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1 (1) |
Nuggets |
50-15 |
The Nuggets are one of the hottest teams in the
league, riding an eight game win streak. But Kobe
has yet to be consistent with his shot, and you
wonder if the Nuggets can win a title if that
doesn't change. |
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2 (5) |
Raptors |
48-18 |
Don't look now, but the Raptors are quickly closing
the gap with Orlando for that No. 1 seed in the
East, a feat that seemed unlikely even just two
weeks ago. They've got a key matchup against the
Magic coming up on Mar. 28. |
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3 (4) |
Timberwolves |
45-23 |
The Wolves have won 15 of their last 17, and seem to
be establishing themselves as the favorite for that
No. 2 seed in the West. If nothing else, they'll
make sure the Nuggets don't waltz through the
Western Conference playoffs. |
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4 (3) |
Magic |
51-16 |
The Magic have a thing for losing games in pairs,
but they have yet to lose more than two consecutive
games this season. That consistency is what has
allowed them to stay atop the East thus far. |
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5 (2) |
Bulls |
45-20 |
The Eastern Conference playoffs are going to be a
sight to behold. Because, although the Bulls are the
third ranked team from the East, many consider them
the title favorite. There will be no waltzing on the
East Coast come playoff time. |
 |
6 (11) |
Hornets |
43-23 |
The Hornets are one of the great stories of the
2008-09 JBL season. After an injury plagued start,
they've come back to do the unthinkable: They've not
only grabbed the Southwest Division lead, they're up
three games on the Rockets. |
 |
7 (12) |
Hawks |
42-24 |
Maybe I'm jumping on the bandwagon early, moving the
Hawks up after five straight victories over mostly
sub-par competition, but one look at this roster is
all you need - they're better than their recent
record would indicate. |
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8 (6) |
Celtics |
44-23 |
The Celtics have played well in March, and they'll
be quick to tell you that the few games they did
drop was because of injuries. While that may be the
case, their lack of depth could cost them home court
in the first round. |
 |
9 (7) |
Bucks |
43-22 |
Even though Milwaukee just moved past Boston for the
No. 4 seed in the East, they've had a much worse
month than the C's so far. I still like their
chances to hold them off, but Atlanta is charging up
quickly. |
 |
10 (8) |
Blazers |
41-24 |
The Blazers have dropped three out of five, with the
three losses to sub-.500 teams. Their two wins in
that stretch were over Houston and Orlando. At least
in another month they won't have to play any more
sub-.500 teams. |
 |
11 (9) |
Rockets |
40-26 |
The Rockets have lost four in a row, and nine of
their last 13. In the process, they've essentially
handed the Southwest Division to the Hornets on a
silver platter. So much for Kidd's MVP campaign. |
 |
12 (10) |
Suns |
38-27 |
The Suns have lost five in a row, and if they're not
careful they could do the unthinkable and hand the
division lead over to the surging Warriors. At any
rate, it seems unlikely now that the Suns will be a
threat to do much in the playoffs. |
 |
13 (16) |
Warriors |
36-31 |
As mentioned above, the Warriors have been surging
lately, winning eight of their ten games so far in
March. While it's unlikely they'll overtake the
Suns, they'll only pose a threat in the playoffs if
they can earn that No. 4 seed. |
 |
14 (13) |
Spurs |
36-31 |
It's been a rough month in the Alamo, even losing
their last game to the Knicks. It's poor timing for
a meltdown, as the Warriors appear poised to pass
them for the No. 7 seed. And that means a first
round date with Denver for the Spurs. |
 |
15 (17) |
Thunder |
32-33 |
As poor as OKC has played for the past couple weeks,
they're still right there in the playoff chase. With
the way the Spurs are slumping, if they can put a
run together, they could earn a first round playoff
elimination from Denver. |
 |
16 (15) |
Jazz |
30-36 |
The Jazz struggled on their recent five-game road
trip, but don't sleep on them yet. They've got a
seven game home stand coming up, and are probably
the most talented team vying for one of those last
two playoff spots in the West. |
 |
17 (18) |
Grizzlies |
32-34 |
The Grizzlies GM will get mad at me if I don't
include his team in the playoff race, and it's true
that Memphis could still make a run. But they're not
geared to make a playoff stand this year, and would
be better served with a lottery pick. |
 |
18 (14) |
Bobcats |
33-32 |
Even though Charlotte just beat Orlando, they've
been playing terribly lately, and it could result in
them finally slipping out of that No. 7 position.
Not that it matters much to their playoff "success." |
 |
19 (20) |
Nets |
29-38 |
The nets are likely out of the playoff race at this
point, but you can't count them out entirely with
the way the Bobcats and Heat are struggling. It
would help if Jamison could finally get his head in
the game. |
 |
20 (21) |
Heat |
33-35 |
If the playoffs were to start today, the Heat would
play No. 1 seed Orlando, a team they've matched up
well against this season. The problem is, they can't
pull of an upset if they continue their recent slide
all the way out of the playoffs. |
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21 (19) |
Mavericks |
31-35 |
Even though Kobe isn't being talked about as a
legitimate MVP candidate this season, perhaps the
Mavs play since he was traded is the strongest
testament to his case. They were once a lock for the
playoffs. No more. |
 |
22 (22) |
76ers |
23-43 |
If the Sixers had started playing Westbrook earlier
in the season, maybe they'd still be in the playoff
race right now. Or maybe not. But with a nucleus
that includes K-Mart and Iggy as well, they have
many playoffs in their future. |
 |
23 (23) |
Clippers |
26-41 |
With Kaman out, Eddy Curry has stepped into the
starting center role for the Clippers. While it's a
sight to behold - a very large one at that - Curry,
and his contract, will only hold the team back. |
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24 (25) |
Wizards |
14-50 |
The Wizards are showing glimpses lately of how good
they can be in the future. Kevin Durant erupted for
43 points against the Jazz, while Tony Parker
had 15 assists. Add in Al Jefferson, and you have a
very dynamic trio. |
 |
25 (24) |
Cavaliers |
18-46 |
A lot of people look at the strength of Orlando's
backcourt and wing position,, and then comment on
the weaker frontcourt. Well, Cleveland is worse.
Rondo, Stuckey, and Jeff Green are great ... but
Ronny Turiaf and Chris Mihm? |
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26 (27) |
Pacers |
22-43 |
Indiana's leading scorer is rookie point guard D.J.
Augustin, averaging just 11.6 points, and is known
more for his passing. So explain to me how they've
won two games this month. I'm on the verge of
breaking out the sorcery card again. |
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27 (28) |
Kings |
22-46 |
Remember last week, when I said I couldn't find
anything positive to say about this team? Well, I
still can't. They don't even deserve the third line
this week. |
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28 (26) |
Pistons |
19-46 |
We always talk about the Celtics having no depth,
but how about the Pistons? Like Boston, injuries
struck, but it took them completely out of the
playoff race in a relatively short period of time.
Like, really took them out. |
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29 (30) |
Knicks |
12-53 |
The Knicks keep winning, and the league keeps
scratching its collective head. Back-to-back wins
over playoffs team? Six wins in their last 13 games?
What's going on? |
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30 (29) |
Lakers |
11-55 |
There was a point earlier this month when the Lakers
won four consecutive games. Really. It happened.
They've lost five straight since then, but it was
just really worth bringing up again. |
