a 6th-8th seed spot in the playoffs the bobcats have to run 60% from here. The schedule doesn't exclude it, but we need to get our road wins up big time as for at least the foreseeable future the bobcats have a heavy home game load early and mostly road games late because of arena obligations in feb/march. (Jumper classic, college ball games etc). I'm 100% sure that there is at least one more move needed, and I'm thinking felton and 2 bench players (or more) for a strong veteran who cant play the 1 for 36+ min any more to split time with DJ and help him learn, and get us a strong second 2 and maybe another 4/5 (or some expiring so we can get some free agents next year). Doable, just not sure how willing to swap we are yet.

[Scottley Crue]

Well, as Kevin Garnett put it, anything is possible. The playoffs are not a far-fetched idea for sure, but more help is needed. Specifically, the bench (and rebounding). More specifically, bench scoring (and rebounding). Especially if we trade Felton and make DJ the starter. While I do like Caroll, he does need alot of minutes to be productive, which isn't always a luxury a bench player is going to have. Having someone who can give Emeka rest without us giving up rebouds would be very helpful, too. Getting people who can be productive in those short bench minutes is something I think this team will need to be more sure of advancing to the playoffs.

[tamburello]

3.5 games doesn't seem like much but in reality it's a lot right now. To take the 8th spot from the team that holds it would mean leapfroging 6 teams. 3.5 is 12% of the games played so far by the bobcats. Do you realistically think that the Bobcats will be 12% better over the next 53 games? Do you think that the other 6 teams to be jumped will be 12% worse? Or stay the same and the Bobcats will be 25% better? It's not a lost cause at all, just looking at the numbers here....Maybe it's not a question of better but a question of wins, simply wins. Most of the Bobcats losses come by 5 or less (10 of 19) and the average loss is by less than 9 (5 of the 19 by 15+ throwing off the average).


These are what I exactly wanted to say. 3.5 games are nothing, but there are so much teams fighting for the last spot, and there would be no difference at all between grabbing the 8th spot and grabbing the 14th spot. Since we're the last in the road games played until now (we've played only 11) and considering our horrific record on road (2-9), I don't see any realistic chances at all.

[BRNC]

I'd say maybe since no one really knows if the trades have stopped or not...no more trades I would tend to yes...more trades means more time needed by new players=doubtful...

[TattoodCats4life]

I'd say maybe since no one really knows if the trades have stopped or not...no more trades I would tend to yes...more trades means more time needed by new players=doubtful...


I'll agree with you 100% on that. We are pretty sure to see another trade or two come down, I mean at minimum someone (I'd say nets, knicks, denver maybe too) is going to want to have some expiring contracts and we've got May who is cheap this year and gone next, and as sad as it is, some teams may even call Felton an expiring (I'm thinking lakers, they need a PG to put next to Fish, but when the healing's done, he's gone).

Needless to say, it takes most players time after a trade to learn what they are doing, unless we get someone who has started for larry or is still playing a larry system (think T. Prince or Rip Hamilton) we're not going to get anyone who is going to make a difference the day after physicals...Even Raja is taking time to get warm, and he played for larry before. The year is far from done, but we're either going to seed 7/8 or we're going to seed 9/14 because its that close. Even last year with the Ham Biscuit we *almost* made the playoffs when they were calling things in Feb/March (I think we were 2 games out of 8th around the trade deadline).

Uck, 150 min to tipoff :(

[ohara831]

We just leap frogged Indiana, and we are now 3 games out of the #8 spot. And we have a chance to gain more ground at home tomorrow against NJ again. WhooHoo! And the Knicks come to town right after NJ! My goodness, we can start to make something happen if our guys dont start believing the hype and just stay focused.

[ALong13]

I honestly think our starting line-up (Felton, Bell, Wallace, Diaw, Okafor) is playoff caliber, I think our depth is our weakness...

I believe our SG/SF is our weakness despite our overload there...Hollins, Nazr, Ajinca I think can handle the PF/C job and do well with it, Augustin & Singletary can definitely handle the PG spot...but the I'm not too confident Carroll and Morrison fit well with Larry Brown and I think those are the two spots that needed upgrade more-so. I'd rather get rid of Matt's contract than anyones, but I don't believe Morrison is going to be the player we hoped or started being earlier on in the season at one point...

[ohara831]

I honestly think our starting line-up (Felton, Bell, Wallace, Diaw, Okafor) is playoff caliber, I think our depth is our weakness...

I believe our SG/SF is our weakness despite our overload there...Hollins, Nazr, Ajinca I think can handle the PF/C job and do well with it, Augustin & Singletary can definitely handle the PG spot...but the I'm not too confident Carroll and Morrison fit well with Larry Brown and I think those are the two spots that needed upgrade more-so. I'd rather get rid of Matt's contract than anyones, but I don't believe Morrison is going to be the player we hoped or started being earlier on in the season at one point...



Agreed. If we can find a way to trade Carroll and Morrison for someone who can at least contribute 15-20 minutes per game and fit into the LB type of gameplan, then I would love it. But those two dont seem to be capable of bring much of a return I'm afraid. But I trust LB to make a move IF he feels it will help us.

[davcbow]

With our win tonight over NJ we have won 4 out of the last 5 games, in those 5 games we are averaging 100 - 90.3 in those games so those NJ announcers should put that stat in their hats and smoke on it a while.....:cool:

[WarioVsMooChicken]

I'm fine with Carrol playing SG. But he's playing at the 3 and that just doesnt work for him usually.

If we can get Adam to be mobile instead of just standing there in the corner, maybe he could fit in well.

Shannon Brown needs more minutes IMO. I think brown isnt giving him much PT because he is sort of a ballhog, but if he fixes that, I think he could be great.

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

I honestly think our starting line-up (Felton, Bell, Wallace, Diaw, Okafor) is playoff caliber, I think our depth is our weakness...

I believe our SG/SF is our weakness despite our overload there...Hollins, Nazr, Ajinca I think can handle the PF/C job and do well with it, Augustin & Singletary can definitely handle the PG spot...but the I'm not too confident Carroll and Morrison fit well with Larry Brown and I think those are the two spots that needed upgrade more-so. I'd rather get rid of Matt's contract than anyones, but I don't believe Morrison is going to be the player we hoped or started being earlier on in the season at one point...

i gotta agree with you 100%...our depth is weak, we won tonight's game partly because the starters played almost all played 40 mins...if you look at the +/- for the starters, it's been positive for the last five games

the biggest difference maker is also diaw...when he comes out of the game everything comes to a halt. juwan can add a presence in the post and score a couple of points, but the ball movement stops

[docend24]

We are on pace to 39-43 wins (according to post trade pace or post Detroit game pace = post trade after training together). So it is doable. But we played a lot home games already... If we don't make it we will get a pick and with Larry picking we could be have a very good next seaosn. So it could be a win-win situation at best.

BTW check Hollinger power rankings - he has us at 15th place. Yup we actually made the first page of the rankings:)

[ohara831]

Not only are we getting more respect, but we are "earning" it with our team play! And looking at the +/- numbers, we score 91.0 and give up 92.9. We are only 1.9 differential which is very solid considering our history. I expect us to close that gap up even more! Yeah!

[TattoodCats4life]

Not only are we getting more respect, but we are "earning" it with our team play! And looking at the +/- numbers, we score 91.0 and give up 92.9. We are only 1.9 differential which is very solid considering our history. I expect us to close that gap up even more! Yeah!


Totally agree, It was funny listening to them talk about how we are the worst offensive team so much but only mentioned we have the fourth best defense in the league just once. But in the final score, we held them below our "average points earned" per game.

[Keetch]

Calling us out as the worst offensive team was fair enough; so far we have been. That's just the facts. But then they extended that by appraising our 4th ranked defense as being a result of our poor offense. When you slow it down so much and take so many shots; the other team takes less too.

That made me laugh a little; and I hoped by the end of the game the Cats would make them understand how naive that is. And so, in the 4th quarter, when the Czar was calling out and giving props to LB's defensive calls as they happened, I thought, "now you understand." I found that wonderful :D . It's like somewhere along the way he realized that oh-yeah Larry Brown has been actively coaching these guys since September.

Just because some commentators don't realize at first what kind of team the Bobcats are becoming, I give them credit and enjoy watching them adjust.

It IS funny to watch/listen to the commentators of bad opposing teams talk about the Bobcats as so much worse off then they are; and then (hopefully) we kick their butts. The Minnesota guys were much much worse, and therefore so much funnier.

[Keetch]

As for playoffs....there's 6 teams that are ahead of the pack at the moment:

Boston, Cleveland, Orlando are dominating, while Atlanta, Detroit and Miami are well over .500.

That leaves Milwaukee and New Jersey to marginally round out the top eight. Are we worse than those 2 teams? I don't think so.

