2015 NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Race

RamiTheBullsFan · Mar 3, 2015

The Bulls will be a wildcard. They should be the favorite, healthy. If they can get a first round victory against a team like Milwaukee, maybe they could pull together enough momentum to have some confidence as a group against a Cleveland, Washington, or an Atlanta.

Indiana is a dark horse, as well. Paul George for 30+ minutes per game changes the dynamic of that team. They go from top 10 defense to arguably the best defense. Their offense goes from one of the worst to respectable. With all of the inexperienced groups in the East right now (including Chicago in a few ways), Indiana has a distinct advantage over them all in that department.

I don't think there is a clear Eastern favorite. The only teams I don't see likely making the Finals are Milwaukee, Miami, and Toronto. Originally, I didn't think it was likely that Cleveland made it out of 3 rounds of the conference, but with all of their momentum, combined with Washington's struggles, Chicago's injuries, and all of the other teams' lack of experience, it's hard not to look at them as the favorite. However, the West is probably going to sweep them in the Finals.

Scoot26 · Mar 3, 2015

This could probably be it's own thread, but I'm going to post it here.. for now... Until I do a better study..

For those of you who don't know... in the MAJORITY of NBA Finals, both teams are ranked in the Top 10 in Offense Rating and Defense Rating. The SUPER MAJORITY of Champions are Ranked Top 10 in both.

So lets take a look at those teams in the East as to where they rank:

1) Atlanta - 6th ranked offense, 5th ranked defense [criteria met]
2) Toronto - 3rd ranked offense, 20th ranked defense [fail]
3) Chicago - 8th ranked offense, 12th ranked defense [just fails]
4) Cleveland - 5th ranked offense, 18th ranked defense [fail]
5) Washington - 19th ranked offense, 11th ranked defense [fail]
6) Milwaukee - 23rd ranked offense, 2nd ranked defense [fail]
7) Miami - 21st ranked offense, 22nd ranked defense [fail] (It's a miracle they're even a playoff team)
8) Brooklyn - 22nd ranked offense, 19th ranked defense [fail]
----
9) Charlotte - 29th ranked offense, 8th ranked defense
10) Indiana - 26th ranked offense, 9th ranked defense

One team in the East fits the criteria right now and that's Atlanta. Granted that doesn't mean jack diddly squat because there are still quite a few Finals teams that don't meet the criteria but get there..

For shits and giggles... the western conference..
1) Golden State - 2nd ranked offense, 1st ranked defense [meets criteria]
2) Memphis - 11th ranked offense, 4th ranked defense [just fails]
3) Houston - 12th ranked offense, 7th ranked defense [just fails]
4) Portland - 9th ranked offense, 6th ranked defense [meets criteria]
5) LA Clippers - 1st ranked offense, 16th ranked defense [fails]
6) Dallas - 4th ranked offense, 14th ranked defense [fails]
7) San Antonio - 14th ranked offense, 3rd ranked defense [fails]
8) Oklahoma City - 13th ranked offense, 10th ranked defense [on the cusp, but fails]

So 3 teams in the entire NBA currently meet this criteria right now... There's still plenty of basketball to play though and this could change.

Bear Pride · Mar 3, 2015

Scoot26 said:
This could probably be it's own thread, but I'm going to post it here.. for now... Until I do a better study..

For those of you who don't know... in the MAJORITY of NBA Finals, both teams are ranked in the Top 10 in Offense Rating and Defense Rating. The SUPER MAJORITY of Champions are Ranked Top 10 in both.

So lets take a look at those teams in the East as to where they rank:

1) Atlanta - 6th ranked offense, 5th ranked defense [criteria met]
2) Toronto - 3rd ranked offense, 20th ranked defense [fail]
3) Chicago - 8th ranked offense, 12th ranked defense [just fails]
4) Cleveland - 5th ranked offense, 18th ranked defense [fail]
5) Washington - 19th ranked offense, 11th ranked defense [fail]
6) Milwaukee - 23rd ranked offense, 2nd ranked defense [fail]
7) Miami - 21st ranked offense, 22nd ranked defense [fail] (It's a miracle they're even a playoff team)
8) Brooklyn - 22nd ranked offense, 19th ranked defense [fail]
----
9) Charlotte - 29th ranked offense, 8th ranked defense
10) Indiana - 26th ranked offense, 9th ranked defense

One team in the East fits the criteria right now and that's Atlanta. Granted that doesn't mean jack diddly squat because there are still quite a few Finals teams that don't meet the criteria but get there..

