On a positive note, the Pistons came in as the next closest team to the Nets. Pistons WIN, Nets LOSE. Now Detroit is 4 up on the Nets, with the Clippers a likely 3 1/2 (assuming a loss to Boston).
NJ has a fairly easy stretch coming up. I don't see them dropping in the standings, as Toronto and Washington have terrible teams, but I hope they climb no further in the standings. The Pistons, Clippers and Bicks are all within striking distance. I don't want a repeat of last year when a #5 pick slipped all the way down to #9 because New York got hot down the stretch and other teams just gave up.