The other contenders for the playoffs are well, everyone else except the Wizards....and its a close bunch; record-wise - so right now the 7th and 8th spots are there for any one of them to take.

I don't think NY or Indiana have any hope, but if Chicago, Philly or Toronto can get it together, I think the spots are their's to fight over.

But right now all of those 3 remain in self-destruct mode and may continue to be beaten. I'm not sure there's any great signs of life yet.

The Cats have already beaten Chicago and Philadelphia. We lost to Toronto.

So the good news is...pending a Biscuit-like collapse during crucial games; the Cats have lots to play for in the foreseeable future and lots of very-beatable eastern conference teams to play with. Enjoy the ride!

What else do we have to play for? The 12th Rookie Pick? Hell, this is as good a year as any to give that pick back to Denver for AA.

[TattoodCats4life]

We bumped NJ down a spot in rankings, and we were bumped above Indiana by last night's game. Looking a the schedule there are 4 wins 2 losses likely in the next 6, that puts us at 15-21 putting us at a good (for us) 41%. Now if we shock the celtics (we did it once, almost twice last year) we could be 16-20, which is only a handful of games below 50/50.

One thing to point out, we lost to Toronto at home with J-Rich. I think with Diaw we would have had a better chance.

[ohara831]

After the Cavs loss last night, we are still only 3.5 games behind the Bucks for the #8 spot. Our next 3 games are on the road vs:
Philly: 15 - 20
Wash: 7 - 27
Detroit: 21 - 12

Entering the 2 games with Boston and Cleveland, if we knew ahead of time we'd get a split, every one of us would have taken that deal. If we can find a way to man up and take out Philly and Wash., then even losing to Detroit makes us 3-2 over that 5 game stretch. It is not hopeless - unless we keep playing like the Cleveland game. But we have Raja back for the Philly game, so that should help. I'm not giving up on this team quite yet. We still have life in us.

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

After the Cavs loss last night, we are still only 3.5 games behind the Bucks for the #8 spot. Our next 3 games are on the road vs:
Philly: 15 - 20
Wash: 7 - 27
Detroit: 21 - 12

Entering the 2 games with Boston and Cleveland, if we knew ahead of time we'd get a split, every one of us would have taken that deal. If we can find a way to man up and take out Philly and Wash., then even losing to Detroit makes us 3-2 over that 5 game stretch. It is not hopeless - unless we keep playing like the Cleveland game. But we have Raja back for the Philly game, so that should help. I'm not giving up on this team quite yet. We still have life in us.

i'm not giving up...but i wonder though if our players are giving up?

how we come out for that philly game will show a lot about this team. whether LB can have any effect on the players and whether we have any poise

i don't want us to lose, but if we are in a close game with philly and lose by the usual last second shot, i wont be upset because at least we are showing up and maturing

[ohara831]

I really thought that the problem with the Cleveland game was we were just tired from the Celtic game. We came out flat, and they jumped on us. I really believe this team wants to win and has the desire. I think the effort and heart were there last night, but the body was just worn out.

[ohara831]

Alright! With our win tonight, and the Bucks, Knicks and Bulls losing, we are back to within 3.5 of that #8 spot. Gotta keep it going. Tough next game vs Detroit, but they are getting whipped tonight.

[teej]

i really think we have a shot at making the playoffs if raja is healthy

[ohara831]

Picked up a very crucial 1/2 game tonight with a win on the road vs Detroit. Next is Portland, and we are set nicely. We dont play till Sat. which gives us a few games to rest up. And Portland plays at Philly Wed., at NJ Thurs. and at Charlotte on Sat. That's 3 hard road games in 4 days. We should have an oportunity Saturday to take them.

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

Picked up a very crucial 1/2 game tonight with a win on the road vs Detroit. Next is Portland, and we are set nicely. We dont play till Sat. which gives us a few games to rest up. And Portland plays at Philly Wed., at NJ Thurs. and at Charlotte on Sat. That's 3 hard road games in 4 days. We should have an oportunity Saturday to take them.

good call..but reading your breakdown makes me wish i hadn't, i really hate being dissapointed by the bobcats and i dont want all the hype to get to me..but good post

[ohara831]

Picked up a 1/2 game on Detroit, Toronto, NJ and Milwaukee tonight as they all lost. We still trail #8 by 3.5, except it is now Philly and not Milwaukee. (NY pulled it out over the Wizards damnit or we would have leapfrogged them tonight) But we are going to have to leapfrog all those teams between us and #8, so them losing is always good news. Now Detroit is in the top 4, but I still count them as losing as good news. You never know when a team might go on a 5 game losing streak, and all of a sudden they are only 2 games ahead of you!

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

Here are the latest probabilities for teams making it to the playoffs;
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds

Not sure what its been for the Bobcats in the past weeks, but we stand at 7.3% probabilities... numbers aren't always good predictors, but nevertheless it's clear we have an uphill battle

[ohara831]

OK, got some more help tonight on an off night. Portland rallied to beat the Nets. That now means we are 3.5 games behind both 7th and 8th. The Cavs let us down by losing to Chicago in OT. That was a .5 we could have used that went the other way. Still, only 3.5 out of 7th is something for which we can be happy. And there is a good chance that more of those between us and 7th will lose Friday. Toronto, Philly, Knicks and Bucks all play and they are between us and 7th. Not to mention some higher up ranked teams. Keep watching the scoreboards.

[ohara831]

Well, Toronto and NY both lost already. With a win tomorrow vs Portland, we will leapfrog BOTH of them! Tell me there are too many teams ahead of us. My big hairy butt there is! There is plenty of time, as long as we win.

Milwaukee still plays, so we will see how they do. The 76'rs whipped the Spurs, so that did not help. But there is time, there is time.

[teej]

plenty of time especially if LB knew what he was doing with this trade, I certainly hope so!

[ohara831]

Well, Detroit and Atl. also lost, but the Bucks beat the Kings. Rats. We could have used that one. Still, we gained on several teams ahead of us last night. Now, we have to do our part tonight vs a tired Portland.

[TattoodCats4life]

Well, Detroit and Atl. also lost, but the Bucks beat the Kings. Rats. We could have used that one. Still, we gained on several teams ahead of us last night. Now, we have to do our part tonight vs a tired Portland.

One silver lining to this trade is it wont put us wanting for players the way the PHX trade did... Also with 14 we only have to put May and one more person inactive, so tonight Diop will be inactive with May because he won't have passed physical etc yet. That gives S. Brown some minutes I hope, and I've been hoping to see Ajinca get 3-4 minutes so that we can see how he is progressing.

[ALuhrs704]

One silver lining to this trade is it wont put us wanting for players the way the PHX trade did... Also with 14 we only have to put May and one more person inactive, so tonight Diop will be inactive with May because he won't have passed physical etc yet. That gives S. Brown some minutes I hope, and I've been hoping to see Ajinca get 3-4 minutes so that we can see how he is progressing.


Ya im hoping shannon logs atleast 10 minutes tonight and that ajinca gets some time. The bobcats even having a chance at the playoffs makes up for the panthers lack of success this season's postseason. If we made the playoffs ppl in charlotte would be all over that!

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

One silver lining to this trade is it wont put us wanting for players the way the PHX trade did... Also with 14 we only have to put May and one more person inactive, so tonight Diop will be inactive with May because he won't have passed physical etc yet. That gives S. Brown some minutes I hope, and I've been hoping to see Ajinca get 3-4 minutes so that we can see how he is progressing.

good call, i was worried for a second how it would affect us tonight and monday

either way, hollins had been on the inactive list lately

i hope that morrison can step it up, i'm also looking forward to brown getting minutes. i'm really amazed that he has stayed on the roster this long despite playing very few minutes, specialy lately. LB must see some value in this kid. we may also see SS playing some minutes at the SG

[TattoodCats4life]

good call, i was worried for a second how it would affect us tonight and monday

either way, hollins had been on the inactive list lately

i hope that morrison can step it up, i'm also looking forward to brown getting minutes. i'm really amazed that he has stayed on the roster this long despite playing very few minutes, specialy lately. LB must see some value in this kid. we may also see SS playing some minutes at the SG

Yeah totally forgot that DJ is out of commission. Being he is out and Diop is forced inactive might May get active and see how hard he sweats after 2 possessions... HA....

[davcbow]

Only if he lost the 10 pounds coach said he had to lose in order to play again.:cool:

[ohara831]

Well, Toronto and NY both lost already. With a win tomorrow vs Portland, we will leapfrog BOTH of them! Tell me there are too many teams ahead of us. My big hairy butt there is! There is plenty of time, as long as we win.

Milwaukee still plays, so we will see how they do. The 76'rs whipped the Spurs, so that did not help. But there is time, there is time.

I was wrong on NY. They are playing tonight and if they win, they will be % points ahead of us. But they are playing Philly, so as long as we win, we pick up on at least one of them!

