With the final third of the season in front of us, it’s inconceivable how close the race in the Western Conference really is. A win Wednesday night at home over the Suns and the Nuggets will be playing .600 ball for the season – and still a couple of games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.
Should the first place Spurs, winners of 10 in a row and alone atop the West, lose their edge for 10 days and lose three out of five games, they could fall into the sixth spot and lose homecourt.
Incredibly enough, only five games separate the Spurs and the eighth-seeded Warriors.
In other words, a very good team is not going to make the playoffs, while right now the sixth, seventh and eighth seeds in the East are below .500. Maybe the top 16 records in the league overall should be in the playoffs, regardless of conference.
But that’s a different story for a different day. We’re here today to decide two things in the West … who’s in and who’s out.
Let’s blow through the nine teams and make an educated guess:
1. Spurs (42-17): As long as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are healthy, they’re a lock to be in and the odds-on favorite to defend their NBA title, giving them four in six years and five over 10 – a certifiable dynasty despite all this talk about them being too old. The additions of Kurt Thomas and Damon Stoudamire help with depth, with aging a factor for the team overall.
2. Lakers (43-18): They’re in, and the vogue choice to win the West since the gift of Pau Gasol from Memphis. Kobe Bryant is certainly the favorite to win the MVP Award and Lamar Odom is playing great. The torn ligament in Bryant’s right pinky is a concern and Gasol may prove to be softer than people think. Andrew Bynum’s knee injury makes them vulnerable up front over the long haul.
3. Jazz (39-22): They’re in too, with control of the Northwest Division behind Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams, and toughness in their depth that reflects coach Jerry Sloan. But to win the conference, they’ll need Andrei Kirilenko to be healthy and consistently effective, and Kyle Korver has to keep everybody honest with his shooting in his first big postseason.
4. Hornets (40-19): With point guard Chris Paul leading the way as an MVP candidate, they’ve hung in there near the top longer than people have expected. David West and Tyson Chandler have been big too, and the late addition of Chris Andersen will help their depth. They'll make the top eight, but beyond the first round? That will test coach Byron Scott.since this club lacks experience.
5. Suns (40-20): The loss of Shawn Marion and addition of Shaquille O’Neal has been a shock to their system, losing four of their first six together. It’s almost impossible to believe they’ll fall out of the playoffs, but do they have the wherewithal to win in the playoffs when they’re only 18-16 in conference play? Even with Steve Nash running the point, they are a different team now.
6. Rockets (39-20): This NBA-high 15-game winning streak they’re on is hard to fathom, mainly because the last three came after Yao Ming went down for the season with a fractured foot. So now what? Last season, he was hurt too, but Tracy McGrady stepped up with an MVP-caliber season. McGrady doesn’t have that anymore. How will this group react when they hit a bump now? They are on the bubble now.
7. Mavericks (39-22): The big question is how good they will be when Jason Kidd locks into their system. Right now, they’re suffering from the loss of Devin Harris’ speed and DeSagana Diop’s presence inside since the trade. Harris will be missed down the road, not in the immediate future. Diop will hurt both. They’ll get in, but are Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard enough to win the West?
8. Warriors (37-22): Last year’s darlings are back, with Baron Davis and his blossoming young partner Monta Ellis rivaling Parker and Ginobili as the most dynamic backcourt in the West. But what will Stephen Jackson, Al Harrington, Matt Barnes et al bring to the table? They have a little breathing room ahead of the Nuggets, but Davis’ always questionable health could knock them out.
9. Nuggets (35-24): With only 23 games left in the season, the Nuggets still haven’t found their identity. With Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony the third and fourth leading scorers in the league and league-leading shot-blocker and second-best rebounder Marcus Camby on board, you’d think that would be plenty. Instead, they have too many lapses for games at a time.
So if everything stays relatively status quo health-wise with these teams, where does that leave us? Well, certainly the Nuggets have to prove they can climb their way back into the race with more consistent play, while the Warriors have to fend off lapses of judgment that cause them to shoot their way into and out of games. But there also is the question of how the Rockets will sustain once their momentum runs out despite their four-game lead over the Nuggets.
