Francona Wins Big in Return to Fenway

Connelly’s Top Ten: Rask Falls on Face

Bruins Lose 4-3 in OT as Rangers Fight to Stay Alive

For the Bulletin Board: Lundqvist’s “Lucky Bounces,” Savard’s “#ByeByeTorts”

If the Playoffs Started Today – NBA Week 11

After another week of NBA action, the playoff spots are starting to become solidified, but who gets what is still much less concrete (especially in the West). The Bulls and Thunder still lead the way, though the Heat aren’t exactly exiting gracefully. The Celtics and Knicks continue to disappoint, while the Rockets and Spurs continue to exceed expectations. With the playoffs starting to come into view, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Sunday, March 11 at 12:15pm:

West

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are now back in their early season slump. The Thunder, having done extremely well since the beginning, will be sure to take advantage.

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #7 Houston Rockets

The Rockets have been a .500 team lately, and still have some glaring road issues. That doesn’t bode well against a powerful team like San Antonio.

#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs #6 Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have been doing alright lately, holding steady at #6. The Clippers haven’t been playing like a division leader lately, though they did win in San Antonio Friday. However, the Nuggets have also accomplished that in March. Both teams are similar stat-wise, but Denver has the better momentum and less-embarrassing losses lately.

#4 Los Angeles Lakers vs #5 Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have been a very good team this year, but Los Angeles is half a game away from a share of the best home record in the league. With both teams not so good on the road, the Lakers have an edge in this one.

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #8 New York Knicks

The Knicks are having massive struggles right now, and the Bulls are the best team in the NBA. End of story.

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 Boston Celtics

Miami is in a league with Chicago, while Boston has continued to have consistency issues, including laying an egg in Philadelphia, one of their most important games of the season. Miami all the way.

#3 Orlando Magic vs #6 Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta is also on a losing streak right now, while Orlando has won enough to leapfrog into #3. Not that Orlando has been perfect, but they still have more impact players, including Dwight Howard, that can get the job done for them.

#5 Indiana Pacers vs #4 Philadelphia 76ers

Despite three straight losses, the Pacers still have the better record, but they did just go into Miami and gave he Heat a run for their money. The 76ers have done well against Boston and Utah, but neither of those teams is at the top of their game. The Pacers should still have enough in the tank to make it past Philadelphia, but not much further.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Not much will happen; the only real likely scenario is Dallas and Houston trading spots.

Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs