Now it’s down to the Niddy Griddy, the stretch run, the last hurrah. Who can make it in the play-in games? Who can avoid the play-in games and make the top 6? Let’s take a quick look.
As of March 21st the standings in the West are:
The Clippers look like they have it together now and will not be in the play-in. That Russell Westbrook pick up is paying dividends, especially since they figured out he may not be their best option in crunch time. Golden State still can’t solve their road woes. If Dallas gets Luka back and goes on a mini run or if Minnesota gets Ant-man and KAT back soon, Golden State could be looking at the 7th or 8th spot.
Can the Lakers play consistent, winning ball? AD is off and on. DeAngelo is trying to show he’s a 30 million a year guy, trying to take and make every clutch shot that he can. And the role players, besides Austin Reaves, are showing why they will never be anything more than bit role players. Something tells me that 11th spot is right where they will end up.
Damn, Zion sure is injury prone. Two months and counting for a routine hamstring injury? Ouch! The Pelicans took a dump after he went down. Danny Ainge is going to somehow get the Jazz into the playoffs and have like 10 1st round picks in the next 4 drafts. That’s some General Managing for your ass right there.
That’s a quick look at the West’s standings. Now let’s look at the East.
The Knicks and Cleveland look like they are a lock to play each other in the 4/5 matchup. But that race for the #2 seed and home court in the 2nd round is coming down to the wire between Boston and Philly. Home court could be the crucial factor in determining the winner, if they do meet up in the 2nd round.
Can Brooklyn hold off Miami for that 6th spot? I’m not so sure but Miami isn’t the same team anymore. And the Bulls have a jolt of life every since they picked up Pat Bev. I guess they were like the Tin-man and needed a heart (Wizard of Oz). They should have enough to hold off a soft Wizards team and an Indiana team that doesn’t quite have enough pieces yet.
And that was that. A quick look at the League’s Standings and my playoff predictions.