11/26/2004 11:04:35 AM|||Shep|||In fantasy basketball sometimes, we tend to lost focus on the NBA as a whole with a focus more on individual players and performances. (At least I do this... when half way through the season, I realize I don't even know who'd make the playoffs right now)

So, this season I'm attempting to be more dedicated to the big picture. It's difficult when my "teams" are the Bulls (tied for last in the league right now) and the Blazers, who, despite a 6-5 record, wouldn't be in the playoffs right now. Which is why I wanted to comment on the league in the first place. I know the comparisons between East and West are as old as the sport itself... but lets just take a look:

As of the morning of Nov. 26th, the 8th place team in the west is Denver with a record of 6-5. Minnesota and Portland also have winning records at 6-5, tying them for 8th place. Minnesota! Tied for 8th! Also of note, the Clippers are 6-6 (50%) and the Rockets are 6-7 (46%).

Now for the East... 8th place goes to Detroit (another "!"), their record? 5-6 (45%). In 7th is New York, also 5-6. Indiana, best in the east is 9-3. Over in the West: Seattle, and Phoenix are at 11 and 10 wins respectively.

It's still early in the season, obviously (we're not even through with November yet)... but we all know that the sort of effort you need to give in the East to make the playoffs is no where near the caliber needed in the West. (On a personal note) this sort of thing has frustrated me to know end while rooting for the Blazers. If only the Bulls could put together even a mediocre team in the East, I'd have something to be happy about come playoff time. But, if both of my teams again fail to qualify, I can also take heart in hoping for the demise of the Lakers.

That's that.|||110148867548308459|||NBA Standings