Post by csdude07 on Feb 20, 2010 15:03:25 GMT -5
Note: The "Predictions" I have made are best-case scenarios for each team with the current roster. Enjoy!
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Offense: 116.9 ppg
Defense: 103.0 ppg
Prediction: Champions
The Lakers are the hottest team currently, having won 9 of their last 10 games. They have been the most dominant team this season, and there is a good reason why. Their star-studded lineup has managed a level of chemistry and cohesion never seen before. Lebron, Shaq, and Billups lead this team, who seems to have hardly any weak spots at any position. Their starting lineup can do it all: pound it down low, stroke from midrange, and step out behind the arc to bury the 3-ball. They are #1 in the league in ppg, rpg, and apg, which shows just how smoothly their offense has been running so far this year.
2. Vancouver Grizzlies
Offense: 111.6 ppg
Defense: 98.1 ppg
Prediction: Champions
The Grizzlies have the best win % in the league at the moment, and this has been the case for several weeks now. This team is hot currently, winning 8 of its last 10, and is showing no signs of slowing down. The Grizzlies are a tough team to play because they are very deep. They have a great bench player to come off the bench at every position and play great defense at all positions. This team hasn't been much of a threat from outside this season, but they do one thing very well: work the paint. Wang and Duncan are #2 and #3 in the league in FT attempts per game, which makes the Grizzlies a very tough opponent every single night.
3. Golden State Warriors
Offense: 112.8 ppg
Defense: 100.2 ppg
Precidtion: Champions
The Warriors haven't been as hot lately as the above two teams, but they have had a damn good season so far after winning the championship last year. This team is a deadly shooting team that runs a fast pace, creates a ton of turnovers (#1 in SPG and BPG!), and buries 3's like no other team (#1 in 3ppg). Because of this, they are the #2 team in scoring this season and #6 team in opponent scoring. They have a small lineup which makes it very difficult for other teams to guard, specially at the PF position, where the great Etienne plays and does very well. He is having a monster season for the Warriors and is showing no signs of slowing down.
4. Milwaukee Bucks
Offense: 110.3 ppg
Defense: 102.0 ppg
Predictions: East Champions
The Bucks come in as the best team in the East so far this season. They've won 8 of their last 10 and are on a roll. The Bucks are led by Ray Allen who is shooting lights out like he has his entire career and playing great defense. He is also rebounding really well at the SG position, which is a nice bonus. Allen Iverson is also having a great season all-round, and Ronnie Field provides the finishing touch in the scoring department. Besides those 3 outside shooters, the Bucks also have the inside presence of McDyess and the amazing shot-blocking of Eddie Griffin. We wil see how this team holds up down the stretch with their lack of a bench outside of Cisse and Williams.
5.Toronto Raptors
Offense: 108.8 ppg
Defense: 101.1 ppg
Prediction: East Finalist
The Raptors are hot lately after the Kobe trade and seem to have a very powerful offense. Priest Lauderdale is doing his things as usual at Center, Nowitzki is lighting it up from all over shooting crazy percentages for a PF, and Kobe is meh. However, we all know that Kobe can play big come playoff time, so don't sleep on this team. They have lots of good scorers and a good bench, so they will be a threat in the East at the end of this year. My main concern for this team is Joe Smith as their leading shot-blocker with 1.0 bpg.
6. Seattle Supersonics
Offense: 105.8 ppg
Defense: 100.8 ppg
Prediction: West Semi-finalist
The Sonics have really put together a well-balanced team this year and are playing above everyone's expectations. Theur starting 5 play great defense and are all good scorers, making this tema a formidable opponent. Caron Butler, however, is going to have to step up his game down the stretch and in the playoffs if HeatFlash wants to end this season with a bang, because his star player is really underperforming. Everyone else on this team is playing just as one would expect them to, and they need to keep this up in order to succeed. It would be good for this team to add a shot-blocking presence.
