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If the Playoffs Started Today – NBA Week 1

The NBA season is underway, and the weekly installments of hypothetical playoff scenarios have returned for your viewing pleasure. As expected, the Lakers and Heat are doing quite well for themselves, and if it weren’t for that opening loss to the Celtics, Miami would be #1, even over the Lakers. Boston is still thriving with their new look, The Clippers, Rockets, Bobcats, Pistons, and 76ers remain winless, while the Lakers, Hornets, and Hawks have yet to lose. Enjoy the first week; it’s the only time when you can see the Nets doing alright. With the Nets, Kings, and others doing well for the only time this season, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Wednesday, November 3, before the day’s games:

West

#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs #8 Dallas Mavericks

Kobe and the Lakers are back in top form. Kidd, Nowitzki and the Mavericks are also doing well, having lost just one home game (by one) to Memphis (2-2). The Lakers, on the other hand, beat Memphis by 19. Plus, they have Kobe. And Phil Jackson. And WILL be in the NBA Finals.

#2 New Orleans Hornets vs #7 San Antonio Spurs

Who would have thought New Orleans would be amongst the last unbeatens? San Antonio already hosted New Orleans on Halloween eve, and lost 99-90. San Antonio is always in the hunt, but hasn’t done terribly well in the postseason lately. The Hornets have also beaten Milwaukee and Denver, two other playoff teams, and are looking like they’ll be difficult to deal with, at least in November.

#3 Portland Trailblazers vs #6 Golden State Warriors

Portland is off to a 4-1 start, while the Warriors are 2-1 under their new coach, losing only to Phil Jackson. Judging by their performance so far, the Warriors could be this season’s dark horse team, but Portland still has much more recent playoff experience to give the nod to Golden State.

#4 Sacramento Kings vs #5 Denver Nuggets

If you thought the Warriors were something, how about the 3-1 Kings? Carmelo Anthony trade talks haven’t hurt Denver, though. This could be a very close contest, and because of that, I’d say it all hinges on whether or not Anthony remains with Denver.

East

#1 Atlanta Hawks vs #8 New York Knicks

At 4-0, the Hawks are the East’s only unbeaten team. The Knicks are at 1-2, with their only win coming in a Bosh-less Toronto. It’s a good thing New York’s game with Orlando was postponed due to asbestos, or they wouldn’t be in the picture at all. It’s looking like the East will be the drastically weaker conference yet again.

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 Orlando Magic

Miami soundly defeated Orlando 96-70 in Miami on the 29th of October. Never mind that LeBron James is turning the ball over like he’s trying for the first ever sextuple-double. He, Wade, and Bosh are still more than enough to take down pretty much anyone in their path. Look for them not to have much of any troubles until the Finals with the Lakers.

#3 Boston Celtics vs #6 New Jersey Nets

The Nets may be 2-1, but the Celtics are 3-1, and have a much better assortment of talented talent. If Boston doesn’t sweep this series, Tommy Heinsohn will undoubtedly go on a drunken rampage down Legends Way.

#4 Chicago Bulls vs #5 Indiana Pacers

Both teams are 2-1, but the Pacers don’t have anyone quite as explosive as Derrick Rose, especially with Larry Bird’s back problems. The Bulls have the experience and wealth of knowledge of Tom Thibodeau backing them in a division that’s theirs to lose, thanks to LeBron leaving. The only way the Bulls could possibly lose the division is if Brian Scalabrine sees a lot of playing time. No, but I’m sure he’ll do well.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Milwaukee is the East team most likely to move into the top eight, but it would help their cause a lot if Boston is once more plagued by injuries.
• Memphis has been pretty good so far, and if they can finish their road trip on a high note, they could make an appearance in the top eight out West.

Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, NBA Playoffs, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Portland Trailblazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs