subject: Nba Tickets - Southeast Status [print this page] Here is a look at the NBA's Southeast division as of Dec. 7, 2009.
Orlando Magic (16-4): The Magic are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. They represented the East in the NBA Finals last season and it would come as no surprise to me if they did it again this year. Dwight Howard has not taken his game to the next level this season, but he's still one of the best centers in the league. The demand for NBA tickets to see an athlete of his caliber is always high. Howard doesn't have to be an offensive juggernaut for this team to succeed. His rebounding and defense provides a ton of value.
Vince Carter has been very good for the Magic since coming over in an offseason trade. Rashard Lewis seems to be shaking off the rust after serving his 10-game suspension, which is a huge factor for this unit. Jameer Nelson has been hurt, but the team hasn't missed a beat as Jason Williams has been effective in filling in as their starting point guard.
Atlanta Hawks (14-6): The Hawks look to be the fourth-best team in the East and could be on the verge of elevating themselves to the top tier of the conference. The team really looks to be on to something this season. Joe Johnson is having yet another great campaign, but the two biggest factors in the team's success this season have to be Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford.
Smith has finally found his game. He no longer fashions himself as a perimeter player and is focusing on putting the ball on the floor, rebounding and playing defense. He's also utilizing his above-average passing skills to make players for others. Crawford has been a great scoring spark off the bench. He's averaging 16 points per game off the pine and gives the Hawks a dimension that they didn't have last season. This team is very good and could pull off a upset of one of the top three teams in the second round of the playoffs if they keep playing this well.
Miami Heat (11-9): They're no longer just the Dwyane Wade show, but the East has gotten better and they're not going to make the playoffs easily. Wade is having another fine season, but his supporting cast is still not enough for the Heat to challenge the top teams in the conference. Michael Beasley is playing much better, though, and could be on his way to fulfilling his vast offensive potential. Jermaine O'Neal is healthy and has rebounded this season, as well, but the team is not very deep. When you've got a player like Dwyane Wade, though, you've always got a chance.
Charlotte Bobcats (8-11): I think this Bobcats team has playoff potential. They're one of the best defensive units in the league and the acquisition of Stephen Jackson from Golden State has really bolstered their offensive attack. They don't have a takeover offensive player, or possess great depth, but their defense should keep them in games. Gerald Wallace is having a career year, and consistent offensive output from he and Jackson will go a long way for this team.
Washington Wizards (7-12): On paper this team looks good, and I'm having some trouble figuring out why they aren't performing better. They don't play good defense, but their offense has a lot of weapons. Gilbert Arenas is not the same player that he was before his recent string of injuries, at least not yet, and Caron Butler is having a bit of a down season. Antawn Jamison's return has helped a bit, but they're just not performing well on the whole. They've got the talent and depth to turn things around, though.
