again, I don't think NO belongs there, nor would I consider a Houston team (that has gone 10-5 since a 3-10 start) an "also-ran", without Yao and Brooks in the mix.
Beginning of the season, it was tough because of the injuries (Bud, Miller, Lowry) and Yao's inconsistent minutes which resulted in the 0-5 start and too many new faces to build chemistry right away. December games have been great to get build chemistry, get accustomed to playing with each other and figure out the rotations while playing against sub-par teams. January and February will definitely test how good this team really is. Realistically, i think going into the all-star break, we'll probably be a few games above .500 - our January schedule is freaking BRUTAL! All but 3 teams that we'll play will be playoff and/or championship contenders.
Being in those games doesn't mean this team is capable of closing them. I think in a 7-game series with any of the top teams, we go down in 5 or 6 games.
look at opening night compared to two weeks ago against the Lakers. they are learning to close games in the 4th now.
A team who is 24-3 is 3rd in his rankings. Yes, they only have the 3rd highest point differential, but at +9.1 I wouldn't be surprised if they kept this up all year. And if you do the math, you know what record they'll be challenging at the end of the year. (jinx on)
He wasn't out of shape. He was hurt at the start of the season with back spasm which was a set back for him. He was unable to work out or do any exercises because of his back at the start.
Crap, Hollinger jinxed Philly...they are getting beat by 50 points right now. Let's hope we aren't jinxed as well.
Philadelphia went from 9th to 16th on Hollinger's rankings. The scoring margin for the last 10 games went from +7 to +2 in one swoop.
