Some will argue that it has been four-deep all season long, and that Orlando was being ignored. Personally, I think that ESPN was ignoring Cleveland too, thinking they’d fade away and give the world another Lakers-Celtics dynasty Finals like we had all the time when I was a kid.
But at the top of ESPN’s daily power rankings sit two teams that were widely overlooked during pre-season, Cleveland and Orlando. Here’s the overall NBA standings;
- 1) L.A. Lakers – 30-6 – .833
- 2) Cleveland – 29-6 – .829
- 3) Orlando – 30-8 – .789
- 4) Boston – 31-9 – .775
Only one game separates these four teams (there’s a full five games between fourth-place Boston and fifth-place San Antonio), and all four are on track to win between 64 and 68 games.
But the fact remains that the two strongest teams in the league at this moment are the Cavaliers and the Magic. It’s unfortunate that they won’t face each other in the Finals, but it sure as hell looks like one of them will be in them. Boston’s lack of depth and complete lack of backing up their physical chatter with anything tangible has shown untold weaknesses. As the season progresses, more and more teams will be unafraid of their swagger and it’ll eventually turn to dust.
Tonight, the Cavaliers take on Memphis (11-26). Cleveland actually has a better record on the road than the Grizzlies do in their home arena. Should be a win for the well-rested and confident Cavs.
Meanwhile, the Magic have an equally light opponent in Sacramento (9-29). This one would be hard-pressed to fall in favor of the Kings.
The Lakers have the tough road, having to travel into Houston to face the rebounding Rockets (24-15). Houston was struggling after losing 6 of 8, but then went into Boston and beat the Celtics. They’ve won 3 straight. This will be a good matchup in the league tonight.
Boston is off tonight.
With a win tonight, the Cavs would have 30 wins, giving all four top teams that number. No other team in the NBA will have that 30-win total for at least another two weeks.
Expect a horse race all season long with these four…should be a lot of fun to watch.
Story By The Buckeye Battle Cry
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