8th Seeds Clinched

Yesterday both 8th seeds were up for grab in both the Western and Eastern Conferences. For the West it was between the Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans. All the Pelicans had to do was win and they would clinch the 8th seed regardless if the Thunder won and they did just that. The New Orleans Pelicans beat the San Antonio Spurs 108-103. They almost blew a 20 point lead but, were about to prevail. The Eastern Conference seed race was between the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers. The Brooklyn Nets held the tiebreaker over the Pacers so all they had to do was win and they also did just that. The Brooklyn Nets beat the Orlando Magic 101-88. The Indiana Pacers ended up losing to Memphis 95-83 so the Brooklyn Nets were set regardless.

If the New Orleans Pelicans continue the strong play they have been playing toward the end of the season they should at least give Golden State a run in the playoffs, They match up with them pretty well all they have to do is keep Golden State off the three point line and they might have a chance of beating them. Also their starters must stay healthy that's been the main problem for the Pelicans all year. Jrue Holiday has missed a lot of games if he can stay healthy the Pelicans might pull of an upset. The Pelicans must continue to feed the ball to Anthony Davis because although  Draymond Green plays pretty good defense it will not be enough to stop Davis and if they switch Andrew Bogut to guard him Anthony Davis will just blow past him because Bogut is to slow. This series starts on Saturday at 3:30 PM Eastern on ABC.

Now if the Nets want to do anything in the playoffs it all lies on what Deron Williams & Joe Johnson will show up. Deron was basically nonexistent in last year playoffs. You never know what Deron Williams your going to get the one who shows why people think he is a superstar or the Deron Williams who is moody and doesn't give too much effort. For Joe Johnson last year playoffs was the first time he actually played well in the playoffs because when he was in Atlanta he was basically a non factor. Also for once they have a healthy Brook Lopez in the playoffs so that helps them significantly in the post on offense and defense he's a good player when he's actually healthy. This series starts on Sunday at 5:30 PM Eastern on TNT.