Don't be fooled by their records
One of the beauty of a sports league are the mirage created by the standings for the real quality of some teams. Here are the three squads that deserves more attention and preparation that what their records require.
BOSTON: 10-8
The injury bug continue to be a big deterrent to the campaign of the Celtics. Horford has missed 10 games and Celtics went 5-5 on those games. Jae Crowder has missed 8 games and the green battalion went 3-5. Even with those injuries, Boston still has the 9th best offensive rating and 3rd best assist percentage.
With a lethal offense and knowing the history of the team on the defensive end, Boston should still be considered an elite team on the East.
DALLAS: 3-15
Mark Cuban was serious about his statement that they are not really tanking this season. Because, you don't really need to try to tank if you have missed your main man (Dirk Nowitzki) for 13 games and two of your main backcourt players (Barea and D. Will) for 18 combined games.
As of now, they are giving up the ninth least points and forcing the eight most turnovers. We also need to point out the production of Harrison Barnes who is making 20.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 46.4% FG. Making 46.4% of your shot when you don't have enough helping hand speaks a lot of the ability of the Barnes.
UTAH: 11-9
Just like the two teams above, injury has been a culprit to the Jazz. Hayward, Hill and Favors has missed 6, 8 and 8 games, respectively. Eve with those absences, Utah still has the fourth best net rating of 6.3 in the league. They are also forcing their opponents to the worst FG%, 2nd worst three-pointers made and least points per game. With their incredible defense, Utah could be a very dangerous 6th-8th seed in the playoffs.
