Teams with nothing to play for, teams with everything to play for, and teams in between. Just some thoughts.
Teams in the battle for playoff positioning will be sharp. This doesn't include Miami, which has the #2 spot and only plays for pride or improving intensity until the playoffs.
Detroit has already gone on hiatus. They have the #1 spot in the East, and seem to realize that it is better to be rested for the playoffs than to be exhausted with home court. They will continue to take it easy and drorp the cash.
Dallas and San Antonio have to keep going strong until the end. The difference between the #1 and #4 spots is just too big. Should make for easy covers, and could come back to haunt them in the playoffs. Already Dallas is getting thinner, and I wouldn't be surprised at key injuries with the Spurs.
Phoenix may start to take the pedal off the medal pretty soon, if only it were in their nature. The #2 spot in the West is theirs. Would be a perfect time to ease Amare into the system, when he's ready.
Denver is almost certain of the #3 spot in the West and could start slowing down. They're stretched very thin already.
Of course the teams on the bubble should be playing at full capacity. Could make for some big upsets against resting top teams.
Some of the bottom teams that are out of the playoffs already have their eye on next year. Talented bench players at Portland and New York could be out to prove themselves and set a positive tone for next year. Marbury would never admit it, but if his job is on the line in his beloved NY, he is almost certain to step it up.
Don't be surprised to see the Knicks cover against the Heat today. That game is far more important to New York. Imagine what it would do to their spirit if they could beat Detroit and Miami in the same week. Never mind that neither of those teams really care right now.
Teams in the battle for playoff positioning will be sharp. This doesn't include Miami, which has the #2 spot and only plays for pride or improving intensity until the playoffs.
Detroit has already gone on hiatus. They have the #1 spot in the East, and seem to realize that it is better to be rested for the playoffs than to be exhausted with home court. They will continue to take it easy and drorp the cash.
Dallas and San Antonio have to keep going strong until the end. The difference between the #1 and #4 spots is just too big. Should make for easy covers, and could come back to haunt them in the playoffs. Already Dallas is getting thinner, and I wouldn't be surprised at key injuries with the Spurs.
Phoenix may start to take the pedal off the medal pretty soon, if only it were in their nature. The #2 spot in the West is theirs. Would be a perfect time to ease Amare into the system, when he's ready.
Denver is almost certain of the #3 spot in the West and could start slowing down. They're stretched very thin already.
Of course the teams on the bubble should be playing at full capacity. Could make for some big upsets against resting top teams.
Some of the bottom teams that are out of the playoffs already have their eye on next year. Talented bench players at Portland and New York could be out to prove themselves and set a positive tone for next year. Marbury would never admit it, but if his job is on the line in his beloved NY, he is almost certain to step it up.
Don't be surprised to see the Knicks cover against the Heat today. That game is far more important to New York. Imagine what it would do to their spirit if they could beat Detroit and Miami in the same week. Never mind that neither of those teams really care right now.