[Proudiddy]

If the Bucks lose to the Clippers tonight at 10:30 pm, we will be 2 games out of the 8th seed. I'm actually starting to get a little excited.

[ohara831]

More ground made up tonight! We win, and NJ, Detroit and NY all lose. We have now leaped over both Toronto and NY in one night! Chi and Miami are losing, and I'll update if still awake. Milw plays at 10:30, but they may lose on the road. Keep the faith!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

And our point differential is down to 2.7. And our Defensive points allowed is the 7th lowest in the entire NBA! That is some pretty nice Defense we play and no one credits us for it!

[TattoodCats4life]

If MIL loses this will be the closest out of the 8th seed as we have ever been...

[ALuhrs704]

If we can get a win over SA monday, i swear we can do it..... We are on a roll right now and are playing great. Im sooo excited for this team, and thank god vincent isnt here and brown is

[Slam]

If MIL loses this will be the closest out of the 8th seed as we have ever been...
I have never rooted for the Clippers before but tonight I start.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Miami and Chicago just lost also. So here is the updated standings, pending the Bucks game currently underway. GO CLIPPERS!

[Slam]

Clipps up by 11, 5 1/2 mins to go - but Camby is hurt (again)

[Slam]

Yay for us, the Clipps hung on the for win!!

This just in: Richard Jefferson still blows goats.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

And there you see it! Thank you Clippers! Now, we can gain more Sunday with the Heat and Raptors playing. Suns go to Toronto, and if Toronto wins, they sneak back in front of us by % points. So GO SUNS!!

[davcbow]

Here we are as of Milwaukee's loss.....:cool:



Milwaukee 20-23 -
New Jersey 19-22 -
Chicago 18-23 1
Charlotte 16-24 2.5
Toronto 16-25 3
New York 15-24 3
Indiana 15-25 3.5
Washington 8-31 10

[SWedd523]

Here we are as of the Brewers loss.....:cool:

lol (10char)

[TattoodCats4life]

Here we are as of Milwaukee's loss.....:cool:



Milwaukee 20-23 -
New Jersey 19-22 -
Chicago 18-23 1
Charlotte 16-24 2.5
Toronto 16-25 3
New York 15-24 3
Indiana 15-25 3.5
Washington 8-31 10


Now if we win monday...and we've got Toronto playing in a few hours, NY, MIL, CHI, and PHI playing monday....thats alot of possible moving and shaking in 1 day (not counting toronto today).

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Thank you to the Suns who finished off the Raptors today. Gives us the tiniest bit of breathing room vs both the Raptors and Knicks now. Just a nice Sunday afternoon! Oh yeah, Nash had 18 assists! Guy is an assist machine.

[TattoodCatswife]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Thank you to the Suns who finished off the Raptors today. Gives us the tiniest bit of breathing room vs both the Raptors and Knicks now. Just a nice Sunday afternoon! Oh yeah, Nash had 18 assists! Guy is an assist machine.

Yes, it is a very nice Sunday afteroon

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

not to get off topic...bu i can't get over about how much toronto is underperforming. two all starts- bosh/o'neal , calderon is awesome. having a coach in place that knows what he's doing just makes so much difference

[ohara831]

Well, Miami beat OKC, so we lose .5 game to them. Oh well, it was still a very successful weekend!

And Playoffs, you are absolutely right. I cannot believe Toronto is struggling this badly. It is really surprising.

[BETCATS]

Well, Miami beat OKC, so we lose .5 game to them. Oh well, it was still a very successful weekend!

And Playoffs, you are absolutely right. I cannot believe Toronto is struggling this badly. It is really surprising.


Them, the Pistons (post-Iverson trade), and the Sixers (only when Elton Brand is playing) all are teams that have no chemistry playing together.

I guess trades could fix it all. Maybe i should stop guessing.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

As it stands this evening, Sunday night, the 18th of January

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Damn! Dark Monday. NY slipped back in front of us with a W while we take a hard L to the Spurs by only 2 pts. At least a few losses by those we need to lose. But we should have won today.

[spectre]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Damn! Dark Monday. NY slipped back in front of us with a W while we take a hard L to the Spurs by only 2 pts. At least a few losses by those we need to lose. But we should have won today.

Yah but that's ok as they beat the Bulls...pulling the wanna be teams even closer.

Have we ever won on MLK day?

BTW Ohara...just wanted to say thanks for keeping this updated.

[ohara831]

My pleasure Spectre. At least we did not lose ground to the Bulls and Philly. But we need the Bucks to lose tonight to minimize the damage.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, at least the Bucks lost so the damage was minimal. We are 3 games behind #8 NJ Nets.

Chi and Ind play games today, so if they both lose, we gain on Chi and put space between ourselves and Ind.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

There we go! A little off night help. Hawks take down Chicago and the Pacers continue to lose. Gain ground on Chi and put more distance b/t ourselves and Pacers. I know the Hawks are ahead of us too, but we gotta catch Chicago first, and then worry about the Hawks later.

Wed. will be very big for us. We have a very winnable home game vs Memphis and there are a handful of teams who are ahead of us playing games they should lose. Tommorow is a night where, if we handle our own business, we should gain significant ground. Chins up my friends, there is some fight in the Bobcats still!

[TattoodCats4life]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

There we go! A little off night help. Hawks take down Chicago and the Pacers continue to lose. Gain ground on Chi and put more distance b/t ourselves and Pacers. I know the Hawks are ahead of us too, but we gotta catch Chicago first, and then worry about the Hawks later.

Wed. will be very big for us. We have a very winnable home game vs Memphis and there are a handful of teams who are ahead of us playing games they should lose. Tommorow is a night where, if we handle our own business, we should gain significant ground. Chins up my friends, there is some fight in the Bobcats still!

I look at it like this we've never made the playoffs, and this year there is hope of picking up 8th, maybe even 7th... It'd take a miracle to go higher, but if teams lose we might slip higher than that... either way, the bandwagon of fans is starting to come along...

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Made a little progress tonight. We won, gained on Miami and NJ who lost and expanded our lead over Toronto who lost yet again. But the Suns laid an egg vs the Knicks, and Milwaukee crushed the Mavs by 34. Mavs led by 8 after 1st, and then got outscored by 42. In the Suns game, Nash had 19 assists. Man is a master at the assist game. Anyway, we are hanging right in there. Maybe the Suns will continue to be cold and we can take them out like the Knicks did tonight! Oh, and we have the point differential down to -2.2. Edging closer and closer to the 0 mark and then positive numbers! Great defense, now we just need more scoring.

[ziggy]

It looks like we're a mere 2.5 games out of the #8 spot according to Yahoo Sports

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/standings


1. * Orlando (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/orl) --
2. * Boston (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/bos) -0.5
3. * Cleveland (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/cle) 1.0
4. Atlanta (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/atl) 8.0
5. Detroit (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/det) 9.0
6. Miami (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/mia) 11.0
7. Philadelphia (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/phi) 13.0
8. New Jersey (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/njn) 14.0
9. Milwaukee (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/mil) 14.5
10. Chicago (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/chi) 16.0
11. New York (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/nyk) 16.0
12. Charlotte (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/cha) 16.5
13. Toronto (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/tor) 18.5
14. Indiana (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/ind) 18.5
15. Washington (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/was) 24.5

[teej]

one thing to look at is streaks

of the teams we need to beat, only philly has a better record over the last 10

[davcbow]

It looks like we're a mere 2.5 games out of the #8 spot according to Yahoo Sports

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/standings


1. * Orlando (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/orl) --
2. * Boston (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/bos) -0.5
3. * Cleveland (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/cle) 1.0
4. Atlanta (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/atl) 8.0
5. Detroit (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/det) 9.0
6. Miami (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/mia) 11.0
7. Philadelphia (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/phi) 13.0
8. New Jersey (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/njn) 14.0
9. Milwaukee (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/mil) 14.5
10. Chicago (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/chi) 16.0
11. New York (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/nyk) 16.0
12. Charlotte (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/cha) 16.5
13. Toronto (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/tor) 18.5
14. Indiana (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/ind) 18.5
15. Washington (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/was) 24.5


I'm loving it.....:p

[ohara831]

Gotta do some scoreboard watching tonight. Lots of possibilities on movement in the standings. The 4 teams directly in front of us in #8, #9, #10 and #11 spots play:

We take on Phoenix. This is winnable.
Bucks at Atlanta; go Hawks
Nets at San Antonio; go Spurs
Toronto at Chicago; how about playing just one good game Toronto?
Memphis at NY; maybe the team will play hard for the new Coach.

If we can win and all 4 others lose, we leap frog Chicago and NY. Now, those are the 2 long shots tonight, I know. Toronto and Memphis have not necessarily been to model of winning teams lately. But we have a great chance to gain on Milwaukee and NJ as they should lose tonight. It is really up to the Bobcats to make their way up the ladder, and that means winning tonight at home. Cannot afford to lose a winnable game at home; not when we are trying to move up in the standings.

