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[quidinqui33]

Now that we are at the official "halfway point" of the season, I think it is safe to talk about playoff position.  Assuming, Danny keeps the core together, and we make the playoffs, both of which I think will happen.

With that said.  Where is the best place for us to finish?  I am thinking 2,3,6, or 7.  Avoid 4,5, and 8.

The reasoning is that we obviously want to have a good run in the playoffs and playing Miami in the first round would seriously make that tough.  So 8 is definitely out. 

After Miami and with Rose looking like he may call it a season, I really do like our chances against any of the other teams in a 7 games series.   The reason I rule the 4 and 5 out is because we would likely face Miami in the 2nd round and for some reason, there is something more poetic of us having facing them in the conference finals.  And, people just seem to remember when a team makes the conference finals and it elevates the "value" of the team for free agents, trade, etc.

So we are left with 2,3,6, and 7 with 2 and 3 being the preferred as it would mean home court in the first round.  The only way we get 2 or 3 is if we win the division and catch the Knicks who are five games ahead.

So as we get closer to the end of the season, if we are teetering in the 4-7 area, I think Doc should definitely start resting some players and not fight to hard to move from 6 or 7 to 4 or 5.  In that case, the lower seed and rest for key vets is a much better scenario for a deep run.

Thoughts?