Finally, the playoff schedule is starting to take shape. All but two spots have been clinched, but it’s really just one that’s up for grabs. It’s still a battle for the West title, too, so expect that to get pretty heated. So far, only the Celtics and Pacers have locked themselves into a particular seed, so there is certain to be big pushes from several teams looking for a better draw. So what’s going to happen when the season comes to a close? Let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Sunday, April 22, at 5:15pm:

West

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs #8 Utah Jazz

The Spurs continue to be a favorite for the title, only half a game behind Miami for the league’s best home record. The Jazz are good at home, but their 11-22 road record will kill them.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #7 Dallas Mavericks

It’s a similar story in this series, with the Thunder being great no matter where they play. The Mavericks are a mere 13-19 on the road, and not that Lamar Odom was of much use, but his buyout made the Mavericks smaller.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs #6 Denver Nuggets

The Lakers are tough at home, but at least Denver has a winning road record. However, the only win Denver had in the season series came at home on New Year’s Day. Since the only team in the last two weeks to beat L.A. is San Antonio (including an attempt by Denver), Los Angeles should be good for at least one round.

#4 Los Angeles Clippers vs #5 Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis has won four straight, and nine of their last eleven. Not many of those wins have been against good teams, though. The Clippers have been doing similarly well lately, and just like the Grizzlies are much better at home. If they maintain a hold on #4, Los Angeles should do well enough against Memphis.

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #8 Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers have won two straight, an amazing feat for them at this point. Now that Derrick Rose is back in tow, the Bulls will have an easy first round series.

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 New York Knicks

Now that Amar’e Stoudemire is back, the Knicks will get a little better, but they’ve still had too many problems this year to get past the Heat.

#3 Indiana Pacers vs #6 Orlando Magic

The tough times continue for the Magic. Without Dwight Howard at his best, the Magic won’t get far against the Pacers.

#5 Atlanta Hawks vs #4 Boston Celtics

The Hawks may have recently beaten the Celtics, but that was because the Celtics were resting their key guys for the playoffs (and the Hawks still only won by five). With Boston going on all cylinders, the Hawks will find this go-around to be much tougher.

Predicted Final Standings:

Predicted First Round Results:

Predicted Second Round Results:

Predicted Third Round Results:

Predicted Finals Results:

© John for Sports of Boston, 2012. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, Featured, NBA.

On March 15^th, Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics came ever so close to finally moving on from the Big 3.

In the final hours of this season’s trade deadline, the Celtics had a trade in place to send the aging, injured Ray Allen to the Memphis Grizzlies for O.J. Mayo and a draft pick. In addition, they also had a trade in place that would send Paul Pierce to the New Jersey Nets for Mehmet Okur, his expiring contract, and, most important of all, a lottery pick.

The Celtics were so close to a deal, in fact, that Doc Rivers reportedly called Ray Allen to tell him he was traded, and then minutes later called back to inform Allen of just the opposite: the Big 3 had one more chance (but haven’t we heard that before?).

Since the All-Star break, the Celtics have gone 21-9, a far cry from their mediocre first half. That record has turned many fans into believers. That record has fooled many into believing that this team could actually make another run deep into the playoffs and perhaps even to the NBA Finals.

During the lockout shortened off-season, Danny Ainge seemed to have an insatiable need to trade his best player, Rajon Rondo, even if it was for lesser value. But nobody was buying what Ainge was selling, and the old, grey Celtics were set to return for another season unchanged and running out of fuel.

Then a team decided to give Ainge a gift. The Memphis Grizzlies were willing to give up a young, athletic, natural scorer for a player in Ray Allen who was soon to be phased out by Avery Bradley anyway. Then, if that wasn’t enough, the New Jersey Nets were going to alleviate the Celtics of Paul Pierce’s contract, and give them a lottery pick.

A lottery pick! Clearly Ainge has not been able to deliver another blockbuster trade to the Celtics, and there hasn’t been a major free agent signing in Boston since, well, Vin Baker (if that even counts), so the draft was the next logical place to rebuild. In the NBA, the lottery is the only place to find franchise players, and the Nets were going to give one up.

Now towards the end of the 2011-2012 season, the Big 3 enter their fifth year together on a team that was only supposed to sustain success for three. That was the plan. Put together a team that would compete for a title in the short term. The plan worked – but Ainge couldn’t seem to let go.

So now the Celtics, 10 games over .500, look toward the playoffs. Whether they run into Miami, Chicago, Indiana, Atlanta, or even Orlando, they are bound to lose to younger, more athletic teams. Why can’t they win?