[davcbow]

we just need to play hard all 4 quarters and wear shaq down because he is getting old....felton is gonna have to have a great game to out play Nash.... I feel we are good to go every where else..... Have your best game Mek.... Lets win this game and leap frog these teams.....:cool:

[Slam]

We take on Phoenix. This is winnable.
Bucks at Atlanta; go Hawks
Nets at San Antonio; go Spurs
Toronto at Chicago; how about playing just one good game Toronto?
Memphis at NY; maybe the team will play hard for the new Coach..
I think the Hawks will account for the Bucks, the Spurs should roll the Nets and TO will smash the Bulls.

Memphis over NYK will be the hard one.

[amour217]

judging by the way we've been playing lately, if the 'Cats make the playoffs, even as the last seed, we can make a lot of noise just by playing very very hard. It'd be nice to catch a team on its heels

[ohara831]

And just for the record, if we make the 8th seed, and even if we get swept, to me it is still worth losing the draft pick next season. I hope Lex turns out special, and not having the pick would make for an unexciting Draft party, but who cares if we made the Playoffs. We dont match up well with Orlando or Cleveland, but we seem to match up well with Boston. If we got Boston in the Playoffs, there would be some nervous Celtics, as they know we match up with them. WE CAN SHOCK THE WORLD!!

[Slam]

Damn the Knicks!! They beat the Grizzlies.

Hawks beat the Bucks though.

Spurs are 6 up over the Nets (come on Spurs!!) at the end of 3.

Raps up by 9 over the Bulls at the end of 3.

Oh ya, and we CRUSHED the Suns!!

Yipppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

[Slam]

Toronto beat the Bulls and the Spurs beat the Nets (just).

The night continues to get better and better!!

More beer for me!

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

There you go! A very good night indeed! Recap:
Charlotte wins, Losses by Detroit, Milwaukee, Chicago and NJ. Only the Knicks win made this not perfect.

Gotta love how that point differential is getting smaller and smaller! Yeah, baby!

[davcbow]

Here we go guys and gals....:cool:


Boston 1 36-9 -
Cleveland 2 32-8 1.5
Orlando 3 33-9 1.5
Atlanta 4 26-16 8.5
Detroit 5 24-18 10.5
Miami 6 22-19 12
Philadelphia 7 20-21 14
Milwaukee 8 21-25 15.5
New Jersey 9 19-24 16
New York 10 18-24 16.5
Charlotte 11 18-25 17
Chicago 12 18-26 17.5
Toronto 13 17-28 19
Indiana 14 16-27 19
Washington 15 9-33 25.5

[ohara831]

Games to scoreboard watch on Saturday:

NY at Philly; gotta say Go Philly -good chance
Orlando at Miami; Go Magic - good chance
NJ at Memphis; Go Grizzlies - good chance
Sac at Milwaukee; Go Kings - long shot

[davcbow]

Games to scoreboard watch on Saturday:

NY at Philly; gotta say Go Philly -good chance
Orlando at Miami; Go Magic - good chance
NJ at Memphis; Go Grizzlies - good chance
Sac at Milwaukee; Go Kings - long shot


I agree with your call ohara....:cool:

[teej]

1.5 games out...have we ever been closer after november?

[TattoodCats4life]

1.5 games out...have we ever been closer after november?

I can't think of any time we've been this close outside of the first 5 games :)

I think we're 11-9 post trade...

[teej]

yea 11-9 sounds right, and LB is earning more than every penny he's being paid

[BIGCatBobcat]

I can't think of any time we've been this close outside of the first 5 games :)

I think we're 11-9 post trade...

we're 2 games over .500 and phoenix is .500, we win that trade. Hell i'd do it again, might try and talk them out of dudley, they could keep sean.

[teej]

we're 2 games over .500 and phoenix is .500, we win that trade. Hell i'd do it again, might try and talk them out of dudley, they could keep sean.

I think Dude is not as valuable to us because of AmMo, Shannon, Lexy, and Juwan

Sean fills a need for times like now when DJ is hurt, and LB thinks he has potential

ILBIT

[TattoodCats4life]

Seriously when the good sean finds his shot (no idea when that will be) he'll be killer...He was tearing it up in college, and i feel with a bit more upper body training he'll be a poor man's AI. He has potential written all over him...

[TheBeagle]

we're 2 games over .500 and phoenix is .500, we win that trade. Hell i'd do it again, might try and talk them out of dudley, they could keep sean. Yeah, when does the talk about Steve Kerr being a worse personnel/executive type than MJ begin? After what he's done to a championship caliber team since he took over, I think the argument is highly warranted.

[TattoodCats4life]

Yeah, when does the talk about Steve Kerr being a worse personnel/executive type than MJ begin? After what he's done to a championship caliber team since he took over, I think the argument is highly warranted.

You got that right...we may lose 1 game on this road trip, but I'd say that's about it. I honestly think we might have a seed in hand by the break....its going to be something to have 23-24 wins at the break.

[davcbow]

You got that right...we may lose 1 game on this road trip, but I'd say that's about it. I honestly think we might have a seed in hand by the break....its going to be something to have 23-24 wins at the break.

I think we can very well have a 24-28 record by the allstar break....:cool:

[Carolina_FTW]

I never thought the Bobcats would see .500 more than 20 games into the season. This year, maybe they can do it. Getting Sean May back would be a biiiig help. I think Larry Brown needs to keep 24-hour survillence on him during the All-Star break though, who knows what kind of hijinks he could get into.

[MilZo]

Up to 24%
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds
:)

[TattoodCats4life]

I never thought the Bobcats would see .500 more than 20 games into the season. This year, maybe they can do it. Getting Sean May back would be a biiiig help. I think Larry Brown needs to keep 24-hour survillence on him during the All-Star break though, who knows what kind of hijinks he could get into.

I think by Hijinks you mean bringing 10 grand to dairy queen and leaving empty handed?

[kickazzz2000]

Up to 24%
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds
:)
50-32 best case scenario

[TattoodCats4life]

Who do we want to win Knicks or sixers?

[ohara831]

Who do we want to win Knicks or sixers?

Leapfrog one team at a time. Gotta get by the Knicks first, then worry about the Sixers. We need the Sixers to win.

[davcbow]

Definately the 76er's...:cool:

[TattoodCats4life]

Definately the 76er's...:cool:

Looks like that's going our way...hopefully the Kings can help us out tonight too...Orlando Vs Miami appears to be a good show, but Marion is out (maybe that will be a problem for him all season, all the way to 9th or less)

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Quick update. With NY going down, we are tied with them at 18 - 25. I think they are still listed ahead of us because of Division/Conf records, or is it the fact that they won our head to head meeting earlier? Anyway, still a tie record-wise. Now if we can get some more help from others.

[davcbow]

NJ is up by 8 in the 4th but at least milw is down by 1 in the 4th so far....:cool:

[ohara831]

Miami and NJ wond, rats! But the Bucks are in a real fight. Maybe they fall and help us out. Will know shortly.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Horsecrap! Bucks win by 2. Bucks, Miami and Nets all win, but at least the Knicks lost!

And Mosely beat the crap out of Margarito. That was a stunner! He destroyed Margarito!

[davcbow]

Now we just have to worry about our game against Indiana tomorrow night....:cool:

[SWedd523]

I have a feeling we're going to catch the Bucks in the second half of the season...;)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3859546

[davcbow]

I have a feeling we're going to catch the Bucks in the second half of the season...;)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3859546


I also think we can take Milw but I really think that we should set sights on Maimi....:cool:

[ohara831]

Yep. Hate to hear any good player being lost for the year. But you have to take advantage of other team's woes. No one pitied us when Crash was out with his concussion last year. So be it. Suvival of the fitest.

[SWedd523]

The really bad thing about is injury is that he was in numerous trade talks and could've possibly brought them a bunch of new pieces. But now that he's out for the season they missed that


Would anyone here be willing to make a trade for him now on the cheap since he's injured for the rest of the season?

[dvdbumpus]

The really bad thing about is injury is that he was in numerous trade talks and could've possibly brought them a bunch of new pieces. But now that he's out for the season they missed that


Would anyone here be willing to make a trade for him now on the cheap since he's injured for the rest of the season?

I don't think you can trade for anybody that's injured. Is that because of the need to pass a physical? I'm not 100% but I don't think it's possible.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, we lost a .5 to the Knicks with our loss tonight, instead of moving ahead of them by .5. Thankfully, Minn rallied to take Chi to OT and beat them by 1. So we stay .5 ahead of Chicago. But a lost opportunity tonight. Now, the road gets really hard this week.

[spectre]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, we lost a .5 to the Knicks with our loss tonight, instead of moving ahead of them by .5. Thankfully, Minn rallied to take Chi to OT and beat them by 1. So we stay .5 ahead of Chicago. But a lost opportunity tonight. Now, the road gets really hard this week.

