microfib4thewin wrote:
Unless Rockets vastly underachieves from now on there is no way they will finish with less than 44 wins. They have a superstar and their offense is simply too good for them to falter in the way you describe. The Mavs or the Lakers getting in are both pipedreams, and whether they get in or not it doesn't mask the fact that both teams have much to decide on what they want to do with their aging superstar.
I think LA can get in if Utah falters, which I think is possible given their schedule.
Dwight seems to care now, for whatever reason. And his body is starting to come around, a bit (meaning the back).
If I had to guess, I would imagine someone told him that if he could lead a playoff run now -- or even some improbable deep playoff run -- given the turmoil of the season and Dr Buss' passing, he will be loved in LA eternally.
Coming from the Dwightmare I public relations disaster, and given that Dwight may well want to stay in LA, that is probably pretty enticing.
Dwight and Kobe being on the same page, Clark emerging and Nash starting to find his role, this team could get it done and make the playoffs. And Pau is the "cavalry coming over the hill" in April.
I think it's up to Utah at this point. We'll find out soon enough!