7. Utah Jazz
Offense: 109.8 ppg
Defense: 104.2 ppg
Prediction: West Semi-finalist
Check out the Jazz! I had no idea this team was as high up in the standings as they are. When looking at their team, the reason they are competitive becomes obvious: look at Jameer Nelson. This youngster is tearing it up this season and has put this team high in the playoff seeds in the difficult West. His supporting cast, which consists of Peja, Mercer, and Alston, are really benefitting from the outside offense the Jazz run, while Ben Wallace is anchoring this team's defense from the center position with 4.4 bpg and 11.7 rpg. This is a very balanced team on offense that knows what they want to do night in and night out, and that's shoot.
8. Sacramento Kings
Offense: 104.8 ppg
Defense: 101.9 ppg
Prediction: West Semi-finalist
After a disappointing start to the season for Marty and the Kings, they have regrouped and are playing much better basketball. This team is the only team that has beaten the Grizzlies at home this season, which proves that they are playoff worthy in the West. They are led by the resurrected Rasheed Wallace who is playing the best basketball of his career this season. To supplement his great play, the Kings have the young backcourt duo of Dajuan Wagner and Tony Parker, who are matchup nightmares for teams, especially Tony Parker. This team is deep, especially with the addition of Camby recently to solidify their lineup. Look for them to make some noise in the playoffs.
9. Miami Heat
Offense: 103.6 ppg
Defense: 101.3 ppg
Prediction: East Semi-finalist
The Heat were questioned for sending Kobe off at such a young age, but according to Hott Boi, his team has been better since the deal. There is no question that the leader of this team is SAR, who can score from anywhere, but now he has a friend in KG who can soften up opposing teams on the inside and make things easier for him. My main concern for this team is their rebounding, which is in the bottom half of the leauge. That won't do for a team looking to advance through the playoffs, but maybe the addition of KG will bump those numbers up a bit more and get this team some easy baskets.
10. Phoenix Suns
Offense: 111.5 ppg
Defense: 108.9 ppg
Prediction: West Semi-finalist
Lamar Odom. Nuff said. This dude exploded in TC and has proved he can play up to his ratings so far this season. Honestly, who saw this coming?! Odom is carrying this team on his back, doing just about everything he can to keep them afloat in the playoff race in the wild wild West. 26/9/5 are Lebron-like numbers. Behind Lamar the Suns have 3 starters who are also great scorers: Curry, Lewis, and Miller. Andre Miller has also surprised me this season with his scoring. The Suns are the 4th best offense in the leauge, but what is hurting them right now is their defense, which is 3rd to last in UOSLR. They need to correct this problem come playoff time.
11. Indiana Pacers
Offense: 103.4 ppg
Defense: 99.5 ppg
Prediction: East Champions
The Pacers really shouldn't be here. They should be in the top 5, but they have had a hell of a time this season with injuries. Still, they have managed to stay high up in the stadnings in the East, and will have to prove their skill when Hedo returns to the team in 19 days. The Pacers are a team that can contend for the Eastern Conference Championship, which is crazy. Think about this: their starters ages are 21, 28, 23, 27, and 26! Regardless of what happens this season, they have a very bright future and should be thrilled with their team.
12. New Jersey Nets
Offense: 102.5 ppg
Defense: 99.7 ppg
Prediction: East Finalists
People, including Broph, probably thought that the Nets would be more competitive this year, especially in the East. The fact is that Al Jefferson is still a bit young to carry this team on his shoulders. This is not to say that he isn't great, but he just isn't ready to be the player they need right now to compete. DeShawn and Vince though are patiently waiting, lighting up the scoreboard night in and night out. This backcourt duo is one of the best in the league, and they may get even better if Stevenson continues to improve as impressively as he has recently. With Luol Deng and Al Jefferson still growing, I see this team competing more seriously in the future.
13. Los Angeles Clippers
Offense: 103.9 ppg
Defense: 101.1 ppg
Prediction: West Semi-finalists
This team sits at #8 in the West so far this season, which is certainly seen as underperforming by their Gm CrazyMike. Yao Ming is as solid this year as he has ever been with his great inside presence, rebounding, and blocking. Arenas is playing well but isn't shooting as well as he could be. The problem is the supporting cast. Granger has finally starter to live up to his hype ratings-wise, but his numbers do not match this improvement. Damon Stoudamire has really fallen off in recent years, as has Stackhouse, which contributes to the insufficient support from the role players on this team. This team needs Arenas to even out his shootin gand Granger to take more shots if they want to compete.
