Playoff Picture: Top of the West

The Lakers currently sit atop the West with the Nuggets just three games behind them and the Mavericks three and a half. I expect LA to hang onto the top spot. Their schedule in March is pretty light besides games against the Spurs, Thunder, and Hawks, but only two of their nine games are at home. I think they can handle all three of those teams, though. April looks a bit more tough, with games against the Jazz, Spurs, Nuggets, and Blazers.

To defend their championship the Lakers will have to start functioning more as a unit. Since Kobe has returned from injury, they haven't appeared on the same page. Kobe has been trying to do too much on his own, Pau Gasol has looked frustrated and lost at times, and Artest has never really found his way in the triangle offense. Rumor has it that the Lakers might start to rely less on the triangle, so it will be interesting to see if this helps Artest adjust or throws the team off after having relied on it for so long. I think the key for the Lakers is getting into a rhythm in which everyone feels involved. Andrew Bynum should get some touches early in games, Gasol needs to get involved by hitting the offensive glass and getting easy buckets, and Lamar Odom needs to come off the bench and produce.

Projected Record: 60 - 22

Opponent if Playoffs Started Today: Portland Trail Blazers

Despite injuries, the Nuggets have been playing well and currently hold a 6-game winning streak. They could surpass the Lakers, but I think LA will turn it up to close the season out. The Nuggets also have some tough games down the stretch and will mostly be on the road this month. In March, they play the hot Bucks, the Celtics, Magic, and Mavericks. Their long road trip closes against Orlando and Dallas, so that will be a big test for them. In April, their toughest competition includes the Blazers, Thunder, Lakers, Spurs, and Suns. They also play the Grizzlies at the end of the season, who might be fighting to slip into the playoffs.

The Nuggets biggest concern heading into the playoffs is health. Kenyon Martin has been out with knee problems, and has opted to have blood injected into his knee (apparently this is a standard procedure) rather than have surgery. Martin is a great post defender, so it will be important for him to be on the floor. Rookie point guard Ty Lawson has also been out with a shoulder injury and probably won't be back for a while. His ability to come off the bench and change the game's pace could make a big impact in the playoffs. According to Basketball-Reference, Denver is 2nd in offense but only 15th in defense in the NBA. The Nuggets tend to play to their competition, so they will need to control the tempo of games to be successful. As I've mentioned before, if J.R. Smith can play to his potential throughout the playoffs, the Nuggets will be a tough out.

Projected Record: 56 - 26

Opponent if Playoffs Started Today: San Antonio Spurs

The Mavericks 13-game winning streak came to an end last night... against the Knicks... by 34 points. What an embarrassing way to end such a good run. Give credit to New York though for bringing it. Dallas has a moderately difficult schedule to finish the season, but eight of their fifteen games are at home. This month, they have games against the Celtics, Blazers, and Nuggets. In April, they'll have the Magic, Thunder, Blazers, and the Spurs. They also face the Grizzlies twice more, who won't be an easy out.

The Mavericks trade deadline deal that sent out the inconsistent Josh Howard and brought in Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson, and Brendan Haywood may have been the best trade this season. All three players bring a toughness that was lacking on past Mavericks teams. Although swingman Caron Butler was the biggest name in that trade, Stevenson and Haywood bring a lot to the table. Stevenson provides solid perimeter defense and Haywood gives them a much needed upgrade over center Eric Dampier, or as Shaq would say, "Erica" Dampier. With their championship window closing, success in the playoffs is crucial for Dallas. If they come up short again, Mark Cuban might have to start from scratch.

Projected Record: 55 - 27

Opponent if Playoffs Started Today: Phoenix Suns

The Jazz sit in the 4th seed with the hot Thunder dangerously close, just half a game back. The Thunder beat the Jazz last night, who have now dropped two straight. The rest of this month looks light, with their toughest games being against the Suns and Celtics. April will be tougher, as they face the Lakers, Thunder, and Suns. Eight of their fifteen remaining games are at home, which is significant because the Jazz fare much better at home than on the road.

The Jazz are currently dealing with several injuries, as Andrei Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur and Ronnie Price all missed last night's game against the Thunder. Deron Williams has also struggled with injuries this year, most recently having problems with his shoulder. The Jazz will need Kirilenko to be healthy in the playoffs, as he has had a big season after a couple of disappointing years. And of course, Deron Williams needs to be healthy for them to succeed. Although the Jazz have shown signs that they're on the up this year, being in the top ten in both offensive and defensive ratings, they still have many issues that have plagued them over the years. They're still a pretty lousy team on the road, which is a big concern in the playoffs. If the Thunder finish ahead of them and they lose home court advantage in the first round, there'll be even more cause for concern.

Projected Record: 54 - 28

Opponent if Playoffs Started Today: Oklahoma City Thunder