Who Gets the 8th seed in the West?

With the final week of NBA games now looming and the final spot in the western playoffs still up for grabs, it's time to start looking forward to the second season.  The Utah Jazz and LA Lakers are battling it out for that final seed, with Utah holding onto a 1/2 game lead with just one more win than the Lakers.  Let's take a look at each teams remaining schedule to see who has the best shot of sneaking into the postseason.

The Utah Jazz: 41-37 

4 remaining Games: They own the tiebreaker against the Lakers.

1. Tonight they host OKC @ 9:00 PM: While this is a home game, it's obviously a mismatch for the Jazz who may drop a game here to one of the NBA's elite. The Thunder will be hungry for a win after a loss to the Knicks in their last outing as they sit just a single game behind the Spurs for the top seed in the West.  How will the Jazz cover Russell Westrbook in this game? They have done a good job containing him so far this year as he is averaging nearly 7 turnovers a game against the Jazz this season.  How they limit him will be the key to getting a big win. Utah has 2 of 3 so far this season to the Thunder.

2. Friday April 12th 9:00 PM vs. Minny: The first half of a home and home against the Twolves, the Jazz should absolutely take care of business here against a far inferior opponent.  They have won both matchups so far this season.

3. Monday April 15th @Minny 8:00 PM: Not much to add here, the second half of the home and home is another must win for the Jazz.

4. Wednesday April 17th @Memphis 8:00 PM: A very tough road game here as the Grizzlies are in a fight for playoff seeding themselves (they are currently one game back of home court in the first round). The Jazz have lost two of three to Memphis but did win their last matchup 90-84 on march 16th.

Overall, I see the Jazz going 2-2, but have a good chance at 3-1.  I can't see them beating the Thunder who have a lot to play for and are a better team, but they may be able to take the game from Memphis, especially if Memphis' seeding has been locked in by that point.  Memphis may rest their players in that case opening the door for the Jazz to sneak in another victory, but if they still need a win themselves, I would doubt a tough nosed Grizzlies team loses on its home floor in such a case. The Jazz need to win against the Twolves and I believe they will.  Rubio and the gang have a chance to play post season spoilers, so don't expect them to rollover though.

Since they hold the Tiebreaker, they have an excellent shot at beating out the Lakes here.

LA Lakers: 40-37

5 games reaming

1. Tonight vs. New Orleans 10:30 PM: A must win for the Lakers, I don't expect this game to be close.  Look for the Lakers to dominate the paint with Gasol and Howard.  The only shot NO has in my opinion is if Ryan Anderson gets red hot from downtown, forcing Gasol out of his comfort zone in the paint and out to the perimeter.

2. Wednesday April 10th @ Portland 10:00 PM: Just because Portland will be on the outside looking in at the playoffs doesn't mean the won't want to spoil one of their rivals chances at getting in.  I expect this to be a hotly contested battle with Damian Lillard and Kobe in scoring duel.  This game is a real toss up for me.

3. Friday April 12th vs. Golden State 10:30 PM: Another toss up, this game will be close, but I think Golden State, as the better team comes away with a crushing victory.

4. Sunday April 14th vs. San Antonio 9:30 PM: San Antonio should win this game as long as they still have a shot at the 1st overall seed.  LA will need to win every other game they play to be able to stomach a loss here, but I don't see that happening.

5. Wednesday April 17th, vs. Houston 10:30 PM: Could this be Dwight Howard's last game as a Laker? I think so regardless of a win or loss.

For a realistic shot at the postseason, especially since the Jazz hold the tiebreaker, the Lakers need to go 4-1. I see them going 3-2 despite 4 of the 5 remaining games being played in Staples center.  If the Jazz really falter they could sneak in, but I doubt it.  This just wasn't a good season for the purple and gold...

My prediction: The Jazz hold onto the 8th seed...only to go on to lose in 5 games to the top team.

