Well it’s been 9 weeks since I last posted on this season, and we are starting to see some change in the standings. The Warriors are still the team to beat whether you like it or not, although the 1 seed is still not secured yet. Unfortunately, the Rockets came back from their rough start due to ridiculous numbers form one of the most controversial stars of all-time — whom I do not like speaking his name. But, the most important part is the Utah Jazz finally got over the ridiculous first half of the seasons schedule, for the second year in a row. Once again, the team has been plagued with injuries but it has actually propelled a 6 game win streak, which has landed them currently in the 7th seed. As for the rest of the West, they continue to beat up on one another and it’s still to hard to decide what the actual playoffs will look like. In just a few more weeks we may have more clarity, especially with the trade deadline coming up. A few teams really could use just one or two pieces that could propel them into a strong playoff run. As for my original pre-season rankings, they are starting to look the way I predicted. The Blazers are still the team that made me put my foot in my mouth, but we still have a half the season to go. In my week 6 post we had just 4 games splitting from 1 seed through 14, but now I think the playoff race has shrunk dramatically. After a strong start from the Grizzlies I really think they have settled to the team they actually are. New Orleans, who I originally had at 8, might be in trouble especially with AD missing time. Then I am still not a believer in Minnesota, they aren’t showing anything to prove they are a playoff worthy team. The last team I still believe will fall out of the top 8 is the LA Clippers. The lack of star power will eventually hurt them in big games, and I see room for a few other teams to take their spot.
Per usual, I will quickly run through some teams who I would like to highlight, followed by my new playoff prediction.
UTAH JAZZ
Where do I start. First thing, Donovan Mitchell at point guard has to be a move that the Jazz need to think about making permanent moving forward. He has looked significantly better with the ball in his hands. This role could boost him to more of a team leader like a Damian Lillard or Russel Westbrook. As for Ricky Rubio, I know most the fan base and the coaching staff love him and what he brings, but we are simply a better team with Donovan at point. That being said, Rubio’s value as a play maker is really missed since his injury and it shows with the team. Aside from Mitchell, there is no other player out there who can create on their own or even get the offense moving. In addition, we added one of the greatest shooters of all-time and it has changed this team drastically. I’d find it hard to believe anyone who disagrees that Korver has exceeded his expectations so far. Once we have a healthy team, I do see us improving even more so but I’m also very wary of a run like we had last year to end the season. It’s easy to get excited with the current win streak but rattling off 21 of 22 games isn’t something that happens year over year. I definitely don’t see the Jazz dropping out of playoff contention, but I still don’t see them higher then a 4 seed, and landing more likely at a 5 to 7 seed. It’s nothing against the Jazz, but remember the rest of the West isn’t just going to fold either.
WARRIORS
Cousins is now in the starting rotation…. I can’t wait until this summers free agency.
ROCKETS
Yes, Harden is unstoppable! And yes, I do not like his game at all. Although Harden is on one of the best scoring runs we have seen since Kobe, I’m still not sold that this Rockets team can move up much higher then they are. In order for them to win without Capela and Chris Paul he has to score 50 points a night and recently they lost to Brooklyn and sneaked a win against the Lakers with him doing just that. This team obviously lost the defense from the prior year, and I see them landing, at the highest, a 4 or 5 seed.
NUGGETS
I told you! Well not exactly. I didn’t expect them to be this good at this point in the season, but I did rank them as a 5 seed before the season started. Denver really has everything you need in the NBA right now. They have youth, they have shooting and they have a star in Jokic. Their depth has carried them through injuries, and it will just improve this team more once they are at full force. It’s a scary team that I wouldn’t want to see in a 7 game series.
LAKERS
Wait until Lebron gets back. He is going to force this team to a minimum of a 5 seed and they still might make a small trade to get some more help. They will likely get Melo, which probably will hurt them but with Lebron as your teammate who knows what will happen. I like the young guys but they are going to need to get rid of Ball and Ingram eventually if they want to win a ring in the next two years.
KINGS, THUNDER, PORTLAND, and DALLAS
My favorite underdog team right now is by far the Kings. I’m still high on Fox and what he brings to that young team. They remind me of the Celtics from two years ago. They are hungry and fearless. It’s a lot of fun to watch them compete and go through the growing pains. The Northwest Division is once again the toughest division in the league. We currently have 4 of the 5 teams in the playoffs in the West (Denver, OKC, Portland, Utah). Aside from a Portland team that hasn’t impressed in playoffs, nobody wants to see anyone from that division in a 7 game series. The last thing I have to say is.. LUKA!! This dude is a stud. I believe the Mavericks have the most trade power on their roster and I see this as the team to make moves to land a spot in the playoffs, I don’t know who they will replace but they are going to be tough in the future as long as he is on the roster.
-Playoff Predictions (Moves from Week 6 rankings)
- Warriors (↔)
- Denver (↑ 3)
- OKC (↔)
- Houston (↔)
- Utah (↑2)
- Lakers (↔)
- Portland (↓5)
- Spurs (↑1)
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