Written by Joshua Cornelissen at The Lottery Mafia
Last year at exactly this time, the playoff picture in the NBA was almost entirely set; we may not have realized it at the time, but the teams that would be playing past 82 were mostly in place. If the season had ended on November 23rd, 2014, six of the playoff teams would be those who ultimately made the cut; the exceptions, the Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans, were only a game back of the field. In the East was a similar lineup; again six of the eight playoff teams were already in place, with Boston and Brooklyn a game and a half back. With the exception of Miami’s injury-fueled drop-off, continuity was the theme for last season.
The theme for this season, however, is chaos. While teams in the playoffs stayed there for most of the season, this year has chopped through that continuity like a Westbrook tomahawk slam. Last season the West dominated the East right out of the gate; this time last year the West had a 45-19 advantage (+26), and ended with a +77 dominance. The West has won the inter-conference series 15 of the last 16 years, in fact. But this season, something has changed. The East is currently leading in inter-conference match-ups, 38-33. Teams like Cleveland and Miami are a combined 7-1 against the West, and even the Knicks and Hornets are each 4-1!
This strong start by the East against the West has completely shaken up the Western Conference standings. Three of last year’s playoff teams are currently residing in the lottery. Last year at this time, six teams had four or fewer losses; this season only the Spurs and the Warriors can claim that mark. Two teams sat outside the playoffs but still had winning records; four teams currently in the playoffs can’t claim winning records. The East is reaping the benefit of their edge, with 10 teams boasting a winning record and four teams with four or fewer losses. The balance of power has shifted over the first month. Will it continue? That’s a question with too many variables to answer, but it should be noted that the Warriors start a six-game road trip through the East next week.
With the dust probably more unsettled than last year, a number of the current lottery teams could see their way up the standings as current playoff teams sink back to earth. However, it’s just a likely this season will see that intra-season continuity and these current playoff squads retain their position. Let’s take a look at the lottery teams and see which ones can move up, and which ones will probably be counting lottery balls in June.
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