Post All-Star Scheduling
By Doug Upstone
The later All-Star affair leaves NBA teams with anywhere from 24-29 games left on their schedules. Here is a look at what teams might be at advantage or disadvantage the rest of the regular season.
Boston -17 road - 11 home
The Celtics would appear to be in a more difficult situation the rest of the way, leading Miami by just one game in loss column and having preponderance of away contests. In March, they have three sets of three games in four days with the last two back-to-back (which is always tougher) and each of the last fracases is on the road. Could be rugged for older team if any more injuries pop up, leading to play against potential.
Miami - 16 home -10 road
This couldn't set up any better for the Heat. If they can survive opening March salvo (Orlando, @S.A., Chicago, Portland, L.A. Lakers, Memphis, S.A., O.K.C, @Atlanta), Miami will have great opportunity to win the East. Bet the Heat if they get hot.
Philadelphia - 15 home - 11 road
The Sixers are seventh in the East at the break and are in decent shape to hold on or even move up. The four hardest remaining Western Conference games are Dallas and O.K.C. on home floor and at Utah and Portland. This might be extremely important; Philly's last four encounters of the season are at home. Philadelphia is second only to San Antonio against the spread at 35-20-1.
Chicago - 16 road - 12 home
The Bulls get center Joakim Noah back and are legit threat to take the East lead, trailing Boston by two games. Chicago's fate could be decided quickly with seven of first nine away from the Windy City. Chicago has three in four days (last two back-to-back) from March 4-18, but at least the back two are at West Madison Street.
Portland -15 home - 11 road
It would appear the Trail Blazers will not move up to fourth position for a first round home court playoff edge, trailing the Thunder by five games. However, they could fall out of the postseason picture with a slump with how tightly the competition is bunched. Though Portland has more favorable home games, they have treacherous four-game road trip against Southeast Division opponents and one won't be Washington. Starting March 25, they will face in six days: S.A., @ O.K.C., S.A. and New Orleans. In addition, a trio of tilts against the Lakers, with two on the last of three of four outings.
Phoenix- 16- road - 12 home
The Suns are currently 10th in the West, but have won seven of last 10. Though Phoenix has more away games, everything is spaced out in manageable fashion with only three 3-in-4 day's scenarios.
Golden State - 16 road - 11 home
The Warriors trail the Suns in the standings and will find out if they are playoff pretenders or contenders. Golden State opens the second half with Boston and Atlanta at home, followed by seven game road excursion. Doesn't feel like play on the Warriors.
Sacramento - 17 road - 12 home
The Kings stink and like the Cali state budget, don't figure to have many answers with so many games to play, especially away from Sac-Town. Maybe Sacramento should go street and have gang called "Cousins", with their lead thug DeMarcus.