Playoff race update

[Alex Wang <awang@mit.edu>]

Yesterday, Detroit was victorious while Milwaukee and Orlando lost, so
the Celtics remain 3.5 games behind the 8th playoff spot. We have been
passed by Atlanta, who has been playing well recently (9-5 in last 14).
Close behind is Cleveland (1 game back) and New Jersey (1.5 games). 
Milwaukee seems to be in serious trouble right now, playing with no
confidence and getting blasted by the coach. 

The standings from the 8th spot down:

Milwaukee  27-29   0.0
----------------------
Orlando    25-30   1.5
Atlanta    22-30   3.0
Boston     23-32   3.5
Cleveland  22-33   4.5
New Jersey 21-33   5.0 

It's looking quite possible that the 8th seed will go to a team with
a losing record.

The Celtics need to get back into the hunt quickly. They play six
of their next seven games at home, including games against Orlando
and Milwaukee. It's a vital opportunity to close ground on our
rivals for the 8th seed.

After that they play a stretch of 10 of 13 on the road, when the goal
will be to stay within striking distance. There are two road games
against Detroit and road games against Milwaukee, Atlanta, and Orlando
in this stretch.

If they are still in the race in the final two weeks, they'll be in
good position because they finish with 6 of 7 at home to finish
the season, including games against potential rivals Orlando and
Atlanta.

Alex