Blury at best, but the fog will start to burn off as the playoff picture will finally start to gain some clarity this week.  

   The Eastern Conference top spots are set with the Celtics, Pistons and Magic running away with their divisions, but middle of the pack is quite muddled.  Wednesday’s Atlanta/Indiana game could lock the top eight in with some minor jockeying over the last week and a half.

   The Western Conference seedings could go down to the final day, but it now looks like the top six spots are a cinch to get in, but whether they play on the road or have home court advantage, is a whole different story.  Several teams could either win their division or wave bye-bye to home court, for possibly two rounds; not to mention they would have to take on one the likes of the Spurs or Lakers to open the playoffs.  Denver and Golden State are tied for the final spot.  The ninth place team could finish 10 games ahead of a team in the East that makes the playoffs.

Eastern Conference

Place Team GB

 4. a-Cleveland 19.5 

 5. a-Washington 21.5 

 6. a-Philadelphia 22.5 

 7. a-Toronto 23.5 

 8. Atlanta 25.5 

 9. Indiana 28.5

Western Conference

Place Team GB 

 1. a-New Orleans – 

 2. a-LA Lakers 1.5 

 3. a-San Antonio 1.5 

 4. a-Utah 3.5 

 5. a-Houston 2.5 

 6. Phoenix 3.5 

 7. Dallas 6.5 

 8. Denver 8.5 

 9. Golden State 8.5

a -Clinched Playoff Spot

- Jesse Jones

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