Playoff race

[Alex Wang <awang@mit.edu>]

Despite Antoine's recent heroics, he did not get Player of the Week even
though Peter May (!!!!) was promoting him. He was one of the candidates
though. Jalen Rose beat him out with a very strong week, even though I
would argue that Antoine probably did more to carry his team. I think
that if he continues his incredible play, he won't be overlooked again.

Onto the playoff race. Entering tonight's games, Boston is even with
both Milwaukee and Orlando in the loss column, and one game ahead of
New Jersey. Detroit is probably out of reach, four games ahead in the
loss column, and having the tie-breaker advantage.

The first tie-breaker for playoffs is head-to-head record. We've already
won the tie-breaker against New Jersey so we are effectively two games
ahead of them right now. So far, we've split with Orlando and Milwaukee,
with one game left against Milwaukee and two against Orlando. Obviously
the remaining games against these two teams are vital, impacting both
the W-L record but also the tie-breakers. If Boston ends up splitting
the season series with Orlando and finishes in a two-way tie, the 
next tie-breaker will be conference record; right now Boston's is
the best at 19-21, followed by Orlando (19-22) and Milwaukee (19-23).
In the event of a three-way tie, the first tie-breaker is head-to-head
record. Right now Milwaukee would win that against Orlando and Boston,
with a 3-1 record ahead of Boston (2-2) and Orlando (1-3). 

More possible factors: Milwaukee has 7 home games and 8 away games left.
Orlando has 10 home games and 5 away games. We have 8 home and 8 away.
Milwaukee has some weak teams on their schedule - Clippers, Golden State,
Chicago twice, Washington twice - as well as some very tough ones -
Indiana, Miami, Portland. Orlando has few pushovers other than Chicago
tonight, and some tough teams - Miami twice, San Antonio. 

Alex