For shits and giggles... the western conference..
1) Golden State - 2nd ranked offense, 1st ranked defense [meets criteria]
2) Memphis - 11th ranked offense, 4th ranked defense [just fails]
3) Houston - 12th ranked offense, 7th ranked defense [just fails]
4) Portland - 9th ranked offense, 6th ranked defense [meets criteria]
5) LA Clippers - 1st ranked offense, 16th ranked defense [fails]
6) Dallas - 4th ranked offense, 14th ranked defense [fails]
7) San Antonio - 14th ranked offense, 3rd ranked defense [fails]
8) Oklahoma City - 13th ranked offense, 10th ranked defense [on the cusp, but fails]

So 3 teams in the entire NBA currently meet this criteria right now... There's still plenty of basketball to play though and this could change.

Interesting. I've always looked at the point differential between offense and defense for teams as one of the most important stats as well. It would make sense this fits with what your saying, but I think the team with the highest point differential is GS right now. I bet if you add in the best rebounding stats you might have a nice CCS sabermetric. :yep:

Edit to add: I had to see for myself........

Points Per Game Differential Leaders

RK

TEAM

PTS

FG%

3P%

FT%

PPS

FG%

1

Golden State

+10.1

+4.6

+0.3

+5.1

+3.2

+4.9

+6.1

-2.4

-3.4

+1.118

+0.11

+.070

2

LA Clippers

+6.2

+2.8

+1.5

+2.7

+1.3

+2.2

+2.3

-0.9

-0.4

-2.008

+0.05

+.034

3

Atlanta

+6.2

+1.4

-2.6

+3.2

+1.5

+0.3

+5.2

+1.9

+2.1

+1.028

+0.12

+.042

4

Portland

+5.1

+0.6

-0.9

+1.0

+4.0

+8.8

+4.2

0.0

-1.1

+3.793

+0.07

+.034

5

Dallas

+4.7

+2.1

+1.4

+1.8

+0.6

+2.3

-1.1

-0.1

-0.7

+1.482

+0.04

+.020

6

Memphis

+4.1

+2.1

+1.2

+1.8

-3.0

-7.9

-1.4

+3.0

+3.222

+0.03

-.001

7

Toronto

+3.9

+0.3

+1.5

-0.5

+1.2

+3.3

0.0

+2.0

+1.2

+4.684

+0.03

+.002

8

Cleveland

+3.6

-0.5

-1.4

+0.2

+1.5

+3.6

+1.0

+3.1

+4.1

+.160

+0.06

+.011

9

Houston

+3.6

-0.2

+4.6

+11.3

+3.2

-0.6

+0.8

-4.801

+0.04

+.026

10

San Antonio

+3.5

+1.0

+0.1

+1.1

+1.4

+3.7

0.0

+0.3

-0.2

+2.054

+0.04

+.019

RK

TEAM

FG%

3P%

FT%

PPS

FG%

11

Chicago

+2.8

-1.7

-3.7

-0.1

+1.7

+3.3

+2.8

+4.6

+4.7

+3.975

+0.08

+.010

Rebounds Per Game Differential Leaders

	REBOUND PCT	OFFENSIVE	DEFENSIVE	TOTAL
RK	TEAM	OFF	DEF	TOT	OWN	OPP	OWN	OPP	OWN	OPP	DIFF
1	Oklahoma City	.280	.755	.523	12.4	11.4	35.2	31.9	47.6	43.3	+4.3