February Trade Rumors: Redick to Milwaukee

It seems that every contending team in the league has inquired about J.J Redick. What is not to like about a sharp shooting guard who plays solid defense and is on an expiring contract. The last bit is very important, in the new fiscally responsible NBA, no team wants to be bogged down by long term contracts. The latest iteration of the Redick deal solves the Jazz need for a point guard, and provides Orlando with some young prospects to build around.

The connection between Redick and Milwaukee:

Weekend Dime addendum: Milwaukee now in mix for Magic's JJ Redick. Bucks, I'm told, assessing their ability to retain sharpshooter long term
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 9, 2013

To meet asking price for Redick -- expiring(s) and a future first-round pick -- Bucks naturally wanna know they can retain free agent-to-be
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 9, 2013

The Trade:

Why for Milwaukee:
Through this deal the Bucks will emerge as a contender. Statistically, Milwaukee's greatest weaknesses are  defensive rebounding, three point shooting, field goal percentage, and free throw attempts. This tells a story of a team that needs to improve offensively specifically in the way in which they score. Milwaukee has some excellent defensive players, yet their style is fast and loose (4th fastest pace in the league) with the ball instead of controlled as you would expect from a good defensive team. Simply put, Milwaukee needs a face lift and it starts by separating two shoot first point guards playing in the same back court.

Replacing Ellis in the starting lineup with Redick would force their offense to be more about executing and less about speed, a stylistic change that would help. Millsap would add a second player to their team that could execute well in the half court, as a scorer, an excellent rebounder and a superb screener. Millsap would not only help on offense but he would clean up the biggest deficiency on the defensive end, rebounding.

Having watched a lot of Bucks basketball I have come to several realizations. 1. Ellis is not working in Milwaukee, he needs the ball in his hands and that isn't happening enough there. 2. The Bucks need to reorganize around one of the best defenders in the league, Larry Sanders. This trade solves both problems as well as giving Milwaukee cap flexibility this off-season.

Why for Orlando:
The Magic are reportedly looking for expiring contracts and a future first round pick. In this trade they get neither but the same goal is accomplished none the less. The Magic would pick up two young plus prospects that can give them solid minutes right away (instead of an expiring and a pick that will help them in a few years) Partnering Henson with Nikola Vucevic gives Orlando two bigs that are long athletic and can rebound. Tobias Harris gives them another wing player to develop next to Mo Harkless. Combine those four with a throw back post scorer in Andrew Nicholson, what will probably be a high draft pick this year and suddenly the Magic future goes from dim to very bright.

Why for Utah:
According to a Zach Lowe piece, a Monta' Ellis drive leads to high percentage shots. The Jazz have very few such players that can attack from the wing and create for themselves and others (Gordon Hayward and sometimes Alec Burks). This team has good talent at every position but they are sorely lacking in the wing shot creation department. Ellis would thrive driving the lane and feeding Favors, Kanter and Jefferson.

When the Jazz lose it is often because of their lack of scoring. Ellis would give them a shot in the arm in this department and help them make a playoff push. Although, they are giving up Millsap, Derrick Favors recently has shown himself to be a capable starter in need of a chance. Long term, moving Millsap will help Utah's progression by opening up minutes for Favors and Enes Kanter.

Check out the other posts in our February Trade Rumors Series:

First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth

45 Thoughts On the Northwest Division

This weekend I (along with everyone else in the Northeast) have been snowed in due to Nemo the Blizzard. In between shoveling an immense amount of snow I decided to turbo watch as many Northwest Division games as possible. For this week's break down I will list my thoughts, compiled over many cabin fever induced hours of basketball watching. See #41 for an explanation of the picture.

Northwest Division Thoughts

1.       Jefferson is the best post scorer in the NBA, wouldn't be surprised if Utah kept him and moved Paul Millsap

2.       With Gordon Hayward out it shows how big Utah’s need on the wing is. Alec Burks player to look at, young and can score.

3.       Marvin Williams needs to use his athleticism and not just stand at the three point line hoisting threes, he would be a better fit on an up tempo team.

