But, a couple of weeks before the All-Star break, Sixers hit a snag including 5 straight losses. And, suddenly, Jeremy Lin popped on the scene and the Celtics started going on a tear themselves. And now, the Sixers are barely hanging on to their lead in the division. They used and abused the Celtics on Wednesday night so that gave them breathing room but it won't be easy for the Sixers to hang on.
Sixers face the Knicks and Celtics 3 more times this season. In a sense, they hold their destiny in their hands. At the same time, it's the perfect opportunity for the other teams to take the lead from the Sixers. So, all 3 teams have a chance to win their division in their own destiny since they do not have to rely on the other teams losing. Instead, they can make sure the teams lose because they face each other so often.
Right now, Sixers have a 2 game lead on Celtics and a 4.5 game lead on the Knicks. Again, Sixers face both of these teams 3 more times so Knicks and Celtics have at least 3 opportunities to catch up. It's a whole game to gain if they beat Sixers. All 3 of these teams have tough schedules to play through so any of these teams can crack for different reasons.
But why is this battle important? According to NBA rules, the team that wins their division is guaranteed a spot in the top 4 of their conference. With that being said, Sixers are in 4th place. Technically, if it were just by record, Sixers would be in 6th. But the idea is that you get some sort of reward for winning division. There are positives and negatives about this. But this post is just describing the inevitable battle that is lurking in the shadows.
So again, the winner of the division hits the top 4. Why is that craved? Celtics and Knicks are in 7th and 8th place respectively. If the playoffs started today, they would face the Heat and Bulls respectively. If I'm the Celtics and Knicks, I'm not looking forward to it. Sixers would face the Pacers. So, Bulls, Heat, or Pacers? No offense but Pacers seems to be the favorable match-up. Oh sure, Pacers won't be easy, but they are not quite elite status like Bulls and Heat.
Assuming all other teams remain in their spots for the rest of the season and only Sixers, Celtics, and Knicks move around, this would be huge for whoever can win their division. That team would have the most likely chance of moving to the second round. Now, they would eventually face the Heat or Bulls but it just feels better to make it to the second round.
All 3 of the teams have their stories. Celtics making one final push for glory. Doubt they will succeed but they're trying. Apparently, Knicks were going to be contending this season. Right. But, with the contracts that they gave out, you know it's bad news if they don't even make the playoffs. Meanwhile, Sixers are tying to advance to the second round for the first time in a long time. They have no superstar. They are a rare team that can play well without having a top scorer in the league.
I personally have said that Sixers would win their division. This was before their slump and yet the idea still remains. I think they can pull it off. I think they are better than the Knicks and Celtics and I'm banking on them beating the Celtics and Knicks for the rest of the season. But, if Sixers can't beat those two teams, they are certainly at a greater risk of losing their division and facing Bulls or Heat. And last season's playoffs told me they can't beat the Heat. They actually beat the Bulls 3 times in a row over the course of this and last season before losing to them on Sunday but still that would be tough too.
The month of March will be the big test for these teams. Each game against each other is big. It's even bigger for the Sixers since they are trying to keep off the other two. It won't be easy. And, it could stir up that debate of how bad records get high seeds. Again, based on just winning record, Sixers are actually 6th place. We shall see just who will win the Battle for the Atlantic.
Who ya got?
Writer at Hardcourt Mayhem and The Sixer Sense(FanSided) and also at Gather.com(Skyword). Also run 2 sites Dante's Opinion and National Sixers. Follow @Dante Writes
