As we are winding down the season, things are getting closer in the West. There are 4 teams tied for 2nd place in the West (Suns, Jazz, Mavs, and Nuggets). With these teams squaring off against each other it will make for some interesting jockeying for seeding.
On to the rankings for this week:
1. Cavs-
Loss to the Celtics aside, they are crusing into the postseason and are anxious to being play as they strive to bring the title to Cleveland. History is on their side as only 11 other teams have gone into postseason play with a 60 win record (the Cavs are the 12th). Of those, 9 have brought home the championship. Clevland is hoping to become the 10th.
2. Magic-
Graciously stole this bit from Mark Stein on ESPN:
The Magic are on a quiet 15-3 roll and rank as the only team in the league to beat the other 29 teams. Even more unique: Stan Van Gundy actually sounded satisfied (pleased, even) when someone gave him that stat.
-that says it all.
3. Lakers-
They still have the top spot in the West and will most lilely go into post season play as the #1, however they have not yet clinched it. On paper, they still look great, but several recent losses including to the Spurs at home has some Laker supporters getting in a panic. Others feel they will be just fine come playoff time. They will be getting Bynum back and that could be the boost they need.
4. Suns-
They had a NBA best 10 game win streak come to an end against the Bucks. During that time they played 8 teams that had a sub .500 record. Their final stretch into the post season will not be as "soft". During these games we will really see how the Suns react to having Lopez out with a herniated disk. He is responding well to treatment but will he back before the regular season ends? Doubtful
5. Jazz-
Finishing up the season strong. The quality of teams in the West will make for an exciting and interesting Round 1 in the playoffs that is certain-who will come out alive is not so certain!
6. Spurs-
This kills me to write this, but they are starting to look like the Spurs of old. They have had great wins recently over such top teams as the Magic, Cavs, and Lakers. Can't count out the win against the Celtics either. Manu is playing some of his best games in recent memory-will it be enough come playoff time?
7. Hawks-
A lot of people were looking forward to see who would face the Bucks in the playoffs, the Hawks or the Celtics. With the Bucks' Bogut injured and out for the season does anyone care anymore?
Good news for Hawks fans, the team is playing well-can they make a playoff run though?
8. Thunder-
This team is fairly young and inexperienced yet they are not playing like that. They have a shot to win their division and are scaring a few teams in the West.
9. Mavs-
They had a 13 game win streak going at one point. How long ago that seems now. They are in a 5-6 slump and their normally tough D is not looking quite so tough. Bad time for a slup guys.
10. Blazers-
Ever since the Blazers traded for Camby, they have gone 15-6. This is the team NO ONE wants to face in the first round of the playoffs.
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