Playoff picture

[LB4President]

It seems like every article I read is already writing off the Bobcats in terms of a possible playoff appearance. We are what 4 games out of 8th place with over two months of basketball to be played right? I mean after the All Star break when we get Wallace and Bell back we can make a push. It starts with winning these last to games before the break (Clippers and Wizards). If we can stop the bleeding with those games until we get back to full force, I see us still in the hunt.

Is this a pipe dream or do you guys think we are out of the playoffs?

[TattoodCatswife]

It seems like every article I read is already writing off the Bobcats in terms of a possible playoff appearance. We are what 4 games out of 8th place with over two months of basketball to be played right? I mean after the All Star break when we get Wallace and Bell back we can make a push. It starts with winning these last to games before the break (Clippers and Wizards). If we can stop the bleeding with those games until we get back to full force, I see us still in the hunt.

Is this a pipe dream or do you guys think we are out of the playoffs?

I think we are totally not out of it and that we still definitely have a chance. I think because we are the bobcats that is why the articles are saying we can't make the playoffs

[TattoodCats4life]

Not only do we have a shot, if everyone is healthy from all star to playoffs and we play the way we know they should be able to, (talking 30 bench points), we'll be shooting like stars up to 6th/7th seed.

[teej]

If we stay healthy and avoid games like Utah, then there is no reason we won't make the playoffs...we could be 3 out by the ASG and then we get Raja back...and Gerald soon after that...looking good in Charlotte...

edit: just looked at the schedule and baring injury, I think we can realistically win 18 games, maybe more...and if that doesn't put us into the playoffs then I don't know what will...

[millst2]

Well I think it is highly possible. We I think are 8 games between us and 5th and people are starting to take notice. Before bobcats were a laughing stock of the league but now people know they cant come into the game just expecting to win. The bobcats have been knocking teams on their heels.

I loved the Miami game, even though we did not win it the announcers were saying that " The Bobcats come out to play every night, they are a team that the opponents are starting to pay attention to. They come in and play hard 100% and have upset quite a few teams, and they are only getting better. larry Brown and the Bobcats organization is making them into contenders"

^ Not Verbatim^ but you get the jist

Bell, Diaw, Okafor, Putin, Felts, DJ, Cartier, Diop and the rest want to prove the naysayers wrong. Which is good for us bobcats fans since we get to watch them avenge the temas that wouldn't play them. I think they know if they can score and do what the teams that let them go said they couldn't,, it keeps a chip on their shoulders.

I for one am pumped!!

Also I know May played a few minutes tonight, he looked pretty decent getting up and down the floor. That would be an added bonus with him knocking the rust off and keeping the weight off. Like wallace said " no amount of practice can substitute for actual playing time against another team" so hopefully we either see May get some productive minutes or we free up the contract space.

Playoff Bound!!!:biggrin:

[ohara831]

Prior to Crash's injury, we were 1.5 out of 8th and like 2 out of 7th. Now, we are like 3.5 out of 8th and 6.5 out of 7th. We were in 10th in the East, but have been leap frogged by Chi and NY.

It is not impossible, but we have to really go on a solid winning streak. Actually, a few of them. Like winning 4 of 5 maybe in 3 different increments. It's not just us winning, but we need others to lose. And not being in control of your own destiny sucks. But that is our situation, and we can only do the best we can with it. Try to close out this first half with another win like last night, then get Crash and Raja back and see if we can make some hay.

[spectre]

This looks like a good place for this blurb off of QCH (http://www.queencityhoops.com/GameRecap020809.php):


Final note: The Bobcats are becoming an assisting force. 26 assists last night, on just 38 made field goals. For the season, the Bobcats have assisted on 60.8% of their makes, 4th in the league for the season. Even better: Since the trade for Diaw, that number is up to 65% and the best mark in the league over the time frame. Even the most recent of newcomers is getting into the act, as Diop found Boris diving under the rim for an easy score.

I think we're going to really challenge after the AS break when Crash & Raja come back.

[dav7z]

This looks like a good place for this blurb off of QCH (http://www.queencityhoops.com/GameRecap020809.php):



I think we're going to really challenge after the AS break when Crash & Raja come back.


We should win 20 more games including the Wizzards game. This team is like a puzzle with the last pieces being put into place. With a nice finished product.
My prodiction is 40 wins . I think that will be enough to get us in .

[WAM9]

I think 18 more wins is realistic with 20 more not being completely out of the picture. With 18 wins, I think we probably get the 8th spot. With 20 more wins, we definitely make the playoffs.