4.       Hot hand comment from Bulls/Jazz: Millsap passes up open jumper to get it to Jefferson who has been hot. Jefferson forced into a difficult jumper by Noah. Lesson is if open shot presents itself you take it.

5.       Millsap will help a contender, he has no problem giving the ball up if he doesn't have possession.

6.       The past few games Burks has played well, giving Utah another promising player to join Hayward, Kanter and Favors. Burks is a combo guar and they could still use a young point like Bledsoe.

7.       De’Marre Carroll good energy player, great at cutting to the hoop, type of bench player that every team could use.

8.       Jazz second unit playing very well together, since this unit is mostly comprised of young players it is a larger indication that they should move Jefferson or Millsap (leaning towards Millsap)

9.       Jazz are not helping Millsap’s trade value by playing him out of position at the small forward.

10.   Favors if given the opportunity will put up similar numbers to Millsap once he is gone.

11.   Favors and Kanter are very physical but more on the offensive end than the defensive. With their strength people should fear going into the paint while they are on defense.

12.   Enes Kanter beautiful sky hook. If he can get that down consistently, with his strength he’ll be very difficult to guard.

13.   Despite thinking that they should give the young guys more time I like what the Jazz are doing developing Kanter and Favors. The best way to develop players is by surrounding them with veterans, not throwing them to the wolves (or Bulls). This will pay dividends for the Jazz in the future.

14.   It’s amazing what one offensive rebound will do, when Kanter got one he could smell the blood in the water then hit the boards even harder, ending up with seven rebounds against Bucks before half.

15.   When the Jazz are right they defend hard, make strong cuts an attack the glass. When they fail they are loose with the ball and can’t free themselves for open shots.

16.   The Jazz announcers are great, some of the best in the league I've heard. Matt Harpring is insightful and not too big of a homer.

17.   Jamaal Tinsley doing a good job distributing, getting the ball into the post and not forcing the issue. Utah needs a point guard to do those things but also one who can attack the defense

18.   With the scoring prowess of Durant and Westbrook, Ibaka gets wide open jumpers on offense by simply standing there.

19.   Length of Westbrook, Durant, Ibaka and Thabo allows them to contest passing lanes at elite level

20.   Attention All NBA teams: The Thunder are more athletic than you! If you do not value the ball, especially in transition they will create points off your turnovers and you will lose, by a lot.

21.   For the life of me I can’t understand why players drive right at Ibaka and try to shoot it over him, he jumps at every opportunity for a block (literally and figuratively), use your upfakes and get the ball to teammates.

22.   Ibaka knocked down a corner three which speaks volumes about his growth, although moving him further away from the hoop might not be the best thing for his development as a player.

23.   Nick Collison has squeezed every ounce out of his talent, watching him off the ball should be mandatory for every big man coming into the league.

24.   Thabeet is just huge, despite him underachieving he should have a long NBA career because of that one trait.

25.   OKC is better than any team in the league at creating stops and breaking out, however I still have questions about their half court game. Finding players for ISOs is easy to defend (relative to other offenses)

26.   The Warriors are a tough match up for a lot of teams because of their three point shooting, however they are also loose with the ball which makes them the perfect match up for OKC.

27.   One way that the Thunder have improved their half court offense is with back door action on the weak side. Even if this doesn’t get the offensive player open it makes sure that Durant (or other ISO option) can’t be doubled.

28.   Every time I see Kevin Martin shoot I am shocked when it goes in. His release is actually perfect but  he moves it from his hip to his shooting pocket before shooting, creating wasted motion for his shot that most coaches would advise you against

29.   Golden State attempted to slow down the Thunder by zoning them up. Good idea, bad execution. In guarding area Warriors forgot to pick up Westbrook and he got right to the hole. Zone with defenders cheating towards Durant on the wing might be a good idea.

30.   Perkins does not fit with OKC, he needs to be on a tough physical defensive team not a break out athletic shooting team. When he is amnestied after this year don’t be shocked if his play improves.

