We sort of an idea of which teams are LOCKED in and which teams are fighting for a playoff spot. There are teams that are on fire heading into the 2012 post season, while other teams are drowning there chances of even making it. Here is the break down on the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Los Angeles Clippers – THE GOOD
Standing with the 4th seed in the Western playoffs, the Clippers have made a serious turn around from last year. What was a team that was irrelevant last year now is referred to as “LOB CITY“. Chris paul gives them a good chance to compete with other good teams in this conference. They’re are 1 game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the 3rd seed. They have a good chance of making it pass the 2nd round against Memphis if they still stand with that 4th seed. As far as winning a championship, Clippers are going to have to put in way more work for this one.
Dallas Mavericks – THE BAD
I placed this team under the bad because they have a title to defend, but I really don’t see them going back. Sitting with the 6th seed, its pretty hard to see the same energy from the Mavericks. They nearly almost had the same problem as the Celtics (AGING). We look into this Western playoff conference and observe how these young NBA star can be explosive. Matching up with them would cause some crazy headaches. Seriously the Mavericks won’t even make it pass the 1st round of the playoffs, regardless of who they play.
Phoenix Suns – THE UGLY
The Phoenix Suns doesn’t pose any threat in this post season. For one, the suns don’t have enough weapons on that team and Steve Nash cant win every game by himself. I will tell you one thing, if Steve Nash is not getting help within the first 2 playoff games…… then its going to get ugly. There is already talk about Steve Nash leaving the team and maybe joining the heat. Now deeper in the standings, the Suns aren’t really that safe. With a record of 33-30, the Utah Jazz and the Houston Rockets are 1 game behind them. One mistake and its back to the drawing board for them. To be honest, I would want the Jazz to enter the playoffs against the Suns.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Indiana Pacers – THE GOOD
The Pacers are hungry and they want to win. They are looking to finish the season strong and claim their spot in the playoff as the 3rd seed. Indiana currently holds a winning streak at 7, which is the most active right now. It might not say much, but it does when you are heading into the playoffs. Looking to face to face a team without their main man Dwight Howard, the Magics for sure will have a tough time showing competitiveness to the Pacers. They can make it pass the second round, but it gets more serious deeper into them playoffs.
New York Knicks – THE BAD
The Knicks are good no doubt, but my main problem with them in their consistency and game play on the road. I mean there is no way you can compare the game against the Boston Celtics at home and away against the Cleveland Cavaliers. I was confused becuase for every pro the Knicks have there is always a con. And I must there better be some quick improvement against the Miami Heat in the playoffs or it will cost them dearly. Last year the Celtics beat them 4-1 in the series but there is a green light for the Knicks against Heat. The Knicks bench have to get going early and often for them pose threat.
Orlando Magic – THE UGLY
Well folks at least your team made the playoffs, that’s about as good as it gets. The Magics are on a huge decline and just setting themselves up for failure. I mean who are we kidding here with no Dwight Howard, the Magic are at a stand still. The Pacers are going to tear them apart. Stan Van Gundy and Dwight Howard just became a distraction to the team and in my opinion these 2 guys might not come back to the team next year. This team is in a bad position as of now and i would be flabbergasted if they win 2 games in that series against the Pacers.