Mid-Season Progress Reports: NBA Atlantic

Lou Williams of the Sixers/AP Images

Matt gives us the progress report for the NBA Atlantic.

1. Philadelphia Sixers: 20-14 (4th in the East)

The Sixers flew out of the gate, but have faltered as of late. The Sixers’ balanced attack, led by sixth man Lou Williams, has struggled without a legitimate scoring option in the post. Thaddeus Young provides energy and scoring off the bench, but Young, Lavoy Allen, and Nikola Vucevic cannot carry the weight when both Brand and Hawes are injured, as they have been lately. Hawes was the early season favorite for Most Improved Player, but has missed 20 of 34 games. Andre Iguodala has been fabulous for the Sixers this year, especially on the defensive side of the court. Ignoring the recent five game skid, the Sixers are a legitimate team in the East due to their balanced attack.

Looking Ahead: The Sixers or the Knicks are going to win the Atlantic. The recent five game losing streak should not concern fans too much. A blown call cost the Sixers the game against the Timberwolves, and –excluding the blowout loss to the Magic—they have been good in each game. Their +6.5 differential is still third best in the NBA. If Hawes and Brand can get healthy, look for the Sixers to return to early season form, but maintain realistic expectations as they lack a go-to scorer in the clutch—an essential in the playoffs.

2. New York Knicks: 17-17 (7th in the East)

It seems as if overnight Linsanity transformed the Knicks into contenders. Before Lin’s explosion onto the scene, the Knicks were bad. Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire have not coexisted well and they had no consistency at point guard. On a brighter note, Tyson Chandler is having a terrific season all across the board. The Knicks must commit to team defense to continue their recent winning ways. It is interesting to note that Mike D’Antoni yielded the defensive duties in a recent late game situation to assistant Mike Woodson. Defense—and Jeremy Lin—are pivitol to the Knicks’ success this season.

Looking Ahead: Thursday night’s match-up against the Heat will be a good test for the Knicks, especially now that they are at full strength. Baron Davis will provide a spark off the bench that allows Lin to get some rest during games. Ultimately, team chemistry will determine the Knicks’ fate. If JR Smith and Carmelo can join the lineup beneficially, they Knicks will be a team everyone fears come playoff time.

3. Boston Celtics: 15-17 (8th in the East)

The Celtics have been an enigma all season. They have played brilliant at times and strung together through embarrassing losing streaks. Frustration was evident when Rajon Rondo threw a ball at a ref, earning himself a two-game suspension. The Celtics lack depth this season, and it shows. Possibly the most important thing to have with an aging team is a deep bench. While Brandon Bass has been an upgrade to Glen Davis, Chris Wilcox, Mickael Pietrus and Keyon Dooling are not exactly players that can help take a team deep in the playoffs.

Looking Ahead: The Celtics’ roster is talented enough to compete for the Atlantic, even if they do not make a trade. With Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo, it is hard to count them out as contenders. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely this group will have another shot at a championship together.

4. Toronto Raptors: 10-23 (12th in the East)

The Raptors do not have the talent to compete in the NBA right now. They play hard every night, which has earned them victories against the bottom feeders of the NBA. Andrea Bargnani has played well, but has missed twenty games. Also, DeMar DeRozen has continued to develop and show signs that he can grow into a star. Unfortunately, the Raptors have little to support those two.

Looking Ahead: If they continue their hard play, they will pick up wins against the uninspired teams bringing up the bottom of the standings, which is very respectable. Regardless, the Raptors are a good few years away from competing.

5. New Jersey Nets: 10-25 (13th in the East)

It’s difficult to detail the Nets first half of the season. Star Center Brook Lopez just returned from a broken foot two games ago, and MarShon Brooks missed nearly two weeks with a broken toe. Without two key scorers, the already thin Nets could not hope to compete. They are healthy now and it should be interesting to see how they mesh. And it should be interesting to see if a certain Center from Orlando suites up for them after the All-Star break.

Looking Ahead: The Nets must make a move if they want to keep Deron Williams. They have a solid foundation between Williams, Lopez, and Brooks. Additionally, they have an average bench, with Anthony Morrow, Mehmet Okur, and Damion James highlighting the group. If the Nets add Dwight Howard without subtracting too much, they can compete—next year.