If the playoffs started today: 2009-2010 edition

[ziggy]

Despite suffering through that 7 game losing streak we are still only 1/2 a game out of the 8 seed. If we continue playing anywhere close to the level that we have over these last 3 games, then I have no doubts that we'll get in. This is how the east looks so far.

1. * Orlando --
2. Atlanta --
3. * Boston --
4. * Cleveland 1.0
5. Miami 2.5
6. Milwaukee 3.0
7. Chicago 5.0
8. Indiana 5.0
9. Toronto 5.5
10. Charlotte 5.5
11. Washington 6.0
12. Detroit 7.0
13. Philadelphia 7.0
14. New York 9.0
15. New Jersey 12.0

[ohara831]

Thank you for bringing it back. I was hoping to restart this badboy and enjoy some scoreboard watching as we try to make a run at the Playoffs! Important to win tonight against the Wizards as we have Boston and Phoenix lurking. Gotta keep up the momentum.

[Demon DeaCat]

I was just thinking about this myself last night. We're in surprisingly good shape given the rough start. Looking at the teams ahead of us, I don't think Indiana is as good as their record, and Jennings' heroics aside, I'm not sure Milwaukee is either. With the addition of Jackson, I definitely think we're a top 8 team.

Tonight is the type of game that will define whether we're a playoff team or not. A road game against a struggling team on the day after a big win. The table is set for a letdown, but these are the games we've got to figure out a way to win if we're going to be playing in May. This is also a great opportunity to create some separation with Detroit and Philly. With Gordon and Williams out they should both struggle. We've got a chance to win 3 of our next 4 so this will be a pivotol stretch.

[BRNC]

The teams 6-9 (as the list stands) are all very suspect for one or more reasons...just as other teams know that our PG play is erratic...our season may very well depend on how consistent our PG play becomes...but we match-up and can overtake any team up to #6...so I do not think that 6th seed is out of the question...

The game today (back-to-back and on the road) will give me a clear indication of how badly everyone on our team actually wants a playoff seed...if we don't start "stealing" some road wins we will be at home again...

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

1. * Orlando --
2. Atlanta --
3. * Boston --
4. * Cleveland 1.0
5. Miami 2.5
6. Milwaukee 3.0
7. Chicago 5.0
8. Indiana 5.0
9. Toronto 5.5
10. Charlotte 5.5
11. Washington 6.0
12. Detroit 7.0
13. Philadelphia 7.0
14. New York 9.0
15. New Jersey 12.0

I was just thinking about this today...Remember all the offseason talk about how every team in the eastern conference had gotten better ..and the bobcats had not acquired any talent?

well, i think everyone forgot to take into account the difference - coaching

once again, Larry Brown makes the most out of what he has. Detroit is loaded with talent (granted a lot of injuries) , Toronto made a bunch of moves. Neither team is really living up to the expectations..

I like our playoffs chances after this three-game winning stretch...it's still too early, but if we keep winning games at home..we're on to something..

[Toocool]

If the cats continue to play the way they are now, I expect us to do decently in the playoffs, perhaps second round. Although I remember the Kings making a run into the Finals in...2004 (don't cite me on that), only to loose to the Lakers due to dodgy refereeing. That aside, if we can continue to put in this consistent level of play and continue to improve, good things will happen.

[Demon DeaCat]

I was just thinking about this today...Remember all the offseason talk about how every team in the eastern conference had gotten better ..and the bobcats had not acquired any talent?

well, i think everyone forgot to take into account the difference - coaching


At the point people were saying that, it was true. The team we started the season with was REALLY bad and would have struggled to win 25 games. We didn't do much in the off-season to help ourselves. The difference has been the Jax trade.

[KT#20]

once again, Larry Brown makes the most out of what he has.

You mean like last season when we started off 7-16 despite having a home riddled schedule, and despite the fact that we were a more talented team than the one under Vincent? Yeah, I guess he gets the most out of what he has. *shrugs*

Our "finding the light" has much more to do with the addition of Stephen Jackson than it does with Larry Brown.

[BRNC]

...and the Jax trade was not available in the off-season...you have to make trades when they're available...and the guys we went after in the off-season signed with other teams...I don't think that will be as much of a problem after this year...

Crash and Jax on our team will be attractive to other players...we have a solid core group with solid youth (UPS and Hendo)...we've made ourselves more attractive and that is what we had to do first...and a trade was the only way to accomplish it...Jackson is big because he is a player that makes his teammates better...and I'm always for that kind of trade...

The guys we've ended up with (Jackson, Diaw, and Law) actually make the JRich trade a good one...if we continue to get talent for talent we will be in good shape...but the trades (Twiggy and Hammer for Diop) for the sake of trading have got to stop...just my opinion...

[Demon DeaCat]

The Jax trade wasn't available in the off-season, but AI was. That's a move we could have made that would have made us better and we didn't. In the end it worked out since we got Jax, but I don't think that makes the criticism of our off-season stategy any less valid.

[bing!]

You mean like last season when we started off 7-16 despite having a home riddled schedule, and despite the fact that we were a more talented team than the one under Vincent? Yeah, I guess he gets the most out of what he has. *shrugs*

Our "finding the light" has much more to do with the addition of Steven Jackson than it does with Larry Brown.

^ blasphemer!

... BCP still has Larry's back, right? (or am I making a fool out of myself?)

[WarioVsMooChicken]

oh, that's just KT#29

Most of us tend to ignore him

[BRNC]

Their is an assumption that a guy who is a great one-on-one player that has never made other guys around him better somehow fits our team philosophy...which depends on team play and passing the ball...AI does neither so not signing him has helped our team...which I consider to be a very positive off-season move...not making the wrong move is just as important as making the correct move...

The AI supporters have a legitimate right to support him...but it remains that

1) he does not fit the team philosophy we have...

2) if LB wanted him he would have been signed...

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

At the point people were saying that, it was true. The team we started the season with was REALLY bad and would have struggled to win 25 games. We didn't do much in the off-season to help ourselves. The difference has been the Jax trade.

you missed part of the argument... other teams who made significant moves in the preseason are not performing up to expectations - you can blame coaching there.

regarding last years start - historically LB starts slow as he tinkers with the lineups.

its amazing how little credit you guys give to LB

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

Their is an assumption that a guy who is a great one-on-one player that has never made other guys around him better somehow fits our team philosophy...which depends on team play and passing the ball...AI does neither so not signing him has helped our team...which I consider to be a very positive off-season move...not making the wrong move is just as important as making the correct move...

The AI supporters have a legitimate right to support him...but it remains that

1) he does not fit the team philosophy we have...

2) if LB wanted him he would have been signed...

agreed. Jax has show to be a much better fit so far. he actually PASSES and PRACTICES.

AI is a good player, but he would not have had the impact that jax has had so far..

[Demon DeaCat]

We can debate whether AI would have helped or not. What isn't debatable though is the following:

1) We did not acquire a player via a trade or through free agency this off-season that was more talented than AI

2) The team we broke camp with to start the season was hapless and pathetic and could not have been significantly worse with AI, which begs the question, what did we have to lose?

There is also an assumption that we had the luxury to stand pat. We did not, and our poor play the first 9 games of this season bears that out. Given how poorly we played, it's very difficult for anyone to argue that not signing AI helped our team. How could we have been worse? I agree that trading for Jax did help, but at the time we passed on AI we had no way of knowing we'd be able to pull off such a trade. The question isn't AI vs. Jax. The question is, given what we had at the time, did it make sense to pass on AI. The proof is in the pudding. The team we started the year with, the one that fit our "philosophy" was unbearable to watch.

[bing!]

It's staggering that even after the Memphis fiasco there are folk out there who regret not chasing after him in the first place (whether the act only proved this team's willingness to pursue what it blatantly lacked or not).

There's still time till trade deadline, the FO just might surprise the lot of ya.

[Demon DeaCat]

you missed part of the argument... other teams who made significant moves in the preseason are not performing up to expectations - you can blame coaching there.

regarding last years start - historically LB starts slow as he tinkers with the lineups.

its amazing how little credit you guys give to LB

I'm not attacking LB. I think he's done a fine job and I'm not in the camp calling for his head. I'm just saying that our turnaround is more attributable to the influx of talent (Jax) than it is to coaching. At the end of the day superior talent usually wins.

That being said, I'm not of the belief that just because LB says it it must be true. He's been wrong before. He wanted Diop and Diop is terrible. Just because he didn't want AI doesn't necessarily mean he was right.

As for the other teams, you might be able to attribute their shortcomings to poor coaching, I don't know. In the case of Det and Was, it could probably just as easily be attributed to injuries. Regardless, that doesn't really change what we should or shouldn't have done during the off-season.

[BRNC]

We can debate whether AI would have helped or not. What isn't debatable though is the following:
The question is, given what we had at the time, did it make sense to pass on AI. The proof is in the pudding. The team we started the year with, the one that fit our "philosophy" was unbearable to watch.

Again...you make an assumption that AI would have made the team better...starting the season injured for Memphis...(or starting injured here)...and you also make the assumption that it was the players (not LB with his infernal tinkering rather than using a sound rotation strategy)...

No one can argue that this team would be/could have been better because no one knows that...but AI not starting or being the "star" would have been a real issue for this (or any) team...and yes it could have been worse...

There is no given with AI on this team we would have traded for Jax..and IMO we needed Jax...we did not need AI for the team philosophy aspect before stated...

I hear your argument but you did not answer the most relevant question....If LB saw AI as the answer to our problems (off-season or early season) why did he pass instead of having him signed? Did he see more down-side than up as many of us do? I don't know...all I know is he was not signed and I'm glad that he was not...and I do see it as a Jax vs. AI...I think it more important to make a deal for a player (FA or trade) that clearly helps your team and ...yes..does fit your philosophy than making a move hoping it might work...we tried that with Diop and Vlad and got nowhere..

[KT#20]

oh, that's just KT#29

Most of us tend to ignore him

Look, I get that LB's your savior, and you hate the thought of him doing wrong, but believe it or not, he has. Just as the Knicks.

Seriously, though, no need to get personal, fag.

[BRNC]

The Jax trade wasn't available in the off-season, but AI was. That's a move we could have made that would have made us better and we didn't. In the end it worked out since we got Jax, but I don't think that makes the criticism of our off-season stategy any less valid.

Our off-season strategy was to bring in a PF...not another guard...and not signing a player at a position where you do not have a need is valid...attempting to sign a player at a position of need (PF) is a solid strategy...having no control where those players sign does not reflect on that strategy...nor does it negate that strategy...

We waited for a player (Jax) that fits our stratedy that can play/defend multiple positions...and we are a better team for sticking to our strategy rather than trying a "feel good" move (signing AI) that may or may not have worked...so I'm unclear on your criticism of the FO and Coaching staff for sticking with a strategy that has obviously worked rather than another "feel good" move that had as much chance of failure (if not more) than success....

[KT#20]

^ blasphemer!

... BCP still has Larry's back, right? (or am I making a fool out of myself?)

Like I said before, I'm still very much an LB supporter. But I'm also a realist. For whatever reason, some have a hard time seeing Brown for what he is. Which, BTW, in its entirety is a coach who is very, very knowledgeable about the game, and who in a couple of years could have us in contention for a date in the ECF. Maybe even as soon as next year.

[SWedd523]

KT actually has the point that many of us ILBITers won't admit. Our turnaround isn't from LB magically making the team better.

Our savior HAS been Jack. Without him, our record suffers...

[bing!]

^ no one here denies that jax took part in the recent flurry of cat-rage, but it'd be wrong to think that Larry didn't work some of his magic into the system.

Steph as a saviour... a nice thought, we'll see.

[dnbman]

These points might have been stated, but I just want to make sure they were:

1. AI was not a good choice to sign in the off-season, as Memphis perfectly showed. Just adding a guy does not make a team better; in fact, adding guys can make a team worse. As others already stated, we were also looking to add a PF with our last FA signing. What made the Jackson deal so appealing was trading two contracts that weren't helping us (Raja was all but this season) for a guy that is perfect for our team: a big swingman who can play the 2 naturally and do a lot of the little things. AI is not that kind of player.

2. I'm not sure that Jackson is the reason our team turned around, but there sure is a strong correlation. I think Jackson gives us a healthy horse who can contribute in a variety of ways. Plus, he has a bit of Raja's veteran chutzpa that we desperately need (connected to a healthy body!). The emergence of Nazr has taken pressure off of Chandler, who wasn't at 100% the first dozen games and probably still isn't. Basically, guys have contributed in the last few games in ways they hadn't previously. Jackson supposedly suggested to Brown that they play a little more lose and gamble on D a bit. If that continues to work, I guess we can assign credit to Jackson, but a lot of what this team needs to do is continue to grow its identity and figure out how each of its players are the most effective. For several players, we saw a blue print this past week.

I'm optimistic, but we still need a rugged PF. The playoffs are too much of a grind for us to make it with sheer athleticism and pugnacity. We need some brawn too!

[bing!]

http://www.marunde-muscle.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4797&stc=1

^ word is, the one on the left is still unsigned! BRAWN! :biggrin:

[SWedd523]

So you're saying LB suddenly got the team to change the way they play and turn it around?


Doubtful. The turnaround happened as soon as Jack got accustomed to the team. As soon as he started receiving double teams and freeing up space for other players (namely Crash) it rejuvenated the offense.

LB is a defensive coach, our defense hasn't changed. Our offense has, and that's because of Jack. Simple Math shows that if your defense stays the same and your offense gets better, you're going to be a better team.


We can thank Jack for the turnaround

[dnbman]

http://www.marunde-muscle.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4797&stc=1

^ word is, the one on the left is still unsigned! BRAWN! :biggrin:

Save it for your Facebook profile, Bing!

[Demon DeaCat]

we did not need AI for the team philosophy aspect before stated...

We'll agree to disagree on that point.



I hear your argument but you did not answer the most relevant question....If LB saw AI as the answer to our problems (off-season or early season) why did he pass instead of having him signed? Did he see more down-side than up as many of us do? I don't know...all I know is he was not signed and I'm glad that he was not...

As for why LB passed, I can't answer that. You'd have to ask LB that. I have assume the reason he passed on AI is because either he or the FO thought it wasn't the right move. Whatever the reason, I didn't agree with their decision. They've been wrong about other decisions so it isn't as if their judgment is infallible.


and I do see it as a Jax vs. AI...I think it more important to make a deal for a player (FA or trade) that clearly helps your team and ...yes..does fit your philosophy than making a move hoping it might work...we tried that with Diop and Vlad and got nowhere..

That sounds great since it worked out with Jax, but passing on AI in hopes of trading for a 20 ppg scorer once the season started was a gamble of Bill Belicek proportions. Especially since we didn't have very many tradable assets. It paid off and I'm glad it did but we basically went for it on 4th down from our 28. Even if you make it, it doesn't mean it was a wise decision.

[bing!]

LB getting barred from contributing to the renaissance on the account of his being a solely defensive minded coach, as it was the offense that improved the most, strikes me odd because I remember reading somewhere that he actually cropped the number of offensive plays to streamline the, you know, scoring effort...

jax = tool (a rather handy tool, but one nonetheless)

I ain't thinking straight, I don't even know why I'm adding to the counter-flow, damn my foggy mind, damn it to hell.

[spectre]

So you're saying LB suddenly got the team to change the way they play and turn it around?


Doubtful. The turnaround happened as soon as Jack got accustomed to the team. As soon as he started receiving double teams and freeing up space for other players (namely Crash) it rejuvenated the offense.

LB is a defensive coach, our defense hasn't changed. Our offense has, and that's because of Jack. Simple Math shows that if your defense stays the same and your offense gets better, you're going to be a better team.


We can thank Jack for the turnaround

This is it.

It's Jax, plain and simple...but it's also definitely LB's idea to have a great passing guy who can play in the post and draw a double team. What Jax is doing is what LB wants/wanted Boris to do. Boris is just too damn passive though plus he started out injured. If he'd have played his role we wouldn't have started out so badly.

It opens the paint and why Crash is suddenly getting 30 a night. It's why our guys are getting to the rim so easily. Pair that with our solid D and it's how a team without a superstar can succeed.

[polarcat]

i think a stephen jackson is the catalyst that has this recent success going. lb did have this defense as one of the best all season and it has kept us in the games. the lack of offense and crash being the focal point for opposing defenses has been fixed with jax's arrival, but i also think the fact that we actually take the leash off the bench guys finally is another reason we are doing so well. maybe jackson has used his veteran savvy to allow lb to be a little more loose, like dnbman stated, perhaps it leaked into brown's overall approach. fact is that our defense has stayed solid (lb's contribution) and our offense has exploded (jackson's arrival). the way that brown, hendo, nazzy and the rest of the bench has been allowed to finally contribute and not be relegated to garbage minutes is huge. the starting 5 was running on empty by the 4th quarter.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

And + in the point differential. Dont think we have seen that before!

[rsxnova]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

And + in the point differential. Dont think we have seen that before!

Sweet, only 5 games out of homefield advantage.

[spectre]

Wow...is that us sitting in that 7th spot? :biggrin:

Milwaukee has been playing subpar and have lost 3 in a row. Take care of Boston on Tuesday and own the 6th spot?

[BRNC]

Wow...is that us sitting in that 7th spot? :biggrin:

Milwaukee has been playing subpar and have lost 3 in a row. Take care of Boston on Tuesday and own the 6th spot?

...and it could happen...this team is finally clicking and it is definitely Jax...

[ammofan]

We are the 7th seed! Lets DESTROY the Boston CelticWoman on Tuesday!

Okay bad joke but beat them Celtics! :D

[Marvel]

It's obvious to me that our offense has only picked up due to S_Jax spreading the floor for Crash to penetrate and the reason why his offense has suddenly picked up.So the S-Jax trade along with LB's coaching has turned our pathetic-ness around to something quite awesome.

[x2pacalypse]

i was looking at our schedule, and if we win the games we are supposed to win, which is stating we lose to boston and phoenix (hopefully not happening) we should be 15-15 at the end of december, which will be a very lovely christmas present

[TheBeagle]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

And + in the point differential. Dont think we have seen that before! +1 Thanks for turning this thread back into what it's supposed to be, ohara....The PLAYOFFS, as opposed to discussion suited for other various threads.

