I feel like in the midst of March it is easy to forget that there is actually professional basketball going on at the same time. This is the rare part of the NBA season where you really start to get a sense of what you're going to be left with when everything shakes out for the playoffs. You see teams (rightfully so in my opinion) trying to tank in order to get better odds at the John Wall sweepstakes (rumor has it, the Nets have been touting this as their plan all along). You also see some teams trying to play themselves either into better seeding or just playing themselves into shape for a deep postseason run. Finally you can see those older teams start to dial it back as much as they can to get their starters some rest while not giving up too much ground to their surging contenders. What better time to breakdown who's really in this for the long haul and who's just there for window dressing....
So without further to do, the Playoff Perspective:
Legit Contenders
Cleveland Cavaliers (59-16): Obviously I'm going to start off with the team with the best player in the NBA right now as it seems like Lebron's supporting cast has finally come together to understand what they need to do to
Orlando Magic (52-22) - A squad that should have looked alot better all season is starting to really put it together nicely as we wind down the final days. As long as this team is able to find and maintain an identity on the floor they could again give Cleveland a run for their money come playoff time.
Utah Jazz (50-26) - Whose career would you rather have right now? Chris Paul's or Deron Williams? I mean one guy is arguably the best point guard in the league, while the other while slightly behind the leader in that category is leading his team to winning 30 of their last 40 and on their way to try and upset the mighty Lakers in the West for a chance at an NBA Championship.. Is that even a question?
Dallas Mavericks (50-25) - Well they were looking really good at one point, going on a 13 game win streak but unfortunately all good things come to an end. If they can get back to playing with more toughness like the juggernaut they were right after the trade we could finally see what Mark Cuban would ever do if he got his hands on that NBA Championship. I for one am very excited
Los Angeles Lakers (54-21) - Truth be told I really wanted to put the Thunder here just cause it would be a better story but I guess I need to be realistic. The Lakers seem to just be on cruise control right now, seemingly ready at a moment's notice to kick it into higher gear but perhaps that might be wishful thinking. The frustration on Kobe's face during their loss to the Hornets was very real and if the Lakers don't get it together and get a shred of life from any one of their bench players they may be watching the Finals from their couches.
Could Make Some Noise
Oklahoma City Thunder (46-28) - Ah finally a spot for the Thunder. This might not be this year given the lack of solid big man and the youth that this team sometime displays but you can't help but be tremendously impressed with both Durant and Westbrook as well as the toughness and defensive prowess this team has been displaying all week. With Denver trending in the wrong direction and Durant battling with Lebron for the scoring title (even though Lebron says that he owns it anytime he really wants it.) we could see a very interesting 4-5 matchup featuring the Phoenix Suns and the Thunder. Which force of nature would prevail?? (sorry couldn't help myself)
Milwaukee Bucks (41-33) - Fear the Deer. Wow, would you ever have thought in the beginning of the season that we would be talking about the Bucks, even without their former best player Michael Redd, this deep in the season. Ever since acquiring John Salmons this team has looked to have a legitimate shot at shocking one of the higher seeded teams in the first round. If I was either Atlanta or Boston (especially the Celtics) I would be really concerned at the prospect of going up against the red hot Bucks.
Phoenix Suns (49-26) - Is it a wonder why they are called the Suns? This is one of the hottest teams since the All Star Break. I worry a bit about the ability of Amare and Nash to carry this team anywhere past the first round and also about Robin Lopez's back but I'm willing to go along with the ride for a while.
In Limbo
Denver Nuggets (48-27) - The last few games have taught us just how fragile Denver's playoff hopes are relative to the health of their key players. The fortunes of this streaking team went from bright to dismally dim with the injury to Kenyon Martin. They have lost 5 of their last 6 without Martin and coach George Karl and are in danger of slipping even more in the race for seeding. They need to right the ship to have any legitimate chance and quick.
Atlanta Hawks (48-26) - The Hawks always seem to me to be one missing piece away from being really relevant in the East. Unfortunately with the seemingly assured departure of Joe Johnson, this might be the last year we see them in this position. Hopefully this hot and cold team can make the most of it. Will we see the team that will drop crucial games to the Sixers or the team that can keep the Lakers on the ropes as seen tonight? Only time will tell.
Thanks for Coming
Boston Celtics (47-27) - Even though Boston has showed signs of life down the stretch, you have to worry about the stamina of these players. They lead the league in blown games while leading by at least five points at halftime and constantly fade away in the fourth quarter. KG can barely walk and the team is imploding around him. I think the clock in Boston just ran out on this squad.
San Antonio Spurs (45-29) - We are witnessing the end of another era in San Antonio as Tim Duncan is looking like he's on his way out. I know they have some quality wins lately but they also lost to the New Jersey Nets and no one should do that... Plus you can't tell me that any of their possible match-ups in the first round don't have you wondering if the Spurs can actually keep up for a whole series.
P.S. I'm not even really considering the chances of Charlotte (even though I really like what the team has been able to do this year), Miami (cause D Wade can only carry them so far), or Toronto (who is frankly lucky that Noah got injured and the Bulls decided they would rather be in the lottery). Finally as much as I liked Portland throughout the season I just don't think they have a realistic chance of making it out of the first round with all the injuries and the front office drama.
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