Chicago had like 3 point blank shots to win that game but just couldn't get it in the basket. AlJeff with 39 points. :hypo:

[Muttley]

So, back to 2.5 games out. Gotta think they'll start to slip a little as they try to move on with the post-Redd era of their season.

Hopefully, Minnesota continues to assist us by beating the Bucks tomorrow.

[teej]

So, back to 2.5 games out. Gotta think they'll start to slip a little as they try to move on with the post-Redd era of their season.

Hopefully, Minnesota continues to assist us by beating the Bucks tomorrow.

Even with Redd I could see Minny winning

thy definately have a shot now

[ohara831]

Scoreboard watching for Monday:

Atl at Miami ; go Hawks
Houston at Knicks; go Rockets
Philly at NO; go CP3
Minn at Milw; go Wolves, help us again!
NJ at OKC; go Thunder

[Melanie]

1/25
Timberwolves @ Bucks
Nets @ Thunder

Hopefully somehow the Bucks and Nets will lose, though I'm not holding my breath. Wish they had harder matchups!

[TattoodCats4life]

Knicks win so we're 1 full game behind them now... *fingers crossed* OKC is winning as are the hornets and Minn, so we'll just have to check the standings in the morning...

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Updated for the 26th. Miami and Knicks won (damnit), but NJ, Philly and Milwaukee all 3 lost. At least we got some help!

[Muttley]

Did a good bit of scoreboard watching tonight with all the significant games.

I really thought the Rockets had that one locked up against NYK! Unlucky. We could have used that one.

Still, "The Pack" tightening benefits the 'Cats. 2 games out now. Hope we make something happen in LALA land tomorrow night.

[teej]

Did a good bit of scoreboard watching tonight with all the significant games.

I really thought the Rockets had that one locked up against NYK! Unlucky. We could have used that one.

Still, "The Pack" tightening benefits the 'Cats. 2 games out now. Hope we make something happen in LALA land tomorrow night.

Go Raja D and Boris O

[Muttley]

Go Raja D and Boris O
Yep, we're gonna need both for sure!

[Melanie]

Things aren't going good for Detriot. They're losing alot and now have the same record as Miami. Lose Pistons lose!

[TattoodCats4life]

Wonder if we can play hard enough to pick up 8 games and slide in behind orlando ;) That'd be fun, but even 5th/6th dont "feel" too far out if we can pick up wins on this trip...

[Felton for Prez]

If you start scoreboard watching now you're going to go insane. Let's just see how the road trip goes.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

When we pick up a .5 by beating the Lakers in LA, gotta say it was a fantastic night!

[TattoodCats4life]

After winning tonight we are 19-26 http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

We are 1.5 out of 8th, but what's nice is we're in 1/2 game increments behind NY and NJ, so we should start seeing leap frog tomorrow as long as our guys have it in them to win after playing so long and so hard, and possibly playing tomorrow without wallace (and if he does play I doubt he'll play as well as we'd like him to).

Tomorrow Pacers beat Milwaukee, Toronto beats the Nets and Atlanta beats the Knicks, We beat the Blazers and the world is a happy place!

[TattoodCats4life]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

When we pick up a .5 by beating the Lakers in LA, gotta say it was a fantastic night!

Jinx! :).....

[TheBeagle]

With a nod to the legendary Larry David, we need to curb our enthusiasm, what with about GW getting assaulted and having a possible collapsed lung. Nothing good comes from this....

[teej]

Funny considering Curb your Enthusiasm was filming at Staples Center during the game...damn jinxes

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking?season=2009&page=1&order=false

Well, we've made the Front page of the rankings!

[ohara831]

Games to scoreboard watch tonight:

Char at Port - Go Cats
Milw at Ind - Go Pacers
Wash at Miami - Go Heat
Tor at NJ - Go Raptors
Atl at NY - Go Hawks
Phil at Houston - Go Rockets
Chi at Clips - Go Clippers

[davcbow]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking?season=2009&page=1&order=false

Well, we've made the Front page of the rankings!


Thats awesome, we are definately going to be a team to recon with the rest of the season for sure. Our next 3 games are gonna be rough with out GW, but I feel we can do it, just hope we arent too tired in tonights game...:cool:

[docend24]

Games to scoreboard watch tonight:

Char at Port - Go Cats
Milw at Ind - Go Pacers
Wash at Miami - Go Wizards
Tor at NJ - Go Raptors
Atl at NY - Go Hawks
Phil at Houston - Go Rockets
Chi at Clips - Go Clippers
fixed

what's the point of Washington loss - they're going nowhere

[davcbow]

fixed

what's the point of Washington loss - they're going nowhere


LOL I agree, washington who? Go go go.... Go Bobcats!!!!!!:cool:

[ohara831]

You were right about Washington. My bad.

Got a little help going tonight. So far the Bucks and Nets have lost, and Detroit and Philly are losing. But the Knicks beat Atlanta. That's not horrible as we can make up ground on Atlanta, but it is more important to pass the Knicks first. Chi and Charl games have not yet started.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, Detroit and Philly both rallied to wins. Charlotte and Chicago still playing.

[TattoodCats4life]

1.5 out still thanks to some help in the L column of other teams too 7.5 out of 5th seed...come back GW come back...

[TheBeagle]

Funny considering Curb your Enthusiasm was filming at Staples Center during the game...damn jinxes Seriously? How did you find out? Was Larry sitting courtside?

[TheBeagle]

You were right about Washington. My bad.

Got a little help going tonight. So far the Bucks and Nets have lost, and Detroit and Philly are losing. But the Knicks beat Atlanta. That's not horrible as we can make up ground on Atlanta, but it is more important to pass the Knicks first. Chi and Charl games have not yet started.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, Detroit and Philly both rallied to wins. Charlotte and Chicago still playing. I have this sinking feeling that the Knicks are going to fart around and incredibly squeak into the playoffs. I don't know why, but hell, they just keep winning games. D'Antoni's system won't win a championship, but damned if he can't get teams to win games....even teams without typical playoff caliber talent such as the Knicks.

[teej]

Seriously? How did you find out? Was Larry sitting courtside?

No they were filming next to the Lakers Pre/Post game set, they showed Larry several times.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Only 1.5 out still. But those pesky Knicks are playing well. Have to give them credit. They wont let us pass them without a fight.

[davcbow]

Going to be even harder without GW, and if thats true about DJ going to be out another 7-10 days I hope we dont back slide..... :cool:

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Bad night!!! Will lose 2 spots in rankings, to Chicago and Indiana, if Chicago holds on to their lead. Man, without Crash, this team just doesn't seem to have it together. Ouch!

[TattoodCats4life]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Bad night!!! Will lose 2 spots in rankings, to Chicago and Indiana, if Chicago holds on to their lead. Man, without Crash, this team just doesn't seem to have it together. Ouch!

I was honestly thinking we were just a player or two shy of a run (needing help at the 2/3 with a spot open for a FA combo)...but without wallace we are stuck just watching :( Hopefully we can pick up some good stuff with the pick this year as we wont have it next...I haven't given up, because here hasnt been an official "wallace will/wont be back" announcement and Martin seemed like any good ready to play rook in the NBA, so hopefully he can get to the "I'm ready to start" and we keep him...

[TheBeagle]

Nobody wants to heart this because of it's seeming inanity and simplicity, but if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. I know none of us are giving up hope on this year, but I think having another lottery pick groomed by Larry will do the team wonders for the future. I know Raja isn't getting any younger, but he's still got enough good years left in him so that we'll be an even stronger team to begin next year and not put ourselves in the hole we did this year.

All along (even before The Trade) I thought this was the year of the paradigm shift in which Larry sets things in place for what is to come AFTER this year with an unlikely chance at making the playoffs THIS year. I will say with The Trade, that changed because, when healthy, we are a top 8 eastern conference team. Just like last year, I can't give up until I can see the writing on the wall, but yes, at this point, it is unlikely. Nonetheless....GO CATS!

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, here it is after Chicago won. And without Crash, it wont get any easier.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, we're off till Monday. But tonight, Indiana fell back behind us, but the others we are chasing all won and expanded their lead over us. Not a good Saturday night.

[ziggy]

We're now back to the 12th spot and a full three games away from #8.

[TattoodCats4life]

We're now back to the 12th spot and a full three games away from #8.

When it rains, it pours

[TattoodCatswife]

I am totally and completely happy to know that at least we can actually GET there, that it isn't just not wishful thinking anymore, that this is ACTUALLY POSSIBLE! Brown has made a difference and he has made a difference in our players and I am very much looking forward to next season at this point to see how much farther we can actually get

[Slam]

I am totally and completely happy to know that at least we can actually GET there, that it isn't just not wishful thinking anymore, that this is ACTUALLY POSSIBLE! Brown has made a difference and he has made a difference in our players and I am very much looking forward to next season at this point to see how much farther we can actually get
Very good way to look at it.

