While watching overtime of the thrilling Cleveland Cavaliers-Washington Wizards game, it hit me that these two teams are head and shoulders above what Milwaukee Bucks are right now. It wasn’t that way the whole season, but the way it’s shaped out in last month, Milwaukee looks more like a lottery team than a playoff team. Moreover, Toronto and Boston are two other teams in the Eastern Conference who are playing at another level than Milwaukee. At least right now on February 7th, it appears the four best teams in the Eastern Conference have already been decided. Playoffs still should be the focus, but let’s remembering a little perspective if they do or they do not.

If playoffs started today, the four teams above are your top four (Cleveland, Boston, Toronto, Washington). After those four, it’s Atlanta, Indiana, Chicago and Detroit. Looking at the last two teams in, there on Bucks level with Atlanta being slightly better and Indiana surging having won seven straight. Therefore, any of those teams shouldn’t be too heartbroken if they’re entering the lottery. This is a defeatist attitude to have, sure, but let’s be realistic about Bucks chances at this point. They don’t look good especially if they’re paired with Toronto who is easily their worst matchup in the NBA.

That said, a lot can change. We’re two months out until playoffs. Bucks have 14 of their next 17 at home, teams could have injuries that alter their season and Milwaukee can work their way back to being considered with the Atlanta’s and Indiana’s of the world. Bucks aren’t waving the white flag, but these next two weeks will really decide if Milwaukee ends up being a seller at the deadline. If they keep inching closer back to the playoffs, I don’t think John Hammond will go into full buy mode, rather remain on the sideline even if the trade deadline is Trader John’s absolute favorite time of the year.

Charlie.