31.   Thunder have a lot of good individual defenders but to take the step to the next level they need to play better as a team as if everyone was attached on a string. They sometimes do this but not their lacking of consistency in this area will cost them come playoff time.

32.   Westbrook has lethal speed and quickness, did an in and out move and Klay Thompson wasn’t even close enough to foul Westbrook

33.   Durant is best scorer in league, doesn't force  the issue but scores when the defense gives him an opportunity. When defender plays off of him he shoots the jumper when defender is overplaying the jumper off of a pick he stops in the lane and gets a layup, he’s an offensive savant

34.   Reggie Jackson, has steadily improved, both as an athlete and a player. Plus he got a top notch education!

35.   Never understood the grammatical rules on singular named teams. Do you say the Thunder are playing well or the Thunder is playing well? Grammatically the Thunder is playing well is correct but for some reason that sounds wrong to me.

36.   Denver is unstoppable on the break and look lost in the half court. This could become a problem in the playoffs.

37.   If Galinari, Lawson and Iguodala can hit threes it opens up the floor for their athletes to attack.

38.   Nuggets are athletic as they come but if the weak side defender fails to rotate it doesn't matter how athletic they are, they will give up easy buckets.

39.   Lawson is so fast, got to stop him before he gets a head of steam

40.   Like OKC, Denver makes you pay for any lazy passes, with a fast break that yields automatic buckets.

41.   On the broadcast for the Nuggets the commercial for Stevinson Automotive contains one of the worst mustaches I've ever seen. I'm assuming this guy is rich, but he is surrounding by yes men if he thinks a five o'clock stubble mustache is his best look.

42.   Denver presses from time to time, this is a great idea in that it can force their opponent into the fast paced game that they excel in.

43.   JaVale McGee is athletic as hell but very immature. Ran a play for him to go back door for an alley-oop, passing lane was blocked so pass wasn’t made. McGee pouted instead of attacking offensive glass. It is things like this that prevent George Karl from starting him.

44.    Wilson Chandlerand Andre Miller give Denver two bench guys that are adept in half court offense, expect them to do big things in the playoffs if Denver is to do anything.

45.   Koufos’ fundamentally sound game blends well with all the track star s in Denver’s starting lineup. Sets solid screens, plays good help defense and boxes out.

  

February Trade Rumors: Splitter to Utah

Our latest rumor comes from Chris Sheridan, who stated the following when discussing the impending trade deadline. "Here is the latest they are telling me: The San Antonio Spurs are the front-runners to land Al Jefferson in a trade with the Utah Jazz – and they are frontrunners like Secretariat was in the 1973 Belmont Stakes."

Later on Sheridan mentions possible players involved in a deal, as well as why the teams are natural trading partners. Check out his excellent article here.
Here is a link to his piece














Why for San Antonio:
 The Spurs are already an elite team with a chance at a title. They are a veteran team with only so many years left in their window. With Tim Duncan nearing the end of his career it is championship or bust for the Spurs. That is why a deal in which they are sending out some ancillary pieces for a starter makes since. Al Jefferson to the Spurs would be such a deal. Jefferson is an elite back to the basket scorer, partnering him with Tim Duncan would make for a dominant interrior attack to balance their stellar play from the outside (lead by Manu Ginobilli and Tony Parker).  This deal takes them one step closer to the last title of the Duncan era, there is no more important reason than this for making a deal

Why for Utah:
Currently Utah is a team brimming with front court talent. Their two starters are all star caliber players, and they are backed up by one of the most promising young big men combinations in recent memory. Currently this team is a late playoff seed in the west.

In order to get better in the long term, they need to move their older free agent bound big men to make way for their prize prospects and strengthen other deficient areas of the team.

The Jazz's biggest need is a point guard. Patty Mills is a young player who could take over the point for the forseeable future. Along with Mills they would receive Splitter, allowing them to keep strong depth in the front court. Captain Jack would be thrown in for salary purposes.

