Having done so well analyzing and numerically predicting Blazers results over the last two seasons, I will now set my sights on the Blazers chances for the 2016 NBA playoffs. This will most likely be the last time I do so for the following reasons. At first numerical glance it looks like I will end up having to use the industry standard predictable and redundant formulas that I find so annoying.
There is definitely not the numerical magic that I saw when looking ahead at the beginning of the season when I was the only national sports prognosticator to predict their 44-52 wins. It looks like the young Blazers will have to make their own magic to get far in the playoffs. Well, they have up until now.
This series features the “feel good” Blazers young team vs. arguably the third most dysfunctional team in the west. Wannabe stoic Terry Stotts goes against the emotionally erratic and oft immature Doc. The Clippers have had numerous player and organizational issues, but are still a formidable opponent. A characteristic of dysfunctional families is a powerful survival instinct, and the Clippers will hang in there out of borderline arrogant pride, and to keep their whiny and complaining persona intact.
Game 1 at Clippers 4/17/16. This is a tough numerological call. It looks like Dame will be up and CJ down for this one. The play of Gerald Henderson figures prominently in the results. Numerical odds say the Clippers, but the young blazers have beaten the odds all year. Having also bucked the odds all year, I will say (Win). (Let the heart rule on this one: ouch.)
Game 2 at Clippers 4/20/16. This is another tough close call with no real numerical edge using my system. CJ should pick up and get back in the game. The play of Aminu is crucial to this game. I’ll pull a beat writers cliché and say that they need to win one of these games. Numbers aside, my heart wants to say they will. But I will go with (Loss). Got this one, unfortunately.
Game 3 at Blazers 4/23/16. This game is the numerical tell all. A win here puts them smack in the race! Can they make their play off dream come true as they did for the season? The play of Mason Plumlee and AC are a key to this one along with the usual Dame and CJ. (Loss) Hey, I missed the pick, but described the game nearly 100%.
Game 4 at Blazers 4/25/16. This game is the best numerical chance for a solid home win. If Mo Harkless shows up, it will be a key to this game. Mason and Aminu give steady play. This is a likely night for Dame to light up the score board. (Win)
Game 5 at Clippers 4/27/16. This game could very well be the series turning point. It is numerically the most likely road win for the Blazers. If Dame is on, it might be his best night of the series (if not season). Also important to this game is that of Aminu. He also could grow up professionally on this night and be a key factor. Mason P is solid, as usual, and Ed Davis shines.(Win)
Game 6 at Blazers 4/29/16. This game favors the home team, and if the Blazers are within range of the Clippers, this game could be the one that decides the series winner. CJ can stand up and stand out now. Allen Crabbe has a chance to define his season and future. (Win) I’m afraid my heart is ruling over numbers again, and I may be stretching it so say the Blazers take the series here!!
Game 7 at Clippers 5/1/16. If the Blazers have gotten this far, it could be a heart breaker. A disappointing night for DL and possible injury or some bad luck hits the away team.
(I will fill this space in later with the next round if they should get past the Clippers)
After that I will be substantially reducing my sports coverage for the following reasons.
The Warriors Series (Posted 4/30/16)
For those who have followed my blogging, you know that I was the only sports prognosticator in the nation to have predicted the Blazer’s 44 win season and first round victory over the Clippers in 6 games. I am flushed with the ecstasy of victory, and fraught with the agony of performance anxiety having created such an unparalleled string of success, and facing the public expectation of continuing to do so.
Oh well, it is, after all, just a game! I will now focus upon the next hurdle of facing the Warriors. Even without The Curr, this is an obviously talented and formidable foe. The series will feature the most deserving coach of the year candidate, and the winner of the coach of the year award. The young Blazers continue their “us against all” campaign.
I am afraid at this point I must do my best imitation of the mainstream writers, analysts and pundits who professionally cover this sport. It looks like this may be the end of the line for these hard playing and lovable youngsters. The numerical cues that I have used throughout the season are now vague and not reassuring. The Warriors are wary, having gotten their socks taken off and being mauled by the Blazers earlier in the season. So, with all of that in mind, here we go:
Game 1 at Warriors 5/1/16. Because of the beating the Warriors took in the regular season they are going to be ready for the Blazers, and determined not to let them get a good start. It looks like they will be successful at doing that very thing in the first game. The double team on Dame leaves more freedom of CJ and a chance for him to excel. Mason Plumlee continues strong and Gerald Henderson’s experience is valuable in this one. (Loss).((Late Sunday morning addendum afterthought. >>>If the Blazers can pull off this first game, they may just surprise all of us again and pull this series out)).
Game 2 at Warriors 5/3/16. I know this will sound cliché. However, I am speaking numerically and not from the basketball industry obvious. The Blazers will need this one early to stay in the fray. Looks like CJ could have an off night, and it will be important to see if Aminu can pick up the slack. Allen Crabbe’s struggles appear to continue. They will play their hearts out, as usual, and it looks like they will come up just short. (Loss)
Game 3 at Blazers 5/7/16. This is one of the more favorable days numerically. Dame is up and CJ off. Gerald Henderson continues to shine. And, Mason Plumlee’s performance will be a crucial issue in this one. It will be good to be home, and the 6th player crowd will be a big factor. This one is iffy. (Win)
Game 4 at Blazers 5/9/16. This is the strongest numerical indicator for a Blazers win. Allen Crabbe comes alive and has a big night. The Blazers are feisty and free. Mo Harkless will be spotty, but timely in his contribution. There will be a lot of energy expended in this one, and it will come down to stamina, fatigue and will power as the determining factors. (Win). The Blazers are in a tough place and looks like they may go out one game sooner than expected.
Game 5 at Warriors 5/11/16. If the Blazers have lost game 3, it can all be over right here!. If they have won game 3, this will be a true barn burner and could put them up a game. Mixed game between Dame and CJ, One is up and one is off. Everyone contributes somehow, and they all put their hearts into it. This one is a tough numerically call, but I will say. (Loss) This is a time when it is sad to be right. What an unbelievably accurate run for the season and playoffs. I will be cutting back on sports coverage. See why here>>> http://forevernumerology.com/sports/will-reducing-coverage-blazersnba-sports-et-al/
Game 6 at Blazers 5/13/16, This is the game that dreams are made of if they get this far. If they are to go on further, this will be the GAME of the games. Ed Davis and Mason Plumlee must control the boards and everyone else contributes in little ways. A total team effort. Another tough call here, but I will have to go with lights out. (Loss).
