Apr 9, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to drive around Washington Wizards shooting guard Garrett Temple (17) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 120-99. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks continue to streak and peak. They have won 13 straight now and while some would say that they are the best team in the division, they have only the second best record vs other Atlantic teams in the division. In any case, the Knicks have peaked at a good time. As it stands, they would face the Celtics in the first round. *grabs a bowl of cereal* I’m sure that series will be great and fun.

Nets are the team out of the division that has the best record vs the division. I would’ve loved to see the Knicks and Nets battle for New York at some point during the playoffs but unless one of the teams move, they wouldn’t see each other until the conference finals, which is very unlikely. Still, the Nets should make the second round of the playoffs but with that roster, that’s their ceiling. Gerald Wallace went down an injury and has been quoted as not confident at all in his shot. They’ll need him to be a positive factor if they want a chance to make it past round 3.

The Celtics continue to be steady. The contending days may be over but they are still a team that you don’t want to see in the playoffs. Like I said earlier, the Celtics and Knicks seem like they are a lock to meet in the playoffs. The Celtics are a team that doesn’t need home court advantage, especially in a rival series like this. But I gotta go with the Knicks in 6 games.

The Sixers’ joke of a season is finally over. At tis point, the players are probably playing for stats. Jrue Holiday’s game may say that “the season is over and I’m out”. He’s been a wreck during this small losing streak.

Ah, the Raptors. They had a positive second half of the season, actually making noise in the playoff race. Armed with a nice little roster, I actually can see them making the playoffs next season. Like I said last week, they may finish last in the division for the last time this year, if only for one year.

Apr 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is congratulated by teammates after winning against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Knicks won 95-82. Mandatory Credit: Mike Muszynski-USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo Anthony scored 90 points in 2 games in as many nights. They also have won 10 straight and are peaking at the right time with the playoffs just around the corner. But how long can they hold up? Injuries have been around for the oldest team in the NBA (even the oldest rookie in NBA history at 36!). Defense is still a concern as outside of Tyson Chandler, there’s not much else going on. But, they shouldn’t have a problem getting past the first round and even the second. I don’t think they can take the Heat though.

The Nets continue to look like they are a few steps away from contending. The biggest part is the bench in my opinion. After Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, there’s not much support for the team in the scoring department. Granted, Williams and Johnson are big scorers (even if they are inefficient) and can carry a team offensively. If Dwight is out of LakerLand, will the Nets indeed make the move or should they stick with Lopez? My guess is sticking with Lopez as I don’t think they have the pieces to get Howard and still have a respectable support system.

The Celtics have struggled with injuries as well especially losing Rajon Rondo. And yet, before the injuries, the Celtics didn’t look like they were poised to make a run. Like the past couple of seasons, they started off slower and people figured the window was closed. That was not the case. But, was the loss of Ray Allen key here? Or is this team done contending? Of course, I do like the team’s future. Rondo and Jeff Green are a couple of players they’ll probably look to keep in the next contending core. But, unless they make a big trade, it’ll be time for rebuilding in Boston.

The Sixers had a good week. They’ve been winning games. Of course, this means nothing to you if you’re for tanking as the Sixers have sealed themselves for a mediocre pick. But, for a mediocre team, I guess this makes sense. Anyway, they are playing better as of late and are technically still in the playoff hunt. In fact, they are the only team under the 8th seed with a chance of making the playoffs. Really, the only two teams fighting are the Bucks and Sixers. If you followed this blog last year, you knew I didn’t want the team making the playoffs. Not because of a chance for a pick. No, the team’s collapse was so bad last year I was pretty much expecting them to get completely embarrassed in the playoffs. Of course, this didn’t happen. But the possibility was there for sure. I don’t think the Sixers make the playoffs though so I’m not worried.

The Raptors look like they are going to be fine in the future. I think Andrea will as well as should be traded. I guess they will finish last in the division although with the Sixers, anything is possible. I think they handled the division well even though they are 3-11 vs the division. If things don’t work out with Sixers and Bynum, the Raptors may be in last place in this division for the last time this year.

Oh hey…it’s my first post as a staff writer since May 2012. You’ll get the same content from me; just a different title is all. I don’t (I totally do) mean to brag but I am the site’s leading publisher. Thanks for reading and follow me on Twitter @DanteWrites.