Apr 15

OK, we here at Portland Trail Blazers HQ know there has been some confusion as to the Western Conference playoff standings. It's difficult stuff. So in an attempt to clear up some of the misconceptions, our crack sports communications staff has put together a handy-dandy primer of all the possible playoff scenarios with one game left in the regular season. Here goes ...

Eight Possible Playoff Outcomes Involving 2-5 seeds

1) If Denver loses, Houston wins, Portland wins and San Antonio wins, then Houston finishes second, Denver finishes third, Portland finishes fourth and San Antonio finishes fifth. In this scenario, San Antonio (5) plays Portland (4). Portland gets home court advantage.

2) If Denver loses, Houston loses, Portland wins and San Antonio loses, then Denver finishes second, Portland finishes third, Houston finishes fourth, San Antonio finishes fifth and New Orleans finishes sixth. In this scenario, New Orleans (6) plays Portland (3). Portland gets home court advantage.

3) If Denver loses, Houston wins, Portland wins and San Antonio loses, then Houston finishes second, Denver finishes third, Portland finishes fourth and San Antonio finishes fifth. In this scenario, San Antonio (5) plays Portland (4). Portland gets home court advantage.

4) If Denver loses, Houston loses, Portland wins and San Antonio wins, then Denver finishes second, San Antonio finishes third, Portland finishes fourth and Houston finishes fifth. In this scenario, Houston (5) plays Portland (4). Portland gets home court advantage.

5) If Denver wins, Houston loses, Portland loses and San Antonio loses, then Denver finishes second, Houston finishes third, Portland finishes fourth and San Antonio finishes fifth. In this scenario, San Antonio (5) plays Portland (4). Portland gets home court advantage.

6) If Denver wins, Houston wins, Portland loses and San Antonio wins, then Denver finishes second, Houston finishes third, San Antonio finishes fourth and Portland finishes fifth. In this scenario, Portland (5) plays San Antonio (4). San Antonio gets home court advantage.

7) If Denver wins, Houston loses, Portland loses and San Antonio wins, then Denver finishes second, San Antonio finishes third, Houston finishes fourth and Portland finishes fifth. In this scenario, Portland (5) plays Houston (4). Houston gets home court advantage.

8) If Denver wins, Houston wins, Portland loses and San Antonio loses, then Denver finishes second, Houston finishes third, Portland finishes fourth and San Antonio finishes fifth. In this scenario, San Antonio (5) plays Portland (4). Portland gets home court advantage.

• Portland secures home court in first round with win vs. Denver (or a San Antonio loss).
• Portland would have home court in the first round in 6 of 8 possible scenarios.


Matchup, number of scenarios, percentage of possibilities

San Antonio (5) at Portland (4), 4, 50%
New Orleans (6) at Portland (3), 1, 12.50%
Houston (5) at Portland (4), 1, 12.50%
Portland (5) at San Antonio (4), 1, 12.50%
Portland (5) at Houston (4), 1, 12.50%

Portland opponent, number of scenarios, percentage of possibilities
San Antonio, 5, 62.50%
Houston, 2, 25.00%
New Orleans, 1, 12.50%

So there you go. Forsake all others before this list.

(By the way, what's your least favorite scenario? Me, got to be No. 7. Having to play Houston, at Houston? No thanks.)