2	Sacramento	.269	.759	.525	11.0	10.8	33.9	29.9	44.9	40.6	+4.3
3	Utah	.289	.755	.524	11.8	10.2	31.4	29.1	43.2	39.3	+3.9
4	Washington	.252	.778	.518	10.6	9.6	33.6	31.4	44.1	41.0	+3.1
5	New Orleans	.279	.752	.516	11.9	10.5	31.9	30.6	43.7	41.1	+2.6
6	Chicago	.281	.740	.515	12.3	11.8	33.7	31.6	46.0	43.4	+2.6
	Indiana	.243	.781	.515	10.5	9.6	34.5	32.8	45.0	42.4	+2.6
8	Cleveland	.272	.741	.510	11.3	11.1	31.8	30.4	43.1	41.5	+1.6
9	Detroit	.276	.756	.506	12.8	10.5	32.5	33.7	45.4	44.2	+1.2
10	San Antonio	.233	.776	.505	10.1	9.7	33.7	33.2	43.8	42.9	+0.9

Interestingly, adding the point differential, you still get the same 3 in the top ten. GS, ATL, and Portland. However, adding in total rebounding differential as well,none of them are there.

Edit to add: I added in the offense/defense to get a good look cuz I like numbers, and also cuz Ima geek. :elephant:

Offense Per Game

RK	TEAM	PTS	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	PPS	AFG%
1	Golden State	110.1	41.6	87.3	.477	10.6	27.3	.389	16.2	21.1	.771	1.26	.538
2	LA Clippers	106.6	39.3	83.4	.472	9.7	26.4	.368	18.2	25.3	.721	1.28	.530
3	Phoenix	105.7	39.7	86.7	.458	9.4	26.4	.355	16.8	21.7	.773	1.22	.512
4	Dallas	105.2	39.6	85.6	.463	9.4	26.6	.353	16.6	21.7	.764	1.23	.518
5	Toronto	104.5	38.0	83.8	.453	8.8	25.4	.346	19.7	25.2	.782	1.25	.506
6	Houston	103.3	36.8	83.9	.438	11.7	33.8	.347	18.0	25.1	.719	1.23	.508
7	Atlanta	102.6	37.7	81.0	.466	10.0	25.9	.384	17.2	22.1	.775	1.27	.527
8	Portland	102.5	38.2	85.9	.444	10.1	27.7	.363	16.1	20.0	.801	1.19	.503
9	Cleveland	102.4	37.5	82.4	.455	9.3	26.4	.353	18.1	24.1	.751	1.24	.511
10	Oklahoma City	101.8	38.2	86.0	.443	7.4	22.6	.327	18.1	23.9	.760	1.18	.486

Total Offense

RK	TEAM	PTS	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	PPS	AFG%
1	Dallas	6523	2456	5309	.463	583	1650	.353	1028	1346	.764	1.23	.518
2	LA Clippers	6504	2399	5086	.472	593	1610	.368	1113	1543	.721	1.28	.530
3	Phoenix	6445	2424	5288	.458	572	1611	.355	1025	1326	.773	1.22	.512
4	Golden State	6387	2415	5064	.477	615	1583	.389	942	1222	.771	1.26	.538
5	Toronto	6268	2280	5029	.453	526	1522	.346	1182	1511	.782	1.25	.506
6	Cleveland	6248	2288	5028	.455	567	1608	.353	1105	1471	.751	1.24	.511
7	Oklahoma City	6107	2289	5162	.443	442	1353	.327	1087	1431	.760	1.18	.486
8	Houston	6094	2170	4951	.438	692	1993	.347	1062	1478	.719	1.23	.508
9	Chicago	6075	2201	5003	.440	463	1298	.357	1210	1543	.784	1.21	.486
10	Atlanta	6054	2227	4780	.466	588	1530	.384	1012	1306	.775	1.27	.527

