Its all bout’ playoff positioning
March 27th, 2010 by TyWESTERN CONFERENCE OUTLOOK:
So baring any unforeseen meltdown or in some cases an unbelievable run by any of the teams ranking from 4 through 10, it is safe to say the playoff teams are all set in the western conference. Consider that teams ranked between 2 and 5 are each separated by 0.5 games each; Denver being 5.5 games behind the conference leading Lakers. Dallas, Utah and Phoenix are 6, 6.5 and 7 respectively. The next three teams are separated by a grand total of 1.5 games, with OKC at 8.5 behind the Lakers, followed by the spurs and Portland at 9.5 and 10 games respectively. The best teams obviously still reside in the West and this is going to be a dog fight for the next few weeks for teams to determine where they will be ranked in the playoffs.
EASTERN CONFERENCE OUTLOOK:
The East is a bit more predictable, with the Cavs obviously being the no.1 seed now and probably at the end of the season. The Magic are a distant second as they are 6 games behind the Cavs. The battle for the third and fourth spots will continue between Boston and Atlanta as they separated by 0.5 games, at 9.5 and 10 games respectively, behind the Cavs. The next in line are the surprising Bucks, followed by the Heat, Bobcats and Raptors who round out the top 8 in the East. These four teams have little or no chance of breaking into the top four but each are in a position to move up or down in the standings with a combination of wins and losses that could have significant impact on their stories in the post season.
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN:
The West has the potential to spring 2 surprises in the unpredictable grizzlies and the consummate team first Rockets. This is unlikely to happen as these two teams do not carry enough experience or talent to make any such push in the beast that is the West. While the East’s potential surprise to squeak into the playoffs could be the Bulls. They are struggling but still find themselves 2 games behind the raptors, with their players starting to come back from injuries they might just have a chance to make a run at the 8th spot but will need the raptors to lose some games to make this a reality.
Here is to a great run off to the playoffs! I personally can’t wait.