The list is now sorted by the strength of schedule for the rest of the season. As there are only about 20 games or so left for each team, the strength of that schedule can have a lot to say about the races down the stretch. Let's dive into some of those.
1. Southeast Division Crown - Hawks vs. Heat
If I told you the Hawks and Heat were tied in the loss column with 20 and 18 (respectively) games left, but the Hawks had James Harden out for the next 14 days, I'll bet you'd give this to the Heat in a walk. However, the Heat play the 2nd toughest schedule down the stretch (53.87 OPP Win%) including the Pacers 3 times, the Bucks, Bulls, and Nuggets, as well as 11 of their 18 games on the road. Meanwhile, the Hawks play one of the easiest (46.89 OPP Win%) including the Grizzlies, Magic, Pistons, and Warriors. Prediction: Whoever wins the 4/8 meeting between these two teams wins the crown.
2. Southwest Division Crown - Pelicans vs. Spurs vs. Rockets
Unfortunately all of these teams play incredibly difficult schedules down the stretch. Though the Rockets are playing good ball right now, they only have 6 home games remaining, which puts them a little behind the 8 ball. Whichever team does the best against the cream of the SLOE crop is going into the playoffs with a top-3 seed.
3. Northwest Division Crown - Can the T-Wolves catch the Nuggets?
Why am I diving into a Division race with a 6.5 game spread? The T-Wolves opponents down the stretch have only won 45% of their games, while the Nuggets play a slate of games against 53.42%, combine that with the fact that the Nuggets have had the second softest schedule this year, and the T-Wolves definitely have an opening.
4. THE TANK RACE - The Bobcats/Magic/Warriors have the top 3 spots locked up. Who's next?
The Bobcats (via the Lakers), the 76ers, and the Kings (via the Blazers) are in a TIGHT race for the 4th spot in the lotto. The 76ers have the HARDEST rest of season schedule, while the Blazers have the second-easiest. (FWIW, the Lakers are in the middle). As the only team that actually has their own pick, I predict (and hope) that the 76ers 'win' this battle, and the strength of their opponents means that is likely.
