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Myles Ma is here every Thursday with the NBA Stock Report. Draw a circle around him on Google +, or follow Myles on Twitter, @LameMyles.
This lockout-shortened season went by pretty fast. Go figure.
There won’t be anything short about the playoffs though. I think the level of play will be just as strong as we’ve seen after 82-game seasons.
In this final NBA Stock Report, I take a look at six of the hottest Playoff-bound teams and predict whether they’ll carry their momentum into the playoffs.
This week’s NBA Stock Report, in which I rate each team as a ‘buy’ ‘sell’ or ‘hold’ is based on play through Tuesday night.
BOSTON CELTICS
Record: 38-27 (7-3 in last 10)
The Celtics are riding a strong wave of play into the postseason. By starting Avery Bradley over Ray Allen, Doc Rivers has gone all in on defense and it’s paid off.
That is despite the team being undersized, with the 6’2 Bradley playing the two-guard and nominal power forward Kevin Garnett moving to center. It’s a weird lineup, but it works on offense too, since Garnett and Brandon Bass can stretch the floor.
Bradley will have to be ready to contribute some scoring if he’s going to take minutes from the best 3-point shooter of all time, and if the Celtics are going to make a deep playoff run.
Rating: HOLD—Boston may go far, but it will be a slog the whole way.
INDIANA PACERS
Record: 42-23 (8-2 in last 10)
The Pacers have lost two games in April. Frank Vogel has done an impressive job with a team that doesn’t have a star.
Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert are the closest the Pacers come. Granger is the most willing shooter on the team, while Hibbert serves as the all-important back line defender for Indiana.
Replacing Darren Collison with George Hill was a smart move. Collison is banged up, and Hill has flat-out played better.
Rating: BUY—They’re not the third best team in the East, but being seeded third will help them.
ATLANTA HAWKS
Record: 39-26 (7-3 in last 10)
Josh Smith really gets no love. He’s never been an All-Star, and now, despite serving as the leader of the 6th-best defensive team in the league, and leading the league in defensive win shares, he’s not even in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. Not even in the conversation!
This team suffered a huge loss when Zaza Pachulia went down. Don’t laugh! He’s served an important role as a second post defender and rebounder.
It’s not clear who, other than Smith, is going to hold down the paint for the Hawks. Don’t say Jason Collins.
Rating: SELL—Seriously, Zaza is a big deal!
UTAH JAZZ
Record: 35-30 (7-3 in last 10)
Utah got into the playoffs by the skin of their teeth. Credit Paul Millsap for putting this team on his back all year.
It’s no surprise that he’s one of the best rebounders in the league, but the 6’8” 245-pounder is also among the best thieves in the league, sitting fifth in steal percentage. The Jazz aren’t deep though.
Raja Bell, C.J. Miles and Earl Watson are all banged up. Gordon Hayward is just a lad, but he’ll have to play like a full-grown star if Utah is going to even sniff an upset.
Rating: SELL—Not enough Paul Millsaps on this team.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Record: 40-25 (7-3 in last 10)
Speaking of not deep, it’s the Los Angeles Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. In almost any series, Paul is going to be the best player on the floor, and he’ll keep the Clippers’ offense humming.
But the Clippers need more from their middling defense. They’ve gotten it in their recent stretch of games, but they still foul too much.
They are led in this category by Griffin, who might rely too much on his athleticism, and not his brain, on defense. He has every tool in the world to be a good defender. He’ll have to harness them to get out of Round 1.
Rating: SELL—Paul is a stud, but this team isn’t experienced enough.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Record: 48-16 (8-2 in last 10)
This might the best team in the league. And they might be playing as well as anyone heading into the playoffs.
And for a team that’s as old as dirt, they’re healthy. On any given night, there are 10 Spurs that can contribute to a win, including one Manu Ginobili, who has been on a tear since coming back into the lineup.
If all the rest Tim Duncan got this season means he can take it to another gear in the playoffs, look out.
Rating: BUY—Prepare for some series-deciding corner threes.
