The Most Crucial Game Every NBA Team Has Left to Play
We're only about a fifth of the way through the 2011-2012 NBA season, but we already have a fairly decent idea of how good or how bad most of the teams in the NBA are. There are some fluky records (like the Boston Celtics' losing mark), but we are getting a good picture of the basketball landscape thus far.
Even in a 66-game season, as opposed to the normal 82-game campaigns, it's hard for one game to be considered "crucial."
But these games are as "crucial" as it gets for each team in the NBA.
Atlanta Hawks
1 of 30Record: 10-4
Standing: 5th in the Eastern Conference, 2nd in the Southeast Division
Most Crucial Game Left: February 4 vs. Philadelphia 76ers
This game will be the Atlanta Hawks' first true test in the Eastern Conference once they've adjusted to no longer having Al Horford in the lineup.
Boston Celtics
2 of 30Record: 4-8
Standing: 9th in the Eastern Conference, 3rd in the Atlantic Division
Most Crucial Game Left: February 3 vs. New York Knicks
The Boston Celtics are currently just on the outside looking in at the playoff teams in the Eastern Conference, but a big home win against the New York Knicks could improve their standing in both their division and conference.
Charlotte Bobcats
3 of 30Record: 3-12
Standing: 14th in the Eastern Conference, 4th in the Southeast Division
Most Crucial Game Left: April 10 at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Charlotte Bobcats aren't going to make the playoffs. There's no way around that fact, which means that the biggest game left will be their only game left against Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker's biggest obstacle to becoming the best point guard in his draft class.
Chicago Bulls
4 of 30Record: 13-3
Standing: 1st in the Eastern Conference, 1st in the Central Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 29 at Miami Heat
The only team in the Eastern Conference that should intimidate the Chicago Bulls is Miami, so what could be more crucial than the next time they travel to South Beach and go against the Heat?
Cleveland Cavaliers
5 of 30Record: 6-7
Standing: 8th in the Eastern Conference, 3rd in the Central Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 20 vs Chicago Bulls
Somehow, someway, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. There's no better way to see if they're legit than watching how they fare against the owners of the league's best record in their next game. The Cavs don't necessarily need to win, but it will be a great sign if they keep it close.
Dallas Mavericks
6 of 30Record: 8-6
Standing: 8th in the Western Conference, 2nd in the Southwest Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 27 vs. Utah Jazz
With an aging lineup, the Dallas Mavericks need to win as many games as possible now to even make it into the playoffs. No contest is more important a must-win home game against the Utah Jazz in the near future.
Denver Nuggets
7 of 30Record: 9-5
Standing: 5th in the Western Conference, 3rd in the Northwest Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 29 vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Denver Nuggets are as solid a team as their 9-5 record indicates and they'll have a chance to prove it against the Los Angeles Clippers when the two Western Conference contenders meet up next.
Detroit Pistons
8 of 30Record: 3-11
Standing: 12th in the Eastern Conference, 5th in the Central Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 23 at Oklahoma City Thunder
The Detroit Pistons aren't going to do anything but contend for a top pick in the upcoming draft. That makes every game they have a...must-lose? Seeing how Brandon Knight fares against Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder should be a decent indicator of the future though.
Golden State Warriors
9 of 30Record: 5-8
Standing: 12th in the Western Conference, 3rd in the Pacific Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 27 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Golden State Warriors are only three games out of a playoff spot and they have more talent than a five-win squad should have. Their next big test in the Western Conference is the most crucial game.
Houston Rockets
10 of 30Record: 7-7
Standing: 10th in the Western Conference, 4th in the Southwest Division
Most Crucial Game Left: February 14 at Memphis Grizzlies
Right now, the Houston Rockets are tied in the standings with the Memphis Grizzlies. Without Zach Randolph, those two teams will be in about the same spots throughout the seasons, making their next contest all the more important.
Indiana Pacers
11 of 30Record: 9-3
Standing: 4th in the Eastern Conference, 2nd in the Central Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 25 at Chicago Bulls
The Indiana Pacers have a gaudy record, but they have yet to beat an elite team. They'll have a chance to do so and prove their legitimacy here.
Los Angeles Clippers
12 of 30Record: 7-4
Standing: 6th in the Western Conference, 2nd in the Central Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 25 at Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Clippers won the first Battle for Los Angeles, but they still trail the Lakers in the standings. Let's see if they can take Round 2.
Los Angles Lakers
13 of 30Record: 10-5
Standing: 3rd in the Western Conference, 1st in the Pacific Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 25 vs. Los Angeles Clippers
See the previous slide. You can bet that the Los Angeles Lakers aren't too happy about losing that game.
Memphis Grizzlies
14 of 30Record: 6-6
Standing: 9th in the Western Conference, 3rd in the Southwest Division
Most Crucial Game Left: March 11 at Denver Nuggets*
*This is assuming that Zach Randolph returns in early March, as is expected. If this is the case, it will be the team's first test at full strength.
