Hey there hoops fans, after a long hiatus I am done with distractions and I can finally get back to hoops just in time for the playoff push. First off I'd like to do a revisit my original preview and ammend it as there was many changes come trade deadline.
Atlantic Division
Toronto Raptors
Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current Seed: Last
Like any team, Raptors have surprised a few oppenents, but nothing will keep them out of the lotto.
Brooklyn Nets
Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: 4th
Missing both the King Crab and now the Melo sweepstakes, at least the future looks bright for the Brooklyn bound Nets. The arrival of All Star Deron Williams gives hope, the key will be resigning him, will still miss the playoffs.
Philadelphia 76ers
Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current Seed 3rd
The surprising Sixers may squeeze into the playoffs with a sub .500 record, current coach of the month, Doug Collins has surprised critics.
New York Knicks
Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 2nd
Amare has silenced critics by showing he can exist without Steve Nash. The playoff bound Knicks will likely be dismissed in the first round, but with Melo finally coming on board and the speculation of CP3 joining them this summer, the Mecca of Basketball is back.
Boston Leprechauns
Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Current Seed: 1st
The leprechauns are still top favorites to win no only the East but the title as well. They have lost some low post D with the departure of Perkins, but did get younger with the addition of Jeff Green. There is still no one in the East that poses a bigger threat to the champs and the hyped Miami Trio due to their committment to defense. If both O'neals are available, Boston will return to the Finals.
Central Division
Cleveland Cavaliers
Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current Seed: Last
Funny things is some "experts" say LeBum James should be MVP due to what his absence has done to Cleveland. I guess Ilgauskas, Shaq, Mo Williams (injury), Varejao, and Delonte West were just spectators last year. It's gonna be a long rebuilding process.
Detroit Pistons
Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: 4th
I did not expect the drama out of Motor City, it's a shame too, they have always been a proud franchise and now its' become an embarrasement to their fans. Hard to believe just 3 years ago they were still contending.
Milwaukee Bucks
Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 3rd
Injuries sure have hurt last year's surprise team. Currently out of the playoffs, they can still make a push and lose to one of the top 3 teams. The return of former All Star Michael Redd will make for a bright spot in this dissapointing season.
Indiana Pacers
Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current seed: 2nd
Boy I was way off on this one, no team has surprised more than the Pacers. To their fans, it was great hearing they will be remaining in Indiana. Not a lock for playoffs yet, but they have a great chance.
Chicago Bulls
Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Current seed: 1st
Da Bulls are becoming legit conteders to the east and are currently the #3 seed. With the collection of talent and history, Da Bulls are in route to be contending beyond this year. Top seed in East is key for those at the top, as 2nd seed will have to deal with the younger Bulls in the 2nd round and they are the real deal.
Southeast Division
Washington Wizards
Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current Seed: Last
Well, at least they got some pretty good young players to build around.
Charlotte Bobcats
Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current Seed: 4th
With the daparture of Gerald Wallace and inconsistent play, don't think MJ's boys will go back to playoffs this season.
Atlanta Hawks
Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: 3rd
The Hawks got a good upgrade with the arrival of Kirk Hinrich, but still have to contend with the top four in the east. Their streak of 2nd round exits is in serious jeapordy, the other 4 teams are just better.
Orlando Magic:
Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 2nd
The Magicians have shipped out some key members of their title run and replaced them with some pretty good players on paper. It has not translated to wins however, Superman is doing his own, but has not had consistent help. A third consecutive trip to the East Finals is unlikely.
Miami cHeat
Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Current Seed: 1st
There will be no 34 game win streak or 73 win total. Still the cHeat are poised for a deep playoff run and are legit contenders. They are 0-3 against the hated Leprechauns and even with the addition of Mike Bibby it still doesn't fix their liability in the point guard position, especially if they face Rose or Rondo.
Northwest Division
Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current seed: Last
As mentioned before, the Timberpups if continue to flourish will be a very good team in 2 years, for now though, they'll remain in the cellar. All Star Gold Medalist Kevin Love is a beast.
Utah Jazz
Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 4th
Just don't seem the same without Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan. Sucks for Al Jefferson who was about to taste playoffs and are currently out of it. Still have a good core but if they squeeze into playoffs, they'll be dismissed in the first round.
Portland Trailblazers
Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: 3rd
Regardless of the injuries the Blazers are still a lock for playoffs. Aldridge should have been an All Star and with the return of Roy, will be a tough opponent for one of the top seeds.
Denver Nuggets
Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current Seed: 2nd
Life after Melo has started pretty positive as the Nuggets still have a load of talent. Without the distractions they should play more relaxed, make the playoffs, but be ousted in the 1st round again.
OKC Thunder
Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Current Seed: 1st
The team of the future has has some lapses, but now get a legitimate solution to their biggest weakness, a solid post presence with the arrival of grumpy, Kendrick Perkins. There should be no excuse for making to the second round where they will give their oppenent a run for their money.
Pacific Division
Sacramento Things
Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current Seed: Last
Other than Tyreke Evans, not much can be said of the Kings, who may not be Sacramento's much longer, bummer, they have awesome fans.
The other LA
Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: 4th
The Clips have made for must watch TV with Blake Griffin's air show. As they start getting healthier and experienced, LA may just have to share the spotlight. Naaaah. These are the Clips afterall.
Golden State Warriors
Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current Seed: 3rd
The City has had flashes but still has a long way to go before playoff talk begins.
Phoenix Suns
Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 2nd
Originally I picked the Suns to make the playoffs, currently they're out of it, still have a chance to make it, they have enough fire power, but no sign of D.
Los Angeles Lakers
Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Current Seed: 1st
The champs finally look awake after some lackluster perfomances that were just right embarrasing. The result of the uninspired play has them needing to go through both top Texas teams just to get back to the Finals, on their home court. Still with Matt Barnes coming back, and everyone seeming to get focused, the Lake Show is still favored to win it all with only the ever depandable Spurs being their biggest threat.
Southwest Division
Houston Rockets
Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: Last
The loss of Yao Ming yet again screwed up my prediction, send packing also was stopper Battier, and explosive little man Aaron Brooks. Houston will not make playoffs, but have some nice pieces.
Memphis Grizzlies
Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current Seed: 4th
The talented Grizzlies would be a top contender in the East, instead they play in the toughest division, still they are currently #8, and have been playing well even without Gold medalisth Rudy Gay.
New Orleans Hornets
Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current Seed: 3rd
I never expected New Orleans to be contending for the playoffs. The biggest concern though is if CP3, will be following Melo and Amare in NYC next year.
Dallas Mavericks
Predicted Division Finish: First
Current Seed: 2nd
The Mavericks have posted multiple 10+ win streaks this year while fighting injury to future HOF Nowitzki and season ending loss to Caron Butler. A second round date with the Lakers is almost guranteed. They are more than capable of representing the West, bad luck on Butler's injury, they would sure be scary with him in the line up and 100%.
San Antonio Spurs
Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 1st
The old Spurs have have quietly hung on to the top seed and are on pace to own home court advantage throughout the playoffs. Unfortunately they have suffered their first adversary with Tony Parker missing a few weeks. Jefferson's improved 3 point shooting has played a big part in their success as well as contributions from role players who really know how to take advantage of playing time.
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