14. New York Knicks
Offense: 106.8 ppg
Defense: 104.6 ppg
Prediction: East Semi-finalists
It's tough to know why the Knicks are underperforming this season. Tmac is back and playing like he has in the past after last season's fluke, Ginobili is still one of the league's best players in an outside offense, and Amare has really grown into a great PF with many years of improvement left. They also have Kidd running the show from the PG position, which is great. Yet they still are undersachieving and DB will need to figure out why come playoff time. One area of concern for this team should be rebounding, a category in which they are one of the worst in the league.
15. San Antonio Spurs
Offense: 102.0 ppg
Defense: 99.8 ppg
Prediction: Playoffs
The Spurs come in at #15 in the Power Rankings due to the efforts of their young frontcourt of Okafor and Millsap. Okafor is the team's defensive leader, averaging 11.9 rpg and 3.7 bpg, while Millsap is their go-to guy on offense. Millsap has proven to be one of the surprises of his draft, if not THE surprise of his draft. He is having a great career so far and the Spurs have to be thrilled about his development. This team is full of young players with potential, so when they want to compete in the future, they will have the opportunity to bring in some good vets beacuse of the trading pieces they have. Devin Harris is not playing ideal basketball, averaging 3.3 topg, but the 9.3 apg from the 23 year old is great.
16. Orlando Magic
Offense: 105.9 ppg
Defense: 108.3 ppg
Prediction: East Semi-finalists
This is a team in transition. The Magic have won a championship in recent years and have lost players due to free agency and trades. They are rebuilding and looking towards the future now, but as long as they have Brand, Marshall, Houston, and Parker on their team, they will continue to rack up wins. If they do not move these players and end up in the playoffs, don't sleep on them because of Houston's deadly shooting and Brand's improving scoring skills.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Offense: 116.9 ppg
Defense: 103.0 ppg
Prediction: Champions
The Lakers are the hottest team currently, having won 9 of their last 10 games. They have been the most dominant team this season, and there is a good reason why. Their star-studded lineup has managed a level of chemistry and cohesion never seen before. Lebron, Shaq, and Billups lead this team, who seems to have hardly any weak spots at any position. Their starting lineup can do it all: pound it down low, stroke from midrange, and step out behind the arc to bury the 3-ball. They are #1 in the league in ppg, rpg, and apg, which shows just how smoothly their offense has been running so far this year.
2. Vancouver Grizzlies
Offense: 111.6 ppg
Defense: 98.1 ppg
Prediction: Champions
The Grizzlies have the best win % in the league at the moment, and this has been the case for several weeks now. This team is hot currently, winning 8 of its last 10, and is showing no signs of slowing down. The Grizzlies are a tough team to play because they are very deep. They have a great bench player to come off the bench at every position and play great defense at all positions. This team hasn't been much of a threat from outside this season, but they do one thing very well: work the paint. Wang and Duncan are #2 and #3 in the league in FT attempts per game, which makes the Grizzlies a very tough opponent every single night.
3. Golden State Warriors
Offense: 112.8 ppg
Defense: 100.2 ppg
Precidtion: Champions
The Warriors haven't been as hot lately as the above two teams, but they have had a damn good season so far after winning the championship last year. This team is a deadly shooting team that runs a fast pace, creates a ton of turnovers (#1 in SPG and BPG!), and buries 3's like no other team (#1 in 3ppg). Because of this, they are the #2 team in scoring this season and #6 team in opponent scoring. They have a small lineup which makes it very difficult for other teams to guard, specially at the PF position, where the great Etienne plays and does very well. He is having a monster season for the Warriors and is showing no signs of slowing down.
