The preseason hype has been a lot of hot air. More talk than actual results. Uneven play has reigned.
No, we’re not talking about the Knicks. This is in regards to the Eastern Conference, which was supposed to be a monster, but through more than one quarter of the season has been the picture of mediocrity after the very top.
Nine teams, from fourth place to 12th, are separated by just two games in the loss column. Only three teams — the Celtics, Bucks and Cavaliers — have winning percentages above .538. The Heat, 76ers and Nets have been major disappointments. There is talk that the 12th-place Bulls, at 10-14, are willing to move difference-making veterans DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. With a loaded draft some analysts believe could end up being historically good, more teams may end up unloading key players, looking to improve their positioning by sliding down the standings.
That leaves a golden opportunity for the Knicks, who despite their mediocre 12-13 record are just one hot streak from being in strong playoff position. After Wednesday night’s 113-89 win over the Hawks, they are just 1.5 games behind the Nets (14-12) for fourth place in the conference.
