Post by boom on May 16, 2009 14:52:31 GMT -8
#1 Phoenix Suns 27 - 8
Suns are already playing at playoff level. Boasting the best front court in the league with Coleman and Barkley both averaging 20/10 a night. With on of the best defensive back courts, the Suns lead the league in steals at an impressive 13.2 per game. This might be their best shot at a title if they cant resign Coleman at the end of the year.
Toughest match up
Orlando - losing there only game so far by 23
#2 Chicago Bulls 23-9
Chicago had a good thing going for them and then made a daring move sending all star Michael Jordan to San Antonio for Robinson and Johnson. Robinson should give them that inside scoring that they have been missing and I expect Nique and Pippen to pick up their scoring with Jordan gone.
Toughest mach up
1-1 against orlando both games decided by 3 points or less
#3 New York Knicks 24 - 11
This veteran Savvy team lead by John Starks is leading the league in assist per game. Feeding Ewing and Oakley down low they have accrued a .485 FG% good for second best in the league. Rookie center has given them a huge lift off the bench nearly averaging a double double.
Toughest Match up
1-1 against the Hornets. beat them by 1 point in there victory.
#4 Utah Jazz 24 - 12
The reigning champs started off slow again this year, but seem to have found their rhythm winning 9 of there last 10 games. Karl Malone is playing at MVP level leading the league in scoring at 34.3 per game and 6th in rebounding at 12.5 per game. Sherman Douglas has been a great addition to this team taking some of the pressure off of Stockton in the back court averaging almost 17 points per game.
Toughest match up
0-2 against the suns
#5 Charlotte Hornets 24-11
Hornets were beat up with injuries during a key stretch in there schedule, but have since regrouped winning 10 out of there last 11 games. With ZO and LJ leading the charge the hornets lead the league in FG% at .495 a game. Savvy veterans Frank Brickowski and Dell Curry help balance out the offensive attack keeping teams honest when defending ZO and LJ.
Toughest match up
2 blowout losses to the Bulls
#6 Denver Nuggets 25 - 10
Denver did a great job in the off season bringing in much needed offensive fire power (Glen Rice) and veteran leadership (Mark Jackson). Denver has a great balance attack on offense with 6 players scoring in double digits! There Two headed monster down low (Mutombo/Sabonis) has averaged 29 points 20 rebounds 5 assists and3.6 blocks per game!
Toughest Match up
0-2 against the Suns
#7 Orlando Magic 18-11
Teams do not have an answer for Shaquille O'neil. The young superstar is leading the league in rebounds (15.1pg) and second in scoring (32.3). Shaq cant do it on his own so Orlando just recently brought in Kevin Duckworth who has been a "big" addition averaging 18ppg since the trade. Rounding out the team the Glyde has had a great year so far averaging 20 points 8 rebounds and 5 assists.
Toughest Match up
0-2 against the Knicks
#8 Indiana Pacers 21-12
Pacers have a one of the more potent scoring back courts in the league with Miller gunning 24ppg and Dumars 22ppg. Despite having one of the lower FG% percentage on this list the pacers get it done by being top 5 in rebounds, blocks, steals and not turning the ball over.
Toughest Match up
0-2 against the suns
#9 Houston Rockets 22-14
The reigning MVP is at it again averaging 24 points 13 rebounds 4 assist 3.6 blocks per game! With those numbers its no wonder Houston's guards have been getting wide open looks at 3pt shots leading the league 3p% at .426
Toughest Match up
0-3 against the Suns
#10 Boston Celtics 19-13
Boston has the most exciting young back courts in the game with Nick Anderson coming into his own averaging almost 30ppg and Nick Van Exel is haveing a great rookie season averaging 17 points and 10 assists per game. They need to get some better bigs before they can be taken as a true playoff threat.
Toughest match up
2 big losses to the pacers.
Honorable mention
#11 Seattle Sonics
#12 Los Angeles Clippers
#13 Portland Trail Blazers
#14 Philadelphia 76ers
#11 Seattle Sonics
#12 Los Angeles Clippers
#13 Portland Trail Blazers
#14 Philadelphia 76ers
