Likewise a «must win» applies «only to teams fighting for a playoff spot, not those simply jockeying for homecourt advantage,» adds Thomas. (joeduffy.net)
In other words, they lose out on a multiple - team head to head tiebreaker (due to Portland sweeping OKC) for seeding purposes but then prevail in a head - to - head with Portland for homecourt determination? (sbnation.com)
If they could overtake Denver, they would not only get homecourt advantage in the first round, but they could also set up a more favorable playoff matchup with the Golden State Warriors in the first round. (sbnation.com)