Post by TheYungOne419 on Dec 12, 2007 16:16:28 GMT -5
2008 Playoff Race | Eastern Conference Edition
The Celtics looks to have the East on lock, right now the only team that stands a chance are the Cavaliers. But now that Boston is healthy again they should be able to pull away and clinch the regular season conference title soon.
The Cavaliers have made some big moves recently, changing up their big 3. But are back to where they were early this season, missing a key player. They have a hole at SG and they need to fill it if they hope to catch Boston. While Pietrus is a good player hes missed half the season, and that can hurt a championship team if lose a starter for a good deal of games.
The Bulls were stunned by two major injuries a few days ago. Losing both Monta Ellis(9.9PPG 5.7RPG) & Luol Deng(17.2PPG 7.5RPG) hurt the Bulls and made them fall to 2nd in the division. Deng is not expected back for about another week, after then hopefully they can get back on top of the Central.
Detroit looks to be catching up to division rival Bulls, but at the same time their falling slowly and could end up dropping to 4th behind New Orleans. With only two 15+ PPG scorers they don't appear to be on their way to another championship, but theres a lot more basketball left to play and anything can happen.
New Orleans is having the best season since moving from Charlotte 6 seasons ago. Lead by two good young players and future stars, Chris Paul and Devin Harris are a great backcourt duo and when you factor in their solid front, They are a playoff contender now and if they keep up the good play they have a shot at the division title.
Washington have won 8 of their last 10 games, and are only 1 and 1/2 game from the 3rd seed. So if they can keep this up they could easily slip in-front of those Central Division teams and take the 3rd.
New Jersey has been somewhat disappointing so far, and the area where they have been lacking is bench depth. With Cassell retiring soon and they need to start winning now or they will have to wait until Marcus Williams becomes a starting caliber player and try again.
Thomas' mess was cleaned up fast and New York was off to a great start, but they seem to be slowing down. Their main problem is Lamar Odom, hes a good play but has been inconsistent as of late. So he needs to step up and or the Knicks will fall out of the playoffs, and it will be too late to fight for that 8th spot.
This team should be up there with Boston, Cleveland & others. But they have not been able to get it together, Shaq, Redd, and Allen on the same team should equal a championship. But their lack of bench depth and defense has been a problem and like I said before, they need to get it together or they will be in the lottery without their pick.
Orlando is on a come-up 4 games back from the struggling Knicks and a nice starting 5 that can get them there.
Atlanta has a young lineup and are just not ready for the big-time yet so maybe next year.
The Sixers had a chance after acquiring Nash, Marion & Diaw but two costly injuries kept them from doing something this year.
Well this young team never really had a chance, better luck next time.
An impressive team at the start of the season but has been nothing more since.
No way, no how.