Random Thoughts: I expected this, but not really

This summer, Jason and I talked basketball over the phone for quite some time. By quite some time, I mean several hours. Over the course of it, we discussed the Eastern Conference. I thought the Heat would be great, but not dominating. Mostly, though, we covered the Atlantic Division. Most of the major trades had occurred. I think Felton had gone to the Knicks, though I'm not sure. Anyhow, at the beginning of the season (really, the last time Jason and I jawed hoops), neither of us saw Philly or Indiana in the playoff race. Here's what the standings are right now in the East:

Miami 30 9 .769
Boston 28 9 .757
Chicago 25 12 .676
Orlando 25 12 .676
Atlanta 25 14 .641
New York 21 15 .583
Indiana 14 20 .412
Philadelphia 15 22 .405

Philly over Charlotte and Milwaukee? Really? We're roughly at the halfway mark of the season, but neither team was supposed to be doing this poorly yet also be in playoff contention. Philly is playing rather well compared to expectations, despite Iguodala's recent troubles. Indiana, not so much. While some of the stars of this summer's absolutely awesome Team USA started out incredibly well, others, like Granger and Iguodala have struggled compared to years past. Charlotte clearly felt the loss of Felton more than even Felton's staunchest admirers outside of Larry Brown could ever imagine.

We all knew Chicago would be a hell of a team by becoming the Chicago Jazz. Couple this with Tom Thibodeau's debut, and you have a team with few weaknesses. The recent argument has been a lack of outside shooters. Obviously, we'll see how they fare, especially once Noah comes back in a few weeks.