[ziggy]

+1 Thanks for turning this thread back into what it's supposed to be, ohara....The PLAYOFFS, as opposed to discussion suited for other various threads.

good point Beagle.

On that note, here is the updated standings


Eastern Conference
Team GB
1. * Orlando --
2. Atlanta 0.5
3. * Boston 0.5
4. * Cleveland 1.0
5. Miami 3.0
6. Milwaukee 4.0
7. Charlotte 5.5 :funkybanana:
8. Chicago 5.5
9. Indiana 5.5
10. Toronto 6.0
11. Washington 7.0
12. Detroit 7.5
13. Philadelphia 7.5
14. New York 9.5
15. New Jersey 12.5

[tamburello]

I think Milwaukee will keep freefalling (I believe people hurried a lot to announce Jennings as the ROY already), and also possibly Miami, so that makes our chances even better. I don't think we'll maintain this performance during the rest of the season, but I believe we'll be in contention till the very last game for the last couple of spots.

Thank god we have a much balanced schedule than last few years.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings

Just as a sidenote, wanted to show that on Hollinger's Rankings at ESPN, we have moved onto the 1st page at #14!

[dnbman]

http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings

Just as a sidenote, wanted to show that on Hollinger's Rankings at ESPN, we have moved onto the 1st page at #14!

Great to hear, but I don't understand the high ranking considering how pitiful we started before the last four games.

[KT#20]

Great to hear, but I don't understand the high ranking considering how pitiful we started before the last four games.

It's because we've destroyed teams, except for the Cavs, during this four game winning streak.

[spectre]

Amazing the difference a few games make...

Which 8 Teams Will Make Playoffs? (http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=962662) - RGM Raptors' Board

Two pages so far and every one of them have picked the Bobcats to be in the playoffs...a couple as high as 5th.

Of course the Raptors' fans are probably the most knee jerk group there is besides Knicks' fans...but one things for sure we are definitely starting to get some respect.

[tamburello]

Great to hear, but I don't understand the high ranking considering how pitiful we started before the last four games.

I think it's because of that Hollinger ranking system is heavily statistics based. Considering our last victories are extremely lopsided ones and we have now even closed the margin between PPG and OPPG, which was once 7 or 8 I guess, that ranking is not surprising to me, but not important either. Hollinger rankings always suck.

[Walt Cronkite]

I think Milwaukee will keep freefalling (I believe people hurried a lot to announce Jennings as the ROY already), and also possibly Miami, so that makes our chances even better. I don't think we'll maintain this performance during the rest of the season, but I believe we'll be in contention till the very last game for the last couple of spots.

Thank god we have a much balanced schedule than last few years.

Bucks were on track to be a playoff team a year ago before injuries to Redd and Bogut ended things. Bucks got off to a solid start, but now Bogut is injured and the Bucks have been struggling--this is no coincidence. How long will the Aussie be out and how many more injuries are in his future this year? Injuries to Redd are offset by the kid with the swag.

Miami is a lock unless Flash misses time.

[Walt Cronkite]

Great to hear, but I don't understand the high ranking considering how pitiful we started before the last four games.

We have a pretty good record considering our SOS (14). Our SOS over the last 10 games is 15th and we've earned a scoring margin of +1.8 during those contests. Keep in mind, we're not really ranked very high, we're in the middle of the pack, which is still good enough for the playoffs in the NBA. The way we've been playing over the last 4, I definitely think that's a fair assessment.

[tamburello]

Bucks were on track to be a playoff team a year ago before injuries to Redd and Bogut ended things. Bucks got off to a solid start, but now Bogut is injured and the Bucks have been struggling--this is no coincidence. How long will the Aussie be out and how many more injuries are in his future this year? Injuries to Redd are offset by the kid with the swag.

Miami is a lock unless Flash misses time.

Bogut is an important piece and Bucks definitely miss him, but I don't think they will regain that form in which they have won consecutive games even after Redd and Bogut come back. It looks like Jennings has hit the rookie wall so early.

I agree with Miami part, all I'm saying is they might not keep the 5th spot, they can fall 7th or 8th.

[Walt Cronkite]

Bogut is an important piece and Bucks definitely miss him, but I don't think they will regain that form in which they have won consecutive games even after Redd and Bogut come back. It looks like Jennings has hit the rookie wall so early.

I agree with Miami part, all I'm saying is they might not keep the 5th spot, they can fall 7th or 8th.

Bogut has missed the last 6 games and Milwaukee lost in San Antonio by 4, in NO by 3 and by 2 at home against Orlando. Their one bad loss came at the end of the road trip against an underratedly good TFKAS. I don't think BJ the Baller has hit the wall as much as he's lost one of his primary P&R pals, if you notice his %s have also fallen since Bogut went out and his team went on this WC road trip. Anyway, I agree that we could leapfrog Milwaukee with the way we've been playing, I just think the Bucks are generally overlooked, which is ironic because they're built in a similar image as our own squad.

[BRNC]

I can see us as high as 6th seed...not sure about 4-5 though...I think to get to 4-5 we have to be extremely lucky not to get hit with injuries and other teams in front of us not so lucky...although...depending on the Celtics game Tuesday I might change my assessment...we're hitting the 15-20 game mark when I start to really evaluate the team and we are where I expected us to be...I picked us to win 40-44 games before we got Jax...depending on our next 5 games I might move it up a little...but I doubt I move it down...and I think 44-45 will get us 6th seed this year...

[chabber]

Gotta agree with Walt here. The Bucks have still looked good even though they are on a losing streak. I've watched more Bucks games this year than I did all of last year because of Jennings. Even before him though they were very underrated. It'll all hinge on when Bogut gets back. I think they could make do without Redd for a bit and still make the playoffs if Jennings stays anywhere near the level of play he seems to be capable of.

Miami will be there as well. I think any talk of a 4-5 seed is kind of out there. I'll be happy if we're still in contention for the 8th at the end of the season.

What about Detroit. How bad are the injuries to Prince, Rip and Gordon?

Anyway, Walt you were right about Ilyasova. If I had known what kind of a player he was I'd have been more than happy to draft him to the Legion of Doom!!

[millst2]

Well I look at it like this, Wallace on Arena Link the other night was saying that they were hoping diaw gets healthy and wallace thinks that will improve things a bit. I also think that chandler being more agressive adds a great deal of energy. Felton has been turning the ball over like a champ ( 1 in 4 games ), we are the second best defense in the league and we can make a statement Tuesday when we play the number 1 defense.

Defense wins championships and playoff games period. Look at the spurs, they have always been a defense first team and they won 4 in 10.

As far as the playoff race is concerned I look at it like this...

Celtics beat us the first time by 33, but now we have Jackson and they are more in rhythm

Cavs they beat us in the preseason by 5, 6, 11.. reg season before trade we lost by 11.. we were up 23 and won by 7 in the last game

Atlanta we lost by 17 preseason, won by 20 after the trade

Bulls lost by 3

Orlando lost by 12 and 6

Toronto we won by 35

I think the Magic give us the biggest issues, but even with Jackson making his first appearance with ZERO practices and not knowing how the team plays we could have won that game.

If we can go and get this win against Boston, regardless of how we make our run the rest of the season, I think We can easily hit the 4 seed. By the time playoffs come around I think you will see the Cats or Cavs in the 4th seed with Orlando, Boston and Atlanta making the top 3;

Barring any injuries I think we can easily beat Boston in a best of 7, Possibly anyother team outside of Orlando ( although we are playing better than them right now).

I think if we add a solid 4 ( which I think is what we are going to do ) we will make the top 4 . We will make it into the second round possibly beating Boston and it may be a stretch but beating Orlando in the Eastern Finals.

I know it sounds outrageous but if we play like we are now and have for the past 4 games I really do not see any threats coming from anyone but boston and the magic.

Flame away!!! :)

[BRNC]

I think any talk of a 4-5 seed is kind of out there. I'll be happy if we're still in contention for the 8th at the end of the season.


I've said all along I thought we were at best a 6th seed...and I'll have a better idea of where the team is going after game 20...but at this point other than Boston, Cleveland, Orlando, and Atlanta what teams in the East are clearly better than us...I've heard lots of conversation about how "other teams" improved but I've yet to really see it...and the Bucks...I'll wait and see where they are after the next five games also...I'm not saying they are a bad team but they seem to get an awful lot of injuries every year and fold down the stretch...and I do not see them as "clearly" better than us at this point...so yes...if we keep playing solidly as a team 5 seed is possible...but even I think four is a stretch...hope the team makes me eat my words on that though...LOL

[tamburello]

We'll see how Bucks will go on. All I hope is we stay injury-free, because that's the only way we can make playoffs, either from 5th or 8th spot.



Anyway, Walt you were right about Ilyasova. If I had known what kind of a player he was I'd have been more than happy to draft him to the Legion of Doom!!