In a pair of recent Foxsports blogs I compared the records of just the 15 NBA teams with winning records against each other through March 4. Not surprisingly, the 9 west teams were quite close in their records, with the Jazz having the best record at 16-13, Mavs 2nd at 18-15, Rockets and Lakers tied at 17-15, and Golden State and the Nuggets bringing up the rear at 13-16 and 12-17, respectively.
If the teams play somewhere close to how they have performed so far, Golden State and the Rockets will be in and the Nuggets will be out. I agree the Rockets should see a few losses without the big man, but I say they make it.
As usual, very good read!
Last edited by nba is the worst on March 5th at 7:36 AM.
I think the Nuggets and Warriors will both make the playoffs. I see Phoenix and Houston fighting for the eighth seed.
You said, "In other words, a very good team is not going to make the playoffs, while right now the sixth, seventh and eighth seeds in the East are below .500. Maybe the top 16 records in the league overall should be in the playoffs, regardless of conference."
a very good team is not going to make the playoffs, while right now the sixth, seventh and eighth seeds in the East are
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I herd a suggestion the other day that the division winners be guaranteed home court in the first round, and the next 10 with the best record from either conference should be seeded in order.
I would say it would work better if the first 4 teams, in each conference, the division winners and one wild card all get home court, and be ranked from 1-8.
Then the next 8 teams from both conferences be ranked from 9-16.
You would still have something to play for as far as divisions go, but you would eliminate the situation you have this season.
But is there really a fair way to set up the playoffs. Some deserving team is always going to miss out.
it is unbelievable that the rockets are on a 15 game winning streak, however no other team has had a streak that long this season so to just assume that they will run out of gas is unfounded. Just like last year the so called experts thought they knew everything...remember Dallas? Houston will eventually lose but I doubt that it will be a collaspe.Expect Denver or Golden State to miss the playoffs.
It's hard to believe that a team on a 15 game winning streak could be a stealth pick. But that's exactly what the Rockets are. Losing Yao is definitely a tough blow. But Yao was out last year too and they went 20-12 during his absence. This year they have a much stronger and much deeper lineup. They're still one of the premier defensive teams in the league. Former coach Jeff Van Gundy got them headed in that direction. New coach Rick Adelman and his staff have continued to emphasize defense while adding a solid offensive scheme. They are sharing the ball (averaging 25 assists per game) and getting to the basket. Luis Scola and Carl Landry are combining for a double double every night at the power forward position. Rafer Alston could be the NBA's most improved player because he fits into Adelman's scheme so well. Shane Battier is one of the top defenders in the league and usually draws the other teams star player. And what am I forgetting? Oh yeah. There's that other guy they call T-Mac. Even without Yao they have a very solid team.
TMac's health will determine if the Rockets are in or out. If the back begins to act up like many times in the past they are out. If he can stay healthy, he is the one player aside from Kobe, who can single-handedly keep a team afloat. My guess is that the Rockets will slide a little, but will hold on to edge Denver, who has no real team identity and very little quality depth. Denver definately does not have what it takes to put together a streak even close to what the Rockets have put together. I think the Mavs will go on a 7-8 game win streak and climb into the 4 spot with New Orleans and Pheonix slipping to 5 and 6, the Rockets holding the 7 spot and Golden State shooting their way into the 8th and final spot. And to be sure, there will be no Cinderella 1st round like last year.
Looking at the West right now, it appears the Suns and Nuggets will be fighting it out for the 8 spot. We'll see after this week if Dallas can turn things around and get consistent, therwise they'll be fighting for that 8 spot also. They're not the team they used to be and perimeter teams without a force inside usually have trouble in the playoffs. Utah is fortunate because if it weren't for the seperation of Divisions, they'd be chasing everyone else, especially with Andrei out. The Hornets, Rockets, Lakers and Warriors are the Wild-card teams. They can beat anyone, but can also disappoint. Barring any meltdowns, they're all in. Of all those, the Lakers and Rockets are the most likely to go deep into the playoffs because of consistency, chemistry, defense and coaching. The Spurs are a lock and should be the favorite to win the West again as the most consistent team in basketball. Everyone who saw last year's playoffs knows that anything can happen. It's a game.