Bravo!

[TattoodCatswife]

Very good way to look at it.

Bravo!

Thank you. Thing is I don't want it to sound like I am giving up on THIS season cuz I feel this season isn't lost just yet. Our team needs to learn how to gel with each other without Wallace. They had to learn how to gel with each other when Bell and Diaw were added to the mix so now we need to re-learn this without Wallace and whoever else Brown decides to bring up from D-league, or keep, or whatever and it all takes time and lots of practice so I feel this isn't completely lost yet. When DJ is recovered fully as well they are going to have to figure out how to re-gel with him with any new guys as well. Diop hasn't played with DJ yet and Martin hasn't either if he is still even around by the time DJ comes back. I think it will all figure itself out.

[TattoodCats4life]

I've not given up on this season, no way, no how...definitely not until the deadline is past at least...

Next season I'd put my money on us moving up 5 spots from where we are with a limit at 4th seed because 1, 2 and 3 in the east are locked for at least the forseeable future.

[davcbow]

I agree with yall but with all the "trade felton away for bla bla bla" threads and if they actually do this would mean more gel time meaning this season would be just about lost... Myself Id like to at least make the 8th spot so we can get rid of that pick to denver I think it was.... GW getting hurt just about screwed everything up and on top of that DJ still not playing isnt helping at all with the trade deadline coming up.... So maybe we keep felton and that would cut this gel time issue.... Whats to do, whats to do...:cool:

[TattoodCatswife]

Whats to do, whats to do...:cool:

Basically just keep trusting Larry Brown^-^

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Wow. Prettty crappy 2nd half. We had no business losing this game to Utah. It cost us a spot to Indiana.

[teej]

3.5 games out now?

Still entirely possible but we will need Gerald back yesterday

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Got some help last night. Toronto, Indiana, Philly, Milw., and Chicago all lost. Now, we just need more help and then we need to start winning again. I mention Toronto because they are on our butts and we need breathing room.

Games today to watch for help. NJ, Toronto, NY and Chicago all play. We need 4 more losses today.

[teej]

Toronto? How does a team that fired its freakin coach catch up to us??

[davcbow]

Because they hired a good coach to coach the already talented team of players and they dont have 2 sidelined with injuries and 1 thats too fat to play.....:cool:

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

No real help last night but for the Knicks losing.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

With Indiana losing tonight, we get the tiniest bit of breathing room. A full game over the Pacers and 1.5 over the Raptors.

[davcbow]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

With Indiana losing tonight, we get the tiniest bit of breathing room. A full game over the Pacers and 1.5 over the Raptors.

Now we just need to do our part and start winning....:cool:

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, here's the damage done. Not looking good at all for us anymore. Crash may come back, but we have lost valuable ground, losing games we should have won. I think our ship has sailed for this season - and we missed the boat.

[davcbow]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

I think our ship has sailed for this season - and we missed the boat.

Heard that .... :mad:

[teej]

If Gerald comes back and we play like we have, then we have a shot, other than that i dont think so

[TattoodCatswife]

If Gerald comes back and we play like we have, then we have a shot, other than that i dont think so

Yeah we definitely need Wallace in the mix

[teej]

How bad is Raja's injury, as far as time, anyone know?

[davcbow]

How bad is Raja's injury, as far as time, anyone know?


Someone earlier said at least 2 weeks....:cool:

[teej]

Ahhhh shit

we're done even with Gerald

[spectre]

Someone earlier said at least 2 weeks....:cool:

That was me and I totally pulled that out of my ass.

Well, not totally; wasn't that what happened to Raja right after we traded for him? I was thinking he missed about that much then as well.

Edit:

From Bonnell's blog:



-- Raja Bell had never had a groin strain in eight previous NBA seasons. Now he’s had two in the last 18 games. This isn’t an aggravation of the original injury, it’s on the other side.
It took Bell five games to recover from his first groin strain.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, our job just got tougher. Although Milw and Chi lost, Phil and NJ won. And now we are 4 games out of the #8 spot.

[teej]

Damn, Vlad better be good while Geralds out

Can Vlad play the 2 at all if we went really big?

[davcbow]

Damn, Vlad better be good while Geralds out

Can Vlad play the 2 at all if we went really big?

You mean huge...:cool:

[Slam]

Damn, Vlad better be good while Geralds out

Can Vlad play the 2 at all if we went really big?
I thought I was the only drunk one around here!

[teej]

I thought I was the only drunk one around here!

Well he can shoot the 3, andthats a chacteristic of a sg, and hes listed at sf, so i was wonderin...

[docend24]

Man, he is a 6'10''... forward tweener, non-aggresive PF body and movement with range... even attempts to paly Durant at SG weren't the best idea.

[Muttley]

I thought I was the only drunk one around here!
whoa, whoa, whoa! Let's not get carried away laying claim to titles. Learn to share.

We can all be the drunk ones around here.

Vlad would get smoked by almost all other 2 guards.

[amour217]

If the playoffs started today........Sean May would still be fat

[teej]

Man, he is a 6'10''... forward tweener, non-aggresive PF body and movement with range... even attempts to paly Durant at SG weren't the best idea.

They werent the best but in our case since LB wont start Cartier would you rather have Vlad or Sean play back up 2?

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

How disappointing! NY, Indiana and NJ all lost, and so did we. Could have made up ground, and failed.

[teej]

At least we didnt lose ground, and with Crash and Raja out thats the goal

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, we are still 3.5 out of 8th. Philly and Milw both won as did we, so we did not lose any ground. But Philly is really trying to put away that #7 spot.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Mixed bag last night. Pacers, Raptors and Bulls won, while Miami, NY and NJ lost. Indiana moved back in front of us by % points. Gotta reclaim that spot tonight.

[teej]

We won, but so did Philly, Toronto, and Milwaukee

Pacers lost, Knicks up at the half, but only by 1

Still 3.5 out, but only 6.5 out of 5th!

[davcbow]

The Knicks lost we are tied with them now.....:cool:

[ziggy]

Here is the latest:

. * Boston (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/bos) --
2. * Cleveland (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/cle) 1.5
3. * Orlando (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/orl) 3.5
4. Atlanta (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/atl) 11.0
5. Philadelphia (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/phi) 14.5
6. Detroit (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/det) 14.5
7. Miami (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/mia) 14.5
8. Milwaukee (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/mil) 17.5
9. New Jersey (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/njn) 18.5
10. Chicago (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/chi) 19.0
11. New York (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/nyk) 20.5
12. Charlotte (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/cha) 21.0
13. Indiana (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/ind) 22.0
14. Toronto (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/tor) 22.5
15. Washington (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/was) 31.5

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, at least NY lost again. That puts us tied with them. They are listed ahead due to the better Conf record, or head to head. Either way, we are ahead of the Pacers and tied with NY. We are still in this thing, but barely. Milwaukee cant kep up this winning without Redd and Bogut, can they? Going to be a dog fight, and we have to play strong the last 30 games to make up 3.5 games.

[Robertpel9]

I thinkw e can do it IF we stay healthy. If Bell and Wallace and Howard are all back for the rest of the season at 100% we have an 8 player solid rotation that we can win a lot of games with. We also need to be able to win on the road as a lot of road games are coming.

I am going to go out on a limb and say yes we will have the 8th seed. This is a different team than the one that started the season and i expect us to play around .600-.650 ball the rest of the way, that should get the job done. We are a better than .500 team when healthy at this point

[docend24]

Man, I've just checked yesterday games summarya on realgm and run into this:


Al Harrington’s technical foul for hanging on the rim in the final minute allowed the Clippers (13-40) to force overtime and eventually beat the Knicks (21-31).
ROFL.
I'm glad we didn't trade for him. This would hilarious if this would cause to miss playoff by one game...

[docend24]

One dumb question what is tzhe tiebraker - head-to-heads or conference record? We are awful in the latter one.

I start to think that is more probable Pistons won't make playoff than that they will. Sad thing, I always liked how balanced team they were.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Nice present for going into the Break. Chicago lost, so we gain .5 on them tonight.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, we pissed away a game we haad won and lost to Orlando. And Indiana wins and passes us and NY takes the Spurs in OT. We are just blowing this big time. This just sucks. I feel like taking 5 laxatives, super gluing my butt closed and blowing up!!!

[BRNC]

It was a definite give-away on our part...

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

avery johnson just predicted that the bobcats would take the 8th spot on NBA coast to coast a couple of mins ago...knock on wood!

[BRNC]

I hope he's correct...but he did predict that Dallas would beat Miami...maybe I'd rather he picked against us...

[teej]

I think we'll get the 8th seed, in my schedule to the playoffs I have us needing to win 1 of two Orlando games this week, so Friday now becomes crucial, as does tomorrow.

