After going 4-0 last week, the Boston Celtics were already potentially poised to put up some straight A’s. They had their revenge (93-90 over the Cleveland Cavaliers), wiped out the dinosaurs (a 36-point drubbing of the Toronto Raptors), got gritty in MSG (beating the New York Knicks 91-89), and proved themselves against a younger, more athletic opponent (topping the Memphis Grizzlies 98-80). That left the Celtics at 13-10, the first time Boston has seen the right side of .500 since they were 4-3.

Then Super Bowl XLVI happened.

(Excuse me while I go drown my pain in unintelligible Kurt Cobain lyrics and grungy power chords.)

Without rehashing the gory details, let’s just move ahead with this week’s grades, with the important caveat that I am clinically depressed from Sunday night’s devastating loss. Just know I will be assigning massive grade inflation simply to assuage my severely bruised and battered ego. I need something to hold onto, both literally (to support myself) and emotionally (my tear ducts no longer function properly).

Starting Backcourt: B+

Avery Bradley was reasonably solid in his two starts, even managing to contribute 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting (albeit against the Raptors, who really give their Jurassic Park counterparts a bad name).

Not exactly the kind of efficient production Celtics fans hope to get from Ray Allen, but he did manage to contribute a consistent dozen points per game.

Of course, the big story of the week was Rajon Rondo suiting up to play. Coming off an eight game layoff due to a nagging wrist injury, Rondo’s return Friday against the Knicks was predictably sluggish (7 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 turnovers). Rondo only mustered five points in his second game back, but dished out 14 dimes and led the Celtics to 26 fast-break points (more than the previous three games combined). He appeared to have a much better sense of timing and rhythm (as evidenced by this gorgeous feed to Jermaine O’Neal for the flush). Just his mere presence is enough to bump the backcourt up to a B+ for this week (or so I tell myself).

Starting Frontcourt: A-

I can’t say enough about Paul Pierce, who has absolutely elevated his play recently and took home the Offensive Player of the Week award for filling up the stat sheet night in and night out. His masterpiece, of course, was a vintage Pierce appearance against the Knicks, when he went off for 30 points, including a couple of absurd three-pointers to barely beat the shot clock in the game’s final minutes (one of which was waved off, but no less insane – just listen to the Garden roar).

Kevin Garnett has been draining some threes of his own, which he will incessantly remind you is within his range. Much to my preference, though, it was nice to see Garnett down on the block in the second half against the Grizzlies en route to 24 points (tying his season-high).

Meanwhile, O’Neal has been doing all the dirty work on the defensive end, drawing charge after charge at the cost of his already creaky knees. Hopefully they hold up and he continues to (pun alert!) take charge defensively (I warned you).

Altogether, I’d say that merits the first A of the season.

Bench Backcourt: C

Bradley continues to struggle when not hidden among the starting five (you mean not playing with perennial All-Stars hurts his stats? A revelation, I know); E’Twaun Moore remains lightning in a bottle (still waiting for him to strike twice); and Sasha Pavlovic has officially leapfrogged Marquis Daniels in the Celtics rotation (I’m pretty sure that was what the Mayans were talking about).

Bench Frontcourt: A-

The second unit of bigs gets our second A of the season! Doc Rivers is singing Chris Wilcox’s praises (following my lead from last week), while Brandon Bass and Mickael Pietrus are doing their thing (shooting, shooting, and more shooting for Bass; for Pietrus, that means being French).

In the surprise of the week, JaJuan Johnson showed a lot of promise for the future with some impressive garbage time performances (insert grain of salt here). In 32 total minutes of playing time, Johnson poured in 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting, with six rebounds and a couple of blocks. Johnson should be an exciting young player to watch develop as this year goes on. He has a chance to be the greatest Boston athlete to ever wear #12 (shhhhhh!).

© Nick Bohlen for Sports of Boston, 2012. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, Featured, Opinion.

