The All-Star game is just weeks away which makes this the perfect time to sit back and figure out exactly what is going on around the league. So let’s get down to it: who has the best chance to make the playoffs? We’ll start in the Eastern Conference.
*In the East*
Boston (37-9)
After a record-setting start, the Boston Celtics looked early on to be a certainty in the Finals this year. But after a losing streak that involved 7 losses in 9 games, we all saw the chinks in the armor.
The Celtics are consistently getting solid play out of their three stars, Pierce, Garnett, and Allen. When one’s numbers are low, it’s generally because of the defensive focus of the night by the other team. Where the problem lies is the lack of support from the bench. Rondo has continually improved his game which is a plus over last year’s team. But the bench still needs to step up to fill the predictable holes that are caused by the defensive pressure on Garnett especially, but Pierce and Allen as well. Opportunities are abound for their teammates to play big, but the lack of reliability from supporting players makes me wonder whether it can happen again this year for Boston. Remember, the Celtics had a tough run through the playoffs en route to their title last year. It doesn’t look like it’s gonna be any easier this time around.
Cleveland (34-8)
Cleveland has an even better team than last year. And it doesn’t look like they will ever lose at home either with a record of 20-0. They’ve played solid basketball all year and even without Zydrunas Ilgauskas for more than a month too. Get him healthy and moving up and down the court (which looks like it will happen in a week or two) and there’s one more reason to believe Cleveland could be hoisting up a trophy at the end of the year.
Orlando (35-10)
The Magic have only recently cooled off, but that’s from a boil. Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson are the surprise stars for the team so far. Of course, there’s that other guy averaging 20 and 14 every game too. That also sort of helps. The team as a whole is fresh and fast, but too reliant on Howard. Despite the successes of the aforementioned players, Howard is too dominant and they rely heavily on him. For the most part, this is no big deal. But in a few games this year, when put up against more fundamentally sound big-men like Yao and Kevin Garnett, he has faultered under the pressure. I can’t wait to see how he responds in the second half of the season. Also, Orlando shoots a lot of three’s. They make a lot of three’s too. But this trend has been known to backfire on teams in the past.
Detroit (24-19)
Detroit still has the most depth in the Eastern Conference. There volume of star players is greater than any of the other teams. Even Cleveland. Not only that, but they play better five-man basketball than any other team still. The only drawback seems to be in their acquisition of Allen Iverson. Whenever I watch them it seems that he brings an incongruous dynamic to the floor. The Pistons seem their most comfortable when he’s on the bench. It was a strange trade too because they already have a great shooting guard in Rip Hamilton. What they need is a great point guard, like Chauncey Billups…oh wait. I’m guessing that there will be more cohesion and less shifting around and that we’re going to see Detroit win a higher percentage of their remaining games.
*In the West*
The Western Conference is substantially more competitive than the Eastern Conference, as has been the trend in recent years, but isn’t as much fun to watch as it was. The reason for this is simply because Golden State, Phoenix, and Dallas have lost the quickness edge and are playing a more conventional game. Let’s see how the other teams have reacted.
Los Angeles (35-8)
The Lakers are hands-down the best team in the League. They not only have a fantastic front five, but they also have the best second-team. In fact, led by Lamar Odom, it by itself could probably still make the playoffs this spring. Andrew Bynum is a huge asset and with Gasol on the blocks with him, they make a formidable duo. The last time their was such an effective post was in ‘99 when the Spurs had a young Tim Duncan and a veteran David Robinson. Kobe is playing well and Fisher keeps proving his worth. The Lakers have the best offense in the League and they abuse their status.
San Antonio (29-14)
The Spurs maintain their reputation as the smartest team in the NBA. They are fundamental, they are methodical, and they are effective. There’s a reason they four NBA championships in the last ten years. They’ve been inconsistent at times and seem to “give up” games more than anyone else. But that’s Popovich being smart again. No other team divides their time and develops players more than San Antonio. When they need the wins, they have a way of getting them. However, I still have doubts. Last year they looked old and were unable to advance in the end. This year, they’re still not looking any younger. I’ll be interested to see if they “step up” at the end of the season like I expect them to.
Denver (29-15)
Denver made a great move by acquiring Chauncey Billups. Back in his alma mater state, Billups has led Denver to an unexpected lead in the Northwest division. Sure, it’s the weakest of the three in the West, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t see them hanging onto the lead necessarily, but it will be close. If anything changes hands, it will be Utah slowly climbing and scratching its way past Portland to challenge the Nuggets for the top spot.
New Orleans (27-14)
Chris Paul just won’t be stopped. But like Orlando, they rely too heavily on him. He is my pick for MVP in the West because without him, the Hornets might not make the playoffs. Chandler is playing well, but he’s spoon-fed baskets by Paul all the time. Rarely does he open anything up for himself. West is more reliable, but again, he’s merely a sidekick. Peja is still money from the outside, but he’s moved quicker in the past. I suspect that Phoenix will get farther in the playoffs since they have greater depth and breakout potential.
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