Monday, September 8, 2008

East playoff field set

This is what we know. Indiana, via Chicago's loss Sunday, is in the playoffs, meaning the East will boast the same exact postseason field as a year ago. The seeding, however, will be different. Indiana can finish no higher than the No. 3 seed and if it hopes to catch New York for that honor, it will need to win out and for New York to lose out. They play each other once more, with Indiana holding the season series lead, 2-1.

As for homecourt advantage, New York is still very much in the mix with the Sun (three games to play) and Detroit (also three games remain). To hold onto the top seed, the Sun would need to win it outright over Detroit. If New York were to make a push past Detroit and tie the Sun for first, the Sun would get the nod because it won the season series between the two squads (2-1). Detroit, though a game back of the Sun, is in a great position with games against Washington (already eliminated), Phoenix (at home) an New York (a win would secure the season series) and the season series lead, as for now, over both the Sun and Liberty.

The Sun, though, still control their own destiny. Win out on the road against Houston and then San Antonio and then at home against Washington, and no matter what Detroit or New York does, they're the No. 1 seed. A loss here or there coupled with a Detroit win would erase their lead and suddenly put them in position of needing help. Stay tuned. Indiana plays at Atlanta tonight.

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