RealGM

Well, there's no thread as of 5:00, so I guess I'll start one...

What: The last-place team in the Southeast vs. the last-place team in the Central

Where: The Phone Booth

When: Sun, Feb. 8, 6:00 PM

Who: Whichever players for each team aren't injured.

I came in to post a "prediction", but since this is the "official" game thread, I'll do it here. I have a suspection that the Wiz will win this game (sorry, fellow tankers). It fits the model of their win-one-in-five approach. The Pacers aren't that good to begin with, their star player is slowed by a nagging injury, and they're not the most fundamentally sound team in the league. They're coming off a big win (over Orlando Friday night), and could be looking past the Wiz. Like the Wiz, they're pretty bad defensively (most Points Allowed per game in the East - I'll let someone else post the pace-adjusted stats).

I expect a good game from one or two of the young guys (McGee/Crittenton/Young). Typical 20/10 or better from Jamison. Maybe even a Butler sighting.

Prediction: Wizards 106, Pacers 97

Discuss.

FWIW #1: The only other game thread I started this season (via doc), the Wiz beat the Kings. Again, I say: sorry, tankers.

FWIW #2: Great night last night, as the Grizzlies won again (14 wins!) and the Clippers somehow blew out the Hawks in Atlanta. And since the Thunder & Kings play tonight, one of them has to win! We're secure in our last place/first slot for a t least a few more days, even with a win.

With the Raptors and Kings hard charging for the worst record in the league it'd be nice to have another loss to keep a buffer. I'm willing to sacrifice losses only if Young and McGee have good games, on both ends of the floor! Not just o-fense.

I just posted something and of course, it didn't show up.

Anyways, Danny Granger might be the most underrated player in the league today. It could be argued he is the best SF in the league outside of LeBron. He is on the same level as Pierce, 'Melo, or anyone else you consider a top-tier SF.

whoa... mcgee just earned himself a spot at the end of the bench in only a few minutes of play

As usual, the almight vets start the game off just right.

Even though the season has long been a waste, Twan is the only one who hasn't mailed it in. Gotta respect that. If only he wasn't a black hole on defense and on a ridiculous contract. *sigh*

Granger racking up the fouls.

It's just amazing to me that a professional NBA organization can be so inept on half of the game of basketball (defense).

I mean, really, think about it. These are the best of the best in terms of players, coaches, managers, etc. And we can't put together a staff that knows proper defensive schemes? Really?

And let's say that we put together a scheme that doesn't work. We really have no one in the organization who says "Hey, this strategy isn't working. Maybe we should try something different"? Really?

Watching the Spurs, a few nights ago - Popavich decided not to play Duncan, Parker, Ginobili and Finley. They were playing one of the best offensive teams in the NBA, the Nuggets. And guess what? They defended almost as well as if Duncan, Parker, Ginobili and Finley were playing, because it's all about the system and the Spurs have a great one. They make adjustments when necessary, they know how to gameplan, and they are always preaching D.

How frustrating.

21 fouls? Jesus christ.

17pts in 17 mins and only now just getting 3rd qtr play.

4th-Qtr time to fold, will OPEC pass the ball ever again?

Nick Young is criminally misused on this team.

He's going to join Mason and Hamilton on the list of quality two guards this team didn't value too much.

CB is the man, 3333333333333333333

CARONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNIMOOOO

Oh well, looks like I might need to make another game thread....

I know it's not over yet, but this would be a good win for the team. Even in the middle of a ping pong ball chase, getting a tough come-from-behind win can lift the spirits and fend off the forces of fatalistic loserdom.

And um, please don't trade Caron.

Wow ... welcome back Caron. You should get the Flu more often.

Could we have the first dagger of the year?

btw nice defense guys. Who woulda thunk that the Pacers would shoot a three down by three

Right on schedule - Granger ties it up with a three!

I'm still confused - is talking about a win before it's over, then having the other team come back, the sign of a jinx? Tanking can be so confusing....

Butler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!