A little off topic but... Ahh, I prayed thousand times that we sign Ersan when he was RFA 2 years ago and this year as well. But Ersan is married with a Belarusian-American lady from Milwaukee and has a daughter as well. He could have got much better offers from European teams (especially Greek giants were interested in him), but he opted for less money, staying with his family in Milwaukee and another chance in NBA.

At the moment he's the best player of Turkish national team, better than Hedo I mean.

[Toocool]

Bogut didn't turn into the superstar the Bucks were hoping him to become, but he's a great consistent player. Without him for a significant period, Bucks don't look like getting very far. Jennings can play, but he can't showcase a 55 point performance constantly. Bucks had a great team last year, Charlie V, Redd, Bogut and Richard Jefferson. That team should have made the playoffs, but injuries to Bogut and Redd killed them. More Bogut than Redd I suspect. We should definately make the playoffs without any injuries.

Not to mention Bucks have had an easy schedule to deal with this first part of the season. Expect them to drop, then keep dropping.

Not to be overly optimistic, but this team does have the potential to go high in the playoffs, probably at most 4. Like Mill is saying above, we can win a game of 7 verse the Celtics. Because of one thing, age. Three of the Celtic superstar line up are over 30. Playing a single playoff game takes a lot out of you. At 30, your body gets more tired, aging. Not to mention slower to get rid of lactic acid. Pierce, Garnett and Allen are all old. After they all retire, they'll have one player, Rondo to build around. Their reign will be over and it will be back to rebuilding for them.

[GoBobs]

We have looked really good these last four games but the most exciting part is we still have room for improvement. I think we are starting to see that if we don't turn the ball over 20 times a game we are able to pummel teams with average shooting and great D.

I think we have a chance to be better then the hawks. I don't see us finishing better then boston cleveland and orlando although I think we could beat any of those teams in a playoff series if we are playing our best basketball. The game aganist boston tuesday night will be a good mesuring stick.

[Fred Williamson]

guys, we shouldn't fall into euphoria yet. We've won 4 games in a row, so what?

Maybe it's just a short momentum and we continue sucking in the upcoming weeks. So let us wait and watch if the guys are able to keep this level.

[davcbow]

I agree, we are playing good ball right now but that dont mean it will last but I am sure hopeful it will...:cool:

[BRNC]

Once (as a team) you "learn" how to play good ball you don't just stop...sometimes that "learning" comes in the form of a missing player...in our case Jax...when has anyone seen this team "unlearn" playing defense?

We've started playing better because we are now a better team...not very complicated...are we still going to have some stinker games...probably...but for me this is not a euphoria...this is the talent that we already had and adding a much needed player...and it has paid off as I thought it would...

I'm not saying we will win it all...I'm not saying that we are now the 5th best team in the East...but clearly there are four teams (Celtics, Cavs, Magic, and Hawks) that have more talent than the rest...

Then (Bobcats, Heat, Bucks, Pistons, and Bulls) are pretty equal in the talent area...and with all these teams I'm taking coaching and bench depth into the "talent" consideration...none of the five teams I've lumped us with is head and shoulders above any one of the other four...

The 76s, Raptors, Wizards, and Pacers just don't seem to be able to pull it together...but these are not bad teams...

It will not be easy to get the 8th seed...much less the 6-7th seed...what I'm saying is this: We now have the talent to get as high as the 5th seed with our talent IMO...will we do that...I have no idea...every year teams with equal talent make it (pretty injury free) or they don't because they are bitten with injuries...and that is where (for me) we have to be lucky...but at least (in my estimation) we finally have a team that can compete night in and night out...

[bozzy]

guys, we shouldn't fall into euphoria yet. We've won 4 games in a row, so what?


But you don't have to be a good team to make the playoffs in the east. Even if the Bobcats are inconsistent, they can make the playoffs this year.

[Woodsy23]

its gonna be embarassing when we become the nets' first win, no honestly i can see it happening, beat the celtics then lose to the nets.

i'm an optomist:biggrin:

[BRNC]

its gonna be embarassing when we become the nets' first win, no honestly i can see it happening, beat the celtics then lose to the nets.
i'm an optomist:biggrin:

I really would not hold my breath on that one...no team is going to want to be the "first" so the nets will face "A" games against every team they see until it happens...and if we do beat the Celtics...I think the last thing this team would do is turn it down...I'd look for them to top that score they put on the Raptors...

[BIGCatBobcat]

I hate, hate hate, Boston. We're nearing the 1/4 pole and the 'Cats are sitting in 7th on the rail. I can see it going one of two ways: Up, where we beat Boston and continue a really nice run or Staying the same. If we beat the teams we're supposed to and there's no real run or a definite scare in the teams above us that we face then we hover around 7-8-9 in the East until the last 2 weeks of the year. Last 2 weeks of the year are a crap shoot at that point and with no Raja or Okafor to hold the rest of the guys back, we're solid.

[spectre]

guys, we shouldn't fall into euphoria yet. We've won 4 games in a row, so what?

Maybe it's just a short momentum and we continue sucking in the upcoming weeks. So let us wait and watch if the guys are able to keep this level.

Of course you're right, but just remember around a week ago a lot were calling to fire the coach and blow up the team.

Inconsistency is a big part of being a NBA fan. You roll with the flow. Last week we sucked; this week we're gold!

I do think we're starting to get it, but an injury or two can derail it in a heartbeat.

[Jennings]

It does look encouraging that we came out and beat Washington the other night after the big win over Cleveland. Hopefully they are learning to get up for every game. Jack probably helped out a little with that. Hopefully they can keep that trend going.

[SCBobcat]

My deep thought for the day is that I would almost want the 8th seed over the 6th or 7th.
If we can assume a goal of winning a round and giving ourselves the best chance possible of winning the second round, then 8th is better than 6th or 7th.
Hopefully we can agree there will be three tiers of Eastern Conference Playoff teams. Tier 1 is Orlando, Boston and Cleveland in any order. Tier 2 is Atlanta. Tier 3 is whatever teams fill the 5th - 8th spots.
1 plays 8 and the winner gets the victor of the 4-5 matchup. 2 plays 7 and gets the winner of the 3-6 matchup. So, in order to win 2 rounds from spot 6 or 7 you have to beat two Tier 1 teams. But, in order to make it from spot 8, at worst you have to beat a Tier 1 and a Tier 2 team (or at best a Tier 1 and another Tier 3 if the 5th seed upsets Atlanta).
All of this is premature and overly optomistic, but it is my deep thought nontheless. I won't lose any sleep over missing out on 6 or 7 as long as we are in the postseason. And of course the 5th seed would be AWESOME.

[BRNC]

Well thought out...and in recent history we play good ball (not saying we win but being in the game) against Celtics and Cavs...not so good against Magic...but I'd take (as I think most of us would) any seed at this point...and be happy we had it...:rim:

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Well, the loss did not knock us from 7th. But gotta win the next game!

[dnbman]

My deep thought for the day is that I would almost want the 8th seed over the 6th or 7th.
If we can assume a goal of winning a round and giving ourselves the best chance possible of winning the second round, then 8th is better than 6th or 7th.
Hopefully we can agree there will be three tiers of Eastern Conference Playoff teams. Tier 1 is Orlando, Boston and Cleveland in any order. Tier 2 is Atlanta. Tier 3 is whatever teams fill the 5th - 8th spots.
1 plays 8 and the winner gets the victor of the 4-5 matchup. 2 plays 7 and gets the winner of the 3-6 matchup. So, in order to win 2 rounds from spot 6 or 7 you have to beat two Tier 1 teams. But, in order to make it from spot 8, at worst you have to beat a Tier 1 and a Tier 2 team (or at best a Tier 1 and another Tier 3 if the 5th seed upsets Atlanta).
All of this is premature and overly optomistic, but it is my deep thought nontheless. I won't lose any sleep over missing out on 6 or 7 as long as we are in the postseason. And of course the 5th seed would be AWESOME.

I appreciate the thinking, but really we'd be playing a team that was good enough to beat a tier 1 team in the second round. That can be just as deadly, especially if they're peaking at the right time.

It's always good to go into the playoffs with the best seed you can unless one of the high seed teams were to have some kind of significant injury. Then it might be good to draw them in the first round.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Picked up a .5 game on Bucks with their loss, but dropped a spot to the Bulls. That's OK, they go to Cleveland Fri while we go to NJ. Cannot even think about us losing to NJ, or I'll throw up.

[ohara831]

Too embarrassed to even put it up right now. We stink. I cant say it any clearer.

[BETCATS]

still in 8th place :p:paddle::facepalm::g::rolleyes::confused::o

[spectre]

still in 8th place :p:paddle::facepalm::g::rolleyes::confused::o

Perfect blown opportunity to gain a full game over the other wannabes.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Back in 7th again.

[spectre]

And Toronto beats the Bulls by 32.

Least we've only had our asses kicked by Boston.

The next 3 games all look tough, but nows the time to get some space because everyone around us seems to be struggling.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Thanks for the help Cavs!

[JamieMcNeill]

Wow. I totally messed up the pages and thought someone had brought up AI again. Please disregard my unnecessary remark if you had the misfortune of reading it.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Tied for 6th spot!