As a Rockets fan, I think it's funny how everyone is counting them out. On a good day, they can beat anyone...and they haven't had a bad day in a while. As I watch more games, I find it hard to believe that it's coincidence. They're just a great team and they're playing like it. I don't see their so called "momentum" running out. I'd love to see A.I and Melo miss the playoffs. I can't stand those guys, especially Iverson, but my pick to miss the playoffs is Phoenix...as much as I hate to say that. I like the Suns, but they did themselves a grave injustice by making that trade.
This is rediculous. How can you sports writers continue to bash the Rockets. If the Spurs were on a rune like this the media would be fawning over them. And all this talk about the Rockets collapsing when the schedule gets tough is stupid because the Rockets have a better record against teams with .500+ records than the Spurs, the Mavs and Golden State.
The Rockets have already beaten teams like the Spurs (twice), GS, Denver (twice), Detroit, Utah and the Lakers.
But you know what keep bashing the Rockets because it only motivates them further and fires them up. Your criticism will continue to push their winning streak.
I think denver will make it, with chucky atkins return to help down the stretch with his deadly shooting, he can really take the pressure off melo and a.i.
Ok, just a little side note...even I may be making too much of this Rocket streak. After doing a little math, I have found that -
1. Only 4 wins came against playoff bound teams (2 against the Cavs).
2. The 15 wins came against teams which are a combined 71 games under .500, a .415 winning percentage and only 5 of the wins came against above .500 teams.
3. 3 of those wins are against the Griz, the Heat, and the T-Wolves which sport the 3 worst records in the NBA.
4. To put the icing on the cake, only 5 of those games were on the road.
Add it up and it's not as impressive as it looks (though still a great accomplishment).
I honestly believe that any of the top 9 teams in the west could pull off such streaks given the same set of circumstances.
So, maybe an 8 seed isn't too far fetched after-all. I still see them making it though.
The NBA is probably the only league where one player can have a significant impat on their team... either positive or negative. That's why I think the Suns are one of those teams struggling to make the playoffs.
either positive or negative. That's why I think the Suns are one of those teams struggling to make the playoffs.
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ok heres what will happen in the western confrence.
1 seed-san antonio- they are crazy good with ginobli, duncan and parker, 3 amazing players, and a great supporting cast.
2 seed- Los angles lakers-kobe bryant is the best player in the NBA hands down. I like chris Paul, but kobe kicks butt. then again Pau Gasol and Andrew bynum, cmon, u have 2 love that combonation
3 seed-New orleans-They have the second best player in the NBA in chris Paul, and then theyve got David West, and tyson chandler, who decided to show up for work this year.
4 seed-Utah-Devon WIlliams and carlos Boozer. People say they are the next stockton and Mailman. Its not true. There the next Boozer and Williams. Kyle Korver has improved this team by 20%
5 seed- Rockets- T-mac is to good for them to not amke the play-offs, plus come playoff time theyll get Yao back. Jazz rockets- great matchup
6 seed-Mavs- J-kidd is a major leader on this team, but expect another choke against new orleans
7 seed-Suns- there gonna drop far because of the shaq trade. it was the dunbest thing ever. they suck with shaq they say hes diving all over the floor its great. there right he is diving, and his weight is taking the rest of the suns down with him.
8 seed- Warriors- there gonna go and beat the Nuggets out of the playoffs by about 1 game because they play so fast paced, and will begin to win games, and send the first round series into 6 games.
the first round will have spurs playing the Jazz and the hornets playing the lakers.
both series will be great, and it will be hornets vs spurs in wewstern confrence f
All this talk about how soft the Rockets' schedule has been over the last 15 games, and everyone downplaying their streak. Well, here's the Spurs' last 15 games in their streak of 14 out of 15.
