WITH the first quarter of the NBA regular season almost done, it is quite interesting to look at how the league is shaping up thus far after all the hype and excitement of the pre-season.
I recall putting the Boston Celtics in the Top 4 of the East alongside the Raptors (13-4), Bucks (11-4), and Sixers (11-7) but this early, the Celtics (9-7) are finding it hard to get to the same level of chemistry they had in their deep play-off run last season. Rounding out the top four in the east is the consistent Indiana Pacers (10-6). The Cleveland Cavaliers (2-12) are already feeling the effects of King James' departure and may have already lost their grip in the East.
The Western conference has been very bizarre at least from my early prediction of the Top 4 for the Conference. The Houston Rockets (8-7) and Oklahoma City Thunder (10-5) are nowhere in the top 4. Only the defending champs, Golden State Warriors (12-6) are in as they are joined by unlikely companions, Portland Trailblazers (11-5), Memphis Grizzlies (10-5) and LA Clippers (10-5) at the top 4 spots. Albeit, it is notable that the team standings in the West are too close to call with three teams having identical 10-5 win-loss records comparing it to the East where the top 4 is clearly ahead by at least 2.5 games from the bottom.
This season is not without its early drama. After a disappointing 0-6 start, the Cavs decided to fire Tyronn Lue and named Larry Drew their interim head coach. Slowly but surely, Lebron James and the Lakers (9-7) are catching up in the standings highlighted by his recent 51-point game against the Miami Heat (6-10). The GSW drama between KD and Draymond Green, is the recent talk of the NBA world and we are definitely in for a wild free agent season next year, perhaps even earlier, before the trade deadline on February 7, if things get way out of hand. Personally, I would love the Lakers win the West, even if it is a long shot, just to fuel the drama of free-agency.
Seventeen into the season and I’m expecting a thrilling fight to the playoffs. My dream of a renewed Lakers-Celtics rivalry may need to take a backseat for now until after the All-Star game.
Notes from the Sidelines:
The UAAP Final Four is taking shape with only one slot left to be contested between La Salle and FEU today. Also, the PBA Governors Cup Finals between Alaska and Magnolia will start on December 5 at the MOA Arena.
It’s a smorgasbord of basketball for everyone.