Now that the hook is stuck in your head (muahahahahahaaaa!), it's time for my 2nd Annual Playoff Tracker, where I try to guestimate how many wins the Lakers will need and post updates in each game's comments.
Aimin High
Last year, they were just trying to make the play-in, but that shouldn't be an issue this season: barring a late run by Utah, there shouldn't be any real change in the play-in teams, just their seeding. To that end, I'm setting the goal MUCH higher - the 6th seed!
- Target Record: 47-25
- Wins Needed: 17
Why 47 wins?
The Pels and Suns are currently tied for the 5th seed with 33 wins each. The Pels have a fairly easy remaining schedule, while the Suns have the toughest in the league. One of those teams will probably play at or near .500 over their remaining 27 games, finishing with 46-47 wins. If the Lakers handle their business, they should get to 47 wins and be in control of the both the 2- and 3-team tiebreaker(s).
Lakers final 26
The Lakers have the 5th toughest remaining schedule, so going 17-9 (.654) will be tough. Breaking it down:
- Games they should win (10) - Warriors (x3), Spurs (x1), Wizards (x2), Hawks (x1), Grizzlies (x2), Nets (x1), Raptors (x1)
- Games they can win (7) - Thunder (x1), Pacers (x2), 76ers (x1), Pelicans (x1), Cavaliers (x1), Clippers (x1)
- Games they need to find a way to win (9) - Suns (x1), Kings (x2), Bucks (x2), Timberwolves (x2), Nuggets (x1)
Key Dates:
- 2/22 @Warriors - a win puts some distance between the Lakers and Warriors with 2 head-to-heads remaining
- 2/25 @Suns - Lakers need to pick up games against the Suns...this is the last chance to do it head-to-head; a win also clinches a 3-team tiebreaker (LAL/NOP/PHX)
- 3/26 @Bucks - front end of a b2b kicking off the last big road trip of the season
- 3/27 @Grizzlies - back end....ibid
- 4/2 @Raptors - front end of a b2b ending the last big road trip of the season
- 4/3 @Wizards - back end....ibid
- 4/14 @Pelicans - may well decide the 6th seed and secure the head-to-head tiebreaker
So that's it - not easy but doable. How many wins do you think they'll need? What are your key dates? Post in the comments below and fasten your seatbelts - there's gonna be some bumpy nights!
