Final Stretch Predictions

[Tin_Food]

This last stretch of games is sort of like our round 0 of playoffs, so let's all pretend we're In the NO podcasters or The Bird Rights roundtable and make some predictions on what we think will happen, for OKC and for us. Feel free to expand on possible scenarios for the various games:


OKC

vs SAS
vs SAC
@ IND
vs POR
@ MIN


NO

vs GSW
@ MEM
vs PHO
@ HOU
@ MIN
vs SAS


Looking at OKC's schedule from a relatively superficial level (not considering back to backs of OKC or their opponents), I'd say they'd go at least 3-2. Pelicans have it slightly tougher, and AD hasn't been playing well, but they've made a habit of being unpredictable so anything could happen.

With that said, I'm predicting OKC to go 4-1 over this last stretch, eventually one of Westbrook's triple doubles will allow OKC to beat a tougher team, probably Portland.

With the pelicans, I'd give them a very slim chance of beating GSW unless holiday comes back, in which case the odds bump to about 30%. I'm going to put it out there and say after they lose to GSW, Jrue comes back and we run off a 5 game winning streak.
Looking at those last five games, we match up fairly well against most teams, and with Jrue back we can contain the star guards with relative success. The Spurs game would be the toughie, but with Jrue back and AD picking it up and playing at his typical MVP level, I back them to take it. So both teams finish at 46-36 with NO making it to the next round!

Make your predictions guys, and lets have a go at being sports analysts.

[MichaelMcNamara]

I got 3-2 for OKC and 3-3 for the Pels. Recent history says the Pels just can't beat top tier teams, outside of maybe Memphis. But even that Memphis game is the second night of a back to back, and Memphis will have had 3 full days rest going into it.

The Pels beat Phoenix and Minny, and find a way to win one of the other 4, but it won't be enough. They lose the 8th seed by one game and the next week is spent arguing over which game was the worst loss for the Pels this season.

[Sovereign]

I don't think it's going to be pretty.

[rt0307]

I'm just looking at the Pels... I see 4-2

as Grizzlies fans on tigerdroppings say... they have no way to stop AD or Tyreke... we've played them well and I really believe we can steal that

yes we just lost to the Suns... but with that game at home... and by then the Suns theoretically should be officially eliminated from contention... that's a must win

Minny is in full tank mode... that better be a win

and let's remember... we're a fluke Asik tip into his own basket from being 3-0 against SAS this season... I believe we can win that 1 already... even w/o considering they may rest players if they're locked into their playoff spot

if we get that and OKC loses to Spurs, Indy (now that PG-13 is back) & Blazers... we're in

that's the 7 games I'm keying in on as where we make or miss the postseason

[itsADstime]

Pelicans go 4-2 losing to Golden State and Houston while the Thunder go 2-3 and pack their fishing gear. I have no reasoning for this other than "why not" and "NBA be crazy".

[LOLLakers]

I think the Thunder will go 2-3.

Not sure we can go 3-3

[luckyman]

If Jrue comes back, don't count on him locking down anybody. It will be in a reserve role off the bench. I'd be more ecstatic about what he might bring offensively. This team loves jump shots and he's good at that free throw line jumper. That should level off Ryno's slumps.

I'm not worried about OKC. It's trying to predict what the Pelicans will do, which is nearly impossible. They took the Warriors to OT with no AD or Gordon. They've played very well and beaten all the other tough teams on the schedule. Outside of Golden State they lead the season series against them all.

I'm just going to enjoy the ride.

[rm84_]

lol at Pels not playing good against top teams, we are here because of losses to horrible teams.

[Sovereign]

lol at Pels not playing good against top teams, we are here because of losses to horrible teams.

The narrative continues

[pelicanchamp]

OKC will go 3-2
They will likely beat SAS, SAC, MIN. I see IND and POR being a problem for them.

NOP: 4-2. I see PELS losing to GSW and MEM. I think they'll close the season with an intense 4 game winning streak. We'll beat the ROCKETS and MIN on the road and take care of PHX and SPURS at home.

Here's my take on this... We have a healthier team and we've been playing better lately. This is going to come down to three things.
1. Players health
2. Coaching
3. Consistency

I think OKC is going to start falling apart. They're worn down and it's going to affect them because they face INDY, PORTLAND, and SPURS. Those teams are very difficult to face from a physical standpoint.
Now our opponents are all very beatable except for the WARRIORS. I think we're going to take care of business.
Monty is critical:
1. Push for Reke to be the facilitator
2. Push for AD to be more aggressive.
3. Push for Gordon to start attacking the basket more. Get to the FT line.
4. Give QPON more playing time and get 3s
5. Limit Ryno's minutes and take him out immediately if he tries to play like Dirk. Keep him to 3 pointers 3-5 good shots.
6. Give Ajinca opportunity for quick post scoring.
7. Rebound and Take care of the ball.
8. Call timeout before things get out of control .

[moon54]

Thunder plays much better than us right now . They lost to rockets but I think they played ok . I think they'll go 4-1 in their remaining games that means nola can afford only 1 loss . I don't think this team can go 5-1 with this level of inconsistency ...

That stupid knicks game changed everything ...

[mrsaints]

I got 3-2 for OKC and 3-3 for the Pels. Recent history says the Pels just can't beat top tier teams, outside of maybe Memphis. But even that Memphis game is the second night of a back to back, and Memphis will have had 3 full days rest going into it.

The Pels beat Phoenix and Minny, and find a way to win one of the other 4, but it won't be enough. They lose the 8th seed by one game and the next week is spent arguing over which game was the worst loss for the Pels this season.