[Marvel]

If we can get a banger down low(not a pussy like Diaw) we could crack the top 4-5

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

If we can get a banger down low(not a pussy like Diaw) we could crack the top 4-5

diaw's contributions cannot just be measured in rebounds. this is not been a good year for him so far..but wallace is making up for the lack of a banger

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Damn! From tied for 6th to pushed back to 8th without even playing a game. Bucks win and Pistons win while we are off.

[Muttley]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Damn! From tied for 6th to pushed back to 8th without even playing a game. Bucks win and Pistons win while we are off.
Arggh... Well, having so many back-to-backs on the schedule means we're gonna have a lot of 3-days-straight off as well. That, in turn, means that there will be lots of days when we're not able to help our record, while other teams are playing.

Toronto has Atlanta, Houston, @Miami and @Orlando coming up on the schedule, so I think we're fairly safe from below.

The Bucks have only 2 games in the next 7 days, against Portland and the Lakers, so we've got a good chance of being able to gain on them.

Detroit's got GS at home and then go on a west coast road trip.

With San Antonio and Dallas tomorrow and Saturday, I think the 'Cats just have to make it to next week. If they can stay hover around in the top 8 until then, then they've got the Knicks, Indiana and Utah @the Cable box, which I think is a winnable game, to help out their record.

Let's be honest, though, winning in this league can be tough for any team, against any team. But, I like seeing the 'Cats in the top 8th of the East. I hope they keep it up.

[ND22]

What place we drop to during our off days is meaningless, we all play 82 games, as long as we keep winning, we'll make the playoffs.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Still in 8th and hanging on.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Still still in 8th and still still hanging on. At least we have the Knicks coming up soon!

[Marvel]

Just got pushed out of the top 8 after the Toronto win over Houston http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings
Now how important does that loss to Dallas look now

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Back in 8th, and Raptors and Bulls both losing! Pistons lose also. Yes!

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

At least the Raptors, Pistons and Bucks lost also. But a good shot at moving up in the rankings was lost last night.

[Woodsy23]

was a good opportunity last night to move 1 game off sixth oh well.. but we really need to work on our away form..:facepalm:

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Bucks, Pacers and Pistons all lost last night. And Utah is coming off a hard loss at Atlanta last night, so getting them on the back end of a back to back will help. Tied for 7th with opportunity knocking!

[Marvel]

And here we go back to mediocrity again: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

I am PISSED i think i might start getting white hairs soon ................oh wait

[BRNC]

I know what you mean...trying to decide how much a waste of time to go to the Pistons game...just to watch LB piss another game away...for what...to prove you need some other "crap" player for a "crap" play and throw another game out the window...

I'm not sure I'm going back until LB is gone...I've about had it...:facepalm:

[BRNC]

...back in 8th...kinda like to start "creeping" back up and stop the yo-yo...

[Black]

we should have a good chance at going 3-0 to finish the month

@ OKC
vs Mil
@ Tor

good chance to cure some of those road woes

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

we should have a good chance at going 3-0 to finish the month

@ OKC
vs Mil
@ Tor

good chance to cure some of those road woes

i disagree, 1-2 sounds reasonable

we had a tough time beating OKC last season. we will be playing away (not very good at road games) and OKC is playing much better than last season

toronto is always hit or miss, this year it will be ever harder, i think the matchups at PF and C with bosh and turkoglu will be an issue..

hate to be a pessimist, but none of those are guaranteed wins...we need to find a way to win on the road against these mediocre teams or we wont be in the playoffs

[Marvel]

i disagree, 1-2 sounds reasonable

we had a tough time beating OKC last season. we will be playing away (not very good at road games) and OKC is playing much better than last season

toronto is always hit or miss, this year it will be ever harder, i think the matchups at PF and C with bosh and turkoglu will be an issue..

hate to be a pessimist, but none of those are guaranteed wins...we need to find a way to win on the road against these mediocre teams or we wont be in the playoffs


None of those games are going to be easy,the Thunder game is going to be very tough because we are extremely thin at the 4,5 spot,and we suck on the road.Milwaukee are going to be just as tough and i believe that leaves the Raps so yeah 1-2 sounds about right

[Demon DeaCat]

Man, the east is pathetic. We're 5 games under and in the 8th spot. The 8th place team in the west if 4 over. I really thought the conference had gotten better in the off-season. I guess I was wrong.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

In 7th, but a tough road trip ahead.

[LiquidWayno]

@Toronto on Wednesday is a win that we have to get - Tonight's win was huge. I'd like to see us go win four out of the next five - @Toronto, @Miami, vs. Chicago, @NY as wins would be huge, I don't see us winning at Cleveland though.

[ND22]

All of these are winnable games, problem is we are 1-11 on the road. Now would be a good time for us to stop sucking away from Charlotte.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Beating Miami was huge. That Toronto loss really hurt, but this win helps.

[GeraldWalrus]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Beating Miami was huge. That Toronto loss really hurt, but this win helps.


The way I see it, 5 through 8 is open territory. Anything can happen. Look at Detroit. They were playing solid, now they have dropped 7 straight and are sitting near the bottom. I think we could easily take a 6 or 7 seed going into the playoffs. To me, it really comes down to how LB coaches the team. Our 1-3 is as solid as it gets, if we could just get some decent production on the 4 and 5 (come on, is 20 points and 15 boards between the 2 positions too much to ask?!) then we can easily steal a quality spot.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Hanging right in there! Now, we rest a night, let Chicago get tired from a game and then let them come in and let the Cats feast on some tired Bulls!

[GoBobs]

we owe the bulls a real good beat down for the one we let slip away at their place. We need to beat this team by 40

After that we get the Knicks, Griz and then the rockets at home. It would be soooo nice to get to 18-18

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

IN 7th, and just 1 game from 6th. Next up, away at the Knicks.

[Woodsy23]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

IN 7th, and just 1 game from 6th. Next up, away at the Knicks.

could be playing for 6th on thursday as the raptors are @ Orlando tmoz :g:

[LiquidWayno]

I'm saying it now - if we get the Cavs come playoffs, we can beat them in a series. I honestly believe that. I'd prefer not to see the Celtics.

[cls77]

I'm saying it now - if we get the Cavs come playoffs, we can beat them in a series. I honestly believe that. I'd prefer not to see the Celtics.

Agreed. I'd like to avoid the Celtics at all costs, and even the Magic if possible. Looking at the Top 4 in the conference, I wouldn't mind the Cavs or Hawks. A Heat loss to the Celtics tonight means we're just 2 back on Miami for the 5th seed.

[Woodsy23]

could be playing for 6th on thursday as the raptors are @ Orlando tmoz :g:

cant believe the raptors beat magic whata joke! :mad:

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

We needed to have won vs the Knicks. A tough loss.

[BRNC]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

We needed to have won vs the Knicks. A tough loss.

I 100% agree...if we have any "desire" (as a team) to really be viewed as a threat in the playoffs these are the type games we have to win...

I realize how frustrated I am with Diaw...but I'm becoming down right angry with LB...I thought last nights game was another poor coaching effort...he really needs to start sitting Diaw (IMO) for the entire fourth quarter to get his attention...and he needs some BB101 to work on these rotations...playing starters (all but Nazzy) 40+ minutes is just not going to cut it...it is no way to develop a bench (which we need) or develop the rooks (which we need)...and playing Diaw (over giving more time to UPS) 40+ is just ludicrous at this point...

[spectre]

I 100% agree...if we have any "desire" (as a team) to really be viewed as a threat in the playoffs these are the type games we have to win...

I realize how frustrated I am with Diaw...but I'm becoming down right angry with LB...I thought last nights game was another poor coaching effort...he really needs to start sitting Diaw (IMO) for the entire fourth quarter to get his attention...and he needs some BB101 to work on these rotations...playing starters (all but Nazzy) 40+ minutes is just not going to cut it...it is no way to develop a bench (which we need) or develop the rooks (which we need)...and playing Diaw (over giving more time to UPS) 40+ is just ludicrous at this point...

Not to derail the thread, but who should he have put on Lee?

We can move this to the game thread if you want.

[BRNC]

spectre...good question...I would have rotated Jax and Crash on him...and had UPS in on Jeffries....

Switching Jax and Crash (when we've used it on other guys) is very effective...and I have to say Diaw on Lee certainly did not work for us...

spectre...the other move I did not like was DJ on Nate...DJ has a really tough time (if not impossible) fronting really fast guards like Nate...when D'Antoni brought Nate in I would have brought Hendo in and put him on him...Hendo would have been more difficult to shoot 3s over and I know it would have been tough for Hendo to keep Nate in front of him but I have a great deal of confidence that Hendo could/would have gotten a block or two (from behind) when Nate made his drives...DJ can't block...and Hendo is just as quick as DJ (IMO)....I just did not like the moves LB made and have not really liked them most of the year...but that is just my opinion...that and $2.00 gets you a cup of coffee...LOL

[spectre]

I like the idea on Hendo v Nate and using the wings on Lee is an option (it didn't work very well v Bosh...but Lee ain't Bosh).

Basically we all wish LB would just use his bench more and stop relying on the starters. The minutes they're playing will eventually haunt us.

