A lot has been written about the superiority of the Western Conference. I usually ignore it because it is what it is no matter how many times that point is driven home. However, a recent glance at the standings even surprised me. Currently there are 5 Eastern Conference teams with records above .500 (Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Orlando, Washington), 8 below .500 (Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Indiana, Miami, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New York) and 2 teams (Philadelphia and Toronto) hovering at 35-35. While it may be unlikely, there is an outside chance that the Eastern Conference could start the playoffs with four times above .500. Realistically Washington is getting healthy and will probably finish the season well. Meanwhile, the Raports and 76ers are tough too. But it could happen. That's crazy.