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If the Playoffs Started Today – NBA Week 2

After another week of the season, there’s not too many signs of anything settling down. Several teams are getting to their expected positions, as well as some surprise teams. After a terrible start, Boston is now knocking on the door. Philadelphia has shot way up, and Dallas has sneaked their way to #8. Even Cleveland’s making some noise. So with all the turmoil around the league’s standings, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Sunday, January 8 at 3:15pm:

West

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have maneuvered their way back to 4-5, but they still haven’t won on the road. Dallas has the potential, but Oklahoma City has too many pieces that are working well right now.

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #7 Los Angeles Lakers

Neither of these teams has won on the road either, but San Antonio hasn’t lost at home. The Lakers are 5-1 at home themselves, but they’re on their way down.

#3 Portland Trail Blazers vs #6 Utah Jazz

Neither of these teams have lost at home, and each has just one road win. Utah has won four straight, but it’ll still be very difficult for both teams on the road, giving Portland the edge, for now.

#4 Los Angeles Clippers vs #5 Denver Nuggets

Denver is also perfect at home, but is sub-.500 on the road. L.A. has won three straight, thanks in no small part to the ability of Chris Paul and the all-around awesomeness of Blake Griffin. With the explosiveness of this Clippers squad, Denver will have a hard time keeping up.

East

#1 Miami Heat vs #8 New York Knicks

New York has the talent but still has a few questions. Miami has the talent and significantly less questions, and they are a lot better than New York at this moment in time.

#2 Chicago Bulls vs #7 Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland is somehow 4-3 right now, while Chicago has reached 7-2, right along their predicted lines. Cleveland just doesn’t have too much talent ever since losing LeBron James, while Chicago has it in spades.

#3 Indiana Pacers vs #6 Orlando Magic

Indiana defense recently crushed Boston to hand the Cs their first home loss. Orlando has plenty of talent, but has gotten off to a slow start on the road. This looks to be another series where home-court advantage will be the ultimate deciding factor.

#4 Philadelphia 76ers vs #5 Atlanta Hawks

Philadelphia has won their last four games, a pleasant surprise for them to be sure. But Atlanta has won two thirds of their games so far, including their last two. Philadelphia hasn’t been too good in recent years, and faced with a good team, you’ll have to wonder for how long they can keep this up.

What Might Change Next Week:

• With Cleveland’s difficult road trip this week, look for Toronto to take advantage and Cleveland’s spot.

Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz