NBA Season Thread 2014-15 (events, drafted, draft, star)
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So the Raptors (+9.5 over the Celtics) and the Blazers (+8 over the Thunder) will go into Christmas and probably New Years with the largest division leads in the sport (next largest is Warriors + 4.5 over the Clips). We know none of the 4 teams in the Atlantic are catching the Raptors, so let's put that aside. Here's the question I post to the basketball people at CD:
Which is more likely to happen: The Thunder make up the 8 game deficit on the Blazers and win the division by themselves OR the Raptors win the Atlantic by more games then the other 5 divisions do combined??
So the Raptors (+9.5 over the Celtics) and the Blazers (+8 over the Thunder) will go into Christmas and probably New Years with the largest division leads in the sport (next largest is Warriors + 4.5 over the Clips). We know none of the 4 teams in the Atlantic are catching the Raptors, so let's put that aside. Here's the question I post to the basketball people at CD:
Which is more likely to happen: The Thunder make up the 8 game deficit on the Blazers and win the division by themselves OR the Raptors win the Atlantic by more games then the other 5 divisions do combined??
winning the atlantic division is not really an accomplishment. Winning a 1st round playoff series is what the goal for the raptors should be
winning the atlantic division is not really an accomplishment. Winning a 1st round playoff series is what the goal for the raptors should be
Based on everything I've read from Ujuri, Casey and the players - that's exactly where their focus lies. They want to advance beyond what they did last year.
If and when that happens, their focus will extend to the next series.
So the Raptors (+9.5 over the Celtics) and the Blazers (+8 over the Thunder) will go into Christmas and probably New Years with the largest division leads in the sport (next largest is Warriors + 4.5 over the Clips). We know none of the 4 teams in the Atlantic are catching the Raptors, so let's put that aside. Here's the question I post to the basketball people at CD:
Which is more likely to happen: The Thunder make up the 8 game deficit on the Blazers and win the division by themselves OR the Raptors win the Atlantic by more games then the other 5 divisions do combined??
I think OKC coming back is more likely of those two scenarios. 8 games is a lot to make up, but doable.
On another note, has there ever been an occasion where an entire division made the playoffs? Because as it stands right now, the entire Southwest Division (Memphis, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, New Orleans) would be in. We're 1/3 of the way into the season, so it's unlikely that it would happen because these teams would seemingly beat each other up, thus dropping someone out of the playoffs. New Orleans is the likely odd man out cause OKC will almost assuredly lock up a spot when it's all said and done. But you never know.
So the Grizz are entering their first slide of the season. Lost 2 straight heading into tonight and then lost at home to the Jazz. That's pretty bad!
Raptors start their longest road trip of the year 0-1 with a loss in Chicago, giving up 129 total points and I think 49 in the 4th quarter. The overall result isn't bad, but the number of points the Bulls scored, and the close to 50 points the Bulls scored in the 4th quarter is cause for concern. They now get a couple days off before meeting up back out West to face the Clippers, Nuggets, Blazers, Warriors and Suns to end that 6 game trip. As have stated, the Atlantic division isn't going to be a concern, but this trip could take a bite out of the East lead and on January 5 when this trip is done, Raps could be in 3rd or 4th of the East pecking order. Nuggets are under .500 overall, but usually great at home and on paper that looks like they only game they should be favored in.
Speaking of the East, don't look now, but the Hawks are now 2nd in the East, percentage points ahead of the Wizards, who for most of the game just steamrolled the Mavs. The final ONLY said 105-102 Atlanta, but the last I saw of that, the Hawks were up 22 late in the 3rd and up until probably the 5 minute mark or so, the Hawks lead most of the way by double digits
So the Grizz are entering their first slide of the season. Lost 2 straight heading into tonight and then lost at home to the Jazz. That's pretty bad!
Raptors start their longest road trip of the year 0-1 with a loss in Chicago, giving up 129 total points and I think 49 in the 4th quarter. The overall result isn't bad, but the number of points the Bulls scored, and the close to 50 points the Bulls scored in the 4th quarter is cause for concern. They now get a couple days off before meeting up back out West to face the Clippers, Nuggets, Blazers, Warriors and Suns to end that 6 game trip. As have stated, the Atlantic division isn't going to be a concern, but this trip could take a bite out of the East lead and on January 5 when this trip is done, Raps could be in 3rd or 4th of the East pecking order. Nuggets are under .500 overall, but usually great at home and on paper that looks like they only game they should be favored in.
Speaking of the East, don't look now, but the Hawks are now 2nd in the East, percentage points ahead of the Wizards, who for most of the game just steamrolled the Mavs. The final ONLY said 105-102 Atlanta, but the last I saw of that, the Hawks were up 22 late in the 3rd and up until probably the 5 minute mark or so, the Hawks lead most of the way by double digits
I was surprised they lost to the Cavs after beating the Warriors and Spurs
I think the East is going to be a lot more fun, and competitive, than many pre-season pundits expected.
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