Health, for us, will be the key. Specifically how long it takes Wallace to get back and if he can stay healthy for the stretch run.

[BRNC]

I don't think it is impossible just highly improbable...injuries (the nagging type) will remain a slight problem but it comes with older players...and I think it will take at least 40 wins for the eighth spot this year and another 20 will be tough...but not impossible...

[davcbow]

I agree folks with your acessments, I see any where from 18-21 wins depending on how hungry we are and how healthy we remain. We do need GW and Bell back asap and we are going to make some serious noise in the NBA.... Good call LB, MJ and the rest of the FO, you guys are doing a great job...:cool:

[teej]

I think once we make this final trade (whatever it may be) we could have a shot at 22-24 wins if we stay healthy knowing LB's ability to get the best and then some out of his players...Lets go Cats

[Ghost Kat]

After losing GW and 5 straight games I was doubting the chances. But DJ has come back strong. We've made another trade picked up Rad. Martin has been a nice surpise and i think he has a place on this team. I think there's is a good chance after the break. We have to play all but one of the teams ahead of us. Adding these bench players means the starters can have more energy in the 4th. We haven't been blown out in a long time, Thats credit to LB.

[teej]

We haven't been blown out in a long time, Thats credit to LB.

Well, except for Portland and Utah :cool:

[Ghost Kat]

Well, except for Portland and Utah :cool:

True, Guess I over looked them. Just seems like in the past it was every other game.

I'll restate what I said, We've been blown out alot less this year then any other year in our short history.

[Slam]

Here is what is left for the season:

Feb 11 vs Washington (w)

Feb 17 at Orlando

Feb 18 vs Indiana (w)

Feb 20 vs Orlando

Feb 22 at Houston (w)

Feb 24 at Phoenix (w)

Feb 25 at Sacramento (w)

Feb 27 at Golden State (w)

Feb 28 at LA Clippers (w)

Mar 3 vs Chicago (w)

Mar 6 vs Atlanta

Mar 7 at New York (w)

Mar 10 at San Antonio

Mar 13 vs Houston (w)

Mar 14 at Minnesota (w)

Mar 16 vs Toronto (w)

Mar 18 vs Sacramento (w)

Mar 20 at Toronto (w)

Mar 21 vs Indiana (w)

Mar 25 at Washington (w)

Mar 27 at Philadelphia

Mar 28 vs New York (w)

Mar 31 vs LA Lakers

Apr 1 at Boston

Apr 3 vs Miami (w)

Apr 5 at Detroit (w)

Apr 7 vs Philadelphia

Apr 10 at Oklahoma City (w)

Apr 11 at Chicago

Apr 13 at New Jersey (w)

Apr 15 at Orlando

So looking at that, I think we have 21 wins left in us which would give us 41 for the season.

The Feb 22-28 road trip will be SUPER important.

[BRNC]

Feb 18 vs Indiana (w)
Feb 22 at Houston (w)
Feb 24 at Phoenix (w)
Mar 13 vs Houston (w
Mar 21 vs Indiana (w)
Apr 3 vs Miami (w)
Apr 5 at Detroit (w)

I'm worried about these games...I wouldn't assume that they are Ws...

[chabber]

We were something like 10-7 since the trade when Wallace went down and we were missing DJ a good portion of those games. Hopefully we'll get Wallace and Bell back soon and with the additions of Diop and Vlade we'll keep improving but I don't know about 20 more wins.

We have 31 games left and your talking about winning 65% of them. We'd have to be playing far and away better than the streak we were on after the Suns trade. Still that'd be pretty damn impressive to get all of these new guys and injured players to gel together that quickly with the majority of the games on the road. Of course if there ever was a coach for to do it. It'd be Larry Brown. :D

My prediction is that we miss the playoffs but barely. The injury to Wallace is what did us in and knocked us back down the hole we were climbing out of. Now it's like we've got to start all over and I just don't think we have enough time because the Nets and Philly probably aren't going to fall that hard in the standing. Even the Bucks are still right in the mix though they have a lot of injuries to overcome.

[Ampsportsduo]

The ability to assess the Cats chances will be much easier after the trade deadline. If these other teams move someone or bring someone in it could dramatically change everything. It's also a shame that Elton Brand is done, that helped the Sixers.

[teej]

But if Brand is gone, does that not help the Cats? i hate to see injuries, but I'll take an even share all around I guess...