Defense Per Game

RK	TEAM	PTS	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	PPS	FG%
1	Memphis	95.7	36.1	81.9	.441	8.2	23.2	.351	15.3	20.6	.744	1.17	.491
	Atlanta	96.4	36.3	83.6	.434	8.5	25.6	.332	15.3	20.0	.765	1.15	.485
	Milwaukee	96.4	35.2	81.8	.431	7.8	23.9	.328	18.1	24.6	.735	1.18	.479
4	Indiana	96.7	36.1	82.7	.437	7.3	21.3	.343	17.2	23.0	.749	1.17	.481
	Charlotte	96.8	36.6	83.5	.438	7.8	22.1	.352	15.9	20.4	.778	1.16	.484
	Miami	96.8	35.9	78.7	.456	8.2	22.7	.360	16.8	22.9	.735	1.23	.508
	Utah	96.8	36.6	80.9	.452	7.5	20.4	.365	16.2	21.2	.765	1.20	.498
	San Antonio	97.1	36.9	83.4	.443	6.9	19.2	.360	16.3	21.7	.751	1.16	.484
	Portland	97.4	37.6	86.8	.434	6.1	18.9	.321	16.1	21.1	.763	1.12	.469
10	Washington	98.1	36.2	82.6	.438	7.9	22.3	.351	17.9	23.9	.747	1.19	.485

Total Defense

RK	TEAM	PTS	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	PPS	FG%
1	Charlotte	5515	2084	4759	.438	443	1260	.352	904	1162	.778	1.16	.484
2	Memphis	5549	2093	4749	.441	473	1347	.351	890	1197	.744	1.17	.491
3	Utah	5616	2122	4692	.452	433	1185	.365	939	1227	.765	1.20	.498
4	Portland	5652	2182	5033	.434	353	1098	.321	935	1225	.763	1.12	.469
5	Atlanta	5685	2140	4932	.434	502	1512	.332	903	1181	.765	1.15	.485
6	Milwaukee	5686	2079	4824	.431	463	1411	.328	1065	1449	.735	1.18	.479
7	Indiana	5708	2130	4878	.437	432	1259	.343	1016	1356	.749	1.17	.481
8	Miami	5709	2118	4641	.456	481	1337	.360	992	1350	.735	1.23	.508
9	San Antonio	5727	2178	4918	.443	407	1130	.360	964	1283	.751	1.16	.484
10	Brooklyn	5767	2174	4827	.450	486	1389	.350	933	1278	.730	1.19	.501

Scoot26 · Mar 3, 2015

Interesting... I'll have to expand on this a bit.. perhaps make it its own thread and add in your little thing as well. I may just wait until the regular season ends though to comment.

Doing a count though.. since the ABA merger, there's been 38 champs, and 8 have had ranks outside the Top 10.. 3 of those had ranks of 11th... leaving the 2004 Pistons, 2001 Lakers, 1994 and 1995 Rockets, and 1979 Sonics as having offensive or defense ratings not on par with everyone else.

Bear Pride · Mar 3, 2015

Scoot26 said:
Interesting... I'll have to expand on this a bit.. perhaps make it its own thread and add in your little thing as well. I may just wait until the regular season ends though to comment.

Doing a count though.. since the ABA merger, there's been 38 champs, and 8 have had ranks outside the Top 10.. 3 of those had ranks of 11th... leaving the 2004 Pistons, 2001 Lakers, 1994 and 1995 Rockets, and 1979 Sonics as having offensive or defense ratings not on par with everyone else.

If you look, I edited it a little adding the Bulls position of 11th in points differential. Looking at that, if the Bulls can improve their defense, thus increasing their point differential, they would be the only team in the top ten of all three categories. I think we're on to something here.

knoxville7 · Mar 3, 2015

Scoot26 said:
This could probably be it's own thread, but I'm going to post it here.. for now... Until I do a better study..

For those of you who don't know... in the MAJORITY of NBA Finals, both teams are ranked in the Top 10 in Offense Rating and Defense Rating. The SUPER MAJORITY of Champions are Ranked Top 10 in both.