A month into the season, and things are still going roughly for playoff hopefuls such as Boston and Dallas. Teams like the Clippers and 76ers are taking advantage of that. But a lot of powerful teams are still holding sway at the top of the conferences, and they’re continuing to make things tough on everyone else. So what does that all mean for this week’s outlook? Let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Sunday, January 22 at 4:30pm:

West

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 Dallas Mavericks

Congratulations to Dallas for winning two in a row, but they’re still struggling to keep pace in the always-tough West, which the Thunder clearly rule right now.

#2 Denver Nuggets vs #7 San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are rapidly slipping, losing their last two games and having just won once on the road so far. Denver is just too good all-around right now.

#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs #6 Los Angeles Lakers

The Clippers are having a heck of a season, but they’re just percentage points ahead of the Lakers. However, the Lakers have only one road win, though that might not matter much with all seven games at the Staples Center. The Clippers did win the first game of the season series, though.

#5 Utah Jazz vs #4 Memphis Grizzlies

Neither team is the best on the road, but both are better at home, and Utah actually has home-court advantage with a better record at the moment. Memphis has won six straight, but Utah is 9-2 in the last 11. This one could very well come down to home-court advantage.

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #8 Cleveland Cavaliers

Chicago is insanely good, while Cleveland… not so much. It really won’t be difficult for Chicago.

#2 Orlando Magic vs #7 Boston Celtics

Boston may be in the seeding for now, but that’s only because a conference needs to send eight teams to the playoffs. Their aging corp just can’t hang with good teams like Orlando right now.

#3 Miami Heat vs #6 Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta has only lost once at home, and is #6 because they’re in the same division with Orlando and Miami. However, Miami is back on track with three straight wins, and still has just one home loss. If the Big Three stays healthy for the series, then Atlanta won’t be able to do anything in the end, but they’ll sure make it tough on Miami.

#5 Indiana Pacers vs #4 Philadelphia 76ers

Like so many other series, both teams are great at home and so-so on the road. In fact, Indiana is 5-0 at home, which doesn’t make things any easier on Philadelphia.

What Might Change Next Week:

• With Boston’s schedule, look for New York to take over their spot on percentage points.
• With Houston and Portland having good looking schedules, one slip-up by any of the Clippers, Grizzlies, Lakers, Spurs or Mavericks could spell a lost playoff spot. With those odds, a seeding shake-up is likely, as at least one team should lose theirs.

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

I’ve heard of a playoff beard, but this is just ridiculous. Former Celtics guard Tony Allen, now a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, decided he’s show his allegiance to his team when he walked into the barbershop. Allen, clearly lacking good judgment, decided to get a haircut with his team logo trimmed into the back of his head.

Fox Sports Memphis radio host Chris Vernon tweeted that Allen had the haircut, but said there wouldn’t be any pictures. It was suppose to remain a surprise. The surprise in the end was on Vernon and all of us, because we would never get to see TA take the court with his fresh new do.

When Allen took the court for the game, “the Grizzly” was gone. Vernon and the rest of the basketball world was disappointed to see that someone had shaken some sense into Allen, so Vernon decided he’d tweet the picture anyway.

As a Celtics fan, I’m insulted. Tony Allen has a ring with the Celtics and two trips to the NBA Finals and we never ever saw “Lucky” the C’s mascot on TA’s dome. I think Lucky would have looked great. Maybe he could have added a little green hair dye to give it some flavor and some pop. It would have been brilliant.

Allen missed out on that opportunity and apparently decided to this one pass by as well. All we have is this one photo. Should have just repped it with pride Tony.

Either way, Memphis won Monday night and took a commanding 3-1 series lead over the top-seeded Spurs, so I guess Allen wins either way.

© Brian Moller for Sports of Boston, 2011. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, Featured, Now!.

