This is the time of year I like to call spring awakening in the NBA. The teams in playoff contention wake up and see the finish line as well as what needs to happen for them to get the ideal seed. The teams that are tanking can also see the finish line and you will start seeing players that look 100% healthy come down with “turf toe” and “general soreness” that literally nobody buys. So while we can ignore the teams tanking for draft picks and the teams sneakily tanking for worse seeds so they can play a more favorable matchup we are also lucky to have these games remaining on the schedule that both teams should be trying their hardest to win.
Bulls at Heat, Thursday April 9th 8PM ET, TNT
The Bulls do not want to see the Wizards anywhere near them on the playoff bracket so much so that they are fighting for the 3 seed knowing that Cleveland awaits them in Round 2. Washington kicked their butts in last year’s First Round matchup including winning all three games in Chicago. Plus the benefit of playing Milwaukee as the 3 seed would be basically having every game as a home game. If the Bulls and Bucks meet up in Round 1 take a look at how much red will be in the crowd at the Bradley Center, there is a reason its call UC North.
Don’t think for one second Pat Riley is not all in for the playoffs. The Heat don’t want to just make the playoffs either, they want the 7 seed and a date with LeBron James and the Cavs in Round 1. Riley and the NBA know that this series would highlight Round 1 and the Heat players want a chance to take down their former teammate. And usually when the NBA wants something to happen, it happens. If there are any atrocious calls against the Pacers, Nets, or Celtics over the rest of the schedule, well let’s just say I wouldn’t be surprised.
Spurs at Rockets, Friday April 10th 8PM ET, NBATV
The Spurs have flipped that same switch they have flipped around this time for the past 10 years. It’s the flip that’s bottom is labeled “Wow this is the year the Spurs age will finally show” on the bottom and “Oh crap here come the Spurs AGAIN” on the top and that flip is currently pointing up. Nobody should be surprised that there is a very likely scenario in which the Spurs are the 2 seed out West. Until somebody beats San Antonio four times in the playoffs they are never dead.
The Rockets must, I repeat MUST, keep the 2 seed. The Mavs are most likely locked in at the 7 seed and they provide by far the most favorable matchup for Houston. Any other matchup besides the Mavs and I think the Rockets go out in Round 1. If they can beat the Mavs quickly and the 3-6 matchups goes 6 or 7 games then I think Houston has a good shot at the West Finals. If James Harden can keep the Spurs at bay and hold onto the 2 seed I think his MVP candidacy sees a huge boost.
All of Tuesday April 14th, Raptors at Celtics/Wizards at Pacers (TNT)/Clippers at Suns (TNT)
On the second to last day of the regular season we have three teams who should be fighting for their playoff lives (Celtics/Pacer/Suns) all at home trying to hold off teams who should be fighting for seeding (Raptors for the East’s 3 seed/Wizards for the East’s 4 seed and Round 1 home court/Clippers to not play Memphis). It should be a playoff atmosphere for the duration of the night and a perfect primer to get yourself into playoff mode.