Miami Heat
15 of 30Record: 9-4
Standing: 6th in the Eastern Conference, 3rd in the Southeast Division
Most Crucial Game Left: N/A
When a team is as heavily scrutinized as the Miami Heat, every single game is crucial.
Milwaukee Bucks
16 of 30Record: 4-9
Standing: 10th in the Eastern Conference, 4th in the Central Division
Most Crucial Game Left: February 3 at Detroit Pistons
Amazingly enough, the Milwaukee Bucks still haven't won a single road game. I'd like to see them win their next easy road game just for posterity's sake.
Minnesota Timberwolves
17 of 30Record: 5-8
Standing: 11th in the Western Conference, 5th in the Northwest Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 20 at Los Angeles Clippers
The Minnesota Timberwolves aren't going to win enough games to make the playoffs, but they are going to continue to impress viewers. Making a good impression on the next ESPN broadcast is crucial.
New Jersey Nets
18 of 30Record: 3-11
Standing: 13th in the Eastern Conference, 5th in the Atlantic Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 22 vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The New Jersey Nets need to play well to keep Deron Williams interested in both this season and his future with the team. Picking up an easy win against the Charlotte Bobcats could be the first step to doing that.
New Orleans Hornets
19 of 30Record: 3-10
Standing: 15th in the Western Conference, 5th in the Southwest Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 30 at Miami Heat*
*This is assuming that Eric Gordon returns in the next week-and-a-half, as is expected. If this is the case, it will be the team's first test at full strength.
New York Knicks
20 of 30Record: 6-7
Standing: 7th in the Eastern Conference, 2nd in the Atlantic Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 27 at Miami Heat
There's no test like going to play the Miami Heat at their home court. If the New York Knicks want to prove that they can compete for the NBA title this season, they have to at least make this game close.
Oklahoma City Thunder
21 of 30Record: 12-2
Standing: 1st in the Western Division, 1st in the Northwest Division
Most Crucial Game Left: N/A
The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently the Miami Heat of the Western Conference, which makes every game they play a crucial contest.
Orlando Magic
22 of 30Record: 10-3
Standing: 3rd in the Eastern Conference, 1st in the Southeast Division
Most Crucial Game Left: March 16 vs. New Jersey Nets
With the trade deadline on March 15, this game against the New Jersey Nets will be a great way to see just how good the team looks without Dwight Howard.
Philadelphia 76ers
23 of 30Record: 10-3
Standing: 2nd in the Eastern Conference, 1st in the Atlantic Division
Most Crucial Game Left: February 1 vs. Chicago Bulls
The Philadelphia 76ers are good enough to remain near the top of the Eastern Conference throughout the season, but to prove they belong, they'll have to beat the team currently owning the top record in the league.
Phoenix Suns
24 of 30Record: 4-9
Standing: 13th in the Western Conference, 4th in the Pacific Division
Most Crucial Game Left: April 25 vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Phoenix Suns just aren't any good this season and they don't have any truly glamorous young players that would need big tests to elevate their standing in the public eye. Steve Nash may be playing his final season, so let's just go ahead and make his potential final game the season's most crucial one.
Portland Trail Blazers
25 of 30Record: 8-5
Standing: 7th in the Western Conference, 4th in the Northwest Division
Most Crucial Game Left: February 11 at Dallas Mavericks
The Portland Trail Blazers have a slight lead over the Dallas Mavericks for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. This is simply the next time they play.
Sacramento Kings
26 of 30Record: 4-10
Standing: 14th in the Western Conference, 5th in the Pacific Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 31 at Golden State Warriors
The Sacramento Kings have a brutal stretch of games coming up followed by a relatively easy contest with the Golden State Warriors. As tired as they may be, that could be their last shot at having even a decent season.
San Antonio Spurs
27 of 30Record: 9-5
Standing: 4th in the Western Conference, 1st in the Southwest Division
Most Crucial Game Left: February 4 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
As old as the San Antonio Spurs roster is, they need to win games now to guarantee themselves a top seed when the playoffs roll around. Winning their next contest against the top team in the conference could go a long way.
Toronto Raptors
28 of 30Record: 4-10
Standing: 11th in the Eastern Conference, 4th in the Atlantic Division
Most Crucial Game Left: None
Sorry Toronto Raptors fans, but there aren't too many things in this season that could be deemed as crucial for your team.
Utah Jazz
29 of 30Record: 9-4
Standing: 2nd in the Western Conference, 2nd in the Northwest Division
Most Crucial Game Left: February 1 vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Utah Jazz have surprised everyone by opening the season with a 9-4 record, good enough to come out on top of all the teams in the Western Conference save one. But is it a fluke or not? This great matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers should answer the question.
Washington Wizards
30 of 30Record: 1-12
Standing: 15th in the Eastern Conference, 5th in the Southeast Division
Most Crucial Game Left: January 25 vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The Washington Wizards are just terrible. They aren't going to win any games against top-notch teams, but they might have a chance against these fellow bottom-dwellers.