Just one more week left until the playoff situation is officially known, and once again, the Celtics find themselves just trying to get healthy. And the Spurs’ former stranglehold on the #1 seed is weakened, but it may be too little too late for anyone to catch them. Five of the six divisions are locked up, with the Thunder and Nuggets still fighting over the Northwest. And even at 31-45, the Bucks are still alive for a playoff spot. Charlotte and Houston are still alive outside the brackets, but time is rapidly running out for all of them. There’s clearly a lot of excitement left in the season’s final week, so let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Tuesday, April 5, before the day’s games:

West

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs #8 Memphis Grizzlies

The Spurs finally won a game after a huge losing streak. Memphis has won its last four, including a game against the Spurs. But the Spurs are getting healthy again, and they’re certain to be strong again come playoff time, so the Grizzlies still don’t have much of a chance.

#2 Los Angeles Lakers vs #7 New Orleans Hornets

With their most recent loss to Denver, the Lakers have only lost twice in the month-and-a-half since the All Star break. New Orleans is doing okay themselves, but they’re still hit or miss lately. With the roll they’re on, the Lakers will easily win in Round 1.

#3 Dallas Mavericks vs #6 Portland Trail Blazers

With three losses in a row, Dallas is in a bit of a funk. Portland beat Dallas on Sunday, but that just split the season series along home-and-home lines. Dallas hasn’t had much luck in the playoffs in recent memory, and entering this year’s tournament on shaky ground, they might just have some trouble again.

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #5 Denver Nuggets

After a 14-2 March, the Thunder have begun April 0-2. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have won six in a row. And at 31-7 at home, the Nuggets actually have the third best such record in the NBA. Oklahoma isn’t too much removed from their winning ways, but Denver has beaten the likes of the Lakers and Spurs, so they’re making themselves very difficult to ignore.

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #8 Indiana Pacers

The Bulls are surging ahead of the pack, 2.5 games ahead of Miami and only 1.5 behind San Antonio. At 35-43, Indiana really can’t compete.

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 New York Knicks

After some struggles, New York has managed to win three in a row. But so has Miami. Neither team has been very predictable, but at least Miami’s superstars have had more time to learn how to gel, plus, they have 15.5 games on New York.

#3 Boston Celtics vs #6 Philadelphia 76ers

With their big men dropping like flies, Boston is in a lot of trouble. Still, there’s not much cause to worry beyond the end of the season. Jermaine O’Neal is back, and Glen Davis is a huge help. Boston is close to cracking, but Philadelphia doesn’t have enough raw talent to deal the finishing blow. We’ll see what the officiating does, but Tommy Heinsohn probably won’t be schvitzing too much over it.

#4 Orlando Magic vs #5 Atlanta Hawks

At this point, Orlando has four games on the Hawks. In the last few weeks, Atlanta hasn’t been able to gain any ground, which opens the door for Dwight Howard to attack the paint and bowl over Atlanta.

Predicted Final Standings

Playoff Predictions

1st Round

2nd Round

3rd Round

NBA Finals

© John for Sports of Boston, 2011. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, Featured.

Just two more weeks to go and we’ll know who makes it into the playoffs. Nine of 16 spots are punched so far, including three of the six divisions. Some of the top teams are having pretty big struggles, and others are taking advantage. Memphis is building a little bit of space out west, while Charlotte is closing the gap on Indiana in the East. With 10 games left to play, Cleveland is two games behind Minnesota for worst team in the league. Talk about first to worst. Some teams may be in comfortable positions, but others still have plenty to fight for, so let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Tuesday, March 29, before the day’s games:

West

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs #8 Memphis Grizzlies

The Spurs are on a four-game losing streak, which is only their second losing streak of the season (the first being just two games). The Grizzlies, most recently, beat San Antonio. However, they haven’t been able to win in San Antonio this season. If Duncan and Ginobli return healthy, the Spurs should still be able to dispatch with Memphis.

#2 Los Angeles Lakers vs #7 New Orleans Hornets

The Lakers have won seven in a row, and rest just 3.5 games behind San Antonio. New Orleans is still hanging in there at #7, but has room for movement in either direction. They’re still sub-.500 on the road, too. The Hornets looked so good in November, but not so in April.

