40 replies to this topic

[Sir Thursday]

Current Standings:


:
:
6. Utah (12-8)
7. Portland (13-9)
8. LA Lakers (13-9)
9. Houston (12-10)
10. Memphis (11-10)
11. Minnesota (10-12)

Next 5 games:

vs. Phoenix (currently 8-13)
@ Minnesota (currently 10-12)
@ Denver (currently 14-7)
@ Portland (currently 13-9)
@ Phoenix (currently 8-13)

Expected: 2.75 from 5


Full Schedule Breakdown:

Easy wins (we should win 100% of these):

Sacramento x3 (1-0)
Toronto x2
Washington x2 (2-0)
Charlotte x2 (1-0)
Detroit x1 (1-0)
New Jersey x1

Current score: 5-0
Expected score: 11-0

Favoured (I'd like to win 75% of these):

Phoenix x4
Minnesota x4 (1-1)
Golden State x3
New Orleans x3 (1-0)
Milwaukee x1 (0-1)
Cleveland x1

Current Score: 2-2
Expected score: 11-5

Even (50%):

Memphis x4 (0-1)
Utah x3
Indiana x1
Boston x1
New York x1 (1-0)
Atlanta x1 (1-0)

Current score: 2-1
Expected score: 6-5

Underdogs (25%):

Denver x4
San Antonio x4 (2-2)
Portland x3 (1-0)
Philadelphia

Current score: 3-2
Expected score: 5-7

Games we'd be lucky to get anything out of:

OKC x4 (0-2)
Dallas x3
LA Lakers x3 (0-1)
LA Clippers x3 (0-1)
Chicago
Miami
Orlando (0-1)

Expected score: 0-16
Current score: 0-5



Current record: 12-10
Projected record: 33-33

Hollinger 8th seed playoff Projection: 36-30

[Rahat Huq]

Now I know Rahat is firmly against this sort of thinking...

LOL. If we're not going to tank, I might as well cheer for some wins. FWIW, I've felt the team would make the playoffs since the Dalembert signing.

[durvasa]

Nice breakdown, Sir Thursday.

[Sir Thursday]

Hmm, seems there are no editing privileges here. Oh well, I guess I'll just do it post by post then. That win takes us to:

Gimmes: 3-0 (11 games, 8 remaining) -> Projected: 11-0
Favourites: 0-0 (16 games) -> Projected: 12-4
Evens: 1-1(11 games, 9 remaining) -> Projected: 6-5
Underdogs: 2-1 (12 games, 9 remaining) -> Projected: 4-8 (NB: Winning 25% of remaining games takes us to 4-8 in this section)
Just Play Hard: 0-5(16 games, 11 remaining) -> Projected: 0-16


Totals:
Current Record: 6-7
Projected Record: 33-33


Feel free to disagree with me on where I've put everyone. Wasn't sure where to put all the teams. Do Dallas merit being in the "Just Play Hard" section? Do Philly deserve their favourite status (I seem to remember we don't usually do too well against them, which is why I put them there). Maybe you'd expect us to beat New York? Discuss.


ST

[Sir Thursday]

Gimmes: 4-0 (11 games, 7 remaining) -> Projected: 11-0
Favourites: 0-0 (16 games) -> Projected: 12-4
Evens: 1-1(11 games, 9 remaining) -> Projected: 6-5
Underdogs: 2-1 (12 games, 9 remaining) -> Projected: 4-8 (NB: Winning 25% of remaining games takes us to 4-8 in this section)
Just Play Hard: 0-5(16 games, 11 remaining) -> Projected: 0-16


Totals:
Current Record: 7-7
Projected Record: 33-33

[Rahat Huq]

Might need to continue re-evaluating the groups as the season continues as I expect this team to continue improving. Certain opponents will seem more beatable.

[Rahat Huq]

According to Jacob's latest post, if we continue our current pace, we will finish 37-29. Obviously, its unlikely they stay unbeaten against the bad teams, but interesting nonetheless.