4. Milwaukee Bucks
Offense: 110.3 ppg
Defense: 102.0 ppg
Predictions: East Champions
The Bucks come in as the best team in the East so far this season. They've won 8 of their last 10 and are on a roll. The Bucks are led by Ray Allen who is shooting lights out like he has his entire career and playing great defense. He is also rebounding really well at the SG position, which is a nice bonus. Allen Iverson is also having a great season all-round, and Ronnie Field provides the finishing touch in the scoring department. Besides those 3 outside shooters, the Bucks also have the inside presence of McDyess and the amazing shot-blocking of Eddie Griffin. We wil see how this team holds up down the stretch with their lack of a bench outside of Cisse and Williams.
5.Toronto Raptors
Offense: 108.8 ppg
Defense: 101.1 ppg
Prediction: East Finalist
The Raptors are hot lately after the Kobe trade and seem to have a very powerful offense. Priest Lauderdale is doing his things as usual at Center, Nowitzki is lighting it up from all over shooting crazy percentages for a PF, and Kobe is meh. However, we all know that Kobe can play big come playoff time, so don't sleep on this team. They have lots of good scorers and a good bench, so they will be a threat in the East at the end of this year. My main concern for this team is Joe Smith as their leading shot-blocker with 1.0 bpg.
6. Seattle Supersonics
Offense: 105.8 ppg
Defense: 100.8 ppg
Prediction: West Semi-finalist
The Sonics have really put together a well-balanced team this year and are playing above everyone's expectations. Theur starting 5 play great defense and are all good scorers, making this tema a formidable opponent. Caron Butler, however, is going to have to step up his game down the stretch and in the playoffs if HeatFlash wants to end this season with a bang, because his star player is really underperforming. Everyone else on this team is playing just as one would expect them to, and they need to keep this up in order to succeed. It would be good for this team to add a shot-blocking presence.
7. Utah Jazz
Offense: 109.8 ppg
Defense: 104.2 ppg
Prediction: West Semi-finalist
Check out the Jazz! I had no idea this team was as high up in the standings as they are. When looking at their team, the reason they are competitive becomes obvious: look at Jameer Nelson. This youngster is tearing it up this season and has put this team high in the playoff seeds in the difficult West. His supporting cast, which consists of Peja, Mercer, and Alston, are really benefitting from the outside offense the Jazz run, while Ben Wallace is anchoring this team's defense from the center position with 4.4 bpg and 11.7 rpg. This is a very balanced team on offense that knows what they want to do night in and night out, and that's shoot.
8. Sacramento Kings
Offense: 104.8 ppg
Defense: 101.9 ppg
Prediction: West Semi-finalist
After a disappointing start to the season for Marty and the Kings, they have regrouped and are playing much better basketball. This team is the only team that has beaten the Grizzlies at home this season, which proves that they are playoff worthy in the West. They are led by the resurrected Rasheed Wallace who is playing the best basketball of his career this season. To supplement his great play, the Kings have the young backcourt duo of Dajuan Wagner and Tony Parker, who are matchup nightmares for teams, especially Tony Parker. This team is deep, especially with the addition of Camby recently to solidify their lineup. Look for them to make some noise in the playoffs.
9. Miami Heat
Offense: 103.6 ppg
Defense: 101.3 ppg
Prediction: East Semi-finalist
The Heat were questioned for sending Kobe off at such a young age, but according to Hott Boi, his team has been better since the deal. There is no question that the leader of this team is SAR, who can score from anywhere, but now he has a friend in KG who can soften up opposing teams on the inside and make things easier for him. My main concern for this team is their rebounding, which is in the bottom half of the leauge. That won't do for a team looking to advance through the playoffs, but maybe the addition of KG will bump those numbers up a bit more and get this team some easy baskets.
