You’re still funny.

You’re funny.

Especially in last year’s playoff series, Rondo versus the Heat’s point guards (Chalmers/Cole) was the Celtics’ biggest mismatch.

So while the Celtics did beat the Heat without Rondo a couple of weeks ago, I really don’t think the Celtics can beat the Heat in a 7-game series (with the Heat having home-court advantage) without Rondo. It’s also important to remember that after that game, the Celtics lost Jared Sullinger (who had started playing really well recently and hurts their big-man rotation) and Barbosa (which has left them with very little guard depth) for the rest of the season.

There are a few teams in each conference who pose threats to the Heat. I’m not saying I’d bet against the Heat if they played against these teams, but I wouldn’t be *shocked* if they did beat the Heat in a 7-game series, the way I’d be shocked if, say, the Bucks beat the Heat:

In the East – Bulls (if Rose comes back), Pacers (if Danny Granger is back at full-health), and Knicks (if they’re hitting their 3′s)

In the West – OKC (if they stop resorting to iso-ball on offense so much), Clippers (good athleticism and depth), and Spurs (the best way to beat the Heat’s aggressive defense is with excellent passing, which is the Spurs’ specialty)

1. LeBron
2. Durant
3. CP3
4. Tony Parker
5. Carmelo

So Chris Paul is definitely in the conversation, but his chances really depend on the Clippers going on a tear their final 26 games.
If after struggling for a couple of weeks without CP3, the Clippers go on a monster stretch with 20+ wins to finish off the year, Chris Paul’s MVP candidacy would gain a lot of steam.