Given what we’ve seen these last few days, basketball discourse desperately needs the games to return.
Outside of the 1 seeds, I view everything else as generally up for grabs.
In the West, as you could see everyone is also jumbled together outside of OKC.
You don’t have to, but I think you’d be foolish not to.
Again, that’s not me saying it, that’s NBA history saying it.
So where do things stand?
So far this season, they are a combined 1-3 against those teams.
I’d put those same concerns on the Grizzlies.
Then there’s the Nuggets.
They’re healthy, playing well, and their schedule is certainly something that potentially works in their favor.
So how do I think things shake out?
The thing is, they’re sneaky good.
I’ll just tell you, watch Cade Cunningham.
Think of that sentence!
A team that went 14-68 just a season ago could very well enter the playoffs playing at home.
That’s pretty cool.
They’ve done it by making small, but noticeable progress.
Offensively, they’ve gone from 27th to 15th.
Defensively, 25th to 12th.
This is sort of what happens to JB Bickerstaff teams in Year 1.
All Eyes Are On Jimmy Butler And Golden State
This one goes without saying right?
Can they dig out of the top 6?
Do I think the Suns go on a run and get in?
It may not be fair, but it is what it is.
It’s a what have you done for me lately throw in of award/narrative.
In terms of the H2H battle, things have been even for the most part.
SGA was better in the OKC win, Jokic better in the DEN win.
When you make a massive trade like that, how you finish the season matters.
That may seem dramatic, but it’s honestly the reality of their situation.
Will their center issue be a problem down the stretch?
How many games can LeBron play?
Are we about to get an ultimate Fuck You Luka Tour?
It’s all on the table.
Given how this season as gone up until that point, that feels like where we’re headed.