#3 Dallas Mavericks vs #6 Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers won in San Antonio Monday; that’s worth something. But the Mavericks have won four in a row, and are always a tough out. Dallas is lethal away or at home, and Portland is much more potent at home. Overall, with Kidd and Nowitzki leading the charge, the Mavericks have the edge.

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #5 Denver Nuggets

The Thunder have won three in a row, nine of ten, and 12 of 14. Denver is just as difficult to defeat lately, and it turns out trading ‘Melo was actually a huge help. This’ll be a tactical slugfest, and could potentially come down to home-court advantage; Denver is still sub-.500 on the road overall anyway.

East

#1 Chicago Bulls vs #8 Indiana Pacers

The last time the Bulls lost consecutive games was in the first week of February. Sixers aside, they’re a very talented team with leading candidates for MVP and Coach of the Year. At 33-42, Indiana just can do it in a best-of-seven series.

#2 Boston Celtics vs #7 New York Knicks

Before Monday, the Knicks had been working on a six-game losing streak, and had lost nine of ten. Not that Boston is impressive right now; they’re not. Still, the Knicks’ personalities can’t gel together properly without an extensive training camp, and past experience has shown Doc Rivers to rest his best guys more than usual down the stretch; that usually works pretty well.

#3 Miami Heat vs #6 Philadelphia 76ers

You can’t predict Miami, but they’re on a five-game winning streak at the moment. Even in that, they haven’t looked their best. What is their best, anyway? Philadelphia hasn’t been looking good lately, and they did get swept in the season series 3-0, so Miami should live to fight at least another round.

#4 Orlando Magic vs #5 Atlanta Hawks

Orlando‘s lead over Atlanta is now a whole five games, with eight to play. Orlando has also been playing a little better lately, and has the big man and shooting talent they need to overcome Atlanta, which shouldn’t be a terrible problem.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Look for Boston to drop yet another spot to #3.
• If Dallas can win in the Staples Center against the Lakers, they have a good chance to retake #2.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2011. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics.

Entering Wednesday night’s contest, the Bulls held a half game lead over the Celtics for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Celts, therefore, needed a win to tie things up, but either way, the last 12 games of the season should be really interesting.

Paul Pierce did all he could for the good guys, scoring a team-best 22 points on 6-10 shooting (8-8 from the FT line), but he received little help from his teammates in a 90-87 loss. Ray Allen chipped in 14 points, while Kevin Garnett had 10 points and six boards for the C’s, who lost for the fifth time in their last nine games.

Every time the Grizz started to pull away, the Celtics fought back. Down 3 with under a minute to go, Glen Davis (12 points, 5 rebounds) sunk a jumper. Rajon Rondo missed a runner for the lead, and the C’s were forced to foul Mike Conley, Jr., who made both free throws.

After the C’s missed a three with just 4.6 seconds left to play, they fouled Marc Gasol, who subsequently missed both free throws. This gave Pierce a chance to tie it up, but his wild three was no good and the C’s were handed a tough loss.

Up-and-Down Rondo

Rajon Rondo was kind of close to having the league’s first quadruple-double since David Robinson in 1994 (The Admiral had 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks in that game). Rondo finished with just six points, but had 11 assists, 11 rebounds, and 7 steals.

More would be made about his quality game if the C’s won…but he had something to do with the loss. Rondo went just 2-12 from the field in taking an uncharacteristic number of attempts from the field. Had he sunk just a few more, he’d have a triple-double and the C’s would have a win.

Former C’s Back In Boston

Leon Powe and Tony Allen returned to a near-hero’s welcome at the TD Garden on Wednesday night. Both played huge parts in their title runs the last three years (Powe in 2008 and Allen in 2010), and the Garden faithful did the right thing in giving them their due.

Powe scored 13 points in just 17 minutes, while Allen started at shooting guard, finishing with eight points and seven rebounds.

Looking Ahead

These aren’t your father’s Grizzlies. This bunch is pretty good (40-32, 8th in the West), despite being without Rudy Gay for the rest of the season. But, when you look at their roster top to bottom, you see some talent: Zach Randolph (ONLY offensively), Marc Gasol, O.J. Mayo, Mike Conley, Jr., Shane Battier, and more. This team is pretty good.