Check out the rest of our February Trade Rumor Series
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth

February Trade Rumors: Al Jefferson to the Clippers

Trade Rumor Four:
Our fourth installment in the trade rumors series takes us to Utah. This trade is based on the recent rumor of Kevin Garnett to the Clippers. The rumor of KG to the Clippers was flawed for many reasons. 1. Kevin Garnett has a trade clause and happens to be one of the most loyal players in basketball. 2. The Celtics would probably want more than the package of Bledsoe and Butler. Although this rumor does not seem likely it does give us some pertinent information that we can use to form a similar trade. From this trade you can figure out that the Clippers are interested in acquiring a center for a package that could include Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler. This trade could only be consummated after Chris Paul has come back and shown he is 100%.

The Source:

Clippers are certainly looking to add a frontcourt piece for postseason run. They'd inquired about Cavs' Anderson Varejao before his injury
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 4, 2013

Sources tell Sporting News that the #Clippers have contacted the #Celtics about Kevin Garnett. Offer would include Caron Butler and Beldsoe.
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 3, 2013

Why For the Clippers:
The Clippers are a great team dealing with a tough run of games while its best player is injured. With Chris Paul out they have failed to take care of the basketball and it has lead to losses. Without Paul they need D'Andre Jordan to step up, but his usefulness has greatly diminished. The Clippers need a center that they can trust down the stretch, one who can get they can dump it down to for a bucket anytime they need it. Jordan has been so woeful at the free throw line (shooting 47%) that the Clippers can not afford to have him in the game in crucial situations. They need someone who can play impactful minutes at the five spot for them in the playoffs.
This was essentially the package that was rumored to go to Boston in a Kevin Garnett deal. It stands to reason that if the Clippers could not get KG they would be content to add a player of Jefferson's considerable talents.
Why For the Jazz:
The Jazz have good talented young players at every position except point guard. This off-season Milsap and Jefferson will be free agents, (with Kanter and Favors backing them up) it is unlikely that both come back. In moving Jefferson the Jazz would free up more time for Kanter and Favors as well as picking up a prospect that allows them to set their nucleus for years to come. Bledsoe, Hayward, Kanter and Favors is a great future.

Other Posts in Trade Rumor Series
First
Second
Third

NBA Northwest Division Round Up: Denver and Utah Find an Identity

Before the season started OKC distinguished itself as the division's elite. After making it to the finals as the Western Conference representative with a young team everyone knew they would win the division. Denver and Utah are trending upwards due to the emphasis on pace. Portland has hit a rough stretch after surviving the early season without a bench. In the process, making those who use Pythagorean Win Projections happy by reverting to the mean in losing games. Minnesota's season went the way of Kevin Love's right hand, in that they are both broken.

NORTHWEST	W	L	PCT	GB	HOME	ROAD	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	DIFF	STRK	L10
Oklahoma City	32	8	.800	-	19-3	13-5	5-1	20-3	105.7	96.4	+9.3	Won 6	8-2
Denver	24	18	.571	9	15-3	9-15	4-5	17-11	102.7	100.4	+2.3	Lost 2	7-3
Utah	21	19	.525	11	12-4	9-15	2-3	12-14	98.4	98.6	-0.2	Won 2	6-4
Portland	20	19	.513	11 ½	13-6	7-13	3-3	12-11	96.9	99.0	-2.1	Lost 4	5-5
Minnesota	16	20	.444	14	10-6	6-14	3-5	9-13	94.8	96.7	-1.9	Lost 5	3-7

The Oklahoma City Thunder
http://www.nba.com/thunder/
This Week's Games: 9-2:
1. Win vs. Phoenix 114-96
2. Loss vs. Brooklyn 110-93
3. Win vs. Philadelphia 109-85
4. Win @ Toronto 104-92
5. Loss @ Washington 101-99
6. Win vs. Minnesota 106-84
7. Win @ LA Lakers 116-101
8. Win @ Portland 87-83
9. Win @ Phoenix 102-90
10. Win vs Denver 117-97
11. Win @ Dallas 117-114 OT

