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Three NBA Teams To Keep An Eye On Down The Stretch

With the NFL not really having an offseason anymore, the NBA regular season is quietly coming to a close. With roughly 15 games to go before the playoffs, there are some interesting things to keep an eye on in terms of playoff positioning. The Eastern Conference is pretty much set. The Western Conference? Not so much.

Here are three NBA teams to keep an eye on down the stretch

 

1) New York Knicks

Phil Will Need A Miracle - Photo: The Star-Ledger-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Will Need A Miracle – Photo: The Star-Ledger-USA TODAY Sports

Currently sitting in ninth, they are only 4.5 games back of Atlanta, an five back of Charlotte, who’s in seventh. The Knicks are paying Phil Jackson $12m a year to work miracles.

How much can Phil influence the current set of Knicks? Probably not much. In fact, it’d be embarrassing if a legendary coach, taking on his first front office job, would motivate you to win more games.

The Knicks still stink, with or without Phil. If they were in the West, they’d be tied for 12th.

However, I do see a slide by the Charlotte Bobcats coming, and it’s possible the Atlanta Hawks could stumble as well. The Knicks have won seven straight games after their win at home vs the Indiana Pacers tonight. Something about Phil Jackson is magical, you can’t deny that.

 

2. Memphis Grizzlies

Mike Conley - Grizzlies - Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Conley – Grizzlies – Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Grizzles have climbed up to the eighth spot in the West, while also separating themselves from the struggling Phoenix Suns. The Suns were the surprise team in the NBA this season, but it appears they may come up short. I’ve been saying it for a few months, the Grizzlies are built to make a run.

They give up the fewest points in the West and are now healthy. They showed us last year what they’re capable of. They matchup well against the Spurs, and can hold their own vs Oklahoma City. They would have trouble versus the Los Angeles Clippers, however.

 

3. Portland Trail Blazers 

Lillard will be dangerous in the post-season. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Lillard will be dangerous in the post-season. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Blazers have budding young stars up and down their roster. They’ve been hit at times by the injury bug. LaMarcus Aldridge is still out, but potentially returning soon. Since his injury, the Blazers have struggled.

It took overtime for them to beat the Bucks in their last game. THE BUCKS. When healthy, they are fun to watch. Damian Lillard, Aldridge and Butum are a great core and the fans of Portland NEED this.

 

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

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