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Rankings as of Tuesday, April 7
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1. L.A. Lakers (61-16) — Two things point to L.A.'s readiness for the postseason. First, the Lakers have not allowed 100 points since March 21, and second, L.A. will get Andrew Bynum back this week. His return is slated for Thursday night against the Nuggets. Lamar Odom has been inconsistent as a starter, and having him come off the bench again could give L.A.'s second unit a boost. |
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2. Cleveland Cavaliers (62-15) — Sure, the Cavs took one on the chin Friday night in Orlando, but they rebounded well with a 101-81 win over San Antonio on Sunday. A wake-up call right around playoff time is not always the worst thing in the world, particularly for a team as talented as Cleveland. |
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3. Orlando Magic (57-19) — Everyone seems to think the East will come down to the Cavs and Celtics, but this team has demonstrated from start to finish that it has the talent and intestinal fortitude to deal with some adversity. The Magic has won eight of its last nine and that includes home wins over Cleveland and Boston. |
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4. Denver Nuggets (52-26) — Think the Iverson for Billups trade has worked out well for Denver? Last season, Detroit was the East's No. 2 seed while Denver occupied the eighth seed in the West. This year, the roles have been reversed with the Nuggets holding down the second seed in the West and Detroit fighting for the No. 8 seed in the East. |
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5. Boston Celtics (58-19) — Winners of eight of their last nine games, the Celtics are flying under the radar. As long as Garnett and Rondo are healthy once the playoffs arrive, Boston stands a good chance at a repeat. While Garnett is not expected back for the Celtics' showdown with the Cavs on Sunday, he could suit up against the Sixers on Tuesday. |
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6. Houston Rockets (49-28) — Roadies against the Suns and Lakers ended poorly for the Rockets, but they rebounded at home with a decisive 102-88 win over the Blazers on Sunday night. Three of Houston's final five opponents are playoff-bound, however, so it will need to maintain focus if it hopes to host a first-round series. |
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7. Portland Trail Blazers (48-28) — Portland clinched a playoff spot for the first time in six years, and despite losing to the Rockets on Sunday, the Blazers still remain just a half-game behind Houston for the fourth seed in the West. An opening-round series at the Rose Garden would be difficult for an opposing team to win. |
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8. San Antonio Spurs (49-27) — The Spurs are in big-time trouble without Manu Ginobili. The silver lining is Roger Mason, George Hill and Michael Finley have seen a lot of time in his absence. Still, it will take a monumental effort in the playoffs from Tony and Timmy if the Spurs hope to keep their odd-year title streak alive. |
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9. Miami Heat (41-36) — Still clinging to the fifth seed by a half-game, Miami has a tough schedule to close the season with trips to Boston and Atlanta still on the docket. A win in Atlanta, however, could give the Heat a legitimate shot at home court in the first round as the East's No. 4 seed. |
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10. Atlanta Hawks (43-34) — The Hawks have dropped three straight and six of their last eight. The schedule has been absolutely brutal of late, but the good news is four of Atlanta's final five opponents have losing records. Surprisingly enough, the Hawks have dropped three of four at home where they are 29-10 this season. |
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11. Utah Jazz (47-30) — Speaking of sputtering, the Jazz had lost three straight before a huge 108-94 win in New Orleans on Sunday night. Friday night's loss to Minnesota was particularly damaging to Utah's playoff positioning as road games against the Mavs, Spurs and Lakers could conceivably knock the Jazz down to the eighth spot before the regular season ends. |
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12. New Orleans Hornets (47-29) — Down but not out, the Hornets need to piece together some wins to close the season. Unfortunately, they face playoff teams in five of their final six games including a home-and-home with Dallas over the weekend. Byron Scott was disappointed with the lack of toughness against Utah on Sunday night. |
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13. Dallas Mavericks (46-31) — Hats off to Jason Kidd — one of the greatest point guards of all time — for passing Magic Johnson for third place on the all-time assists list. Meanwhile, the Mavs have won three of four and successfully fended off the Suns for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Now they have an opportunity to improve their playoff position. |
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14. Philadelphia 76ers (40-36) — Andre Miller is one of the most underrated players in the league, and he's the heartbeat of a Sixers squad that still has a shot at home court in the first round. Still, Sunday's 96-67 loss in New Jersey is not indicative of a team that is looking to make a surge. Four of Philly's final six games are on the road. |
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15. Chicago Bulls (37-40) — The frontrunner to win the Rookie of the Year award, Derrick Rose would be the first Bulls player to win the honor since Elton Brand shared it with Steve Francis in 2000. The last Chicago player to win the award and lead his team to the playoffs in the same season? None other than recent Hall of Fame inductee, Michael Jordan. |
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