As the all-important game between Memphis and the Clippers tips off in Los Angeles, here is a glance at the latest playoff situation for the Spurs, via our man Mike Monroe. These have been vetted by the big brains at the NBA, so you know they are good:
If Spurs win both games:
* They can earn a 2, 3 or 5(!!!) seed
* They win the Southwest Division is the Grizzlies also lose twice, or if the Grizzlies lose once and Rockets finish 3-0.
*They fall to No. 5 if the Clippers win all three games and the Grizzlies win the division via head-to-head tiebreaker with the Spurs. (For this to happen: Memphis loses only once more, and Rockets lose at least once more)
If the Spurs split remaining games
* They can be a 2, 3 ,4 , or 6 seed.
* To win the division, they would need the Grizzlies to lose all three remaining games, and have the Rockets lose at least once, OR if Grizzlies go 1-2 and Rockets finish 2-1.
If Spurs lose both games
* They can be a 2, 3 ,4 , or 6 seed.
* They can still win the division if the Grizzlies go 0-3, and Rockets lose at least twice.
Here is how the Spurs stand on tiebreakers:
* Memphis wins all 2-team tiebreakers with the Spurs
* Spurs win all 2-team tiebreakers with Houston
*Clippers win all 2-team tiebreakers with Spurs, unless Spurs win division
* Spurs win 3-team tiebreaker with Memphis and Houston
* Spurs lose 3-team tiebreaker with Memphis and the Los Angeles Clippers
* The Spurs can win other multi-team tiebreakers, if Houston is included in the tie.