So lets take a look at those teams in the East as to where they rank:

1) Atlanta - 6th ranked offense, 5th ranked defense [criteria met]
2) Toronto - 3rd ranked offense, 20th ranked defense [fail]
3) Chicago - 8th ranked offense, 12th ranked defense [just fails]
4) Cleveland - 5th ranked offense, 18th ranked defense [fail]
5) Washington - 19th ranked offense, 11th ranked defense [fail]
6) Milwaukee - 23rd ranked offense, 2nd ranked defense [fail]
7) Miami - 21st ranked offense, 22nd ranked defense [fail] (It's a miracle they're even a playoff team)
8) Brooklyn - 22nd ranked offense, 19th ranked defense [fail]
----
9) Charlotte - 29th ranked offense, 8th ranked defense
10) Indiana - 26th ranked offense, 9th ranked defense

One team in the East fits the criteria right now and that's Atlanta. Granted that doesn't mean jack diddly squat because there are still quite a few Finals teams that don't meet the criteria but get there..

For shits and giggles... the western conference..
1) Golden State - 2nd ranked offense, 1st ranked defense [meets criteria]
2) Memphis - 11th ranked offense, 4th ranked defense [just fails]
3) Houston - 12th ranked offense, 7th ranked defense [just fails]
4) Portland - 9th ranked offense, 6th ranked defense [meets criteria]
5) LA Clippers - 1st ranked offense, 16th ranked defense [fails]
6) Dallas - 4th ranked offense, 14th ranked defense [fails]
7) San Antonio - 14th ranked offense, 3rd ranked defense [fails]
8) Oklahoma City - 13th ranked offense, 10th ranked defense [on the cusp, but fails]

So 3 teams in the entire NBA currently meet this criteria right now... There's still plenty of basketball to play though and this could change.

I think this goes to show the parity in the league today. times are a changing no doubt

RamiTheBullsFan · Mar 3, 2015

I really think that Oklahoma City wins the title. There are only a few teams that are top 10 in all three categories at their best: thunder, spurs, warriors, clippers, blazers, bulls. I think the Thunder want it the most and Kanter gives their offense a post presence. Their metrics would be a lot better if their two best players played most of the season, but they haven't.

The East is wide open. The Heat won the title with the 12th ranked defense. I don't see why the Cavs can't win the East with the 21st best defense. The East is that weak with the Bulls hurting.

RamiTheBullsFan · Mar 3, 2015

The Bulls' defense is post season-tested. More worried about the offense.

Scoot26 · Mar 4, 2015

RamiTheBullsFan said:
I really think that Oklahoma City wins the title. There are only a few teams that are top 10 in all three categories at their best: thunder, spurs, warriors, clippers, blazers, bulls. I think the Thunder want it the most and Kanter gives their offense a post presence. Their metrics would be a lot better if their two best players played most of the season, but they haven't.

The East is wide open. The Heat won the title with the 12th ranked defense. I don't see why the Cavs can't win the East with the 21st best defense. The East is that weak with the Bulls hurting.

The LeBron Heat never won the title with the 12th ranked defense... Not in Defensive rating or OPPG... So not sure where you're getting that stat from.

The 2012 Heat was 4th in defensive rating and the 2013 Heat were 9th in defensive rating.

As far as OKC, its plausible... They can also still move up a few slots in rankings by the end of the year. That said, I'm still not convinced they can survive in the crowded west. It'd be a lot of "upsets" (and based on what you keep saying here, I think you really want all these upsets to happen like the NBA playoffs will become the NCAA Tournament..you seem to think the Pacers can go far too just because George will be back... I disagree on that as well)

Scoot26 · Mar 4, 2015

knoxville7 said:
I think this goes to show the parity in the league today. times are a changing no doubt

I disagree... Like most years this tells me that 3-4 teams have a shot at the title like most seasons.