Suns, Pacers, Wiz, Knicks, Celtics (loss), Raps, Cavs, Bobcats, Wolves, Hornets, Hawks, Bucks, Nets, Nets. Now, If that schedule isn't as soft if not softer than Houston's then I can't call it. How many plus .500 teams are there? Suns, Cavs, Hornets, Raps and Celts (loss). So all the talk about how soft the Rockets schedule has been can cease, unless talk of other team's soft schedules pick up as well.
The current teams that are in right now are the ones going to the playoffs with the maybe the lakers being the #1 seed because Memphis handed them Gasol on a silver platter.......(thats another reason I wouldnt give Kobe MVP). CP3 or LBJ should get it but thats for another column. I dont see Denver making it too much of a rough schedule ahead and they play no defense. With all that being said I expect the Spurs to repeat this year if they remain healthy.
I think the Spurs have the best bet this year. Although as strong as the Lakers are coming it's going to be a dogfight(and I don't mean to get Micheal Vick excited). There is no question one of those two teams will win it. If Bynum is back in time the Lakers will probably win if he isn't they probably won't.
The eastern conference doesn't stand a chance and that won't change for a long time.
what i dont understand is that if the rockets are just an "average" team, why are they the only team to post 15 straight this year? Those high and mighty suns (before shaq) lost TWICE to minnesota but noone talks bad about them because everyone loves them. For some reason people are always hating on the rockets. Indiana tonight is an easy win(theoretically) and dallas without dirk is another game that could easily be won. then they have the hornets (who they blew out of the water two weeks ago) followed by NJ, atlanta and the bobcats. 21 wins are easily do-able for the rockets. Yao ming is not everyone (although pretty close)
The rockets have a better supporting cast this year. Their inside game w/o yao doesnt just consist of one person anymore. Scola and Landry can prove that they can score consistantly. Rockets can win 15 straight and no one gives a ####. But if a team like the spurs or lakers win 10 straight, everyones talking about how good they are.
The nuggets have absolutely no consistantcy what so ever. they can win a few games against top teams and suddenly drop a few against teams below .500. The nuggets are gonna be out of the playoffs
Last edited by longrange1234 on March 5th at 3:37 PM.
Big Tex-The rockets might just get twenty straight wins and that won't matter if they follow it by a losing streak or are too tired to perform during the playoffs.
Carmelo should move to center, he is more effective in the paint, playing undersized centers happen to be very effective. Kurt Thomas does it for the spurs, same size as melo only melo is stronger. i think carl should explore this option. rockets do it. and denver doesn't play d so why not."
Aside from being a long time Laker fan, (Jamal Wilkes, Norm Nixon, Magic, Kareem, etc), I believe the Lakers will come on top of the west this year. I believe that their defense and speed will conquer the Spurs this year. Bynum and Gasol can trade off defending Duncan. Fish will lock down Parker, and Kobe will shut down Manu.
I expect that the rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics will be re-instated this summer.
Once the Rockets streak ends, they will slowly fall down to the eighth seed and barely make the playoffs. Denver has two incredible players on their team, Iverson and Melo. How is it that they are falling short of the Jazz for the division lead? With Camby as the defensive monster he is, the Nuggets should be on top of the division. If they continue the way that they are going the Nuggets will definantely be on the outside looking in.
Spurs take the top spot with the Lakers following. The Jazz will sneak their way into the third postion followed by the Hornets. Phoenix will slide to the fifth position followed by the Mavericks. The seventh position will be Golden State and Houston will finish it off. Sorry Denver!
Spurs will win the West in seven against the Lakers in the WCF!
Last edited by wosebahboy on March 5th at 5:36 PM.
Everytime I look at all the Wests top 10 teams, Im just amazed at the rosters and how good they are. There are just so many damn good players in the West. In your head just make a list of the top 5 players at each position. In the end its going to be Houston though, possibly with 49-50 wins. I love the idea of more teams making the playoffs with division winners or top seeded teams getting a first round bye. More happy fans and more money for the NBA, everybody wins.
