Submitted by Don Layton, Jan 10, 2008 02:00

The fact that Portland has a low point differential is deceptive for several different reasons. First, they have played one of the toughest schedules in the league so far this year. (On the other side of the coin, they have played more home games than most other teams to this point - it will be interesting to see them go through the next several brutal road games). Second, the first seventeen games of the season really skew those stats. And those first seventeen games have little relevance to what happens from here through the rest of the season. Frankly, as far as they were on the down side of the point differential for so long, it's amazing to see that they have turned it around so quickly. And look at the past several games. Not only are they winning now, but they are beginning to blow teams out. In my mind, the trend of improvement has continued, even though the 13 game win streak was snapped.

I do agree with you on one thing though. I think LA is going to be tough to beat this year in the West. They have been more impressive than any other team (including Boston and Detroit) over the past while. Right now, they are probably the best NBA team.

Don Layton

Bend, Oregon

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