The Cavaliers have that top seed in the East in their pocket. Oh, it’s not a mathematical certainty yet, but that math can be deceiving. We’ve had the poll up for a couple weeks now, and it looks like you the fan are more concerned about playing the Pistons than either the Bulls or Bobcats. (Not that there is real panic about the first round opponent.) Well, let’s take a look at who the Cavs might be playing.
Currently the Bobcats are on the outside looking in, 3 games behind the Bulls and Pistons in the loss column. With four games left, and 3 of those on the road (including a trip to Orlando) we’re ready to call them out of this one. That loss in Detroit on Sunday pretty much did them in.
The Pistons and Bulls are separated by a half game, and even in the loss column. Let’s take a gander at the remaining schedules-
Detroit- @NY Knicks, NJ Nets, @Indiana, Chicago, @Miami.
Chicago- Philadelphia, Charlotte, @Detroit, Toronto.
It should go without saying that the big game here is next Monday, when the Bulls travel to Detroit. While both teams have 2 games left against playoff teams, the Pistons will be on the road much more, beginning tonight in the Big Apple. It is hard to tell if any of these playoff teams will be resting stars, as both the Heat and 76ers are jockeying for position themselves. Seriously, would you want to fall out of the 5th spot? I’d say both Philly and Miami have a much better chance escaping the first round by playing Atlanta instead of Orlando or Boston.
The Bulls are 7-3 in their last 10. The Pistons 4-6. Iverson isn’t going to be playing for Detroit, which I can only imagine helps them. I think the Cavs beat either team in 5 games myself.
