So it is a new week and the Celtics find themselves in a very similar position as least week with the negative factor of having one less week to make up ground. The loss yesterday was really a painful won because it is one the Celtics should have won, and also easily could have.
1) is that the Celtics still are only 2 losses back despite the Hornets and Pacers both winning 5 in a row. 1 good week for us and two bad ones for them and we are right back in it.
2) I now feel confident that we can eliminate 1 team from this watch, the Pistons, who have played very poorly since acquiring Reggie Jackson from OKC. It was a trade to get on board with at the time because they lost a number of role players that were playing well for them, most notably Augistine. They Pistons have lost 6 straight, are 5 games back and are headed out for a west Coast trip. Here is a look at the week ahead for the 5 teams still left in it.
Miami - They are probably in the worst shape of the 5 teams still battling for the final two. In addition to the loss of Bosh, Deng, Dragic and Wade are all banged up. There have also been writers mentioning that the Heat can keep their first round pick if it is in the top 10. As of now they would pick 12th, but there are 3 teams within 2 losses of them. The Celtics have a big opportunity to get an important win against them tonight. For what it is worth, the Celtics are favored by 1.
Brooklyn - They also had a very bad week losing to a Suns team at home after leading by 7 midway through the 4th. They also lost at home to a pretty mediocre Jazz team. In the week ahead they have a matchup against fellow playoff contender Miami and a home tilt with the pelicans and then a favorable matchup against the 76ers.
Hornets - They have been playing really well. I actually can't wait till they get Kemba Walker back. Since he got injured the Hornets have completely turned around their season. They are 13-8 after being 10 games under .500 at the time of the injury. I think he prevents proper ball movement, shoots a poor percentage (.39%) and can only disrupt the good things going on. They have a week similar to Brooklyn with an easier game against Sacremento and two games that could go either way (reeling Washinton and injury depleted Chicago). A few weeks ago this projected as a much tougher week for them. I am starting to think if the Celtics make the playoffs it will be from catching the hornets.
Pacers- The pacers have really had the scheduling gods smiling on them recently facing a Cavs team without Lebron or Irving, the knicks twice, beat up Chicago and Philadelphia in their 5 game winning streak. The easy run continues this week against Orlando, Bucks and the C's. I still hope they lose but am not holding my breath.
Celtics - The Celtics had a really frustrating loss yesterday with the opportunity to grab a 3 game win streak after a really nice victory over the pelicans. This week starts with the huge game against the Heat, a really tough matchup for us against Memphis and a revenge chance against Orlando. A 2-1 week should be enough to keep us in the race for another week.
Let's all root for the Celtics to beat the heat tonight!