Wow....how quickly people in this world forget. Wasn't it just 10-12 years ago, the Jazz or Sonics would wait to see who thrashed them?? Of course it was always Jordan (and his team of refs) but there were the Pacers, Heat, Knicks trying to win it all themselves. How would you all like to see your side of the country not represented. Don't fall into these idiots and their "perfect world" idiology...give it a little while, and the west will be weak, and the east will be strong, and you'l be glad you did.
And especially to the "experts"...shame on you for your dumb ideas and complete lack of history.
I cant believe I am saying this but it looks like the Suns will miss the playoffs unless something changes, hey I hate them but want the Lakers to knock em out. That team is horrible against the entire conference, and their schedule is not getting easier, the only good teams they can beat are in the east expect losses to any top ten western teams the rest of the way. they have 12 games remaining against above 500 west teams expect at least 7 losses there and also a game against the celts and pistons remaining. They have the toughest schedule of the remaining teams, and the worst recent record since the trade deadline. bye bye suns.
Last edited by stopbeingdumb on March 5th at 9:49 PM.
*T-MAC IS GOING ABOUT HIS BUSINESS WITH HUMILITY AND A SENSE OF PURPOSE. EARLIER IN THE SEASON I QUESTIONED HIS HEART FOR THE GAME. LAST 20 GAMES I SEE A COMING OF AGE CONVERSION FOR OUR OTHER SUPERSTAR. HE'S CLIMBED THE LADDER BUT KEPT HIS HEAD SCREWED ON STRAIGHT----T-MAC IS PLAYING THE BEST "TEAM" BALL OF HIS CAREER.
*THIS TEAM MAY WELL GET BEAT AND BLOODIED B4 IT'S ALL SAID AND DONE.....RUNNING OUT OF GAS?......NEGATIVE.
*DENVER WATCHES PLAYOFFS ON TNT
*DALLAS & SUNS LOSE IN 1ST ROUND
*SA/LA.....ALL BETS ARE OFF (THESE GUYS ARE DAMN GOOD)
*NO & WARRIORS.....COULD FOLD/COULD KICK BUTT...HARD TO SAY, BUT WE'LL SEE WHAT THEY GOT
*(REMEMBER THE ALAMO) ROCKETS....ANYWAY YOU SLICE/DICE & BAKE 'EM.....THEY'RE MAKING SOME NOISE. (ME THINKS) THE ROCKETS WILL CONTINUE TO SURPRISE...IT WOULD BE LOVELY TO WATCH STEPHEN A. SMITH ON ESPN GET ON THEIR BANDWAGON WITH MORE WINS IN DALLAS AND NEW ORLEANS...IF, IF THAT HAPPENS, WHAT WOULD YOU'RE TAKE BE THEN KAHN?
I'LL CHECK BACK IN A WEEK.
BUT YOU'RE RIGHT ABOUT ONE COMMENT...."MY GUESS".
EITHER WAY/IT'S ENTERTAINING AND LOOKS TO BE JUST GETTING BETTER.
GOOD ARTICLE & INSIGHT....NICE WORK
REGARDS FROM TEXAS
some of you guys, including the #### that wrote this article are such haters. I guess Im being bias b/c im from Houston but, come on!! 16 games in row!! How many teams can say that? Boston was on a roll early this year and they play in the JV division and the media was all over them. What happened to them when they came out west? 3 straight losses, just like they 'll get when they come to TX! How are the Rockets a bubble team but not the mavs? they ve been playing .500 ball the last 10 games. How about PHX? they're 3-6 with the big cactus. Yes houston will lose, and yes we have a tough schedule but so does denver!! Not many teams have had this success so I dont care who we beat, a win is a win. The Lakers 9 game win streak wasnt impressive either and they got all the attn. I hope we spank Dallas and N.O. this week to send a statement to all those haters! GO ROCKETS!!!
I am a Jazz fan but the team to beat is the Spurs. My theory is the champion is the team to beat then aftr that then you can have decussions about if the Lakers will win or whether any other team will win. But its going to be either the Spurs, Lakers or the Jazz or maybe even the Celtics because the western conference teams have beat the trash out of each other during the playoffs.