Next Week's Games: Projected Outcome 3-1
1. @ Denver Sunday at 8:00
2. @ LA Clippers Tuesday at 10:30
3. @ Golden State Wednesday at 10:30
4. @ Sacramento Friday at 10:00

The Thunder can win in many ways. Last night they won behind a career high 52 by Kevin Durant, two games earlier they won with the defense of Kendrick Perkins. On other occasions Ibaka has used his rim protection and athleticism to turn the tide, much the same as Westbrook can catch fire and single handedly carry his team.  The Thunder are the most well rounded team in the league.

Currently OKC's biggest problem is a lack of depth, as of now they have seven trustworthy rotation players. I say currently because this will cease to be a problem in the playoffs when the rotations shorten. In the meantime the Thunder would benefit greatly if Jackson, Liggins, Maynor, and/or Jones could step up and give them reliable bench play. In their shocking loss to the Wizards their lack of a bench hurt them. On the second night of back to backs they were not able to keep their legs fresh without a deep bench.

Even without a bounty of depth, the Thunder are the best team in the league. With Miami still dealing with their championship hangover OKC is my odds on favorite to win the title.

The Denver Nuggets

http://www.nba.com/nuggets/

This Week's Games: 7-3

1. Win vs. LA Clippers 92-78

2. Loss vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 101-97

3. Win vs. Utah 110-91

4. Win @ LA Lakers 112-105

5. Win vs. Orlando 108-105

6. Win vs. Cleveland 98-91

7. Win vs. Golden State 116-105

8. Win vs. Portland 115-110 OT

9. Loss @ OKC 117-97

10. Loss vs. Washington 112-108

Next Week's Games: Projected Outcome 1-1

1. vs. OKC Sunday at 8:00

2. @ Houston Wednesday at 8:00

Since my last Northwest round up Denver has cemented itself in the second spot in the Northwest. All season, their players have been playing under their capabilities and now they are finally getting their footing. Along with their improved play Denver is benefiting from a home heavy schedule. To begin the season no team played more away games than Denver, now those numbers are evening out. While going 7-3 in their last ten games they are 6-1 at home and 1-1 on the road.

During the month of January, the Nuggets have made a concerted effort to push the pace, taking more shots and getting to the line more than in any other full month. Their increased output has not been solely at the offensive end. The Nuggets are finally playing with defensive discipline to back up their unrivaled athleticism. Their steal numbers are at a season low but on this team that is actually a good thing. Defensively the Nuggs are staying true to their rotations, trusting their teammates to be in the correct spot instead of gambling on steals. This has lead to their best defensive field goal percentage of any month.

This week Denver has two tough opponents in OKC and Houston. Both the games should be fast paced affairs that whose speed favors the Nuggets. The Thunder are simply a better team and will outdo the Nuggets at their preferred pace giving them the victory. The Rockets will push the tempo at their own peril and end up paying for it with a loss.

The Utah Jazz

http://www.nba.com/jazz/

This Week's Games: 6-3

1. Loss @ LA Clippers 107-96

2. Win vs. Minnesota 106-84

3. Win @ Phoenix 87-80

4. Loss @ Denver 110-91

5. Win vs. Dallas 100-94

6. Win @ Charlotte 112-102

7. Loss @ Atlanta 103-95

8. Win @ Detroit 90-87

9. Win vs. Miami 104-97

Next Week's Games: Projected Outcome 3-0

1. vs. Cleveland Saturday at 9:00

2. vs. Washington Wednesday at 9:00

3. @ LA Lakers Friday at 10:30

The Utah Jazz are glad to put a 6-9 December behind them. Since the start of January they have compiled a 6-2 record, including and impressive win in their last game against Miami. Utah is home to one of the most feared arenas in the league. That Utah was able to compile a 6-3 record, while having to play six of those games on the road is truly astounding and  indicative of their improved play.