BTW...Lee has really developed that long midrange shot. I don't remember him doing that so much in the past.

[BRNC]

I totally agree on Bosh...but as you said...Lee is not Bosh...Lee is 6'9...Diaw is 6'8 and so is Jax...Crash 6'7...Crash and Jax are more athletic than Lee or Diaw and I know they (Crash and Jax) could have handled Lee...

The other problem was (on my switch) of having Crash and Jax on Lee is that the guy not on Lee has to stay home on Gallinari...the guy is a one-trick-pony and ball denial completely takes him out of the game (Gallinari)...I was not happy with our "D" approach to Lee, Gallinari, and Nate...and I remain disappointed in our bench usage (lack of)...

Lee...yes...his mid-range game is much better this year...he'll get some bucks from someone this off-season...:biggrin:

[French_Cats]

I looked everywhere in France tell people that it is impossible that bobcats in the playoffs , People say that chicago, knicks, are stronger than bobcats ,they never look the bobcats, but they say it is impossible :mad:

Bobcats will need in the playoffs and surprised everyone

F**k FRENCH PEOPLE

[spectre]

Most Americans don't figure on us making it either...so I don't think that's just the French. We're not going to get any respect until we've already accomplished something (twice).

[BRNC]

I think someone posted this link to Bonnell about LBs comments after last nights game...

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/bobcats/story/1167340.html

I've just had the chance to read it and a couple of things came to mind:

1) I still feel strongly if we make the playoffs it will be despite LB...not because of him (but I've felt this way since game 12-13)...

2) It strikes me as funny (odd) that the guy that keeps passing up open looks (any where from 3-8 a game) is still on the floor at crunch time...and Diaw you know who I mean...

3) Jax surprise at what LB said...I pretty much agree with Jax...we took the shots we had...we (and neither were the Knicks) were not getting foul calls on our drives...we were hitting the pass outs (mostly)...and when you pass the ball to the guy wide open (Diaw) and he passes right back...well you kinda have to shoot at some point...

4) I still admire the fact (if there is any intent by the organization to trade him) that Diaw is not being ripped publicly...but I have concerns (with comments like last night) that LB continues to lose the respect of the guys that are working hard to win...and putting a guy on the floor (particularly in crunch time) that is not helping his teammates win...

Let me add: LB saying "TC is our best player" and the crap about missing him...we're what 4-3 since he has not played...and two of those were road wins....it just reinforces my concerns on "how long" before LB starts to lose respect with the core/hard working players on the team...

...just my thoughts after reading this piece...:g:

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Back to 8th, but still there.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Back to 7th after a great come from behind win!

[BRNC]

Praise be to "whatever" for Crash...this could have been embarrassing....

[ziggy]

Milwaukee has the Lakers on the road tomorrow night, so there is a real good chance that we may leapfrog them in the standings

[BRNC]

...good for us and bad for them...:biggrin:

[110oldeast]

That Griz win is better than it used to be.

Here's to us taking advantage of some home cooking and handling prosperity.

[Marvel]

Man i'm so glad we're not in the West.If the Clippers win their next game they will be playing .500 ball which will make them the 12th team in the western conference to do so,the eastern conference only have 6 at .500.
As for our current seed i think the Bucks have lost Redd for a considerable amount of time or for the rest of the season,stupid Skiles should have shut him down for longer....anywho in saying that i think Milwaukee might actually play better bball without Redd as they were at the beginning of the season......so that could have a positive effect on us depending on whether or not the Bucks actually play better without Redd that is

[TheBeagle]

Except for Bulls win, great night.

http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Charging hard! Raptors and Heat are in sight and better be shaking in their shoes!

[spectre]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Charging hard! Raptors and Heat are in sight and better be shaking in their shoes!

ONE game out of 5th place!

Of all the teams 5th thru 8th we're the only one without a negative points made/allowed.

I want that 5th spot!

[ohara831]

ONE game out of 5th place!

Of all the teams 5th thru 8th we're the only one without a negative points made/allowed.

I want that 5th spot!


It is there to be had! But it will take a strong effort. Houston, Spurs, Suns and Kings is a tough 4 game stretch. But 1 down!

[ziggy]

If we can stay healthy, We're a 6th seed at worst.

Feels good :biggrin:

[BRNC]

Well...after tonight's game we know who the better seventh seed (East vs. West) is since we're still seventh and Houston is now eighth...:biggrin:

[TheBeagle]

ONE game out of 5th place!

Of all the teams 5th thru 8th we're the only one without a negative points made/allowed.

I want that 5th spot! If we can just get a little something going on the road, we'll have the 5th spot and have it, dare I say, easily. But that is a big task to get something going on the road for this team. Still, No one we are contending with scares me at all. Toronto is close, because of they way they've played over the last few weeks, but Miami is looking very very vulnerable. Really proud of the guys with some of the gutsy wins they've had this year, unlike any year previous.....

....and you're right, ziggy, it feels damn DAMN good! :cheers1:

[ItsAmazingImTheReason]

Maybe I'm drinking too much, but if the Cats get the 5th seed I think they can win a series against fourth-seeded Atlanta.

[LiquidWayno]

In the summer I live 2 hours from Charlotte and 2 hours from Atlanta, so I want to go to every single game if we get them in the playoffs....god bless scalpers. I think Boston or Orlando will overtake Cleveland for the #1 spot, should we get Cleveland we will win that series....I'd hate to get Boston though.

[BETCATS]

If we can stay healthy, We're a 6th seed at worst.

Feels good :biggrin:
Cosign.

If i may say.......
http://i32.tinypic.com/wi3clt.jpg


Im confident Toronto will start to fall apart near the trade deadline. Bosh isnt comming back, which means they will trade him. Once they trade him, they will encounter all the issues a team that trades/loses its best player has. Thus making 6th place ours.

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

In the positive on the +/- point differential!

[BRNC]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

In the positive on the +/- point differential!

...and we need to stay there for the remainder of the year!:cool:

[jam]

way to go for the bobcats.have been active but is only lurking over any posts,beat the suns tomorrow and we're .500 baby!

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Yes!! .500 we are! And if Miami loses tonight as they look like they might, we will be only .5 out of 5th! By %, we are tied for 6th right now!

[BRNC]

There is no doubt in my mind, the way the team is playing, about us going to the play-offs this year...now the question becomes..."how high a seed?"...:g:

[TheBeagle]

There is no doubt in my mind, the way the team is playing, about us going to the play-offs this year...now the question becomes..."how high a seed?"...:g: Road performance will be the determining factor on that one. Fifth seed is there for the taking, the guys just have to grind through it and get it done on the road and I think it's ours....easy.

[tamburello]

I think we need to be a little hesitant to consider #5 spot, for now. We still have a rocky 6 game road trip ahead of us soon, where we will face Denver, Phoenix, Golden State, Sacramento, Portland and Lakers respectively. If we are able to take out 3 wins, I will also join you for #5 bandwagon.

All we need to consider now is the upcoming home games against Sacramento and Miami. I believe we can win both, and complete the homestand perfectly :)

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

Now just .5 out of 5th, and tied %-wise in 6th. Want to know something more amazing? By Hollinger's automatic rankings updated daily, we are now the #9 team in the entire NBA! Right behind OKC. Oh, and the automatic Playoff Odd machine he came up with, that has us finishing the regular season as the #5 seed!

[BRNC]

Road performance will be the determining factor on that one. Fifth seed is there for the taking, the guys just have to grind through it and get it done on the road and I think it's ours....easy.

I agree Beagle...and Tam has a solid point...I think the road-trip after this will give us a very clear indication of where we will be (seeded) at the end of the year...IMO 2 or 3 Ws from that trip will give me pause to seriously consider the 5th seed...

[spectre]

Sorry to steal your thunder Ohara, but...

We are currently FIFTH!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html

Record tied with Miami but since we beat them we're now ahead!

[bing!]

This is... unreal. Now I've picked up a weird habbit of checking whether I'm having a lucid dream every few minutes. Damn you, Cats!

[ohara831]

Sorry to steal your thunder Ohara, but...

We are currently FIFTH!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html

Record tied with Miami but since we beat them we're now ahead!


Gladly let you steal my thunder! I was out taking my daughter to horseback lessons, so I am glad someone did it for me! 5th!!! Now, we need to get it together to solidify our hold on it by taking out Miami. But cannot play like the last 2 quarters, need to play like the previous 6 quarters.

[TheBeagle]

This is... unreal. Now I've picked up a weird habbit of checking whether I'm having a lucid dream every few minutes. Damn you, Cats! Same here.....I was especially hoping I was having some sort of nightmare during the last 16 minutes of the SAC game, but it turns out it was real. However it also turns out that it is also real that we are 5th in the east and the Miami game Wed. is MASSIVE in importance.

Still, looking at our record, 20-19, I still have to perform periodical reality checks....I mean, wow......:o

[BRNC]

I picked us (on the "how many wins" thread at the beginning of the season) that at most we'd have 44...I'm starting to think that might be low...but...I still don't see us cracking the into the top four seeds...

[TheBeagle]

Miami wins, but Toronto thankfully loses. We fall back to 6, but we are alone there and with a win tomorrow......5th by half a game!