There has not been a team in over a decade (or two) that has won a championship with a point guard as their best player, and Rondo has been, without a doubt, their best player this season. Sure, Pierce is good for 40 points once or twice a season, and maybe once in a seven-game series, but he also tends to disappear against big, strong, quick defenders (i.e. LeBron James). Ray Allen hasn’t contributed in months, and Avery Bradley has been impressive, but has not developed into a game changer quite yet.

Kevin Garnett is playing his best basketball in two years, but it took him until mid-season to do so. What’s to say he won’t fade back into the less than intimidating Garnett we’ve been used to since 2010 – the Garnett Chris Bosh dominated in the playoffs last season?

The Celtics and Danny Ainge missed a golden opportunity to move the Boston Celtics into a new era, into a true rebuilding process, and away from a Big 3 that is destined for a second round loss to what is, quite simply, a better team. In Boston, lately, that’s not good enough. In Boston, it’s either title contending or rebuilding to get to a title. The Celtics may be preparing to make one more run, but it’s not for lack of their General Manager trying to break them up.

Danny Ainge knows something maybe the rest of the team doesn’t: the Celtics have been and will forever be in basketball limbo as long as the Big 3 are still playing together. It’s just too bad he’s become stuck in the middle.

© Michael Ricci for Sports of Boston, 2012. | Permalink | One comment
Filed under: Celtics, Featured, Top Story.

We’re now less than two weeks from the conclusion of the regular season, and only seven spots (three divisions) have been locked up so far. Few teams are very secure in a seed, which means there’s still plenty to play for. So where does that leave everyone? Let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Sunday, April 15 at 1:30pm:

West

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets may have a slight edge over Phoenix for the time being, but they still have some road issues, which will not be good against a team like Oklahoma City.

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #7 Houston Rockets

The Rockets have lost two in a row, and are still a very rough 12-17 away from home. The Spurs are too well-equipped to fall to that kind of negative momentum.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs #6 Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have won three in a row, but so have the Lakers. They still have the home record to win, and have motivation after last postseason’s embarrassing loss, but this series may very well come down to if Andrew Bynum can keep his head about him, which has been a challenge at times.

#4 Los Angeles Clippers vs #5 Memphis Grizzlies

The Clippers are on a three-game winning streak, which has helped maintain a 1.5-game lead on Memphis. The Clippers have the talent to move on, but Memphis will make things difficult, and will pick up the upset if Los Angeles doesn’t give things their all.

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #8 Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia‘s still struggling, and Chicago can get it done with or without Rose. Easy win for Chicago.

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 New York Knicks

The Knicks are a streaky team with multiple injuries to key players. That is not a good formula against Miami and their Big Three.

#3 Indiana Pacers vs #6 Orlando Magic

The Pacers have suddenly won four straight. And after the mess Dwight Howard caused in Orlando, he’s now hurt. The Magic are now ripe for Indiana’s picking.

#5 Atlanta Hawks vs #4 Boston Celtics

Toronto loss aside, the Celtics are still a very good team since the All Star break. Even with injuries, they’re still getting huge contributions from almost the whole bench. Atlanta now hold home-court advantage based solely on a game in hand. Even if they win that game, Atlanta will still have a very difficult time dealing with Boston’s depth.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Things look fairly stable this week, but a home-and-home between Houston and Denver could force one of the two to struggle and drop below Phoenix, if they have a good week.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2012. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, NBA.

After another week, we’re starting to see some teams punch their postseason tickets, and some teams bow out. The Thunder have weakened themselves out of the #1 spot out West. The Wildcard races are also pretty close as well, which should make the last 10 games or so that much more entertaining. So with the league moving into the home stretch, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Monday, April 9, before the day’s games:

West

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs #8 Denver Nuggets

San Antonio is unquestionably the best team in the league right now, having won 11 straight. There’s not really much of any hope for Denver against such abilities.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #7 Dallas Mavericks

Dallas is having a tough time of things by their standards, just like Oklahoma City, but the Thunder are still as deadly as anyone, and lead the West in wins. Maybe Dallas could hold their own at home, but the Thunder will win the series in OKC.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs #6 Houston Rockets

Houston doesn’t exactly have the road record to contend, but Andrew Bynum does have a thing for getting ejected against the Rockets this year. However, the Lakers still have an outstanding home record and now have Ramon Sessions to stabilize the point guard position, not to mention Kobe Bryant leading the way.

#4 Los Angeles Clippers vs #5 Memphis Grizzlies

Both teams have been doing well as of late, and both are quite noticeably better at home. That does favor the Clippers, but the Grizzlies upset the spurs only last year. Still, with a series so close and sure to go seven games, home-court and a stellar front court should eke out a win for the Clippers.