10. Phoenix Suns
Offense: 111.5 ppg
Defense: 108.9 ppg
Prediction: West Semi-finalist
Lamar Odom. Nuff said. This dude exploded in TC and has proved he can play up to his ratings so far this season. Honestly, who saw this coming?! Odom is carrying this team on his back, doing just about everything he can to keep them afloat in the playoff race in the wild wild West. 26/9/5 are Lebron-like numbers. Behind Lamar the Suns have 3 starters who are also great scorers: Curry, Lewis, and Miller. Andre Miller has also surprised me this season with his scoring. The Suns are the 4th best offense in the leauge, but what is hurting them right now is their defense, which is 3rd to last in UOSLR. They need to correct this problem come playoff time.
11. Indiana Pacers
Offense: 103.4 ppg
Defense: 99.5 ppg
Prediction: East Champions
The Pacers really shouldn't be here. They should be in the top 5, but they have had a hell of a time this season with injuries. Still, they have managed to stay high up in the stadnings in the East, and will have to prove their skill when Hedo returns to the team in 19 days. The Pacers are a team that can contend for the Eastern Conference Championship, which is crazy. Think about this: their starters ages are 21, 28, 23, 27, and 26! Regardless of what happens this season, they have a very bright future and should be thrilled with their team.
12. New Jersey Nets
Offense: 102.5 ppg
Defense: 99.7 ppg
Prediction: East Finalists
People, including Broph, probably thought that the Nets would be more competitive this year, especially in the East. The fact is that Al Jefferson is still a bit young to carry this team on his shoulders. This is not to say that he isn't great, but he just isn't ready to be the player they need right now to compete. DeShawn and Vince though are patiently waiting, lighting up the scoreboard night in and night out. This backcourt duo is one of the best in the league, and they may get even better if Stevenson continues to improve as impressively as he has recently. With Luol Deng and Al Jefferson still growing, I see this team competing more seriously in the future.
13. Los Angeles Clippers
Offense: 103.9 ppg
Defense: 101.1 ppg
Prediction: West Semi-finalists
This team sits at #8 in the West so far this season, which is certainly seen as underperforming by their Gm CrazyMike. Yao Ming is as solid this year as he has ever been with his great inside presence, rebounding, and blocking. Arenas is playing well but isn't shooting as well as he could be. The problem is the supporting cast. Granger has finally starter to live up to his hype ratings-wise, but his numbers do not match this improvement. Damon Stoudamire has really fallen off in recent years, as has Stackhouse, which contributes to the insufficient support from the role players on this team. This team needs Arenas to even out his shootin gand Granger to take more shots if they want to compete.
14. New York Knicks
Offense: 106.8 ppg
Defense: 104.6 ppg
Prediction: East Semi-finalists
It's tough to know why the Knicks are underperforming this season. Tmac is back and playing like he has in the past after last season's fluke, Ginobili is still one of the league's best players in an outside offense, and Amare has really grown into a great PF with many years of improvement left. They also have Kidd running the show from the PG position, which is great. Yet they still are undersachieving and DB will need to figure out why come playoff time. One area of concern for this team should be rebounding, a category in which they are one of the worst in the league.
15. San Antonio Spurs
Offense: 102.0 ppg
Defense: 99.8 ppg
Prediction: Playoffs
The Spurs come in at #15 in the Power Rankings due to the efforts of their young frontcourt of Okafor and Millsap. Okafor is the team's defensive leader, averaging 11.9 rpg and 3.7 bpg, while Millsap is their go-to guy on offense. Millsap has proven to be one of the surprises of his draft, if not THE surprise of his draft. He is having a great career so far and the Spurs have to be thrilled about his development. This team is full of young players with potential, so when they want to compete in the future, they will have the opportunity to bring in some good vets beacuse of the trading pieces they have. Devin Harris is not playing ideal basketball, averaging 3.3 topg, but the 9.3 apg from the 23 year old is great.
16. Orlando Magic
Offense: 105.9 ppg
Defense: 108.3 ppg
Prediction: East Semi-finalists
This is a team in transition. The Magic have won a championship in recent years and have lost players due to free agency and trades. They are rebuilding and looking towards the future now, but as long as they have Brand, Marshall, Houston, and Parker on their team, they will continue to rack up wins. If they do not move these players and end up in the playoffs, don't sleep on them because of Houston's deadly shooting and Brand's improving scoring skills.
