On the subject of who is and is not a contender, for what it's worth:
- Bucks are #1 defense and #1 offense ... they're the juggernaut, though as I said I have reservations about Coach Bud teams
- Lakers are #4 offense and #3 defense ... I hate their depth but they're unquestionably very good
- Utah is #5 on offense (!) and #8 on defense, which makes them a borderline contender. But there are reasons to question their playoff credibility.
- Boston is #6 on offense (a tiny hair behind Utah) and #5 on defense, so a borderline contender, arguably. Youth and lack of a MVP type makes it fair to question their playoff abilities, but Brad has taken them deep in the past with less talent.
Other notables:
- Clippers are #9 on offense and #9 on defense ... there are reasons to think they could jump up a level in the playoffs given their personnel
- Dallas is the #1 offense but #18 on defense; I dont' take them seriously as a playoff team
- Houston is similar in that they are #3 on offense and #15 on defense; maybe that improves in the playoffs with a shorter rotation but I doubt it
- Toronto is #2 on defense but #13 on offense ... if Siakam or Lowry got hot for a couple rounds they could be dangerous, but I don't think they have the juice to make a deep run
- Philly is similar to Toronto ... #4 on defense but #20 on offense. I think they're doomed without a major trade to fix their offense.