Maybe we should have bet on Orlando in the playoffs this year! 6 games to go, and they are 3 behind Chicago. Since they play Chicago, you could think of it as 2 games back with 5 to play. Chicago has to play NJ, Ind, and Miami. It is complicated, but the Magic would win the tiebraker if they do happen to tie. It is the exact same situation with Philly. They play Wash/NJ/Mia/NJ/Orl/Char. So, if the Bulls and Sixers go 2-3 in those 5 games (which is very likely), then the Magic would have to win out. It is also conceivable that the Bulls and Sixers will go 1-4 to finish out and the Magic will be able to lose a game. The Magic play Atl/ Tor/ Philly/ SA/ Chic/ Ind. They should beat everyone except SA and Indiana. So, they have to get lucky and hope that those teams decide to rest the big guns. Once Det clinches overall HCA, this is the best story to follow for the last week.
ORLANDO- Mon 17 Chicago W Wed 19 at Indiana W CHICAGO- Sun 16 at Miami L Mon 17 at Orlando L Wed 19 Toronto L PHILLY- Tue 18 New Jersey L Wed 19 at Charlotte W If this scenario plays out, then Orlando will be playing the Pistons in the first round. The game that it will all probably come down to is Toronto versus Chicago on Wed. The Bulls will win. I look forward to going to the United Center for a game if that happens. You have to admit that this is a pretty impressive comeback by ORL to have a mathematical chance with 2 games to go. And Dwight Howard... 28 points, 26 rebounds (but can't buy a beer to celebrate).
If Hill would've knuckled down on his rots. from the start of the Darko acquisition they would be in now! If Orl makes it in, that would would be lovely, Darkowatcher would flip out. And I say they win a game from the Tons.
And so it ends. I thought Miami might want to do their part to get Chicago out of the playoffs and make sure Orlando got matched up with the Pistons... but Shaq is fat and lazy. Now I just have to hope Chicago stays in the 8 spot so I can go to a first round game.
Wouldn't that have been wild if we faced Darko and his boys in the first round. I'm surprized the league didn't mandate that ! The kid that couldn't get minutes turns on his old team. And if he beat the exchamps they would have to make a new rule...1-4 picks must get minutes. None of this vet. preference or rookie hog blocking BS ever again.
Yup - Darko is some magician. In the last game the Kidd plays 20 mins score 8 grabs 4 boards and somehow folks see him as the main reason why Orlando won.
That's Darko for you Buddy. But let's not cheat him. I know he had one turn one steal one assist 2.5 blks and 2 pf. Oh, and shot .50%
Darko is doing well in Orlando. At least has proven that he can be a solid bench player in this league as compared to a total bust out that he was feared to be. Are you cheating Howard, Nelson and Hedo out of what their input has been during their winning streak?
No. But why now? Hedo and Howard have been very consistant of late. Maybe Nelson is the leader they wanted.
And with 0 blocks I believe. Only 4 points in the game prior the that. Ok I am gloating - so sue me. After being baited and antagonized about the great #31 since the trade I almost enjoy it when he has a bad game.
Jameer Nelson also had a bad game with 5 points in 20 minutes and a minus 20 +/-. Also, the guy that starts in front of Darko, Tony Battie, was minus 22 on the game. Darko did play without intensity, coming in at minus 9.
Yeah, Hill needs to listen to Darko. Bring him into the game sooner so he can find his game. HE JUST VANT TO PLAY!
I totally agree. At the % Darko shoots (2nd in the NBA), he should be getting 15-20 attempts per game. Howard can clean up the misses.
Wood, you gotta be kidding. Hill has to make them a fine tuned engine. I think Orl. found out they were no longer in the hunt and punked, much like our last 2 loses. I wanted 2 more victorys, damn it.