With that said, that’s all the Celtics will see in the playoffs: good teams. They need to gel quickly over the remaining 12 games first to win the conference and clinch home-court throughout the playoffs, and to prove they can not only hang with, but beat quality opponents.

Next up for the Celtics is a game Friday against the Bobcats, a potential first round playoff opponent in the East.

© KC Downey for Sports of Boston, 2011. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, Featured, Top Story.

Just a few more weeks left. The Lakers, Celtics and Bulls have clinched their divisions, while the Heat, Magic, Spurs and Mavericks have all clinched playoff spots. There’s a good amount of room between all #8s and #9s, but nothing’s guaranteed there just yet. There are four teams in the West and five in the East on the outside looking in that still have a mathematical chance. So many teams have so much to think about right now, so let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Tuesday, March 22, before the day’s games:

West

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs #8 Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis is doing okay lately, and while San Antonio has won its last three, Tim Duncan is out until somewhere around the start of the playoffs. Not that San Antonio won’t win anyway, but if any #8 is ever to get a break, it’s Memphis’ to seize.

#2 Los Angeles Lakers vs #7 New Orleans Hornets

The Lakers are 12-1 since the All Star break. The Hornets gave up a game to the Celtics that they should have won. With the way the Lakers are playing lately, they’re going deep into the playoffs, again.

#3 Dallas Mavericks vs #6 Portland Trail Blazers

Dallas has had a few tough losses sprinkled into their record lately, but many of them were to understandable foes. Portland has been doing pretty well at home, but consecutive road losses in Atlanta and Charlotte will hurt them, especially since they couldn’t win in Dallas this season.

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #5 Denver Nuggets

Recent loss against Toronto aside, the Thunder are are a great team; they won their previous six. The Nuggets are in a similar situation, though they did recently lose back-to-back in Orlando and Miami. This could easily be one of the closest series. The Thunder may need that home-court edge, which will help in addition to Kevin Durant.

East

#1 Boston Celtics vs #8 Indiana Pacers

For whatever reason, the 4th quarter has been kind to the Celtics lately. That will have to be remedied eventually, but if they can beat better teams like that, then the 31-40 Pacers shouldn’t be able to stop it from happening four times.

#2 Chicago Bulls vs #7 New York Knicks

The Bulls are getting better and better, and ‘Melo and the Knicks are sliding further down the ladder. Chicago all the way.

#3 Miami Heat vs #6 Philadelphia 76ers

It’s difficult to call the Heat, but they’re on an upswing now. Philadelphia‘s having a bit of rougher time of it on their road trip. Without a quality chance to win on the road, Philadelphia will be washed up pretty quickly.

#4 Orlando Magic vs #5 Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are now 4.5 games behind the Magic. Dwight Howard is still a huge force to be reckoned with. Now that I assume he’s being more careful about technicals, the Hawks will have to work around him, but the Magic probably will be able to prevent that.

What Might Change Next Week:

• It doesn’t really look like any major changes will be happening with the schedules the way they are.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2011. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics.

20 weeks are gone, and while the Spurs are riding high, the Celtics now have to resort to a tiebreaker against Chicago to hold the top spot in the East. And don’t listen to Chicago or Doc Rivers; getting the top seed means a lot. The bottom of the East also has a tie to deal with, while the Grizzlies are building a mini lead out West over #9. With less than 20 games remaining, it remains that only four teams have clinched a playoff spot, and only Chicago has a division wrapped up. With many of the teams still trying to secure good positioning, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Tuesday, March 15, before the day’s games:

West

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs #8 Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis is doing pretty good by Memphis standards, but they still have to get past four good teams for a title. San Antonio is still an incredibly good team, despite the 30-point loss to Miami. Not many people would pick Memphis over San Antonio.

