Top Records since the All-Star Break, followed by last 10: Code: Denver 15-2, 8-2 Phoenix 13-5, 7-3 Seattle 14-7, 7-3 San Antonio 12-6, 6-4 Dallas 13-7, 8-2 Houston 12-7, 7-3 Sacramento 10-9, 5-5 Memphis 9-8, 5-5 _______________ Min 10-7, 6-4 LAL 7-13, 2-8 Denver is blazing hot. Evan
Denver's only 2 losses came against the Suns. The Rockets, you remember, had the Rod Strickland expirement for a while and started 1-4 after the break, but have gone 11-3 since then.
Man, you had to mention the Rod Strickland Experiment. Every time he came into the game the lead just evaporated, POOF!, like drops of water on a hot engine.
They should be -- they've played a very weak schedule. Since Karl took over, they've only played 3 games against elite teams: 2 vs. Phoenix and 1 vs. the Spurs. In those games, they're 1-2. They haven't had to play Detroit, Miami, Seattle, Dallas or Houston in that span. They've also had a few games against good (not elite) teams: Memphis, Boston, Washington, Cleveland. They played Sacramento, but the Kings are sub-.500 over their last 30 games, so they're no longer even a good team. During the same span, the Rockets have played NINE elite teams and have a record of 4-5. In their remaining dozen games, the Nuggets face 4 elite teams (including the Rox) and have 4 games against good teams or teams that are playing well now like the Wolves and the Warriors. My prediction: The Nuggets will wilt and not even make the playoffs, with the final two spots going to Memphis and the suddenly hot Timberwolves (10-5 over their last 15 games).
The Grizzlies are the team that is wilting. If Minny somehow makes the playoffs, Memphis will be left out. Denver is playing fairly well but Memphis is clearly on the decline. Neither Minny nor Memphis will give Phoenix much of a challenge and they will be fresh and ready for the Rox/Mavs winner. Next year, George Karl's act will start wearing thin in Denver. Right now, he's da man.