I think denver will make it, with chucky atkins return to help down the stretch with his deadly shooting, he can really take the pressure off melo and a.i.
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Mike,
How can you consistantly cut down the Rockets? Watch a couple of their games and see what the rest of the league is learning 1 game at a time.
SWWEET 16-0-its a good time to be a Rockets fan. It reminds me of the "Clutch City" days. Rick Adelman deserves serious consideration for Coach of the Year. Last night was a good example. When Foster of the Pacers faked Mutombo off his feet twice for easy baskets he went to Chuck Hayes and a small lineup and ran the Pacers off the court.
After watching the Suns fold against the Nuggets last night I am wondering if they are not on their way out.
The Suns and the Mavs did serious damage to their chemistry with the trades. Their mnagement told them that they were not good enough just as the Lakers management told them. The difference is the Lakers already knew that so they have not suffered from the change like the other two. I believe Nowitski"s frustation with the trade overflowed against the Jazz-too bad I was looking forward to seeing the Rockets beat him and the Mavs tonight. We'll just have to be satisfied with a W and have to listen to pundits like you Mike say that it doesn't mean anything because he didn't play.
GO ROCKETS!
I have seen the claims that CP3 is the 2nd best player in the league in this blog. Are you living in a cocoon? Lebron has been tearing the league up! Since his long ball has gotten consistant you can't guard him with less than 3 defenders unless you have a Shane Battier on your team. I believe LBJ will get serious consideration for MVP along with Kobe. As long as LBJ stays healthy it looks like he may be able to establish a dynasty in Cleveland if he gets a little more help. I remember how the Bulls were in the same place until MJ's supporting cast gave him some options when he was was triple teamed.
CP3 is a great point guard and has made the Hornets into an elite team but I would take Deron Williams for his inside strength over CP3.
Methinks your "guess" is just that. and a very un-educated one at that. Rockets out?? They play as a team and they play hard. They don't just outscore you like the Nuggets or Suns. They play "D". What kind of reporter are you anyways?
It would be nice if the MVP went to the best player, but due to the voting it usually goes to the best player on the team with the best record, or sometimes to the sentimental favorite if they feel he has been overlooked.
That puts Garnett and Kobe as the favorites, no chance for LeBron this year.
JSAN,
YOUR THE BEST!
Lol.
You and BakerBigB are correct about the Rockets, as long as everyone else stays healthy they will finish about where they are now, great balance and team defense.
It's great to see high-level basketball no matter which team is playing it, keep showing them Rockets!
Last edited by nba is the worst on March 6th at 7:15 AM.
There are some crack addicts on this site. We've got people predicting the entire playoffs, that's funny. Then we've got people talking about how good the players are for Denver and the only two teams people expect to go anywhere are LA and SA. How sad. For all the folks who like basketball, this is an exciting time. For all the people counting out the Rockets, try to get it through your head...you don't win games on paper. It doesn't matter how many "stars" you have on your team. What matters most is hustle, team-play, chemistry and individual talent comes somewhere after that. I'd rather have a bunch of no names who play hard and work together than 1 or 2 guys who like their names in the paper. The Rockets are on their way up, not down, geniuses. That's what winning does, it moves you up the standings. If it hadn't been for the loss of McGrady for most of the first half of the season, the Rockets would be looking down as everyone else tries to catch up. The rest of the west is fortunate that Yao is out. At least this way, there's still a chance for them. I'm glad trades are done so LA can't get anymore early Christmas presents before the playoffs begin. What a joke if they can't win. It reminds me of a few years back when they had nothing but All-Stars and couldn't get it done. Only in LA baby. As for the fellow Rockets fans, aren't you so glad Van Gundy is gone?
The Rockets are suprising everyone with their run...maybe they can make the post season after all.
CP3 is in the top 10, but too soon to anoint him to the top three....yet,...the kid DOES have a lot of upside.
