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Apr 11

Playoff Picture: April 11th

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By sarahhecht Posted in: playoffs

Thank you Memphis! The Grizzlies triumph over the Hornets last night kept the Trail Blazers safely in the 6th seed in the Western Conference.

Portland, on another evening without a game, isn’t in jeopardy of being bumped from 6th tonight.

The scenario that could cause some changes for the Trail Blazers falls on the backs of the Dallas Mavericks. With their win last night they tied the Lakers for 2nd in the West. A win tonight sees them claim the spot outright.

If that scenario plays out Portland’s first round matchup shifts once again to the Lakers.

I’ll be rooting for Houston to beat Dallas and Sacramento to upset Oklahoma City. I’d like to see some distance between these teams, giving the Trail Blazers a bit more control heading into the final two games of the regular season.

Do you agree?

Last night's scores and effects:

The

Memphis Grizzlies stomped the New Orleans Hornets 111-89 in Memphis. This game was big for the Trail Blazers. Memphis’ win ties them with New Orleans for 7th. NOLA wins the division record tiebreaker to keep Memphis in 8th. Both teams now trail Portland by one full game.

The

Dallas Mavericks pounded the Phoenix Suns 115-90 in Dallas. The Mavs tied the Lakers for 2nd in the West with their win. Los Angeles wins the head-to-head tiebreaker 2-1 to hold 2nd. Dallas is still in 3rd.

The

Oklahoma City Thunder beat the L.A. Lakers 120-106 in Los Angeles. The Lakers did Dallas a favor by losing. They’re now tied with the Mavs for 2nd in the West, but they win the head-to-head tiebreaker 2-1. Oklahoma City is hot on their tails. They trail Dallas and L.A. by one full game.

Today’s games with Western Conference playoff teams:

Utah Jazz (37-43) vs. New Orleans Hornets (46-34) The Hornets have a shot at redemption following their lack-luster performance in Memphis last night. Still in the 7th seed, they trail Portland by one full game. A win tonight will close that gap to half a game, while a loss will see them fall to 8th place at a half a game behind Memphis.

Dallas Mavericks (55-25) vs. Houston Rockets (42-38) Dallas has a chance to claim the 2nd seed in the West with a win. A loss paired with an Oklahoma City win will tie the two for 3rd. Oklahoma City holds the tiebreaker as a division winner.

Golden State Warriors (35-45) vs. Denver Nuggets (49-31) The Nuggets are firmly entrenched in the 5th seed in the Western Conference. They’ll stay in that spot regardless of outcome tonight. A loss will bring the Trial Blazers to within a game and a half of them.

Oklahoma City Thunder (54-26) vs. Sacramento Kings (24-56) on NBATV Oklahoma City needs a win tonight to stay in close pursuit of Dallas. They’re in 4th now, but only trail the Mavs by one full game. A win coupled with a Dallas loss will tie them for 3rd with OKC taking the tiebreaker as their division winner.

Here are the playoff match-ups as of today:

(Tables courtesy of NBA.com)

Previous Story: Playoff Picture: April 10th

Next Story: Playoff Picture: April 12th

7 Comments

Hi Sarah:

I think the Lakers will keep 2Nd seed, because I think the Spurs will be resting players, especially Duncan as I asked that question of MB and he stipulated that it would be a good possibility.

I Think the Mavs will win out and stay in 3rd, There may be a lot of hope in that prediction. If they take care of NOH, that would be helpful to us.

Nic says he is not afraid to play anyone and GW says his team is not afraid of the Lakers, Key word his team, I think Memphis and NOH might trade places, because, I am not sure NOH will not lose the next two games. And I predict as Rice says that we will beat Memphis. Especially if Camby is back. Although it is noted, by me that the Blazers doesn't always co-operate.

Tomorrow night is the big night for sure, and I have to bowl.
I think Ellis will sit out the remainder of the season because there is not that much of a reason for him to play with what may be a head injury.

I might be able to catch Casey at large today so will catch U there.

by Hg on 4/11/2011 10:46 AM
I totally agree with you Sarah! So come on Rockets and Kings :) and if Mavs win tonight - they will still have a loss tomorrow night in our house baybeeee!!!

by Dio Freeman on 4/11/2011 9:32 AM
All I can say is: Be Careful What You Ask For! I am trying to trust that we will face the opponent that gives us the best chance for success :) I don't care who wins tonight. I just want the Blazers to Win Out and go into the first game of the playoffs, a road game no matter who we face, with a ton of confidence and momentum!

by SisillaRiann on 4/11/2011 12:56 PM
Go Jazz, Mavericks, & Kings! Also, a Denver win eliminates us from 5th which is good and bad. If Dallas slips to 4, we want to be #5, but I don't think it matters. I just don't see Denver losing their last two games.

by DHawes22 on 4/11/2011 4:05 PM
Sarah, however the seedings fall the Blazers will win their opening series in 6 games, with the final victory coming in the RG. It's much more of a situation of the top couple seeds, doing whatever they can to make sure they aren't matched up against Portland in the opening round. From the Blazers perspective, it's a new season, everyone's record is 0-0 and it'll all come down to the energy, character and desire of the players involved. I like our chances.

by BlockParty aka Teamship on 4/11/2011 5:50 PM
And Sarah..you need the Blazers to get you a Segway. The motorized, two-wheeled vehicle you see cops using from time to time. Boris Diaw from the Bobcats uses one to get around Uptown Charlotte...it would added about 10-12 inches of height to you as well :)

by BlockParty aka Teamship on 4/11/2011 5:56 PM
Not good. Dallas is #2 now and Lakers #3 - I really don't want to play the Lakers.

by Anees on 4/12/2011 2:47 AM