Axl Rose · Mar 4, 2015

Warriors are about as legit as you can be and as of now in order for OKC to go to the finals they'd have to beat them in round 1...if OKC stays at 8th they might put up a fight but beating the #2 Offense and #1 Defense is gonna be tough

even if you feel GS is too jumpshot centric they still got a top defense to fall back on especially if Boguts healthy

i'd go with Warriors/Cavs finals with dubs in 5

Scoot26 · Mar 4, 2015

AirGordon7 said:
Warriors about as legit as you can be and as of now in order for OKC to go to the finals they'd have go through them

if OKC stays at 8th seed they might put up a fight but beating the #2 Offense and #1 Defense is gonna be tough

even if you feel they are too jumpshot centric they still got a top defense to fall back on especially with Bogut healthy

i'd go with Warriors/Cavs finals with dubs in 5

And you'd be hard pressed to find a team that hasn't won a championship with such ratings.

The 95/96 Bulls were #1 in both

The 85/86 Celtics were #3 in O and #1 in D

Both teams are consider among the greatest in NBA history.

The only team I can think of that was ranked really high only to be extremely disappointed was the 93-94 Sonics (2nd in O, 3rd in D). The 06-07 Mavs were upset as well.. 2nd in O 5th in D. My theory goes beyond these rankings though.. obviously you have to factor in a thing like matchups, which I know the Warriors had the Mavs number that year.

But yeah them drawing OKC in the 1st round would be really tough. In reality though any team in the West will be tough for GSW.

Scoot26 · Mar 4, 2015

RamiTheBullsFan said:
The Bulls' defense is post season-tested. More worried about the offense.

Healthy I'm not that worried about their offense.

Before all the latest injuries they were hovering between 7-8 in offensive rating... With the way they're playing now, they may fall out of the Top 10 in offensive rating due to missing 2 of the their Top 3 scoring, including their leading scorer for all of this month. In general though, they've been playing better defense.

RamiTheBullsFan · Mar 4, 2015

Scoot26 said:
The LeBron Heat never won the title with the 12th ranked defense... Not in Defensive rating or OPPG... So not sure where you're getting that stat from.

The 2012 Heat was 4th in defensive rating and the 2013 Heat were 9th in defensive rating.

As far as OKC, its plausible... They can also still move up a few slots in rankings by the end of the year. That said, I'm still not convinced they can survive in the crowded west. It'd be a lot of "upsets" (and based on what you keep saying here, I think you really want all these upsets to happen like the NBA playoffs will become the NCAA Tournament..you seem to think the Pacers can go far too just because George will be back... I disagree on that as well)

I must've been thinking of last year- the year after they won their last title (2013-14). They had the 11th ranked defense. Trying to cite from memory isn't a good idea for me.

What is OKC's offensive rating when Durant and Westbrook both play? Last year, Durant played 81 games and Westbrook played 46 and their offense was 6th and their defense was 6th. They've made the Finals once before, and each game with Miami (except the last one) was competitive. That's why I don't really think it matters if they crack the top 10.

As far as the West goes, it's pretty wide open. The only team in the playoff picture I'd have a hard time seeing having little chance is Houston. Memphis and Dallas have both beaten San Antonio and OKC in playoff series within the past 5 years. The Clippers are pretty good in all categories and beat GSW last year in round 1. Portland is pretty inexperienced but knocked Houston around in round 1 last year. It's just that if I had to put money on one team, I'd pick OKC. Although it's hard not to go with the Spurs. They have essentially the same roster as last season and they were 7th in offense and 3rd in defense, AND won the championship.

I'm high on Indiana with Paul George because they made the ECF for the last two seasons. Same coach. Same players (substitute Stephenson for Stuckey). If I had to guess though, I don't know if they will make the playoffs. Miami and Brooklyn have both played pretty well and both hold the last two spots, currently. Atlanta is pretty vulnerable for a 1-seed. And Toronto is pretty unimpressive if they maintain the 2-seed. Nobody on either team is a superstar. Indiana's frontline would give them hell (if they are lucky enough to sneak in as an 8th seed).

FirstTimer · Mar 4, 2015

Scoot26 said:
The LeBron Heat never won the title with the 12th ranked defense... Not in Defensive rating or OPPG... So not sure where you're getting that stat from.

The 2012 Heat was 4th in defensive rating and the 2013 Heat were 9th in defensive rating.