The Lakeshow will convince you doubters in June.
wHEEZY, you're a tool. AHH SHUT-UP AH U FACE
Last edited by BleedPRPL&GLD on March 7th at 12:42 AM.
OK boys and girls. Here is how the Rocket winning streak will play out. They have now won 16 in a row. The NBA record, held by the Lakers, is 20 wins in a row.
Tonight they play the Mavericks in Dallas. This would normally be where the streak would end. But Dirk N is suspended for this game over a flagrant foul. That makes it an even fight with both Yao and Dirk in street clothes. The Rockets have a good chance of winning.
Saturday night the Hornets visit the Rockets in Houston. This is another tough game to call. The Rockets could squeek by for win number 18.
Their next two games are the Nets in Houston and the Hawks in Atlanta. Win all four of these games and they'll be tied with the Lakers for the all time longest streak in history.
And now for the best part. The very next game is against the Lakers in Houston. The Rockets might have a chance to pass the Lakers for the record but they'd have to beat the current Lakers to do it. That could be a very big game if it gets to that.
After the Lakers the Boston Celtics come to town. If the Rocket win streak is still alive when the Celtics leave town then even Mike Kahn will take note that they might be for real.
This will be the best race for the playoffs and shiftiest seedings ever during the last 20 games of any year.
BUT the NBA is starting to #### me off.....if they are not careful they will become the "MLB" in that the good teams get better and the bad teams get worse by allowing stupid unfair trades because of money and big markets. I like the Brewers and dont care about baseball because it will never be fair to have a payroll 10X higher for the yanks and boSOX while 20 other teams actually have to do their best with no-names.
Sure its good for the league to have the Lakers and Celtics at the top again, but I thought this league was FANtastic...not OWNERtastic and CASHtastic.
I agree, seed the teams differently. The east is a joke, other than the Celtics and the Pistons (who would each have 10 additional losses if they played in the west) there are no decent teams. The NBA is a bit of a joke, (the majority of the players are clowns with money, with the exception of foreign players) but at least the post season could be interesting if they look at reshuffling the playoff format.
Here is how the standings will be:
#1 Lakers - Will Kobe's injury affect them? Or will inexperience hurt the Lakers?
#2 Spurs - Not too distant 2nd. Will age hurt the Spurs? Can they solidify their dyansty with back-to-back championships?
#3 Hornets - Are they a one-hit wonder? How will they respond to adversity in a plaoff series? Will inexperience derail this blossoming team?
#4 Jazz - A distant 4th seed. Can they have success on the road in the playoffs? Can they use last year's momentum to get further?
Here's where it gets interesting:
#5 Mavericks - With the loss of Devon Harris and Diop, are they going to be able to compete for years to come? Will Kidd's transition into this system be too late?
#6 Rockets - Will Yao's loss leave Houston vulnerable? Can McGrady stay healthy enough to put this team on his shoulders and compete with the powerhouses in the West?
#7 & 8 - Too close to call. Here are the contenders in no order:
Nuggets - Can they settle their identity crisis in time? Can they become more defensive-minded in oder to stop the powerhouses?
Suns - Will the loss of Marion have repercussions on the performance of the team? Can Shaq adapt to the Suns' system in time (and vice versa)?
Warriors - Can they make another impact this year? Will all the supporting cast step up in clutch situations?
My prediction: Suns will be the odd team out and not by much, either (unless they were playing in the East).
1. Spurs (42-17): As long as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are healthy, they’re a lock to be in and the odds-on favorite to defend their NBA title, giving them four in six years and five over 10 – a certifiable dynasty despite all this talk about them being too old. The additions of Kurt Thomas and Damon Stoudamire help with depth, with aging a factor for the team overall.
6. Rockets (39-20): This NBA-high 15-game winning streak they’re on is hard to fathom, mainly because the last three came after Yao Ming went down for the season with a fractured foot. So now what? Last season, he was hurt too, but Tracy McGrady stepped up with an MVP-caliber season. McGrady doesn’t have that anymore. How will this group react when they hit a bump now? They are on the bubble now.
