With the 2009 NBA Playoffs fast approaching, teams are literally limping to the finish, with significant injuries to Amare Stoudemire, Allen Iverson, Jameer Nelson, Elton Brand, Manu Ginobili, Tracy McGrady, Luol Deng, Marvin Williams, and many others. Here's a look at the teams in the best shape as the post season approaches.
- Orlando Magic - It's hard to put the Cavs here when Orlando won the series 2-1, winning by 11 and 19 points. The Cavs win was only won by four points. One thing's certain, though. Orlando was better with Jameer Nelson at the helm.
- Cleveland Cavaliers - As long as LeBron James is in Cleveland, the Cavs are contenders.
- Los Angeles Lakers - If Andrew Bynum can come back and contribute, look out. The Lakers will need his size, especially at the defensive end.
- Denver Nuggets - Chauncey Billups has made this team click. Denver now looks brilliant for dealing Allen Iverson to Detroit.
- Houston Rockets - The Rockets are picking up steam with back-to-back wins over Portland and Orlando. Yao Ming is showing why he's the leader of this team.
- Portland Trail Blazers - Don't look now, but Portland's about to win 50 games this year. Coach Nate MacMillan deserves more credit than he's received.
- San Antonio Spurs - San Antonio is limping to the playoffs and must now compete without Manu Ginobili. That's a huge blow. Tony Parker must pick up the slack.
- New Orleans Hornets - The Hornets need Tyson Chandler to be healthy and more productive. The playoffs are more about the half court game than anything else. That means defense.
- Utah Jazz - Carlos Boozer needs to be more consistent. Otherwise, they certainly have talent and last year's playoffs should have given them some experience.
- Atlanta Hawks - Remember, the Hawks turned some heads by pushing the Celtics to seven games last year. They may be entering the playoffs with a chip on their shoulder.
The Bottom Feeders
30. Sacramento Kings - Sure, injuries have hurt, but this team needs help.
29. Washington Wizards - With Gilbert Arenas back, they should be getting some additional wins. So far, that hasn't been the case.
28. LA Clippers Clippers - Their story has been injuries. They just can't stay healthy. Baron Davis, Zach Randolph, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby have all played in just a combined average of 46 games a piece.
27. Oklahoma City Thunder - The Thunder have had some solid stretches, but still have a long ways to go.
26. Memphis Grizzlies - Like OKC, Memphis is young, but there is a lot of potential there.
