The Path to #1

Just the other day I looked at the standings and schedules and figured the Vipers didn't have a chance to catch Iowa for the #1 overall seed. Not because I didn't think the Vipers could win out... I do think they can... but because I didn't think Iowa was going to lose the two games necessary to make it possible.

Then Iowa lost to Dakota in Des Moines today. Iowa closes the season over the weekend with two games at Tulsa. Hard to imagine that the team that has already tied the single-season wins mark has a chance to not have the #1 seed.

Tulsa's half a game ahead of Reno for the final playoff spot and just got Mustafa Shakur back (that could end their recent tailspin). I wouldn't be surprised if they got some extra NBA-assignee help too. But even if they don't, I think Tulsa can at least split with Iowa. If they do, the Energy finish 37-13... best record in NBA Development League history.

The Vipers are 33-13. They're at Utah on Tuesday. The Vipers are the better team, but like Tulsa vs. Iowa, Utah is trying to lockdown the seventh/eighth seed (only one half game ahead of Tulsa and one game ahead of Reno). Then at Idaho (just fell out of the race) Wednesday before closing the season at home with two against Dakota (currently the fifth seed). If the Vipers win out, they finish 37-13.

The Vipers were 2-0 against Iowa this year and win the tiebreaker should it come up.

It can be done.

First the Vipers have to worry about clinching the Western Conference. Austin swept Bakersfield this weekend, so no help there. if the Vipers win on Tuesday, they'll take care of it themselves.

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A Zeisend Pesach!