As the NBA heads into the final week of the regular season, seven teams have clinched a spot in the playoffs and two teams; Chicago and Toronto still battling out for the final berth. As we gear up for a big weekend of action, the only thing we know for sure is that Cleveland will be the number one seed overall with the best record in the NBA and Orlando has clinched the #2 seed. Boston and Atlanta will be the third and fourth seeds as they are currently tied at 49-29 with each having four games left to play to determine their final place. Milwaukee and Miami are tied at 44-34 for the fifth seed and Charlotte is just two games back in seventh place. All three of these teams have four games left to play as well. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers (61-18) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 7/5
With the top spot in the conference already locked up, the Cavaliers have been resting some of their starters, including LeBron James in order to get ready for a long playoff run. The result has been two losses in their last three games including a 113-117 loss to the Celtics on Sunday and a one point 108-109 loss to the Bulls last night. Through 79 games James leads in points per game with 29.7 and assists with 8.6 and Antwan Jamison is averaging 8.6 rebounds per game. The final three regular season games for the Cavaliers are the Pacers tonight and the Magic on Sunday at home, and then on the road against the Hawks on Wednesday, April 14th.
Orlando Magic (55-23) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 7/1
The Magic are gearing up for the postseason, winning five out of their last six and are now 16-4 in their last twenty games. After suffering a 100-112 loss to the Spurs last Friday night they beat the Grizzlies 107-92 and the Wizards 122-94 to get back on track. Through 78 games Dwight Howard leads in points per game with 18.3 and rebounds with 13.2 and Jameer Nelson leads in assists with 5.4. The final four regular season games for the Magic are the Knicks tonight at home, on the road against the Cavaliers on Sunday and the Pacers on Monday, and then back home to face the 76ers on Wednesday, April 14th.
Boston Celtics (49-29) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 15/1
The Celtics have scratched their way back into my rankings only because of Atlanta’s two game losing streak. They are 2-4 in their last six games including an embarrassing 101-104 loss to the Knicks on Tuesday night. They were able to bounce back with a 115-104 win over the Raptors last night to save face. Through 78 games Paul Piece is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 18.2 points per game. Kendrick Perkins leads in rebounds with 7.4 and Rajon Rondo leads in assists with 9.8. The final four regular season games for the Celtics are the Wizards tonight at home, the Bucks on Saturday and the Bulls on Tuesday on the road, and then one more against the Bucks at home on Wednesday April 17th.
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