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #8 Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers are completely in dud mode, and while Chicago isn’t perfect right now by any means, the 76ers are a perfect opponent against whom to get back in shape.

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 New York Knicks

‘Melo can’t carry the Knicks by himself, especially with Miami‘s Big Three swarming over him and Amar’e Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin hurt.

#3 Indiana Pacers vs #6 Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard might safely be in Orlando, but he’s allegedly tried to get Head Coach Stan van Gundy fired, which can only blow up the locker room. The Pacers have been on a bit of an upswing in the meantime, which could very well carry enough momentum to capitalize on Orlando’s latest Howard-inspired soap opera.

#5 Atlanta Hawks vs #4 Boston Celtics

Again, both teams are on winning streaks, but Boston will still need to picks things up on the road to pull off a victory. For Atlanta, the key comes down to keeping up a fast pace to wear down Boston’s old and injured players. Of course, when that does happen, Rajon Rondo always turns into a secret weapon. If the streaky Celtics can stay on a good streak, they may simply have too many pieces for Atlanta to overcome.

What Might Change Next Week:

• With the Knicks visiting Milwaukee, they remain in large danger of losing their spot to Milwaukee.
• Oklahoma has a shot at regaining the top spot, but first San Antonio has to run into a wall in Utah (20-8 at home).

© John for Sports of Boston, 2012. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, NBA.

After another week, the drama is picking up in some areas. The 76ers have slid clear out of the division lead. The Knicks are out Amar’e Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin, but have a decent lead on the last spot, for now. The Lakers are running into a mini tough patch, and the Clippers are making a move. Before the season winds down, plenty could still happen to blow up the standings, so let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Sunday, April 1, before the day’s games:

West

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 Denver Nuggets

Credit to the Nuggets for hanging in there, but after a five-game winning streak, everything is going the Thunders‘ way right now.

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #7 Houston Rockets

The Rockets are doing okay, but they’re still a very paltry 8-17 at home right now. There’s no way they can stop the Spurs, the hottest current team in the NBA.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs #6 Memphis Grizzlies

Despite Los Angeles‘ recent benchings and rough performances, they still have plenty of talent to make waves, especially at home. The Grizzlies are 4-6 in their last 10 and still have a losing record both on the road and in the conference. Not that the Lakers will cruise, but they should still be in for a fight.

#4 Los Angeles Clippers vs #5 Dallas Mavericks

Both teams are doing well right now, but the Clippers are on a five-game winning streak; anybody remember the last time that statement was factual? The Mavericks recently won in Orlando, but quality road wins are still almost unheard of for Dallas this season. With the Clippers having a top option at point guard to feed it to some athletic big men, Dallas will have a difficult time mounting a defense to their title.

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #8 New York Knicks

The Bulls against an incredibly beaten up Knicks squad? Chicago will definitely cruise in this one.

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia is drastically losing their grip on any sort of hope. They definitely can’t get it done against a powerhouse like Miami.

#3 Orlando Magic vs #6 Atlanta Hawks

Orlando may have lost two straight, but Atlanta hasn’t exactly been doing well in their last four games following their winning streak of like length. Atlanta should still have enough to hold sway in Atlanta, but a potential Game 7 in Orlando may just be too much to overcome in the end.

#5 Indiana Pacers vs #4 Boston Celtics

Boston has really picked things up since the All-Star break. Indiana has shown the ability to beat Boston before (and having Larry Bird on your side doesn’t hurt), but Boston has been running wild even without Ray Allen. Once his ankle rests up and the Cs get that shooting ability back, they’ll be even harder for a so-so team to defeat.

What Might Change Next Week:

• With an absolutely brutal week for Boston, Philadelphia can be expected to retake the division on the head-to-head tiebreaker.
• With a sparse schedule, New York will need to win against Indiana to hold onto their last spot against Milwaukee’s easy week.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2012. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, NBA.

March is coming to an end, and it’s time for some tactical maneuvering. Teams that could use some help will be looking for some help via bought out free agents and the D-League. San Antonio already made a big move signing Boris Diaw after his buyout by Charlotte. Ryan Hollins was brought on by the Celtics, so we’ll see if that helps push them ahead of Philadelphia. With the final retooling process before the playoffs underway, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Sunday, March 25, before the day’s games:

West

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 Denver Nuggets

Denver is in the middle of a dogfight right now; spots 4-9 are only separated by 1.5 games. With both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook putting up 40+-point games against Minnesota the other day, Oklahoma showed why they’re the team to be in the West, even when their opponents score 140 points.

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #7 Utah Jazz

Utah has won six in a row to jump right into the fray out West, even winning a game against the Lakers in L.A. However, they still have had some road troubles against good teams, and San Antonio does have a stellar record and talent pool. And that pool just got deeper with the addition of Diaw.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs #6 Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have lost three in a row, sliding down the pack. The Lakers have been going the other way, opening up a 3.0-game lead on the Clippers. Momentum and records definitely favor the Lakers right now.

#4 Los Angeles Clippers vs #5 Dallas Mavericks

Neither team has been the best lately; Dallas didn’t rise so much as Memphis fell, and the Clippers lost a three-game-in-three-days road trip earlier in the week. With both teams still notably better at home, the Clippers have one of the few distinct advantages to be had in this series (for now).

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #8 New York Knicks

The Knicks are very streaky this year, not knowing whether they want to win or lose. The Bulls, meanwhile, are just plain good. That will serve them well.

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 Boston Celtics

The Celtics, like the Knicks, are a streaky team having a tough time, but the Celtics have also been severely bitten by the injury bug (more like an injury crocodile at this point). Miami is younger, stronger, more durable and simply better.

#3 Orlando Magic vs #6 Atlanta Hawks

Both teams are doing well; Atlanta has even pulled to within percentage points of Indiana. However, the Magic are still a talented team with plenty of experience behind them. Atlanta will have a tough time keeping up.

#5 Indiana Pacers vs #4 Philadelphia 76ers

Neither team is particularly exciting here. Philadelphia is sub-.500 on the road, which is where their worse record comes from. Not that Indiana is much better themselves, but at least they’re not trying to hold onto a lead in an incredibly flaccid division.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Any slip-up by the Knicks against the Bucks, and the two will switch ranks in the East.
• With so many teams in the West bunched up so close, the Rockets are just waiting to get in, most likely at Memphis’ expense.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2012. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, NBA.

There’s already only 1/3 of the season remaining, and there’s no shortage of entertainment. There are lots of close races, including divisions and the final playoff spots. There hasn’t been much movement in the seeding, though, except for the Lakers rising up and putting some room between them and the Clippers. And now that the trade deadline has passed, we all have to see how the new chips for everyone will fall, so let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Monday, March 19, before the day’s games:

West

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 Houston Rockets

The Rockets are having a very tough time lately, barely holding off multiple teams for #8. Oklahoma City is much too good for them in this state.

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #7 Denver Nuggets

Denver is a decent team, but they’ve had a tough time within the conference, and San Antonio has breezed through their home schedule, all of which should give San Antonio the relatively easy win.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs #6 Dallas Mavericks

This one would definitely be the most anticipated rematch of the postseason. The Mavs have won three straight, but they’re still only 5-5 in their last 10, and doing poorly on the road. That doesn’t bode well, considering the Lakers are 19-3 in home games.

#4 Los Angeles Clippers vs #5 Memphis Grizzlies

A mini slide has slipped the Clippers behind the Lakers, but two straight wins has helped stabilize that. The Grizzlies have done well enough to get within half a game of L.A, but they’re still sub-.500 on the road. That and the Clippers’ pool of talent gives them the edge, but Memphis has just as good a shot at winning; remember last year against the Spurs?

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #7 New York Knicks

The Knicks are back on the winning track, for now, but Chicago is too much of a beast to stop, especially with ‘Melo producing drama and a coaching change to hash out.

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 Boston Celtics

The Celtics are on another losing streak, Miami has the league’s best home record and Miami is much younger and healthier.

#3 Orlando Magic vs #6 Atlanta Hawks

With Dwight Howard staying in Orlando, that tension should be alleviated enough for this season. Atlanta is .500 on the road, and quite simply don’t have a Dwight Howard to run through people. With Howard to patrol the paint and sufficient talent to man the arc, the Magic should be able to win this one.

#5 Indiana Pacers vs #4 Philadelphia 76ers

Neither team is doing particularly well right now, but Philadelphia is perhaps doing a tad worse, letting their division lead evaporate, when the Celtics manage to win, that is. Indiana acquired Leandro Barbosa from Toronto without having to give up much to shore up their guard depth, which should help them have more success in the air, and the series as a result.

What Might Change Next Week:

• The only change with a tangible effect that could take place is Houston dropping out in favor of Utah, which should happen if Houston has trouble with Dallas.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2012. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, NBA.

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.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2012. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, NBA.

