You may as well call it March Madness in the NBA season, as we have officially hit the final month of the season to play!
There’s still so much that can be decided, with all playoff seedings on the line, unless your name is the Boston Celtics.
Boston are the clear number 1 team out East, whilst Denver, OKC and Minnesota are only separated by a game out West for the Number 1 Seed.
Even though the Denver Nuggets knocked off the Celtics in their most recent outing, the NBA Finals will go through Boston as long as they take care of business in the East. They’re clear of any team out West by 6 games, and with a 30-3 home record this season, Boston clearly control their own destiny this season.
Seeds 4-8 in the East are only separated by 3 games, and with most teams having 16-17 games left, there’s plenty to be decided.
Orlando have seemingly got control of the Southeast title, up 2.5 games now on Miami, with the Heat’s roller coaster season continuing of late.
Miami have showed in the past though that it doesn’t matter where they finish, they’re simply a team you want to avoid come playoff time!
Speaking of Play-In Teams, the Chicago Bulls have played some very good basketball and have just about locked up the 9 seed. Similar to Miami, they’re a veteran team who knows how to play playoff basketball, and as long as Coby White is healthy (injured yesterday), they’re going to be a tough out for the 7v8 play in spot 2nd chance game.
New Orleans continue to hold on to 5th spot in the West, and having double the amount of home games to finish the season.
Unfortunately for the Pels, their reward for finishing 5th may turn into a match up against the Clippers in Round 1 of the playoffs.
It may be interesting to see late in the season, but as long as they’re safe from play-in scenarios, they may look to drop to 6th to face off against Okc or Minnie (if they finish 2-3) to avoid the Clippers/Nuggets until the WCF.
Dallas, Sacramento and Phoenix are all within touching distance of 6-8 (as well as still being able to catch New Orleans), and all 3 teams could make a run in the playoffs.
You could make an argument that just about every team can get out of the West, or at least cause problems for the likes of a 1 seeded Denver Nuggets team. You can’t make that same statement in the East. It’s simply Boston v themselves!
The end of March through to mid April is going to bring about some serious madness in the NBA World! Enjoy the ride hoops fans!
Bauky