RANK (LAST WK)REC.
1 (1) Lakers 43-10
Though a may be a small cushion, the Lakers were glad to have the best record at the all star break, especially with center Andrew Bynum out for the rest of the regular season. Then again, they may not need it because they were able to beat the Cavs and Celtics on the road.
2 (3) Celtics 44-11
The second half of the season will be a real test for the Celtics. I think their thin bench will eventually catch up with them unless they miraculously add a solid back up at the point guard position, i.e. Starbury.
3 (2) Cavaliers 40-11
The Cavs will be at full strength in a matter of a week, once starting guard Delonte West returns. Lebron is the key though. If he ends up leading the league in scoring after West returns, you can expect the Cavs to finish with the best record in the league. Don’t forget, the Lakers own the tie breaker against the Cavs and the Celts.
4 (4) Spurs 35-17
The Spurs are expected to make a serious push for Vince Carter, which will surely put them over the top, or at least put them in the same breath as the Lakers. If they stay pat, they will be no match for the Lakers. Ironically, I think the Spurs need to find help for Duncan, rather than adding another perimeter player.
5 (5) Magic 39-13
The Magic led the league in 3 point shooting because of two reasons. Dwight Howard’s dominance in the paint led to double teams, and Jameer Nelson penetration broke down their opponent’s defense. Without Nelson, teams are finding out that the best way to beat the Magic is to play Dwight straight up. If he dominates great, but no more open 3s for the Magic. I expect them to make serious push to address their point guard situation.
6 (6) Nuggets 36-17
Carmelo is the key to the Nuggets success. We already know what to expect from Chauncey. He will get everyone involve, but Carmelo needs to take them home. Carmelo’s all star snubbing should provide the motivation he needs to excel in that department.
7 (7) Trail Blazers 32-20
I know centers are hard to find, but after missing all of last season due to a knee injury and coming along very slowly this season, do you think the Blazers are having second thoughts about not picking Durant? Can you imagine his 26 ppg next to Brandon Roy? Well it probably wouldn’t be 26, but together they would be averaging 47 ppg right now for the Blazers.
8 (8) Rockets 33-21
Tracy McGrady’s season ending injury has ruinned any possibility of the Rockets contending for a title this year. The only way that happens, is if Artest and Yao averages 50 ppg, 16 + rpg, 4 spg, 4 bpg for the entire playoffs and I honestly don’t see that happening.
9 (11) Mavericks 31-21
Jason Terry is expected to return soon and we all know what to expect from Dirk. However, the key to the Mavericks success depends on Josh Howard. If he scores 20 points in any game and shoots a decent percentage, 45+, the Mavericks can beat any team. The reality though, is he does not consistently do that.
10 (9) Hornets 31-20
The Hornets will live and die by Chris Paul. The truth of the matter is even if you add David West to the mix I just don’t think the Hornets have enough to beat the Lakers or the Spurs in a 7 game series.
11 (10) Jazz 31-23
The Jazz are hopeful they will edge out either the Suns or the Mavericks for the final playoff spot and why not. Once Boozer returns and hopefully soon, they will be better than both of those teams.
12 (13) Hawks 31-22
The Hawks were the Cinderella team early on in the season until the Blazers took over the love. Injuries to Josh Smith early on and Al Horford recently, made people forget about the Hawks, which is good in a way. I think they put too much pressure on themselves early on, but now they are right where they want to be. If they get hot at the right time, things could be scary for any opponent in the playoffs.
13 (12) Suns 29-23
Shaq recent prediction has been the talk of the league. “I think we can go 26 and 5 best case, or 22 and 9 worse case.” Well even worse case should get the Suns in the playoff. They will finish 50-32. It will be hard press to see a 50 win team miss the playoffs.
14 (15) Heat 28-24
I Think Pat made a brilliant trade. J.O is a true center, or at least big enough to play the center position in the East. The implication of this is twofold. First, this allows rookie Michael Beasley to be put into the starting lineup, where he thrives better. Second, if it doesn’t work out with J.O., he will be in the final year of his contract next season paying him over $21 million, which will give the Heat a strong asset on the trade market.
15 (14) 76ers 27-25
The Sixers are right where they want to be considering the whole Elton Brand mishaps. They are better without him, yet they have him on the books at $75 million for 5 seasons including this one. Either way, they are seriously putting the heat on the Miami Heat for the 5th seed in the East.
16 (20) Bucks 27-29
I still expect the Bucks to make the playoffs though it will be difficult to do without Redd. I think their commitment to defense will eventually put them over the top.
17 (17) Bulls 23-30
The Bulls have been at the center of trade talks during the trading deadline for each of the past three seasons. Does this means John Paxson simply doesn’t know what he’s doing, or is it simply because they have a lot of tradeable assets?
18 (16) Pistons 27-35
Joe Dumars has made one mistake over the last six seasons in my opinion and that was drafting Darko ahead of Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. I expect him to let A.I and Rasheed Wallace contracts expire and rebuilt with the $35 million that will come off the books from the expiring contracts. In the main time he’s hoping they will get hot at the right time and upset a few contenders in the playoffs.
19 (21) Bobcats 21-32
Being in the East anything’s possible. If the Bucks and the Bulls go on a mini losing streak and the Bobcats can string up 4 in a row, they will be knocking on the 8th seed in the East.
20 (19) Knicks 22-31
The Knicks are an enigma in my mind. It seems like they want to stay competitive, but at times I think they would much rather have a high draft pick. I can’t get a read on them, but every time I check, they are in the middle of a trade rumor.
21 (18) Nets 24-30
I definitely expect the Nets to trade Vince Carter. I think economics have taken a toll on the Nets and I don’t think they are anticipating making the playoffs this season.
22 (23) Pacers 22-33
The rumor trade between the Pacers and the Bobcats never went down, which was a good thing for them. I still don’t think they will make the playoff this season, but they will be ready come next year.
23 (26) Raptors 21-34
Trading J.O was a good thing for two reasons. For one, the Raptors are doing their best to keep Chris Bosh happy. Two, Shawn Marion definitely fits the mold of the Raptors. With a high draft pick, a happier Marion and a healthy Bosh, the Raptors could surprise a lot of people next season.
24 (22) Warriors 19-35
The Warriors were the one team I thought really needed Amare the most. He clearly fits their up and down run and gun style and would provide their interior presence they need. You can’t expect to be a good team if you simply live and die by the 3s.
25 (25) Thunder 13-41
Second year stud Kevin Durant has the Blazers really scratching their heads right about now. His 26ppg is amazing and on par with Lebron’s 27 ppg he posted in his second season. If he embraces defense, which he’s very capable of playing considering his length, look out!
26 (24) Timberwolves 17-35
The Timberwolves are lottery bound, which is not that bad after all. They’ve made some strides and with a top 3 pick, a healthy Al Jefferson and an improve Randy Foye, the Wolves could be on their way to bigger and better things.
27 (29) Wizards 12-42
Like I’ve said all along, I expect the Wizards to stand pat. With Arenas and Haywood returning, not to mention a top 3 draft pick, the Wizards feel they will be an entirely different team next season and I agree.
28 (27) Grizzlies 15-38
The Memphis Grizzlies will surprise everyone next year. For now, Mayo will do his best to contend for the ROY honors, which I believe he will eventually lose to Derrick Rose.
29 (28) Clippers 13-41
Camby is cheap and does not have a long term contract so he’s there to stay. Davis and Kaman will practically be given away for expiring contracts.
30 (30) Kings 11-43
The Kings are clearly in rebuilding mold and are looking forward to getting the first pick in the draft this summer. I expect them to trade in order to free up money. If they end up with the first pick to go along with Kevin Martin and somehow manage to sign a star player, they would be good enough to win 40 games next season and built from there.
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