The most notable thing at the top of the Eastern Conference is the fact that Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics mutually share it. Although the number of games the teams have played differs, they are joined as one with the number of defeats they have all suffered. Unless all of them lose or win concurrently in their next respective games, the top will definitely be shaken up.
Of the three crucial games that are on cards for the current top three, the Cavaliers have a simple assignment against the bottom placed New Jersey Nets. In their last ten games, the Nets have only won once while the Cavs in their last ten games, have only lost once. Based on this, not much can be said about this game other than expecting the Cavs to tighten their grasp at the summit.
Orlando Magic will be looking forward for a win at bulls graze yard against the unpredictable Chicago Bulls. The admirable thing about the Magic is that they don’t rely on one player to step up. Their attack comes in a three-dimensional figure in the form of Carter, Howard and Lewis, all having enough credentials of playing the leading role. Since the loss the Magic suffered on Christmas day, they have cast the bitter memories of that game miles away with back-to-back wins. The Bulls on the other hand are enjoying a three game winning streak and it will be interesting to see how the Magic will avoid being tethered.
The three recent loses the Boston Celtics have suffered have done two major damages. One, their lead at the top of the East has slept away out of their hands. Secondly, they are no longer the clear favorites of winning the Eastern conference title. The losing streak will mount enormous pressure for the Celtics to deal with when they host the Toronto Raptors. They have to break the losing streak if they have to want to repair the damage it has caused. The fact that the game is being played at the Boston Garden favours the Celtics to win but they have to be cautious of the Raptors five game winning streak.