Week 2 News and Notes

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Published: November 12, 2008

-The East is 17-12 vs. the West. It seems the turning of the guard is happening some. Age has gotten to some of the western previous powers obviously, but I can’t help but think that David Stern was right when he said conference power is cyclical.

-Hornets watch: 4-2 after a 1-2 week. They got caught by Eastern teams contributing to that 17-12 record, by way of Atlanta and Charlotte. They are currently playing at the 4th slowest pace.

-Phoenix leads the league in offensive efficiency at 108.8 points per 100 possessions, so much for Steve Nash needing Mike Dantoni’s offense. The Lakers are first in defensive efficiency. Only L.A. and the Celtics are allowing less than 90 points per 100 possessions.

-The Lakers are also still leading in differential, although they haven’t really had difficult games and that is going to start tonight in New Orleans.

-T.J. Ford’s PER-19.40, Jermaine O’Neal’s PER-12.00. So far, advantage Pacers on that swap. Although more time for Calderon is a good thing, and I have read anecdotal evidence that O’Neal has been playing good defense.

– Amare Stoudemire and LeBron James were the players of the week. Both are quality choices who will probably win multiple POW awards this year.

-I said last week that Kevin Pelton of Basketball Prospectus’ system of projecting teams had San Antonio out of the playoffs. I also said it may not be that far off. Well now that looks even more likely with Tony Parker out 4 weeks, and Manu still not scheduled to return until around the same time. They are dead last in defensive efficiency and I don’t see how they create shots outside of Tim Duncan.

-Washington is still the only team without a win. 0-5. They were 0-5 last year and made the playoffs, I’ll go out on a limb and say in the improved East that doesn’t happen again.

-Rudy Fernandez, Jason Thompson, Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, Darrell Arthur are all rookies that are playing more than 20 minutes a game and giving above league average PER (15.0 is average.)

-All NBA teams combined are 64-31 at home this season. The only division with a losing home record is the Southwest. The Southwest division’s only home unbeaten…The Memphis Grizzlies.

-The Raptors, Knicks, and Blazers all have been outscored on the season but carry with them records above .500, they are the only three such teams in the league.

-Denver is 3-0 with Billups at the point. Detroit is 1-2 with Iverson, needing a comeback victory over the Kings last night to get that one.

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