Maybe some rest for SAS, Pop has done it in the past!! And you know we own MEMPHIS!! I think the Pels go 4-2 and OKC go 3-2...PLAYOFFS!!!!

[itsADstime]

Thunder plays much better than us right now . They lost to rockets but I think they played ok . I think they'll go 4-1 in their remaining games that means nola can afford only 1 loss . I don't think this team can go 5-1 with this level of inconsistency ...

That stupid knicks game changed everything ...

I'm sorry but OKC has been terrible lately, they score a ton of points sure but they can't stop anyone, their defense has been horrendous.

[MichaelMcNamara]

I'm sorry but OKC has been terrible lately, they score a ton of points sure but they can't stop anyone, their defense has been horrendous.

I don't think OKC has been playing bad lately and they weren't playing great 10 days ago when they were rolling off wins and people had given up hope of catching them. They have been playing exactly the same.

They win games against bad teams, especially at home and lose against good ones, especially on the road. They have Minny and Sacto, which should be virtual gimmes. The other 3 are all lose able games, with San Antonio probably being an automatic loss. The Indy/Portland back to back will be the big ones. I'd love it if they lose both, but I see a split as a more likely outcome.

[greewe]

OKC

vs SAS L
vs SAC W
@ IND L
vs POR L
@ MIN W


NO

vs GSW L
@ MEM L
vs PHO W
@ HOU L
@ MIN W
vs SAS W

Both teams finish 44-38, and NOP makes the playoffs!

[MichaelMcNamara]

Man, I hope OKC loses as many as most are predicting that they do, but I just don't see it. They have lost 5 of 6, but they were right there at the end in 4 of the 5 against a brutal schedule.

I can't assume any worse than 3-2 for them, meaning we have to go 4-2 at least IMO.

[Hugeaux II]

Pel's:
Golden State - L -but hopefully they don't care about their Spurs loss and rest guys
Memphis- L - I know we match up well, and Memphis has been struggling a little... maybe if Ryan ends his slump and Jrue is back...
Suns - W - Suns are finished
Rockets - L - Rockets looking strong, playing at home
Wolves - W - Wolves are finished
Spurs - W - Spurs resting

OKC:
Spurs - L - Spurs are Spurring
Kings - W - Kings are Kinging
Pacers - L - don't feel good about this pick, hoping the Pacers D can keep OKC a little under control, and OKC has zero D of their own
Blazers - L - OKC on a b2b against a rested Blazers who are still playing for seeding
Wolves - W - Wolves have gone fishing

So I actually have us getting in, albeit with picking the Pacers over OKC. But I think we've got a shot at Memphis, especially if Jrue comes back. And Houston without Beverly and Howard still on a minutes restriction is certainly possible. And GS could rest a bunch of guys. Really, we've could be on an up-swing the rest of the way. Might get Ryan playing better, might get Jrue playing at all, AD should bounce back after a sub-par trip. OKC on the other hand isn't getting anybody back and has guys like Morrow playing out of their minds. Can they really keep it up? I think they run out of gas.

[kclaboy504]

Man, I hope OKC loses as many as most are predicting that they do, but I just don't see it. They have lost 5 of 6, but they were right there at the end in 4 of the 5 against a brutal schedule.

I can't assume any worse than 3-2 for them, meaning we have to go 4-2 at least IMO.

This is exactly my prediction. We need to get to 45 wins imo some way some how. I don't care who we beat or how we beat them. We get in the playoffs is all that matters for me. We can get swept for all I care.

[UNO Gracias]

Was it last year or the year before when OKC played without Westbrook? I wonder if they want to make the playoffs to see how well they can do without Durant. Maybe give them an idea of life going forward.

[MichaelMcNamara]

Was it last year or the year before when OKC played without Westbrook? I wonder if they want to make the playoffs to see how well they can do without Durant. Maybe give them an idea of life going forward.

They don't need the playoffs for that. Over the last two years, they are very good with Durant and no RW. Slightly above average with Westbrook and no KD

[UNO Gracias]

For all the hubbub about "no we're not going to trade Durant/Westbrook" these guys aren't Jordan and Pippen. I honestly don't believe the Thunder will win a title as long as both are on the team. They don't compliment each other well enough like your Shaq/Kobe, Dirk/Kidd, Malone/Stockton. At some point they have to realize this, and move one for the sake of their long term title hopes.

[MichaelMcNamara]

I am awed by Westbrook, but if the Thunder would have chosen Harden over RW, they would have won a title by now IMO

[UNO Gracias]

I agree with you on that. Had they moved Ibaka over Harden who knows what would have been, but they definitely moved the wrong guy. Harden has played much of the season without Howard, and the Rockets are just fine (in a tougher division), Westbrook and the Thunder have played much of the season without Durant (in a far easier division) and are fighting to the 8th spot. Sure there were times when both RW and adurant were out, but not enough for these type of results. Perhaps the Thunder are one of the most overrated teams out there, while the Rockets are one of the most underrated. But certainly Westbrook isn't the MVP, or even a guy you win a title with.

[Caffeinedisastr]

The Thunder should decide who their horse is and trade away the other guy to fill in the roster.

Their horse is Durant IMO. He doesn't take as many dumb shots as Westbrook and won't run himself into the ground as quickly.
This is assuming his foot injury heals up nicely and is not recurring.

I'm just trying to imagine the haul that Westbrook would bring. Ridiculous.

[SaintPelican225]

OKC

vs SAS L
vs SAC W
@ IND L
vs POR L
@ MIN W


NO

vs GSW L
@ MEM L
vs PHO W
@ HOU L
@ MIN W
vs SAS W

Both teams finish 44-38, and NOP makes the playoffs!

I agree totally with this scenario......