subject: NBA Ranking March 7 [print this page] NBA Ranking March 7 NBA Ranking March 7
Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics. The Celtics have played extremely well since the big trade. Krystic has fit in nicely at center and Green is giving them quality minutes at the three and four spot. Of course most of their wins are coming against the underbelly out West. Big test will come in the Eastern conference finals more likely against the Bulls.
Chicago Bulls. Rolling on like clockwork. Their only blemish was losing to the Hawks. Of course Derick Rose will never miss 15 shots again. Nice comeback win against Heat, but then again, everybody does that.
Orlando Magic. The Magic had a good week, of course the highlight was the comeback win against the Heat, Nelson has stepped up his play and Arenas even has shown flashes of his old self. Howard being suspended for a game is a good thing. He's been playing almost the entire game and has been getting beat up harder than anybody since early Shaq. No one wonder he wears long sleeves up to his triceps. He needs to wear NFL pads.
Miami Heat. The Heat had a rough week losing to every good team they played in the same fashion. Blowing a big lead and not being able to close at the end. The supporting cast is doing nothing to help "Two and a half men". Might be a good time give the ball to Wade at the end and tell LeBron to take a bathroom break at the end of games. By the way, "there is no crying in basketball". (Unless the team you picked in your office pool for NCAA championship loses in the first round.)
Atlanta Hawks. If the Hawks started playing decently they could overtake the Heat, but they've almost been just as bad, no one outside of Atlanta is paying attention. Their lone bright spot was beating the Bulls in Atlanta overcoming a pro Bulls crowd in the process.
New York Knicks. The Knicks have a yo-yo team. One day beating the Heat, the next day losing to Cleveland. They are entertaining but they nothing but dwarfs up front. So far the advantage goes to Denver in the Carmelo trade.
Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers are short on talent but they are as street tough and scrappy. If only they had a big up front. They have a good chance to pass the Knicks and get the Heat in the first round. Which could be winnable since the Heat can't beat teams above 500.
Indiana Pacers. The Pacers are trying not to make the playoffs, but they will by default because Charlotte has hit the skids since trading their best player. The Pacers need to be in the lottery, but they will instead first round fodder for the number one seed.
Western Conference
San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs had great week blasting Miami, getting Parker back, but then got smoked by the Lakers, it was either a bad day at the office or the Lakers played great. It was probably a combination of both. A double digit pay raise for the Spurs training staff for getting Parker back within a week, when he was supposed to be out a month.
Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers were dominating against the Spurs and have been playing like they've got an infusion of tiger blood (thank you Charlie Sheen, check is in the mail) since the break. Andrew Bynum has been a defensive star blocking and altering shots and gobbling up every rebound in sight. But he can't get any playing time in the last six minutes of games. That would not be the case on 29 other teams.
Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks have been playing great for two months but couldn't gain any ground on the Spurs and looks like the Lakers will soon pass them. Tough loss last night against the Grizzles. Randolph's last second shot had so much arch it almost hit the rafters. Just thinking a loud, but it might be in the Mavericks better interest to finish fourth and play Spurs in second instead of Lakers. They match up better against the Spurs.
Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder have righted the ship since their little losing streak. Harden and his best beard in the league is playing his best basketball in their careers finally living up to his lottery status. He's taking the ball to the hole strong. Still waiting for Perkins to play who's done nothing except sign a contract extension and take spin classes.
Denver Nuggets. Even when the Nuggets lose it's a close game. When they use both point guards, Lawson and Felton they are a nightmare matchup. They really speed up the game. Could knock off a higher seed in the playoffs. So far Nuggets advantage in the Carmelo trade, even with Gallinari out with a toe injury.
Portland Trailblazers. Getting Roy back could not have come at a better time and getting Wallace will help front court scoring, but still could use some size in the middle. Aldridge has been carrying the load but if he could gain 20 lbs he could play center on full time basis. They are fortunate to catch the Magic without Howard for tonight's game.
New Orleans Hornets. Losing Chris Paul the other night was scary they hope it's not a harbor of things to come for them as Paul will be a free agent after next year. The Hornets have still have not clicked since acquiring Landry, who's size was sorely need. They better hurry and try to win games so they can get out of this spot. They're looking at a first round match up with Lakers.
Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies have played well since getting Battier back and having the Mayo trade fall through. Win against Mavericks will give them confidence that they can beat elite teams. They have the talent to scare the Spurs in first round, but mentally are not there just yet.
