HEAT WRAP UP SOUTHEAST DIVISION

 

 

(Image taken from NBA.com)

 

Shaq is out injured yet again and that may have contributed to the Heat losing their last match but it counted for nothing when it came to completing their well earned run to the South East division title and a 48-24 record with recent wins at home to the Pacers(96-91) and in Toronto(98-94). Class work from the Heat though unless the Pistons slip up, they're unlikely to claim the number 1 spot in the East.

There are two main sides in the East that are on fire right now though and they've both wrapped up playoff places. The first are the Nets who have a 43-28 record and are currently on an 11=game winning streak with recent wins over the Suns(110-72 a stunning scoreline) and the Grizzlies(86-74) before banking a tight win in Atlanta(91-88) which Richard Jefferson the man on fire right now.

The other East side worth talking about are the Cavs, on a seven game winning streak with a 43-29 record. LeBron James has been on red hot form posting 40+ points in each of his side's last two home wins, 46 against the Mavs(final score 107-94) and 47 against the Heat(106-99). Of course they're not going to get a shot at the top three with the Pistons having already claimed the Central division title but they're still looking good for homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

So the first round playoff situation in the East looks like this: The Pistons(number 1) will play the Sixers(8). The Heat(2) will play the Pacers(7), the Nets(3) will play the Bucks(6) and the Cavs(4) will play the Wizards(5).

At the other end, well the Knicks have once again fallen off the edge dissapointingly, coming up with a seven game losing streak including recent home losses to the Celtics(123-98) and the Sixers(117-112). Larry Brown needs to butt some heads together for next season because he was hired to turn the once class side round. 19-52 is not good enough for the orange and blue. The loss to the Nets also forced the Hawks out of the mix with a 22-49 record. Going up a bit, the Bulls are still putting pressure on the Sixers with a win in Charlotte(113-107) and at home to the Celtics(100-94).

In the West, it's all quiet, the playoff positions haven't changed since last week but the Jazz are looking to turn up the pressure on the Kings having picked up a 102-89 win in Portland.

Only a few weeks left.

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