There has been a lot of concern over the health of our team and the seed going into the playoffs. While I agree, the injuries piling up are unfortunate, I would like to point out some silver linings:

1) Injuries right now equal rest for some of our best players, it also gives our bench time to step up and gel for a playoff run. Specifically Prigs, Camby, and Martin. These three are showing they can be relied upon and will be valuable assets around Melo, Tyson, and Stat if we get him back.

2) Do we really need the #2 seed? Yes winning the division would be huge and we should strive for it. I think it would say a lot about this team and give them confidence in the playoffs - but it isn't necessary. The teams we have to a avoid in the first round are Miami (who will be the #1 seed) and Indiana (who could take the #2 spot. As long as we don't fall far enough to play either of those two, I like our chances. Chicago won't have Rose or he will be just getting back and full of rust. Philly won't have Bynum. I think we can beat Brooklyn, Milwaukee, and Atlanta. I wouldn't want the C's in rd 1 because that will be a battle but I still like our chances there if we are healthy.

3) We don't need Stat. It would be awesome to have him back at 100% and leading the second squad but I think we have enough talent to fill the gap he leaves. Martin can probably do it. The scoring might not be as good but the defense sure will be.

4) If we get a healthy Sheed back we are very dangerous - combine that with Stat, Martin, Camby and Tyson and I think we have a pretty nasty front line that will do more damage in the playoffs than we saw in the regular season.

5) We know what type of D this team is capable of from the beginning of the season. Everyone is pissed they have stepped off the gas, but you have to save another gear for the playoffs and I think this team is doing exactly that. They will turn it on and play much better basketball once the playoffs start.

As long as our guys can rest enough while keeping the rust off, I think we are in a great position to make it out of the first round - then all bets are off and it will be a new season.