Dragons' Flame Barely A Spark Heading Into The Playoffs

On 15 January 2011, the Westsports KL Dragons lost to the Brunei Barracudas 87 - 73, and thus squandered a golden opportunity to finish the regular season in 2nd place and secure home court advantage in the first round of the ABL Championship Playoffs. Instead, the Dragons will limp into post-season play behind the AirAsia Phillipine Patriots, who won their final regular season game against SatiraMuda Britama 74 - 71.

The playoff seedings are as follows:

1. Chang Thailand Slammers


2. AirAsia Phillipine Patriots


3. Westsports KL Dragons


4. Singapore Slingers

The Dragons will face the Patriots on their home court for game 1 in a best of 3 series on Sunday, 23 January 2011. Fan advantage then swings back to the Dragons on Wednesday, 26 January 2011. If there is a 3rd game, the teams will head back to the Philippines for the conclusion.

The Patriots have 3 satisfying factors to boost their confidence. One, they snatched back what was taken from them a week ago by the Dragons; 2nd place. Two, they ended the season on a winning note, while the Dragons faltered. Three, the Patriots swept the Dragons in the first round of the playoffs last season. It's like having three aces in your hands.

Granted the Patriots will be facing a more improved Dragons squad, than they did last year. But I'm sure they still have to be feeling very good about their chances of making it back to the finals. The Dragons will need to convincingly win game 1 in the Philippines to turn the Patriots' smile upside down and swing momentum their way. The odds don't favor the Dragons in any other scenario.