Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily, even when COVID has ravaged the league.
It’s a battle at the top of the East.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Bill Streicher/USA Today.)
Well, the Bucks came back to defeat the Sixers in overtime. The loss put the Sixers in a tie with the Nets at 28-13. Milwaukee is now the #3 seed at 26-14.
The Sixers didn’t have Joel Embiid, though, but the fact that they were able to stay with the Bucks says something. When Embiid comes back, they’re gonna be difficult to upend. Even if Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time defending MVP winner.
I’m not saying the Bucks are slouches. They did acquire Jrue Holiday, who is a serious professional on both ends of the court. Khris Middleton continues to go under the radar even after making a couple of all-star games. But they have also failed to make the Finals the last couple of years and doubt is easy to creep in when you don’t attain goals like that. The good news it that Giannis is here for the long haul so there are no contract distractions. But that window doesn’t seem as open as it was in the past because of the rise of other teams.
Like Philly, for instance. If anything, Philadelphia is trying to make up for last year. They had such a tall and talented starting line-up that somehow never fit. After injuries and chemistry problems, Philly was eliminated in the first round. The Sixers made some deals to add backcourt and shooting depth and suddenly, Embiid can operate much better inside with the outside threats looming. It’s really made Embiid an MVP candidate.
But tied with Philly is the Nets. We already thought they were scary from the gate. Then they decided to add James Harden to the mix. And if they can revive Blake Griffin, that team might be on another level. Of course, health has been a problem for this team; they lost Spencer Dinwiddie early. And Kevin Durant has had ailments unrelated to his Achilles. But that three-headed monster of Harden, Durant, and Kyrie Irving is something else.
Another team that we shouldn’t forget is Miami. They won 11 of 13 games to get back to the 4th seed. When healthy, their togetherness and harmony as a team make them dangerous. I’m sure they have that chip on their shoulders once again for being ignored. At the same time, that’s probably the way they like it. Their roster is not as “talented” individually but their sum is definitely greater than the parts added together.
It’s hard for me to see any team other than the Nets winning. But you can make a case for any of these four teams going to the Finals. At the very least, we know it’s going to be a dogfight.
Bullet Passes
So once again, I didn’t mention the Boston Celtics in that top tier. They’re 20-20 after their loss to Cleveland. Woof.
And the Celtics are now #7 because the Atlanta Hawks overtook them. They’re also 20-20 but they own the tiebreaker.
The Charlotte Hornets got dumped on by the Denver Nuggets but they’re holding steady at #5. I honestly didn’t think Gordon Hayward would pan out. And LaMelo Ball has certainly done well.
The Clippers continue to be inconsistent. They are 5-8 in their last 13 games as Luka Doncic (once again) did things to them.
The Toronto Raptors are sinking further. With the trade deadline a week away, dealing Kyle Lowry is sounding more plausible.
The Houston Rockets may never win a game again.
NBA Scoreboard
Mar. 17, 2021
Watch This Play
Ja Morant cools off Miami.
JA MORANT IS CLUTCH ❄️ pic.twitter.com/uQPra0bweU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 18, 2021
And I had just mentioned that Miami had won 11 of 12. Well, the Grizzlies made it 11 of 13 for them.
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.
R.I.P. Nala.