[ohara831]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2010&group=conference&seasontype=2&standType=standings

And a little help from the Bucks tonight gives us some room from Toronto.

[BRNC]

...as long as we keep winning we'll make our own room (and house, carport, and sun-deck...:p) on the Raptors...:cool:

[Muttley]

This month has been so freaking awesome. The way these guys are playing right now... just wow. Don't stop, 'Cats! They may not win every game from here to the end of the season, but playing this way they could win a lot. It'll be interesting to see the road game in the ATL on Friday. 5th place! Keep winning.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Miami and Toronto win, we lose. Not a good night.

[Marvel]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Miami and Toronto win, we lose. Not a good night.


Get used to it..........i think it's going to be like that from here on out,unless Toronto trades Bosh at the deadline.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

From 5th to 7th just like that.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Heading into tonights game vs Denver

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings?group=2

After the game. I think we are heading into dangerous waters. Something needs to change for the better.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Something did change for the better! A terrific overtime win vs the Suns on the road. A great win to get back to .500

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Raptors beat Miami. We'll see what happens next. We need the Knicks to beat Toronto tomorrow.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Rats! No help!

[BigMike]

For the first time in the 3 years i have been tracking Hollingers projections... all 8 top teams in the east are +.500 ball

[ohara831]

Dang Hornets and Pistons appear to be laying down for the Bulls and Heat tonight! This is of no help to the Cats. We have to win tonight to keep pace with everyone else.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Way to keep pace guys! Great road win over GSW

[spectre]

Good news for us on Monday:


HOUSTON — All-Star guard Brandon Roy, who did not travel with the Trail Blazers on their two-game Texas trip because of a strained right hamstring, will not be healthy enough to return Monday when the team hosts the Charlotte Bobcats.

Take care of business tonight and take advantage of Roy being out Wednesday and this worst stretch of the schedule won't have ended bad at all.

[bozzy]

A win tonight gives them at least a 3-3 record on the biggest road trip left this year. If they can do that on the road the rest of the year they will be golden.

[murphman]

Looking at the top 8 teams in the east, Boston is the only one who hasn't won six or more of their last 10. However, I think a lot of those teams have had easier schedules over that stretch than us so I feel good. Things will even out.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

After we got by the pesky Kings.

[TheBeagle]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

After we got by the pesky Kings. LOL From 8th to 6th just like that. Now if those Raptors or Bulls could ever lose a game....

[dnbman]

LOL From 8th to 6th just like that. Now if those Raptors or Bulls could ever lose a game....

5-8 is only split by a game. If everybody plays close to what they're playing now, those spots could shift everyday.

My only concern is keeping a safe distance from the non-playoff teams so if we drop an unfortunate game or two, it doesn't cost us the playoffs.

[tamburello]

Before the road trip, I had expected wins in Phoenix, Oakland and Sacramento. Our team got exactly that. "Now" I believe we are strong contender for the 5th spot. Considering the dismayal plays from the New York and Milwaukee, IMHO we are locked for playoffs :)

[ohara831]

Before the road trip, I had expected wins in Phoenix, Oakland and Sacramento. Our team got exactly that. "Now" I believe we are strong contender for the 5th spot. Considering the dismayal plays from the New York and Milwaukee, IMHO we are locked for playoffs :)


I wont say "locked" yet. But the odds are definitely in our favor. But anything can happen - like key injuries - ..... knock on wood.

[dnbman]

I wont say "locked" yet. But the odds are definitely in our favor. But anything can happen - like key injuries - ..... knock on wood.

LastI looked, Hollinger had us at 90% or something like that.

[azfollower]

LastI looked, Hollinger had us at 90% or something like that.

Yeah, Hollinger's had us steadily climbing since the calendar year started. Nice to see him finally giving us a little respect.

[teej]

Yeah, Hollinger's had us steadily climbing since the calendar year started. Nice to see him finally giving us a little respect.

That has nothing to do with respect, it's all a formula.

[Fred Williamson]

Damn, the craptors won again. :facepalm:

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Darn, those pesky Raptors just wont lose! But give them credit as credit is due.

[ohara831]

Yes!! Bucks beat Miami in Miami. Now, if we can just handle Portland, it will have been a great night!

[BRNC]

well...we did not handle Portland...will be interesting to see how we handle the Lakers...

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Well, if we shoot 40% from the field and have more TO's than Assists, we will handle LA the same way we handled Portland - poorly.

[BRNC]

...and with the same result...another "L"...but we always seem to play big against the Lakers...I just hope the guys find their legs before tomorrow night...

[spectre]

Amazing...teams 5 thru 9 all lost over the last 2 nights. Makes the POR loss a little bit better.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Yes! Raptors, Bucks, Bulls and Hawks all lost. Good night. Now, if we can handle LA tonight, it will be a great way to finish this road trip.

[BobcatsAllDay]

Don't believe we started this road trip in the 6th spot but we finished there w/ 2 L's in a row....go figure.

[BRNC]

I hate the "Ls" but I've got to say...West road trip...3 wins (doubling our road "Vs")....much better...and I'll take 6th seed (and any above that) any way we can...:biggrin:

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Still holding 6th, but the Raptors have some breathing roon on us. Gotta step up now.

[murphman]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Still holding 6th, but the Raptors have some breathing roon on us. Gotta step up now.

Toronto has had it easy of late and it will continue. 7 of their last 8 have been against teams with losing records. And 4 of their next 5 are the same. Plus, when they finish that 13 game stretch, only 4 of those games will be on the road. March is a tougher month for them.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Got a little help with a Miami loss

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Hawks push back the Bulls a bit for us, but that just opens more ground between us and the Hawks. I dont see 7.5 games to Atlanta as something we will make up. Think we have to set out sights on Toronto for 5th and then take on the #4 team in Playoffs. And I'd be fine with that scenario.

[BRNC]

I think fifth is something this team could do...but breaking the top four (this year) I'm not seeing that...but a 'Cats/Hawks match-up would be good for both teams and I think we could win it...would be a good-tough series...

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Well, when you play like crap and lose a game you have no reason losing, this is what happens. They better get their act together or before you blink the Cats will be on the outside looking in. The Redd-less Bucks are somehow hanging in there.

[BRNC]

I definitely chalk this "L" (to NO) up to really poor coaching by LB...pitiful...

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Man, the Raptors are on a roll.

[Marvel]

That loss to the Hornets is unacceptable.....get ready for the Hulk

[ziggy]

6. Chicago (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/chi) 15.5
7. Charlotte (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/cha) 15.5
8. Miami (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/mia) 16.5
9. Milwaukee (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/mil) 16.5

Wow, only 1 game separation between 6th and 9th. Of the teams in this group I think Milwaukee would be the most likely to fade down the stretch.

What do you guys think?

[teej]

Depends on how Chicago handles the trade deadline, although the same kinda goes for Milwaukee.

I could see both selling off some assets in a way that looks like they aren't, but still planning for the future and not making it this year. Especially the Bulls with Tyrus Thomas. D-Rose could still lead them in anyway, though. I still think us and Miami are the only locks from 5 down.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings?group=2

That Wizards gane was too close for comfort.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Good way to go into the All Star Break, in 6th right now.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

3way tie for 6th, but only 1.5 from being out of the Playoffs.

[ohara831]

And now the Bucks go and get Salmons from Chicago to replace the injured Redd. They now have a slightly better chance of making the top 8. And with Jamison now a Cav, I dont see Charlotte looking too good at the moment. I think we sit firm and do nothing and possibly wind up in 9th and out of the Playoffs.

[polarcat]

come on bobcat brotheren....don't lose faith because of two moves. one of which is to the cavs which are locked for 1st or 2nd in the east anyway. yeah jamison would've been nice here, but whatever. the other trade depletes a team we're in the running with. it would help us if we made a trade, but because of these 2 events, no way that equates to us missing the playoffs.

[TheBeagle]

come on bobcat brotheren....don't lose faith because of two moves. one of which is to the cavs which are locked for 1st or 2nd in the east anyway. yeah jamison would've been nice here, but whatever. the other trade depletes a team we're in the running with. it would help us if we made a trade, but because of these 2 events, no way that equates to us missing the playoffs. Agreed. What other teams are doing in terms of acquiring players is nowhere on my radar. Having the Bobcats keep guard penetration down and defending the pick and roll are of utmost concern to me.

If the guys "play the right way", they're in the playoffs, but that's up to the players and to a lesser extent, Larry. So yeah, it's in their hands, not another team's GM's.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

8th place, .5 out of 6th and 2 ahead of 9th.

[Marvel]

Hoping Minny do us a favor tonight at home....please

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Cant get any help, but at least we held our own. Tomorrow will be a big road game vs the Bucks. They are making a charge.

[TheBeagle]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Cant get any help, but at least we held our own. Tomorrow will be a big road game vs the Bucks. They are making a charge. Yep. It's one of those games though, that if we ARE a legit playoff team, we must find a way to win. It won't cripple us, since there's plenty of time left, but with the Mavs and Lakers being our next two home games, well, we need to win those winnable games.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Well crap.

[Marvel]

FUCK you LB........

