Playoffs Update – Blazers Momentum Stalls
Forget About Last Night
Over the course of an 82 game season, there will be games where everything goes right for the Portland Trail Blazers. (See the Memphis Grizzlies trip to Portland in November) Unfortunately for anyone who witnessed Saturday’s game, there are games where everything goes wrong. The important takeaway is to not draw conclusions from those types of games. Throw them out. When the Trail Blazers blew out the Grizzlies in early November, it was not a sign of a contender; it was an unsustainable shooting performance against a great defensive team. Needless to say, the Blazers are not the worst team in the league after Saturday’s blowout in Philly. They just had their worst possible game. It does not wipe out three solid wins the Blazers earned this week. Damian Lillard returned to all-star form in the victories over OKC, Utah and Brooklyn. As mentioned last week, the Blazers are in the midst of the weakest part of their schedule and look to get back on track in Washington tomorrow.
The Bottom Eight
*RCP Playoffs % is a complex algorithm that consists of watching NBA games and making partially educated guesses.
Utah Jazz: 18-22 LW: 3-2 RCP Playoffs % = 29% (-1%)
Just like the Portland Trail Blazers, the Utah Jazz are in a relatively easy stretch of the schedule. The Jazz head east this week for some of the weaker Eastern Conference teams. Unfortunately, the Jazz might not be able to take advantage. Derrick Favors is not back in the lineup as he continues to battle back spasms. Without Favors, the Jazz’ struggle to score is real.
Portland Trail Blazers: 18-25 LW: 3-1 RCP Playoffs % = 24% (+3%)
Let us all agree to never speak of the 76ers game again. Cool? Cool.
New Orleans Pelicans: 13-26 LW: 2-2 RCP Playoffs % = 17% (-1%)
A game-winning dunk is a rarity. However, Anthony Davis is a rarity. Will this spark a turnaround in their forgettable season? Probably not.
Sacramento Kings: 17-23 LW: 1-2 RCP Playoffs % = 14% (+2%)
Despite some encouraging signs on the basketball court, the Sacramento Bee prefers to report on the pop music career of Vivek Ranadive’s (the owner) daughter. The point of the article is to let fans know that Vivek is not funding his daughter’s career; Anjali Ranadive earns everything on her own. That is pretty impressive for a 23 year-old with a billionaire father. Not as impressive, the ariticle notes that Ranadive’s album sales just hit double digits – 10 total.
Denver Nuggets: 15-25 LW: 2-1 RCP Playoffs % = 12% (+5%)
More from Rip City Project
- Blazers News: Portland signs FIBA WC standout center
- Blazers News: Portland re-signing failed lottery pick
- 8 Do-overs the Portland Trail Blazers Wish They Had During Last Decade
- Portland Trail Blazers NBA 2K24 team, player ratings
- Woj: Blazers, Lillard ‘fully prepared’ for star to be with team in training camp
The Denver Nuggets likely achieved the high point of their season, beating the Golden State Warriors this week. It’s all downhill from here. Actually, there is much to be excited about in Denver – Especially compared to the sentiment at beginning of the season.
looks like a lethal scorer again and they have an
in
.
Phoenix Suns: 13-28 LW: 0-2 RCP Playoffs % = 2% (-4%)
If your idea of fun is cozying up on Sunday to watch a two and a half hour dumpster fire, you are in heaven today. The Phoenix Suns have lost 12 out of 13. Not to be outdone, the Minnesota Timberwolves have lost 13 of 14. The NFL playoffs will have a rough time stealing viewers from this game…
Minnesota Timberwolves: 12-29 LW: 0-4 RCP Playoffs % = 2% (-4%)
See above.
Los Angeles Lakers: 9-33 LW: 1-3 RCP Playoffs % = 0% (Unchanged)
Kobe Bryant revealed his decision this week about not playing in the 2016 Olympics.
The decision of Bryant to pull out from Team USA is reminiscent of Mikey from ‘Swingers’ deciding “this just isn’t working out.” Not so sure Team USA wanted Bryant.