[G-Force for MVP]

whats the update after todays win and losses by others

[teej]

whats the update after todays win and losses by others

Lookin at the scoreboard I think we gain a game on everyone but chicago that played tonight

[davcbow]

Only 3.5 behind Milwaukee for the 8th :cool:

[SirBobcat]

This team currently, when healthy, can get to the playoffs this year. I believe in them!

[ohara831]

You know something, we may be catching a nice break in this game and the upcoming 5 game roadtrip. Could really change my outlook on our chances.

1. Tonight vs Orlando, they have no Nelson at PG and Alston not cleared to play tonight.
2. Vs Rockets, they are without McGrady and Alson
3. Vs Suns, they will be without Amare S.
4, 5 and 6. Vs Kings, Warriors and Clippers, we are playing some to the bottom of the barrell, which is good.

I dont want to jinx us, but we won against Indiana, and we actually have a chance to run these next 6 games. A pretty good chance. And if we do, I would say rather than being 3.5 out of the #8 spot, we should be within 1, .5 or even tied.

That said, we cannot afford to go out and lay an egg tonight or in any of the road games.

[davcbow]

You know something, we may be catching a nice break in this game and the upcoming 5 game roadtrip. Could really change my outlook on our chances.

1. Tonight vs Orlando, they have no Nelson at PG and Alston not cleared to play tonight.
2. Vs Rockets, they are without McGrady and Alson
3. Vs Suns, they will be without Amare S.
4, 5 and 6. Vs Kings, Warriors and Clippers, we are playing some to the bottom of the barrell, which is good.

I dont want to jinx us, but we won against Indiana, and we actually have a chance to run these next 6 games. A pretty good chance. And if we do, I would say rather than being 3.5 out of the #8 spot, we should be within 1, .5 or even tied.

That said, we cannot afford to go out and lay an egg tonight or in any of the road games.

I was thinking we have a pretty good chance in the upcoming games but after reading what you wrote we are better off than I was thinking.... Cool beans.... Go Bobcats.....:cool:

[teej]

I was thinking we have a pretty good chance in the upcoming games but after reading what you wrote we are better off than I was thinking.... Cool beans.... Go Bobcats.....:cool:

I think if we win tonight then the playoffs are in reach, it will be a good barometer of our mental abilities and physical

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Very underwhelming.

[Slam]

That was a bad night.

[BobCatsFanInTx]

I know the Bobcats laid an egg against a really good Orlando team in the reamatch but we have to remember that this team has had to endure injuries and trades over the last sevaral months. Crash has not been back long and this team took a step back once he was injured for that fairly long stretch. We just picked up RadMan and he hasn't been part of the team that long. Guys are trying to get back to being on the same page. Chemistry is not a problem for this team once they have had time to get back in sinc.

I don't think our Bobcats will make the playoffs this season but then again as weak as their record is they still have a shot. Making the playoffs will depend on how quickly they come back together. Will it take a dozen games with many losses to get there or will somebody step up and take this team on their sholders. If somebody takes the lead and gets things back on track the playoffs are a posibility. What I see as a real problem is that nobody including the captains are taking this team and leading it. Crash should be that leader considering how integral he is to the success of our team and how hard he plays most every night. Felton needs to also be a leader. I know Juwan, Raja and Boris are all experienced so maybe they should step up. Somebody needs to get this team focused and believeing they have a shot at the playoffs. Larry as coach has some culpability in this as well. As head coach his team needs to play with an urgency each game. A team leader and a coach taking this team under their wings is needed if the playoffs are to happen imo.

[Stu_Discus]

Those 3.5 games will be tough to make up, but I think this team could doit...And if not they will be close and come out very hungry next year...

[teej]

I could see it going wither way...we could just miss it or we could just make it, but we won't know until the last few days of the year.

[bing!]

Hollinger's statball gives the Cats an 18.7% chance of making it to the playoffs.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds

I'd say those odds are realistic, what with the road-heavy schedule and all.

[davcbow]

Hollinger's statball gives the Cats an 18.7% chance of making it to the playoffs.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds

I'd say those odds are realistic, what with the road-heavy schedule and all.

If we dont play any better than we did last night and dont get any calls from the refs like last night then we probably have less a chance than 18.7%.... :cool:

[bing!]

^ last night we witnessed a kinda 'wrong side o'the bed' display of basketball, at least that's what I keep thinking to myself.

[SWedd523]

If we dont play any better than we did last night

That, sir, is very true.


and dont get any calls from the refs like last night then we probably have less a chance than 18.7%.... :cool:

Let's not use the refs as an excuse for our losses. You get some bad calls and you get some good ones. That's a cop out for our shitty play

[teej]

That, sir, is very true.



Let's not use the refs as an excuse for our losses. You get some bad calls and you get some good ones. That's a cop out for our shitty play

If you dont use the refs at all, then you didnt see shit last night

those were the worst refs I've ever seen. Guyt hat sat next to me hadnt been to a game since the Hornets were here and he was flippin out at the no calls and bs calls

[davcbow]

That, sir, is very true.

Let's not use the refs as an excuse for our losses. You get some bad calls and you get some good ones. That's a cop out for our shitty play

Its not a cop out at all when in the 4th quarter Howard practically runs Radman backwards in an illegal pick and roll with the ref standing right there watching it and then call a tecnical on Radman when he said something about it. Even the TV comentators were talking about it. So to me its not a cop out to call out the crappy refs for what they are. Sure we played bad and the crappy calls made sure we never recovered. The NBA refs need to clean up there act peroid. I dont give a damn if its Oklahoma City or Boston we are playing a foul against us or them should be the same not different just because a "super star" happenes to be playing. :cool:

[Slam]

If you dont use the refs at all, then you didnt see shit last night

those were the worst refs I've ever seen. Guyt hat sat next to me hadnt been to a game since the Hornets were here and he was flippin out at the no calls and bs calls
Our lack of ball movement and execution was a LOT worse than the refs could have ever been.

The refs didn't lose the game for us. We did.

Man up.

[teej]

Our lack of ball movement and execution was a LOT worse than the refs could have ever been.

The refs didn't lose the game for us. We did.

Man up.

were we off last night? definitely!!

with fair refs, however, we could have had a shot at winning. Not a win, but a shot.

[SWedd523]

I guess I've grown up a different way. I always say: "Forget about what you can't control and do your best with what you can."

We're not going to get any calls. That's been a fact for awhile now. But does it do any good to cry about it? No.

When I play ball and I get fouled, I don't bitch about it and want the ball back. I tough it out and play tough D. I would expect fellow Bobcats' fans to realize that complaining about the refs' calls won't do any good.

The team sucked last night regardless of the calls. Let it go and move on to the next game please. ;)


Or as Slam so eloquently put it: Man up.

[teej]

I guess I've grown up a different way. I always say: "Forget about what you can't control and do your best with what you can."

We're not going to get any calls. That's been a fact for awhile now. But does it do any good to cry about it? No.

When I play ball and I get fouled, I don't bitch about it and want the ball back. I tough it out and play tough D. I would expect fellow Bobcats' fans to realize that complaining about the refs' calls won't do any good.

The team sucked last night regardless of the calls. Let it go and move on to the next game please. ;)


Or as Slam so eloquently put it: Man up.

Yea we sucked last night regardless, but so did they without calls, thats my point :g:

[SWedd523]

Yea we sucked last night regardless, but so did they without calls, thats my point :g:
Tough it out kid! Life's not fair in the real world.


Back on track! How far behind are we now with the loss?

[teej]

Tough it out kid! Life's not fair in the real world.


Back on track! How far behind are we now with the loss?

Still 3.5 by my calculations...but I'm only good in Algebra right now

and since when were Professional Sports (thats an oxymoron) the real world? I'm plenty tough in the real world.

[SWedd523]

Still 3.5 by my calculations...but I'm only good in Algebra right now

and since when were Professional Sports (thats an oxymoron) the real world? I'm plenty tough in the real world.
When human beings were part of it. They have a job, and they do it. It doesn't make a difference if they make $50k a year or $500k.

They breathe, they think, they bleed, they have thoughts and biases. There's nothing we can do about it.



I guess I was just brought up in a differently? I hate complaining about things and I hate complaints. That's just me

[teej]

When human beings were part of it. They have a job, and they do it. It doesn't make a difference if they make $50k a year or $500k.

They breathe, they think, they bleed, they have thoughts and biases. There's nothing we can do about it.



I guess I was just brought up in a differently? I hate complaining about things and I hate complaints. That's just me

When that 50k is paid by someone telling them to be unfair...(David Stern)

[SWedd523]

unfair

again.. welcome to the real world;)

[teej]

again.. welcome to the real world;)

Yes, but in most professions thats illegal and punishable by fines/imprisonment, but not sports...its called "entertainment". :confused:

[davcbow]

Thats an argument no one is gonna win, so check out this link and think of better thoughts...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0811/nba.dancers.lady.cats/content.15.html

[BobcatsAllDay]

I seriously expect us to be 4-1 at the least (with the loss coming vs the Suns maybe) at the end of the week. If we can pull this off I will feel better about our chances to make a serious push towards the post season.