[teej]

FUCK you LB........

Not his fault tonight, that was poor effort the whole first half.

[BRNC]

Not his fault tonight, that was poor effort the whole first half.

Teej...LB has responsibility in this...when a team is not playing effectively it is the coaches responsibility to get players on the court that will be effective...LB is playing (depending on...wearing out) Crash, Jax and (I don't know why) Diaw too much...and he is totally responsible for how long players are on the floor...

[teej]

Teej...LB has responsibility in this...when a team is not playing effectively it is the coaches responsibility to get players on the court that will be effective...LB is playing (depending on...wearing out) Crash, Jax and (I don't know why) Diaw too much...and he is totally responsible for how long players are on the floor...

And in the second half, he had the right people in...?

[BRNC]

And in the second half, he had the right people in...?

IMO better second-half decisions do not excuse piss-poor first half decisions...on too many occasions those first-half ones decide which team wins...and in this case they did...again just my opinion...but I'm not giving LB a "free ride" for poor bench coaching...he's been doing that since he's been here...sometimes the team can overcome them and sometimes they can't...

He (LB) is a great teaching coach...but to a great degree a very poor bench coach...

[spectre]

I believe the initial strategy was flawed to begin with and we should have given it up sooner. Nazr should never have played. It was obvious the guy was hurting, so IMO it's better to go with the healthy athletic tho smaller guy.

I hate going small usually, but that's what we really needed to do. Trying to cover for Nazr defensively gave them way too many open looks in the 1st half.

I really hate to keep bashing TC, but we really need his ass back healthy.

[BRNC]

spectre...this is all my opinion...but I doubt we get another decent effort out of TC this season...I have doubts the guy will ever be "right" with his injuries...everything seems to linger with this guy...It would not surprise me if any day now it is announced he's done for the season...

[SWedd523]

Maybe he should do more stretching?




...........oh wait

[polarcat]

it enrages me when i remember all the quotes since he got here this summer saying how "close to 100%" he's been and how the injury bug was behind him. i was in the minority of posters who thought he could find his way here and contribute as much as emeka did. he would help add to our rotation and would allow us to balance out nazzy's time without going small. this trade is looking as lopsided as many pointed out from the jump and i at least hope he can help us out somewhat down the stretch and into the playoffs.

[teej]

this trade is looking as lopsided as many pointed out from the jump

Two things

1) It allowed Nazr to play a lot more than he would've, and he's been better than either one.

2) Get back to me about lopsided when NoLa is stuck in the lottery in 3 years and can't move Mek's contract.

[polarcat]

Two things

1) It allowed Nazr to play a lot more than he would've, and he's been better than either one.

2) Get back to me about lopsided when NoLa is stuck in the lottery in 3 years and can't move Mek's contract.

i agree with both statements, but can't stop envisioning what OKC was offering for the same tyson chandler a few months prior. that fact plus chandler has given us a handful of games all season before his option year is my beef. i agree wholeheartedly with ya teej on nola's situation down the line.... don't envy that one bit. plus with emeka's contract, no way we can land the players we have this year nor raymond's upcoming bump in salary. it just hurts thinking of a former #2 overall player as a salary dump

[teej]

it just hurts thinking of a former #2 overall player as a salary dump

Mek or Chandler? Both were #2's.

Ty Thomas was a #4...he was basically dumped the way we protected the pick.

Picks are great, but sometimes you have to cut your losses, and Mek was a loss because of the contract he signed before the recession.

And if his trade sells the team (along with bringing in Jack), I don't see how anyone can complain.

[Marvel]

spectre...this is all my opinion...but I doubt we get another decent effort out of TC this season...I have doubts the guy will ever be "right" with his injuries...everything seems to linger with this guy...It would not surprise me if any day now it is announced he's done for the season...

He's playing the "oh well let's see how you guys do without me" card if Nazr can play with back spasms why the hell can't TC give 10 minutes.Fuck TC and fuck the trade that brought him here. Ha lol on the box score it says TC... DNP foot and ankle soreness.....PATHETIC

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

On the outside looking in. It sucks. Better start to play like we did in January, or a favorable March schedule wont matter.

[BRNC]

He's playing the "oh well let's see how you guys do without me" card if Nazr can play with back spasms why the hell can't TC give 10 minutes.Fuck TC and fuck the trade that brought him here. Ha lol on the box score it says TC... DNP foot and ankle soreness.....PATHETIC

IMO he's never had his mind or emotions invested with our team...and I doubt he ever will...I know we saved money in the trade but you expect a guy to "show up"...I've never had that expectation with TC since he came here...can't really tell you why...but that's the way I've felt about him even (the few times) when he's been on the court...it's like he's somewhere (or wants to be) else...

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Well, Miami lost, so that helps.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Please. Someone help the Bobcats. They have fallen and they can't get up!

[TheBeagle]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Please. Someone help the Bobcats. They have fallen and they can't get up! On the other hand, kudos to Milwaukee and Chicago for taking advantage of playing beatable teams, and winning those games....something our team has struggled with. Common sense says things are going to get worse, what with the teams ahead on the schedule, but there's plenty of time to turn things around, and I've little doubt they will turn it around; it's just getting to that point is painful and frustrating...but then nothing worth wanting badly should be easy....right? :g:

[BobcatsAllDay]

My bold prediction for the remainder of the season:

I took a peek at Miami, Bucks, Bulls and Cats first 9 games in March. I say whoever comes out of those 9 games w/ the worst record will not make the playoffs. IMO the Bulls have the toughest stretch of the four teams but only time will tell.

[BRNC]

the thing (for me) though Beagle is all these teams(Bobcats, Bucks, and Bulls) all made changes at the dead-line..."adjustment time" does not cut it for me...particularly when a team we could/should have beaten (Clippers) made more player changes and have a rookie coach...this is just sad from my stand-point...:facepalm:

[ziggy]

As bad as Miami is, they still have Wade and I don't think he will let them slip out of the playoffs. So that leaves Milwaukee or Chicago and neither one of those 2 are playing like they are going to fold.

We need to turn this around real quick. :g:

[ohara831]

As bad as Miami is, they still have Wade and I don't think he will let them slip out of the playoffs. So that leaves Milwaukee or Chicago and neither one of those 2 are playing like they are going to fold.

We need to turn this around real quick. :g:

That is exactly my feeling. And I really thought after the first half that the Cats were going to start turning it around. But that 3rd qtr just took everything out of us.

[ammofan]

That is exactly my feeling. And I really thought after the first half that the Cats were going to start turning it around. But that 3rd qtr just took everything out of us.


Yeah.......Jack was hitten, gerald was ballin and then everything went bad......

[BRNC]

That is exactly my feeling. And I really thought after the first half that the Cats were going to start turning it around. But that 3rd qtr just took everything out of us.

I have a very bad feeling in my gut that "no team", in either Conference this year, "backs" into the play-offs...we'd better start winning again...sooner rather than later...

[ziggy]

And of course Milwaukee beats Indiana 112-110 tonight

just fantastic :facepalm:

[ohara831]

And of course Milwaukee beats Indiana 112-110 tonight

just fantastic :facepalm:



http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

You have to applaud them though. 5 in a row during a clutch stretch is impressive and they are deserving of it right now.

[BRNC]

...and they are under as much pressure (if not more than us) to produce...Kudos to them...just wish it were us...:facepalm:

[Proudiddy]

I hope I'm wrong, but I just don't have a good feeling about how this season is going to turn out. With the Bucks adding Salmons they are looking poised. 5 in a row? Man, this is bad timing...

This season has potential to suck balls if things don't turn around quick and our guys quit acting like primadonnas.

[GoBobs]

Only the bucks have more games left vs good teams then we do. I don't think we can get it together.

[Talent]

Bucks are a streaky team as is Salmons. I want to see how they react when he goes 1-20 shooting.

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Great road win! Still in 9th, but we gained a little.

[ziggy]

And the bulls win in OT :banghead:

[BRNC]

...at least the Raptors lost...that's something...

[BRNC]

Pretty good "overview" write-up of the Eastern Conference play-off race for the last 6 weeks of the season...

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/john_schuhmann/02/27/east.race/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Bucks whipped the Heat today. Bucks gain a .5 game, and Miami is now only a fraction of a % pt ahead for 8th. Miami is in a swoon right now and the Bucks are rolling.

[WarioVsMooChicken]

How bad is Wade's injury?

[Marvel]

Nets beat the Celtics........in Boston man that gives me hope for our game against them(Boston) on Wednesday and the Bucks looking like a legitimate playoff team:g:

[ohara831]

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2

Bulls lost to the Pacers! Yes.

[ALong13]

Tied for 8th (one percentage point behind) but we've beaten the Heat both times so we'd hold the tiebreaker...game and 1/2 game out of 7th, 2 games out of 6th, 3 games out of 5th...this is close all the way down to the wire I suspect...

[Toocool]

Not to mention Heat have played 2 more games than us. We still have hope, especially since a Wade-less Heat is pretty horrible.

[BobcatsAllDay]

Not to mention Heat have played 2 more games than us. We still have hope, especially since a Wade-less Heat is pretty horrible.

That is until they play us probably