Revised Predictions

After 3 weeks of basketball, there are a few things that have become fairly evident, and so, I would like to revise my playoff predictions and give my opinions on some teams so far.

Eastern Conference:
1. Miami Heat
2. Chicago Bulls
3. Boston Celtics
4. New York Knicks
5. New Jersey Nets
6. Philadelphia 76ers
7. Milwaukee Bucks
8. Indiana Pacers

Surprising Teams:
New York Knicks- Mike Woodson's defense, combined with the resurgence of Raymond Felton, and the overall stellar play of Carmelo and JR, has led this team to a fast start. They will drop off as they adapt to Amare's return and the fact that they are so old.

Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Jennings is playing the best basketball of his career, and they are getting solid contributions from what is looking like a very deep team.

Disappointing Teams:
Indiana Pacers: Roy Hibbert looks like he forgot how to play basketball, the bench has been non-existent, and Paul George is hardly stepping up. Who knew that Danny Granger was so important to this team.

Washington Wizards: I know John Wall and Nene are out, but this team should have won a game by now.

Western Conference:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Los Angeles Clippers
3. Memphis Grizzlies
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Los Angeles Lakers
6. Denver Nuggets
7. Dallas Mavericks
8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Surprising Teams:
Memphis Grizzlies: Everything is clicking right now, especially with contributions from the bench in Wayne Ellington and Jerryd Bayless. Marc Gasol has been the best center in the league thus far.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Playing well without Love, Rubio, and others. Kirilenko looks rejuvenated, but it will be hard to sustain if the aforementioned injured players don't return until Jan/Feb

Disappointing Teams:
Denver Nuggets: I could go write many paragraphs about how bad they look but I will summarize. Poor 3-point and midrange shooting, god awful free throw percentage, Ty Lawson becoming worse, and Javale Mcgee not playing enough.

Los Angeles Lakers: Only the Lakers would fire a coach after 5 games, but this was for the best for them. Mike D'Antonio is salivating at the pick and roll pairing of his dreams in Nash and Howard. Oh, and they have Kobe on the side.