[teej]

I seriously expect us to be 4-1 at the least (with the loss coming vs the Suns maybe) at the end of the week. If we can pull this off I will feel better about our chances to make a serious push towards the post season.

as long as we show up to play, mentally and physically, these next few games.

[BRNC]

I think they'd better start showing up to play every game...it does not matter how tough...close...how much fight...how much grind...how long road trips are...anything besides a win is a lose period at this point...with five teams between us and a playoff spot...and my best guess is at least one or two (if not all five) would like to make the playoffs also...

[Muttley]

I think they'd better start showing up to play every game...it does not matter how tough...close...how much fight...how much grind...how long road trips are...anything besides a win is a lose period at this point...with five teams between us and a playoff spot...and my best guess is at least one or two (if not all five) would like to make the playoffs also...
As pissed off as Larry was in the post-game presser after the Orlando game, I think he's probably got the team in check and better focused to play today. (At least, I hope that's the case.)

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Just terrible.

And Muttley, if LB chewed their asses out after the Orlando game, I fear what he will do to them after tonight's debacle.

[teej]

standings arent too much worse than yesterday though, if you look on the bright side...but LB is pissed I'm guessing

[ohara831]

I hear you Teej, but we did lose a game to the Bucks. How do they keep winning without BOTH Redd and Bogut? Can't understand it. But the difficult thing is that we needed to go 20-10 after the break, and we started 1-3. Time is running out. And Toronto is right on our butts.

[BRNC]

I hear you Teej, but we did lose a game to the Bucks. How do they keep winning without BOTH Redd and Bogut? Can't understand it. But the difficult thing is that we needed to go 20-10 after the break, and we started 1-3. Time is running out. And Toronto is right on our butts.

How about by coaching and character...what many less talented teams have to do...I could certainly use a heavy does for our collection of players at this point...

[Muttley]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Just terrible.

And Muttley, if LB chewed their asses out after the Orlando game, I fear what he will do to them after tonight's debacle.

Yeah, Ohara, I don't even know what to say. The past two games have been complete crap.

[davcbow]

Yeah, Ohara, I don't even know what to say. The past two games have been complete crap.

Like I said in another thread, ever since the trade deadline....:cool:

[polarcat]

well going into tonight's game with phoenix, we are currently ---

4.5 games behind milwaukee (#8 )
5.5 games behind philadelphia (#7)
6 games behind detroit (#6)

teams above us that play tonight:

toronto hosts minnesota (1 game ahead of toronto)
miami hosts detroit (#5 seed versus #6 seed)
chicago hosts orlando (3 games behind chicago)

honestly, i hate scoreboard watching and would rather we just take care of our business.

[ohara831]

well going into tonight's game with phoenix, we are currently ---

4.5 games behind milwaukee (#8 )
5.5 games behind philadelphia (#7)
6 games behind detroit (#6)

teams above us that play tonight:

toronto hosts minnesota (1 game ahead of toronto)
miami hosts detroit (#5 seed versus #6 seed)
chicago hosts orlando (3 games behind chicago)

honestly, i hate scoreboard watching and would rather we just take care of our business.


I hear you big man. But the facts are that we dont control our own destiny. We have to win and need those ahead of us to lose. Gotta scoreboard watch. I know it gets depressing when teams you need to lose keep winning - like those damn Bucks. Something funky is going on there as they just keep winning even without Bogut and Redd. Like a wise man said a little earlier in this Thread, there is a lot of heart on that team, and good coaching.

[teej]

how are we after tonight?

[ohara831]

how are we after tonight?


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Behind Toronto now. Ugh. But at least we played better.

[ziggy]

Now we are 14th in the east and a full 5 games out of the 8th spot.

Its not looking good.

[Robertpel9]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2009&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Behind Toronto now. Ugh. But at least we played better.

As i said in the game thread this season is about next season, we are not a playoff team or ready to be one at this point. I wish we were but the reality of it is that we are not.

We need to focus on geling as a team, getting the coaching staff to understand how to maximize the rotation (They still are figuring this out) and int he offseason we have to make one more move. We need a star and we need toughness down low. I love Okafor but he is not a Center in the NBA. Particularly when you pair him with Diaw who is probably the best all around player on the team but not a big tough guy down low. We really have a very weak inside prescence. Actually the sad thing in good old Juwan Howard plays better down low than the others he just does not get the minutes

I am sick of thinking about or being happy that "we played better" or "we tried" or "it's the rofficiating". No it is that we still are at best mediocre and have a lot of growing up and learning to do and also are still a solid trade or aquisition away from really being a team that gets any respect.

I love the team and continue to support them with my time, money and emotion. Let's stop drinking the kool-aid though. We still suck at this point and have a lot of work to do. Lets focus on that work and a longer term outlook, next season vs making poor short term decisions to tryand make this year happen cause it is not going to.

Play DJ minutes and see what he really has. Figure out what to do with Felton and Okafor and we will make a run next year

[davcbow]

As i said in the game thread this season is about next season, we are not a playoff team or ready to be one at this point. I wish we were but the reality of it is that we are not.

I agree...


We need to focus on geling as a team, getting the coaching staff to understand how to maximize the rotation (They still are figuring this out) and int he offseason we have to make one more move. We need a star and we need toughness down low. I love Okafor but he is not a Center in the NBA. Particularly when you pair him with Diaw who is probably the best all around player on the team but not a big tough guy down low. We really have a very weak inside prescence. Actually the sad thing in good old Juwan Howard plays better down low than the others he just does not get the minutes.

Yep I agree totally....


I am sick of thinking about or being happy that "we played better" or "we tried" or "it's the rofficiating". No it is that we still are at best mediocre and have a lot of growing up and learning to do and also are still a solid trade or aquisition away from really being a team that gets any respect.

I think its a combination of bad play, lack of geling together, and the fact that the recent teams have a much better center than we have. I do however think the bad calls we've been getting in the games have helped to kill our hopes....


I love the team and continue to support them with my time, money and emotion. Let's stop drinking the kool-aid though. We still suck at this point and have a lot of work to do. Lets focus on that work and a longer term outlook, next season vs making poor short term decisions to try and make this year happen cause it is not going to.

I agree.....


Play DJ minutes and see what he really has. Figure out what to do with Felton and Okafor and we will make a run next year

I think we should not only play DJ but also play Lex and get him more experience too, at the same time play Mek at the 4 more to see what he would play like at the 4 and decide weather to keep him or trade him because we do need a better center.... :cool:

[spectre]

I think we should not only play DJ but also play Lex and get him more experience too, at the same time play Mek at the 4 more to see what he would play like at the 4 and decide weather to keep him or trade him because we do need a better center.... :cool:

I agree with giving the young guys some PT, but I just don't see Mek as a 4.

From Bonnell's blog:


Then there's the downside. He's 6-10 and not a great leaper, but he has to play center based on his limitations away from the basket. He gets his shot blocked often because he plays mostly below the rim. And he's a liability as a foul-shooter.

Not to mention the ball movement we'd lose with him at the 4 and Boris either coming off the pine or at the 3.

IMO he's a C or nothing on a successful team.

[teej]

What centers could we get for Mek?? Obviously we could get pretty much any salary, but we'd need a biggggg man that's young

and the playoffs are out of reach unless we get struck by Jesus

[spectre]

I wouldn't say it's totally out of reach.

This thread needs a positive boost:

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=885639


Now, the statistics that you cant really argue with...
1) 68% of the 25 games (17 out of 25) remaining are against teams with an under .500 record!!
2) Our schedule up to this point has been the 4th most difficult schedule in the NBA with opponents winning % at a .525 mark (yes, I did the math myself..I was very bored at home last night waiting for the game)
3) Our REAMINING schedule is the 3rd most EASIEST schedule in the NBA with remaining opponents winning % at a .451 mark.

[teej]

thats good, but we're far out of it

I'd be the happiest guy in town (since none of you ive here I think, no competition :) ) if we did, I'm just frustrated and not optimistic now

[BETCATS]

at this point, i think the best thing that can happen is we get the 9th seed.

Realistically i dont see us making the playoffs and the 9th seed gives us something to build off of next year, when we will make the playoffs.

[SWedd523]

What centers could we get for Mek?? Obviously we could get pretty much any salary, but we'd need a biggggg man that's young

and the playoffs are out of reach unless we get struck by Jesus
Caveman or Camby... Toronto might attempt a sign and trade with Bosh. Phoenix had thoughts to unload Amare or Shaq (I'd definitely take the former), Jermaine O'Neal? Um.. I'm not too sure