As far as OKC, its plausible... They can also still move up a few slots in rankings by the end of the year. That said, I'm still not convinced they can survive in the crowded west. It'd be a lot of "upsets" (and based on what you keep saying here, I think you really want all these upsets to happen like the NBA playoffs will become the NCAA Tournament..you seem to think the Pacers can go far too just because George will be back... I disagree on that as well)

I think OKC's overall rating numbers are irrelevant.

Scoot26 · Mar 4, 2015

FirstTimer said:
I think OKC's overall rating numbers are irrelevant.

Yes, I can see why, its kind of like that 1999 Knicks team that battled injuries all year long, got healthy by the playoffs, then won the East, only to be annihilated by the Spurs.

OKC also isn't that far off from Top 10 at this point anyways.

Scoot26 · Mar 4, 2015

RamiTheBullsFan said:
I must've been thinking of last year- the year after they won their last title (2013-14). They had the 11th ranked defense. Trying to cite from memory isn't a good idea for me.

lol, alright gotcha.

What is OKC's offensive rating when Durant and Westbrook both play? Last year, Durant played 81 games and Westbrook played 46 and their offense was 6th and their defense was 6th. They've made the Finals once before, and each game with Miami (except the last one) was competitive. That's why I don't really think it matters if they crack the top 10.

Probably pretty good, I really don't know how to acquire that stat... And you and FT are likely right on that. However we've seen OKC come up short twice since those Finals without James Harden. I think the mid-season trade they made this year was good and getting rid of dead weight in Perkins was a good move.

As far as the West goes, it's pretty wide open. The only team in the playoff picture I'd have a hard time seeing having little chance is Houston. Memphis and Dallas have both beaten San Antonio and OKC in playoff series within the past 5 years. The Clippers are pretty good in all categories and beat GSW last year in round 1. Portland is pretty inexperienced but knocked Houston around in round 1 last year. It's just that if I had to put money on one team, I'd pick OKC. Although it's hard not to go with the Spurs. They have essentially the same roster as last season and they were 7th in offense and 3rd in defense, AND won the championship.

I never want to count out the Spurs, but they may have finally had that point hit them where they're just too old. Though we've been saying that for years now. So who the hell knows.

I'm high on Indiana with Paul George because they made the ECF for the last two seasons. Same coach. Same players (substitute Stephenson for Stuckey). If I had to guess though, I don't know if they will make the playoffs. Miami and Brooklyn have both played pretty well and both hold the last two spots, currently. Atlanta is pretty vulnerable for a 1-seed. And Toronto is pretty unimpressive if they maintain the 2-seed. Nobody on either team is a superstar. Indiana's frontline would give them hell (if they are lucky enough to sneak in as an 8th seed).

Every time Indiana makes gains, it seems Miami and Brooklyn win... I think with George though, that sorts itself out.

You have to remember that Indiana almost lost to Atlanta last year and this year the sides would be reversed. Atlanta has more power and experience going into this season, while Indiana hasn't really changed. I think Atlanta advances this year in probably 6 games if that were the matchup.

Axl Rose · Mar 4, 2015

Pacers aren't gonna do jack they lost Lance (even though hes hot garbage with Hornets he was good with Indy) and PG is not going to be putting up 25-8-4 coming off a broken leg

and like Scoot said Atlanta gave them allot of trouble last year

FirstTimer · Mar 4, 2015

RamiTheBullsFan said:
I'm high on Indiana with Paul George because they made the ECF for the last two seasons. Same coach. Same players (substitute Stephenson for Stuckey). If I had to guess though, I don't know if they will make the playoffs. Miami and Brooklyn have both played pretty well and both hold the last two spots, currently. Atlanta is pretty vulnerable for a 1-seed. And Toronto is pretty unimpressive if they maintain the 2-seed. Nobody on either team is a superstar. Indiana's frontline would give them hell (if they are lucky enough to sneak in as an 8th seed).

If you think Indiana has any sort of shot you're just high in general.

Scoot26 · Mar 5, 2015

Updated

Bulls move into 2nd seed by virtue of tie.

2015 NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Race

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