DOG BAG (3/5)
A few, current storylines in the Association…
Jockeying for Spots (Out West)
If things hold up, we could be in for one of the most exciting playoff races in quite some time - only 2! games separate 3-10 in the Western Conference. Every day, it seems like a new team leapfrogs another in the middle, while others flip flop spots between the 8th spot & late lottery.
There's way too many moving parts but recently, Portland & New Orleans, at 3 & 4, have made the most noise in the standings. Portland's capitalized on strong defensive efforts & star performances from Damian Lillard & CJ McCollum to vault all the way to #3.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is making a strong case for MVP after a February Player of the Month award & a season-high 8 straight victories.
However, things change overnight - matchups won't be set til the final horn on Apr. 12th - who ultimately gets in?
Milwaukee & Indiana Pick Up Pivotal Ws
Giannis Antetokounmpo
35!, 9 & 7 dimes v. PHI
A couple months ago, it was hard to buy into the narrative of "statement" victories - but with a little over a month left in the season, it's impossible to ignore.
Last night, both Milwaukee & Indiana picked up narrow Ws v. two respected, Eastern Conference counterparts: Philly & Washington (respectively). The Bucks were (predictably) powered by Giannis Antetokounmpo - got loose for 35!, 9 & 7 dimes - and consistent ball movement all nigh long (finished w/ 27 assists).
The Sixers blew multiple double-digit leads throughout the game, with Milwaukee harassing them defensively (forced 26! TOs) & battling through extended cold stretches. Though they likely won't match up in the 1st round, the win brought MIL just a 1/2 game back of PHI for 6th.
Indiana, on the other hand, could be staring its first-round foe in the eye - after dispatching the Wiz last night, IND sits at 4 & WAS sits at 5. You could easily say Indiana has been a bit overlooked as a serious contender in the East.
"Dark horse" seems like a solid distinction as they're pretty deep yet lack "household" appeal outside of Victor Oladipo. But those narratives been zilch come playoff time - Nate McMillan's key rotation stacks up w/ anyone in the Conference. Winners of 7 outta 10, capturing home court in the first round could prove vital if these two meet up.
Yesterday's Notes
C. Levert (BKN): 27! pts (off bench) @ LAC
A. Rivers (LAC): 27! pts v. BKN
T. Warren (PHX): 35! & 4 boards v. ATL
ATL (20), TOR (45), IND (36), NOP (36), MIL (34), LAC (34) & SAC (20) all picked up Ws
If the Season Ended Today...
HOU (W15!) is on the longest current winning streak
If the season-ended today -- GSW (2) would face OKC (7) in the first round!
MEM (18-44) would have the highest odds at the 1st pick