Which Team Does Not Make Western Conference Playoffs

[Purple Reign]

Dallas is way too talented not to get in
Utah will get in because they are very good, but more because they are in a weak division and will win the Northwest hands down.

That leaves Denver, Houston, Golden State

Denver's defense is not as good as Houston, and their offense is not as good as the Warriors.

The Nuggets will regret not making the trade for Artest. They will be out.

 

[Futuristic]

It's a toss between Denver, Houston (although they are playing well as of the moment), and GS.

 

[tradepeja]

I'm picking the team with the weakest coach, and the GM too stiff to pull off the much needed deal for Ron Artest.

Denver.

 

[mojorizen7]

I voted for Houston based on T Mac's inability to stay healthy.....ever.

 

[tubiscus]

Denver won't make it. Golden State is 1/2 notch above them. If we hadn't dug ourselves such a hole, we could probably squeak into #8. Too late now.

 

[Heuge]

The only team that would truly surprise me if they were not to make the playoffs are the Spurs. All the others, from New Orleans to Dallas to GS, would not surprise me at all if they fell 5 games to the 9th spot.

That said, prolly GS.

 

[kings20993]

yea i think denver is going to go on a little loosing streak and fall about 3 games out of the 8 seed

 

[syadap]

I think Denver wont make it,and it would be fun seeing them not make it for holding out on Kleiza which would have gotten them Ron

 

[Bricklayer]

I think Denver is the weakest link, but injuries could determine everything with all the teams so bunched. If Houston doesn't slow down they are going to have as good a shot at finishing #1 as they do of missing out altogether.

 

[piksi]

I hope it is Denver. That would be so funny. But they would still be happy because they kept Kleiza.

What is Dallas doing in the poll ? I mean - I dislike the a lot like evryone else but come on

If Kobes hand gets worse - well ...

 

[Heuge]

With all teams within 5 games of one another, all team should probably be included in poll. I might have even picked the Hornets.

 

[piksi]

With all teams within 5 games of one another, all team should probably be included in poll. I might have even picked the Hornets.

Hornets have somewhat easier schedule playing against the Least a lot. They will be there but they won't be the first seed.

 

[LoungeLizard]

The next month should provide alot more clarity as I believe teams begin to play mainly within conference and very few out of conference games. Still, it is INSANE that only 5 games seperate 1-8, and absolutely RIDICULOUS there is a chance that all 8 playoff teams in the west will be 50 game winners.

That being said, I voted for the Mavs. They'll probably sneak in there, but I would LOVE to see the Kidd trade backfire and have them miss the playoffs.

 

[6th]

While I voted Golden State, it could just as easily be Denver. If major injuries happen to any of the teams in the poll, it would be enough to shake up the whole thing. They are just so close in talent.

 

[KingKong]

Yay. No option for the Kings.

 

[BMiller52]

Denver lost to the Bulls last night and the Bucks tonight. Not making the deal for Artest pissed off Melo and they've already started falling. Sucks for them.

 

[uolj]

Hollinger's Playoff Odds have the top 7 teams with a 95% chance at making it. Seems a little high considering the top 9 are within 5 games of each other.

 

[BuenoBeno]

Hollinger's Playoff Odds have the top 7 teams with a 95% chance at making it. Seems a little high considering the top 9 are within 5 games of each other.

Hey, we still have a 1% chance of making it into the playoffs!!!!!!

 

[uolj]

Hey, we still have a 1% chance of making it into the playoffs!!!!!!

Don't get me started on that.

The Kings have been at less that 1% chance at the playoffs and less than 1% chance at winning the lottery for awhile, with everybody else having at least 5% chance at one of those two things. Very sad.

 

[piksi]

Yay. No option for the Kings.

that was a given

 

[piksi]

Hollinger's Playoff Odds have the top 7 teams with a 95% chance at making it. Seems a little high considering the top 9 are within 5 games of each other.

well our chance of making playoffs is twice as good as winning the draft lottery and we aren't making the playoffs

 

[Futuristic]

If Kobes hand gets worse - well ...

Fortunately, he doesn't have to do much and the Lakers are still blowing teams away.

 

[acisking]

Don't get me started on that.

The Kings have been at less that 1% chance at the playoffs and less than 1% chance at winning the lottery for awhile, with everybody else having at least 5% chance at one of those two things. Very sad.

yes it almost seems that the NBA punishes teams that try their best to make the playoffs and end up falling short, while it rewards those that tank the end of seasons for lottery picks

 

[uolj]

yes it almost seems that the NBA punishes teams that try their best to make the playoffs and end up falling short, while it rewards those that tank the end of seasons for lottery picks

That's perfectly acceptable (although I'd tweak the system a little). Teams on the rise who just miss the playoffs shouldn't get the same shot at a top pick as a team who just sucks. That's more important than getting into the finer details of deciding which teams suck and "tank" and which teams suck and try.

 

[Freakout]

Can I change my vote to Houston?

 

[uolj]

I still wouldn't be surprised if they made it, although now I doubt they have much chance to do anything if they get there.

 

[piksi]

Can I change my vote to Houston?

Woldn't count them out yet because Adelman's teams are used to play shorthanded and win

 

[VF21]

I've closed this poll. I'm starting a new one so people can change their vote if they think losing Yao will knock the Rockets out...