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If the Playoffs Started Today – NBA Week 7

Well into February, there’s still plenty of action in the NBA, especially in the suddenly turbulent West. The Knicks are Rockets are among teams making a resurgence, while teams like Dallas are continuing to fortify their positions. With plenty of new standings to go over, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Sunday, February 12, before the day’s games:

West

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 Portland Trail Blazers

Portland has been struggling lately, and will have trouble holding onto their spot, let alone dealing with the Thunder.

#2 Los Angeles Clippers vs #7 Los Angeles Lakers

Not that the Lakers‘ poor road record matters, but the Clippers have been winning more often, and have the momentum on their side.

#3 San Antonio Spurs vs #6 Denver Nuggets

All of a sudden, the Spurs have won seven in a row. They’re still not the best on the road, but with an NBA-best 13-1 home record, the Nuggets will still have a difficult time to say the least.

#4 Dallas Mavericks vs #5 Houston Rockets

The Rockets are, well, rocketing up the standings, but so is Dallas. Both teams are very close, with Dallas having one extra win. With both teams so similar, home-court advantage could very well mean everything in this one.

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #8 New York Knicks

Congratulations to the Knicks for putting together a five-game winning streak, but they’ve still been too streaky throughout the year to be able to hang with Chicago‘s powerhouse lineup.

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 Boston Celtics

Speaking of streaky, Boston is on a losing streak, after disappointing losses to the Lakers and Raptors. They’re still good, but Miami is younger and stronger, with more power and a much better record.

#3 Philadelphia 76ers vs #6 Orlando Magic

The Magic have been a hit or miss team this season. Nobody saw the 76ers coming, something they’ve turned into a very tough 19-9 record and an iron grip on the division. Despite Orlando’s 17-11 record and the presence of Dwight Howard (for now), Philadelphia is the better team this year.

#4 Atlanta Hawks vs #5 Indiana Pacers

This is another situation where the teams are similar, but the Pacers have lost three straight, while the Hawks have lost won two straight. It should still be a very close series, but when in doubt, go with the home team.

What Might Change Next Week:

• With a tough stretch, look for the Blazers to bow out in favor of the Grizzlies.

Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, 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