Just now we’re reaching the 10-week mark of the season, and it’s already more than halfway through. The Bulls, Heat and Thunder continue to be the teams to beat, while the lower half of the brackets are fighting to avoid them (though they have made great progress to secure a spot to begin with). The middle of the brackets can also fairly be called a logjam, making no seed safe, so let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Sunday, March 4, before the day’s games:

West

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 Denver Nuggets

Two wins in a row still have the Nuggets barely above .500. That won’t cut it the way the Thunder are rolling.

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #7 Houston Rockets

Two straight losses and a well-sub-.500 road record. The Rockets will certainly have their hands full against the ever-dangerous Spurs.

#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs #6 Dallas Mavericks

Both teams are 5-5 in their last 10 and hovering around .500 on the road. Dallas has slipped down the seeding lately, and they have four games out of hand. That might get them a tad extra rest compared to the Clippers, but for the time being, the home Clippers have the slight edge.

#4 Los Angeles Lakers vs #5 Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have put together four wins in a row, but still struggle on the road, especially against good teams; the Lakers are 16-2 at home, by the way. With both teams picking things up lately, the Lakers have better pieces with which to move into the next round.

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #8 New York Knicks

The Knicks are okay, but with the formula on Jeremy Lin now out, they won’t be getting far, especially not against the 30-8 Chicago Bulls (there’s no stopping Lin’s counterpart Derrick Rose).

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 Boston Celtics

The Celtics have won three in a row, but that’s just another example of how incredibly streaky they are. Streakiness, age, injuries and illnesses will all come together to give the Heat an easy victory.

#3 Indiana Pacers vs #6 Atlanta Hawks

How about the Pacers, putting together six straight wins after five straight losses? Okay, they were all against teams currently no better than .424, but still. With two wins in a row, the Hawks are trying to right their own ship, but momentum and most of the road ability is still with Indiana.

#5 Orlando Magic vs #4 Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers continue to struggle but benefit from an even weaker division. Orlando is continuing to roll, just 1.0 game away from moving ahead of Indiana. With Dwight Howard still in the fold, Orlando looks in a good position to move on to the next round.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Look for Orlando to move ahead of Indiana.
• Look for the Lakers to take over their division from the Clippers, assuming the latter runs into issues in Houston.
• If that does happen, then Memphis is likely to pass the Clippers as well.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2012. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, NBA.

It’s All-Star Weekend, and we’re now halfway through an abbreviated season. The Heat, Bulls and Thunder all continue to be on top, while other predicted contenders are continuing to bring up the rear and middle of the brackets. Better things were expected from Boston and New York, but that’s where they are. The race for #8 in the West is also very cluttered, so let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Sunday, February 26:

West

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers are just 4-6 in their last 10 and 5-11 on the road. The Thunder have won five in a row and are an NBA-best 15-1 at home. It’s an easy choice for winner.

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #7 Memphis Grizzlies

It’s a similar story here, except that the Grizzlies are 7-3 in their last 10. However, they’re still 6-10 on the road. And the Spurs are still 12-1 in their last 13 and 13-1 at home.

#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs #6 Houston Rockets

The Rockets have won three in a row, and can definitely provide a challenge for the Clippers. However, they still have difficulties on the road, which could be disastrous with Blake Griffin and Chris Paul running afoot.

#4 Dallas Mavericks vs #5 Los Angeles Lakers

Both teams are doing well lately, but at the risk of being redundant, the Lakers are 14-2 at home, but but 6-12 on the road. Dallas is barely above .500 on the road themselves, so it shouldn’t be another sweep, but the Mavericks do have the advantage against a Lakers team without big man Lamar Odom (now with the Mavericks, by the way).

East

#1 Miami Heat vs #8 Boston Celtics

Boston has lost five in a row. They really can’t hang with the Heat (winners of eight straight) at all.

#2 Chicago Bulls vs #7 New York Knicks

Jeremy Lin is coming back to Earth, but the Knicks have done well enough to move up to #7. That still won’t matter much against the Bulls, a team as dangerous as any other in the league.

#3 Indiana Pacers vs #6 Atlanta Hawks

The teams are close, but Indiana has won four in a row to move back up to #3. It hasn’t been against the best teams, but Atlanta hasn’t won consecutive games in over two weeks, and is 4-8 in their last 12. It’ll be a close series, no doubt, but the home team has won each game in the season series so far.

#5 Orlando Magic vs #4 Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia has lost five in row, keeping their position only because New York and Boston have been doing so poorly. The Magic have been doing well lately despite the Dwight Howard trade deadline drama. With Philadelphia’s negative momentum and losing road record, Orlando has the edge in addition to home-court advantage.

What Might Change Next Week:

• It’s a short week; the only real (but not likely chance) is if Denver wins both its games (vs POR, @ HOU) to take over for Portland.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2012. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, NBA.