While Denver used an increase pace to fuel their resurgence, Utah has been successful doing the opposite. During January the Jazz have taken less shots and scored less points than any other month. Normally this would be a huge red flag, but for the Jazz it is a positive.

Utah is a team built upon its impressive front court with two boarder line all stars starting at power forward and center. Their size extends past their starters for they have two future stars in Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors. With their elite size the Jazz are a team best suited for physical half court game, that they have turned to this method is the driving factor behind their success.

This week Utah will use their half court oriented attack against Cleveland Washington and the Lakers. Cleveland does not have the size to match up with Utah and should fall to them. Washington is currently red hot with the return of John Wall, this should extend to their game against Utah. The Lakers are playing better but not to the same level the Jazz are, expect the Jazz to obtain a signture win against a streaking Los Angeles.

The Portland Trailblazers

http://www.nba.com/blazers/

This Week's Games: 5-5

1. Win @ New York 105-100

2. Loss @ Tornoto 102-79

3. Win @ Memphis 86-84

4. Win @ Minnesota 102-97

5. Win vs. Orlando 125-119 OT

6. Win vs. Miami 92-90

7. Loss @ Golden State 103-97

8. Loss vs. OKC 87-83

9. Loss @ Denver 115-111 OT

10. Loss vs. Cleveland 93-88

Next Week's Games: Projected Outcome 1-2

1. vs Milwaukee Saturday at 10:00

2. vs Washington Monday at 10:00

3. vs Indiana Wednesday at 10:00

All year Portland has been overachieving. Statistical experts often use point differential as a measure of how good a team really is. If a team has a winning record but a negative point differential this statistic would indicate that this team is due for a losing streak. Portland has the worst differential in the division despite having five more wins than Minnesota and this is after the recent four game (mean reverting) losing streak. Luck is a difficult thing to measure in sports but if you believe in luck you could make an argument that Portland's luck is evening out.

If, you don't believe in luck in sports you probably want me to explain the deficiency that has caused the Blazers recent losing streak. The Blazers are a top heavy roster, meaning that their starters are very good but their bench leave a lot to be desired. This imbalance has lead to the Blazers starters logging more minutes than any other such group in the NBA. Meaning that not only are the Blazers negatively effected when their bench is in the game but their lack of a bench is wearing on their starters.

The Blazers must quickly decide whether to add pieces to their bench in order to make a playoff run (sacrificing draft picks and young players to do so) or if they are to hope their young players develop. This week the Blazers should continue their losing ways against Washington and Indiana but should have enough to defeat a reeling Bucks team.

The Minnesota Timberwolves

http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/

This Week's Games: 2-7

1. Loss @ Utah 106-84

2. Win @ Denver 101-97

3. Loss vs. Portland 102-97

4. Win vs. Atlanta 108-103

5. Loss @ OKC 106-84

6. Loss @ New Orleans 104-92

7. Loss @ San Antonio 106-88

8. Loss @ Dallas 113-98

9. Loss vs LA Clippers 90-77

Next Week's Games: Projected Outcome 1-3

1. vs. Houston Saturday at 8:00

2. @ Atlanta Monday at 2:00

3. vs. Brooklyn Wednesday at  8:00

4. @ Washington Friday at 7:00

The Timberwolves, have been dealing with injuries all season. Recently, however, the injuries have become too much to bare. The injuries have reached a tipping point, finally preventing the Wolves from competing. With Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic, and Chase Buddinger all out the Wolves are missing three players projected to start at the beginning of the year. That along with Ricky Rubio yet to play a game at 100 percent has precluded Minnesota from winning. Analyzing their style of play would be useless at this point considering they currently have a team comprised of spare parts.

The Wolves are currently mired in a five game losing streak. Things do not get any easier for the wounded ballers from Minnesota this week. Three of their games this week are against contending teams and the fourth is against a red hot Washington team with John Wall back. I expect the T-Wolves to win one of these games in what would now be deemed an upset.