#2 Dallas Mavericks vs #7 Portland Trail Blazers

Dallas is the most consistent team when comparing home and away records. That will serve them well in the tournament. The Blazers are 5-5 in their last 10, and while they have had a four-game winning streak in the middle of it all, they’ll have to be more consistent to advance.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs #6 New Orleans Hornets

The Lakers are one of the hottest things going right now. In the last month, they’ve only lost once, in Miami. The Hornets, while relatively stable in their lower seeding, haven’t retained their early season magic.

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #5 Denver Nuggets

Both teams are winning right now, but Denver hasn’t been the best on the road all season long. The Thunder still have Westbrook and Durant going for them, and Perkins and Robinson if they can get healthy. Right now, the Thunder are in a better position to move forward into May and June.

East

#1 Boston Celtics vs #8 Indiana Pacers

The Pacers had lost six straight before snapping that in New York. Meanwhile, you just don’t know what Boston will do. At this point, it might help to just let the end of the season go and rest starters more if needed. If Boston keeps up their current clip, they won’t go far (maybe into the 2nd round, maybe not).

#2 Chicago Bulls vs #7 Philadelphia 76ers

Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau and League MVP Derrick Rose have the Bulls coasting right now, only a tiebreaker behind Boston. Philadelphia really can’t get this done.

#3 Miami Heat vs #6 New York Knicks

It’s pretty difficult to make heads or tails of Miami. Are they good or bad? Make up your mind, Heat. The Knicks are on their first losing streak since the All Star break, and aren’t that easy to figure out either. In very recent history, Miami’s been picking it up, and they’ll move forward if they can keep it up.

#4 Orlando Magic vs #5 Atlanta Hawks

Thanks to a four-game losing streak (recently ended), the Hawks find themselves three games behind the Magic, with two games in hand. The Magic have been playing better overall lately, and with a big guy like Dwight Howard, Orlando’s looking to move into position to face Boston/Chicago next (and a slim chance of Indiana/Charlotte).

What Might Change Next Week:

• It looks like it’s time for Chicago to move into #1.
• If Indiana can’t win against New York or in Memphis, they’ll find themselves behind the Bobcats.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2011. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics.

Just over a month remains in the season, and the Miami Heat got the highest ever rating on SportsCenter’s panic meter (9.99). The Lakers are on a roll, and Chicago has quietly positioned themselves as a legitimate contender, just 2.5 games out of the East’s lead. Each half of the bracket is starting to pull away a little from the teams on the outside looking in. Contrary to popular belief, the trades have been helping Boston stay on top, holding off former minion Tom Thibodeau. With the way things are going, a pecking order might be emerging, so let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Tuesday, March 8, before the day’s games:

West

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs #8 Memphis Grizzlies

San Antonio disappointed themselves by losing to the Lakers, but didn’t cry like little girls like Miami. Memphis surprisingly won in Dallas, but they still have to figure out a way to take four of seven against the Spurs, including at least one in San Antonio. That’s probably not going to happen.

#2 Dallas Mavericks vs #7 New Orleans Hornets

Memphis blip aside, losses are still very few and far between for Dallas. New Orleans has continued to slip down the seeding. One outlier performance won’t cut it; New Orleans can’t win a series from Dallas. Plus, Chris Paul is concussed.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs #6 Portland Trail Blazers

Los Angeles has won seven in a row, and has really been stepping up their game lately. Portland has been doing a bit of the same, but when the Lakers get cooking, no 1st round opponent has a chance.

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #5 Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are doing quite nicely. Oklahoma is recovering nicely themselves from that losing streak setback. The Nuggets may be good, but they’re still abysmal on the road, which could very well end up being the Thunder’s saving grace.

East

#1 Boston Celtics vs #8 Indiana Pacers

Boston‘s new roster has won them five games in a row. The Pacers have lost their last three, and are 3-7 in their last 10. Boston all the way.

#2 Chicago Bulls vs #7 Philadelphia 76ers

The NBA’s ultimate sleeper team is still unbeaten in their division, and is a muscular 27-4 at home. It’s Chicago, in case you were wondering. But don’t knock Philadelphia just yet; they’re 8-2 in their last 10, a streak that started with a win over San Antonio. Still, most of their recent wins were against less than great opponents, so Chicago still has the edge.