As pro-tanking as I've been, it sure is fun watching a winning team.

[Sir Thursday]

Might need to continue re-evaluating the groups as the season continues as I expect this team to continue improving. Certain opponents will seem more beatable.

Yeah, especially if there are injuries or teams just decide to play without one of their best players (like SA did last night). Still reasonably happy with how these look at the moment (might have to put Memphis back in the underdog category when Randolph comes back though).

According to Jacob's latest post, if we continue our current pace, we will finish 37-29. Obviously, its unlikely they stay unbeaten against the bad teams, but interesting nonetheless.

As pro-tanking as I've been, it sure is fun watching a winning team.

Yeah, I think 100% against all bad teams is too much to ask for, which is why I've built a little breathing room into my projections. Does mean that we get a slightly more conservative record at the end of it though. I think this season is going to be made or broken by the sections of the schedule where we start playing those teams in the Favourites/Evens groups. Winning 3/4 against Phoenix is doable but difficult, winning 2/3 against Utah is going to be key. If we can split the games with Denver, I'd be very pleased.

Gimmes: 4-0 (11 games, 7 remaining) -> Projection: 11-0
Favourites: 1-0 (16 games, 15 remaining) -> Projection: 12-4
Even: 1-1 (11 games, 9 remaining) -> Projection: 6-5
Underdog: 3-1 (12 games, 8 remaining) -> Projection: 5-7
Just Play Hard: 0-5 (16 games, 11 remaining) -> Projection: 0-16

Current Record: 9-7
Projected Record: 34-32

To stay on track, we need to go 4-1 in our next 5 games (although 3-2 wouldn't be the end of the world).

ST

[Rahat Huq]

If we win tonight, we're heavy favorites in our next 4. 11 game winning streak?

[Sir Thursday]

I now seem to have editing privileges, so I'll just edit my summary in the OP. Much easier than having to write everything out every few days .

ST

[Rahat Huq]

Last night was the first game that we lost which we weren't supposed to lose.

[Sir Thursday]

Last night was the first game that we lost which we weren't supposed to lose.

I said before the Minnesota game that we needed to go 4-1 over the next 5 games...I think you've got to expect to lose a couple of games like the Milwaukee one over the course of the season. And I don't think Milwaukee are that bad of a team - look what they did to the Lakers last night!

It's important we don't lose too many of these games, but I think it's more important that we keep winning when the schedule gets tougher. Those are the games that will make the most difference to our playoff hopes.

ST

[Rahat Huq]

I said before the Minnesota game that we needed to go 4-1 over the next 5 games...I think you've got to expect to lose a couple of games like the Milwaukee one over the course of the season. And I don't think Milwaukee are that bad of a team - look what they did to the Lakers last night!

It's important we don't lose too many of these games, but I think it's more important that we keep winning when the schedule gets tougher. Those are the games that will make the most difference to our playoff hopes.

ST

Where do we stand right now?

Maybe we should add in playoff standings as well, and other relevant information, strength of schedule etc? I can put it on the front page every weekend so everyone who's not looking in here can be informed.

[Sir Thursday]

Where do we stand right now?

Maybe we should add in playoff standings as well, and other relevant information, strength of schedule etc? I can put it on the front page every weekend so everyone who's not looking in here can be informed.

Good idea. I've updated the first post. Currently at 33-33, which seems a bit low to get in given the how far above .500 everyone in the West is at the moment. It's good we're doing better than expected against the stronger teams, but we can't afford to lose many more games against the likes of Minnesota if we want to get in...

Feel free to put these up whenever you think people need reminding .

ST

[Rahat Huq]

Good idea. I've updated the first post. Currently at 33-33, which seems a bit low to get in given the how far above .500 everyone in the West is at the moment. It's good we're doing better than expected against the stronger teams, but we can't afford to lose many more games against the likes of Minnesota if we want to get in...

Feel free to put these up whenever you think people need reminding .

ST

Sure thing. I'll post these up once every weekend, either Saturday or Sunday. However, instead of editing the first post, can you just add the update to the end of the thread? That will make it easier for people to find it, if they don't know what's going on.

[Sir Thursday]

Current Standings:

:
:
3. LA Clippers (15-8)
4. Houston (16-11)
5. LA Lakers (15-11)
6. Dallas (15-11)
7. Denver (15-12)
8. Utah (13-11)
9. Portland (14-12)

Next 5 games:

@ Golden State (currently 8-13)
@ Memphis (currently 12-13)
vs. Oklahoma City (currently 19-5)
vs. Minnesota (currently 13-13)
vs. Utah (currently 13-11)

Expected: 2.75 from 5


Full Schedule Breakdown:

Easy wins (we should win 100% of these):

Sacramento x3 (1-0)
Toronto x2
Washington x2 (2-0)
Charlotte x2 (1-0)
Detroit x1 (1-0)
New Jersey x1

Current score: 5-0
Expected score: 11-0

Favoured (I'd like to win 75% of these):

Phoenix x4 (2-0)
Minnesota x4 (1-2)
Golden State x3
New Orleans x3 (1-0)
Milwaukee x1 (0-1)
Cleveland x1

Current Score: 4-3
Expected score: 11-5

Even (50%):

Memphis x4 (0-1)
Utah x3
Indiana x1
Boston x1
New York x1 (1-0)
Atlanta x1 (1-0)

Current score: 2-1
Expected score: 6-5

Underdogs (25%):

Denver x4 (1-0)
San Antonio x4 (2-2)
Portland x3 (2-0)
Philadelphia

Current score: 5-2
Expected score: 6-6

Games we'd be lucky to get anything out of:

OKC x4 (0-2)
Dallas x3
LA Lakers x3 (0-1)
LA Clippers x3 (0-1)
Chicago
Miami
Orlando (0-1)

Expected score: 0-16
Current score: 0-5



Current record: 16-11
Projected record: 34-32

Hollinger 8th seed playoff Projection: 37-29
Hollinger Rockets Projection: 38-28

[Sir Thursday]

Current Standings:

:
:
4. Dallas (17-11)
5. LA Lakers (16-12)
6. Houston (16-12)
7. Denver (16-12)
8. Utah (14-12)
9. Portland (15-13)

Next 5 games:

@ Memphis (currently 14-14)
vs. Oklahoma City (currently 21-6)
vs. Minnesota (currently 13-13)
vs. Utah (currently 14-12)
vs. Memphis (currently 14-14)

Expected: 2.25 from 5


Full Schedule Breakdown:

Easy wins (we should win 100% of these):

Sacramento x3 (1-0)
Toronto x2
Washington x2 (2-0)
Charlotte x2 (1-0)
Detroit x1 (1-0)
New Jersey x1

Current score: 5-0
Expected score: 11-0

Favoured (I'd like to win 75% of these):

Phoenix x4 (2-0)
Minnesota x4 (1-2)
Golden State x3 (0-1)
New Orleans x3 (1-0)
Milwaukee x1 (0-1)
Cleveland x1

Current Score: 4-4
Expected score: 10-6

Even (50%):

Memphis x4 (0-1)
Utah x3
Indiana x1
Boston x1
New York x1 (1-0)
Atlanta x1 (1-0)

Current score: 2-1
Expected score: 6-5

Underdogs (25%):

Denver x4 (1-0)
San Antonio x4 (2-2)
Portland x3 (2-0)
Philadelphia

Current score: 5-2
Expected score: 6-6

Games we'd be lucky to get anything out of:

OKC x4 (0-2)
Dallas x3
LA Lakers x3 (0-1)
LA Clippers x3 (0-1)
Chicago
Miami
Orlando (0-1)

Expected score: 0-16
Current score: 0-5



Current record: 16-12
Projected record: 33-33

Hollinger 8th seed playoff Projection: 37-29
Hollinger Rockets Projection: 38-28

[Sir Thursday]

Current Standings:

:
:
4. Dallas (19-11)
5. LA Lakers (17-12)
6. Houston (17-13)
7. Denver (17-13)
8. Portland (16-14)
9. Memphis (16-14)

Next 5 games:

vs. Minnesota (currently 14-16)
vs. Utah (currently 14-14)
vs. Memphis (currently 16-14)
vs. Philadelphia (currently 20-10)
vs. Toronto (currently 9-22)

Expected: 3 from 5


Full Schedule Breakdown:

Easy wins (we should win 100% of these):

Sacramento x3 (1-0)
Toronto x2
Washington x2 (2-0)
Charlotte x2 (1-0)
Detroit x1 (1-0)
New Jersey x1

Current score: 5-0
Expected score: 11-0

Favoured (I'd like to win 75% of these):

Phoenix x4 (2-0)
Minnesota x4 (1-2)
Golden State x3 (0-1)
New Orleans x3 (1-0)
Milwaukee x1 (0-1)
Cleveland x1

Current Score: 4-4
Expected score: 10-6

Even (50%):

Memphis x4 (0-2)
Utah x3
Indiana x1
Boston x1
New York x1 (1-0)
Atlanta x1 (1-0)

Current score: 2-2
Expected score: 6-5

Underdogs (25%):

Denver x4 (1-0)
San Antonio x4 (2-2)
Portland x3 (2-0)
Philadelphia

Current score: 5-2
Expected score: 6-6

Games we'd be lucky to get anything out of:

OKC x4 (1-2)
Dallas x3
LA Lakers x3 (0-1)
LA Clippers x3 (0-1)
Chicago
Miami
Orlando (0-1)

Current score: 1-5
Expected score: 1-15



Current record: 17-13
Projected record: 34-32

Hollinger Rockets Projection: 37-29
Hollinger 8th seed playoff Projection: 36-30

[Sir Thursday]

Current Standings:

:
:
4. Dallas (20-12)
5. LA Lakers (18-13)
6. Memphis (18-14)
7. Houston (18-14)
8. Portland (17-15)
9. Denver (17-15)


Next 5 games:

vs. Memphis (currently 18-14)
vs. Philadelphia (currently 20-12)
vs. Toronto (currently 9-23)
@ Utah (currently 15-15)
vs. Denver (currently 17-15)

Expected: 2.75 from 5


Full Schedule Breakdown:

Easy wins (we should win 100% of these):

Sacramento x3 (1-0)
Toronto x2
Washington x2 (2-0)
Charlotte x2 (1-0)
Detroit x1 (1-0)
New Jersey x1

Current score: 5-0
Expected score: 11-0

Favoured (I'd like to win 75% of these):

Phoenix x4 (2-0)
Minnesota x4 (1-3)
Golden State x3 (0-1)
New Orleans x3 (1-0)
Milwaukee x1 (0-1)
Cleveland x1

Current Score: 4-5
Expected score: 9-7

Even (50%):

Memphis x4 (0-2)
Utah x3 (1-0)
Indiana x1
Boston x1
New York x1 (1-0)
Atlanta x1 (1-0)

Current score: 3-2
Expected score: 6-5

Underdogs (25%):

Denver x4 (1-0)
San Antonio x4 (2-2)
Portland x3 (2-0)
Philadelphia

Current score: 5-2
Expected score: 6-6

Games we'd be lucky to get anything out of:

OKC x4 (1-2)
Dallas x3
LA Lakers x3 (0-1)
LA Clippers x3 (0-1)
Chicago
Miami
Orlando (0-1)

Current score: 1-5
Expected score: 1-15



Current record: 18-14
Projected record: 33-33

Hollinger Rockets Projection: 37-29
Hollinger 8th seed playoff Projection: 36-30

[Rahat Huq]

SirThursday: A couple of readers were asking for an update on this. What do you have?