Are we witnessing a flip? Or more of a balance out between the two conferences? Top 8 in the East is separated by 1.5 games. Heck, top 13 is separated by 5 games. Current #8 is playing near .60 ball, which translate to ~47 Wins to make the playoff. Top 8 in the West is separated by 11.5 games. Current #8 (your Houston Rockets) is playing below 500. East has a slight winning record against the West (60-58) to date.
It's about time. I'm tired of seeing a 38 win team from the east make the playoffs while a 45 + win team from the west miss the playoffs.
While on the whole, the numbers are finally equalizing in terms of competitive balance, I'd still take any top 12 team in the West vs. their counterpart in the East in a 7-game series.