#3 Miami Heat vs #6 New York Knicks

With a four-game losing streak, during which they cried in the locker room, Miami is spiraling into a much worse position than a #3 seed would indicate. Even with Chauncey Billups resting, the Knicks have figured out how to win. It’s not that the Knicks are built to win this year, but the Heat are apparently built to lose, which they very well might do in the 1st round.

#4 Orlando Magic vs #5 Atlanta Hawks

The last Magic loss can be attributed to Dwight Howard being suspended for 16 technicals. Too bad Stan Van Gundy can’t have an opinion about it, because he’d be right that it’s completely unfair. But Atlanta isn’t exactly doing well right now either. With a 2.5-game lead over Atlanta, Orlando should do alright.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Not much really, but Portland could push Denver into position to face the Lakers in Round 1.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2011. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics.

It won’t be long now until the playoffs begin, and there’s still a lot to be decided. Except for the Spurs, every playoff team is at most 2.5 games away from their nearest competition. The trade deadline passed, with spectacular results. Now, cuts will be looking for a new team in time to be playoff eligible. Injuries are still plentiful, especially in Boston, but teams are adapting well to the situations. With just about nothing except for San Antonio’s home-court advantage certain, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Tuesday, March 1, before the day’s games:

West

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs #8 Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis is doing better than they ever have before, but they’re still barely making the cut. Old pal Tony Allen can’t help take down the juggernaut that is San Antonio.

#2 Dallas Mavericks vs #7 Portland Trail Blazers

Portland had a six-game winning streak going, but stretch out the time frame and they’re pretty average overall, though with some impressive wins in there. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have an active six-game winning streak going, and have won 17 of 19. Dallas will be quite tough to beat.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs #6 Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets haven’t exactly been imploding since the ‘Melo trade, but they haven’t exactly been exploding either. The Lakers are back on the crest of their wave, but they have been known to go down to the trough every now and then this season. If they avoid that, then they’ll beat Denver.

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #5 New Orleans Hornets

Neither team is at its best right now. Oklahoma is on its first three-game losing streak of the season. New Orleans is 3-7 in its last 10. Still, the Thunder have more well-known pieces, and are in a rather comfortable position in the standings.

East

#1 Boston Celtics vs #8 Indiana Pacers

Through all the injuries, Boston is regrouping quite nicely with their new roster. Indiana has been kind of streaky this season. They’re 5-5 in their last 10, and sit at 26-32. When Boston has all their players at their disposal, it’s not easy to do anything about it, unless you’re fortunate enough to catch them in the middle of one of their terrible 3rd quarters.

#2 Miami Heat vs #7 Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia has won their last four, but that just got them above .500. Miami has had a few issues with the better teams, but they have too much talent to simply ignore. Especially in the first round, Miami should overwhelm their competition.

#3 Chicago Bulls vs #6 New York Knicks

New York lost in Cleveland, then won in Miami? What happened? New York’s better, but they’re not really built for victory this year. Chicago is built for victory, as evidenced by Joakim Noah’s clinic in Chicago’s 28-point thrashing of Washington. Even Brian Scalabrine (or as he’s now known, the White Mamba) got some playing time. You know you’re doing well when Scal gets to play.

#4 Orlando Magic vs #5 Atlanta Hawks

The Magic have been getting steadily better in their last 10 games. The Hawks have been going a tad the other way. As a result, Orlando has a two-game lead over Atlanta (1.5 with the tiebreaker). The Hawks have made a few move to jiggle themselves around a bit, but Orlando has Dwight Howard and showed their commitment to winning with their massive trade earlier in the season. It’ll still be a close series, but at 23-9 at home, Orlando has the edge.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Chicago @ Miami Sunday might lead to a new #2.
• If Phoenix can get by Milwaukee, they’ll have a decent shot at upending Memphis for #8.

© John for Sports of Boston, 2011. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics.