The NBA season has reached the All-Star break, which means all the games from here on out will have much more meaning. The players will step up their intensity as the playoffs get closer, and I'll be tuning in to watch a little more frequently. Below are the current standings in each conference, with a brief analysis and projection for each team.
Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics (40-14)
The Celtics are getting old and are usually a little banged up, but all that matters for these guys is that they are healthy for the playoffs. I think they lose the #1 seed to Miami by season's end, but Boston still has a great chance to make the finals.
2. Miami Heat (41-15)
Love 'em or hate 'em, the Heat are very exciting to watch. When you put two of the world's best athletes on the same team, great things are bound to happen every night. I expect the Heat to enter the playoffs as the 1 seed, but Miami has yet to beat Boston this season so they need to get better if they plan on beating the Celtics in a 7-game series. If the Heat can get everyone healthy by playoff time, I'll probably be picking them to win the title.
3. Chicago Bulls (38-16)
In just his 3rd season, Derrick Rose might already be the best point guard in the NBA. Despite injuries to both of his best big men for a large chunk of the season, the Bulls are still playing great and are only 2 games out of first going to the all-star break. I'd be extremely surprised if they won the East, but if they can get the whole team healthy they've got a chance.
4. Orlando Magic (36-21)
The Magic have struggled to find consistency after the blockbuster trade that brought Hedo Turkoglu, Gilbert Arenas, and Jason Richardson to Orlando. After an appearance in the finals a few years ago, it sure looks like the Magic don't quite have what it takes to win the Eastern Conference this season.
5. Atlanta Hawks (34-21)
The Hawks aren't playing particularly well but they have a nice cushion over the teams behind them, making it likely that they'll find themselves in the 4/5 matchup in the first round of the playoffs.
6. New York Knicks (28-26)
The Knicks are a hard team to understand. Just when you think they are playing great and might make a move into the upper echelon of teams in the East, they lose 5 or 6 in a row and drop back in the pack. If they can add Carmelo without giving up too much, this team has a chance to do some damage. If the rumors continue to circulate without anything happening, the unpredictable play will likely continue.
7. Philadelphia 76ers (27-29)
After a terrible start to the season, the 76ers have hit their stride. They have recent wins over the Spurs, Hawks, and Knicks, and look to be a young team on the rise.
8. Indiana Pacers (24-30)
We've known about Danny Granger for a while, but the emergence of Roy Hibbert as a true force in the middle has turned the Pacers into a playoff contender.
9. Charlotte Bobcats (24-32)
After Larry Brown left and Paul Silas took over, the Bobcats have been a much improved team. Gerald Henderson is starting to break out, and if Stephen Jackson can keep his head in the game, Charlotte could be back in the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (21-34)
The Bucks have had some injuries and haven't played very well this season, but they are still only 3.5 games out of a playoff spot. They've lost 8 of their last 10, so their not exactly in good form at the moment. They'll need to pick it up soon if they want to move in to the top 8.
11. Detroit Pistons (21-36)
The Pistons are a big man away from being a decent team.
12. New Jersey Nets (17-40)
The Nets are a work in progress, and they will only be relevant if they can somehow trade for Carmelo Anthony.
13. Washington Wizards (15-39)
The Wizards have lost 10 of their last 12, so you can't exactly say they're improving. John Wall is going to be a great player in this league, but Washington is still missing too many pieces to compete for a playoff spot.
14. Toronto Raptors (15-41)
The Raptors have lost 17 of their last 19 games, including a stretch of 13 in a row. Andrea Bargnani is a scoring machine and Jose Calderon has been getting lots of assists, but it hasn't added up to wins.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-46)
The Cavs set an NBA record with 26 losses in a row. It's safe to say they miss LeBron James.
Western Conference
1. San Antonio Spurs (46-10)
Every year is supposed to be the one where the Spurs are too old and they finally miss the playoffs. This year is definitely not that year, as they enter the all-star break with the league's best record. Gregg Popovich is the best coach in the NBA, and the Spurs are the best run franchise. It's not even really close.
2. Dallas Mavericks (40-16)
The Mavs struggled badly when Dirk Nowitzki was out with an injury, but they enter the break winners of 13 of their last 14 games. Dallas has been as good as anyone this year, and they are one of a handful of championship contenders. As of right now, they are my pick to win the West.
3. Los Angeles Lakers (38-19)
The Lakers are having some major problems right now. Despite that, as long as they have a guy named Kobe Bryant on their team, L.A. will always be on the short list of championship contenders.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (35-19)
Kevin Durant is once again leading the NBA in scoring, and this year he's running away with it. Now that Russell Westbrook has raised his game to an all-star level, this team is capable of beating anyone.
5. Portland Trail Blazers (32-24)
The emergence of LaMarcus Aldridge as an elite player has helped Portland overcome the absence of Brandon Roy. Aldridge has been putting up huge numbers in the Blazers current 6-game win streak, and if he continues to play at this level, this team could put a scare into one of the West's top teams.
6. New Orleans Hornets (33-25)
The Hornets are extremely streaky. They've had win streaks of 8 and 10 games already this season, but they've currently lost 7 of 8 and are struggling badly. You never know what you're going to get with this team.
7. Denver Nuggets (32-25)
Given all the speculation and rumors about possible trades for Carmelo Anthony, it's pretty impressive that the Nuggets have done this well. If he ends up staying Denver can contend in the West. If he's traded, you will see the Nuggets slide down the standings and start the rebuilding process.
8. Utah Jazz (31-26)
Things are coming unraveled in Utah. The Jazz just lost their Hall of Fame coach to retirement, and they've lost 13 of 17 entering the all-star break. Utah certainly doesn't look like a playoff team right now.
9. Memphis Grizzlies (31-26)
The Grizzlies look to be the beneficiaries of the collapse in Salt Lake City. While the Jazz have been losing consistently, Memphis has won 12 of their last 15 and looks poised to make the playoffs. Zach Randolph is dominating the boards, and the Grizzlies are getting balanced contributions from nearly everyone in their recent stretch of wins.
10. Phoenix Suns (27-27)
The brilliance of Steve Nash has kept this team competitive without Amare Stoudamire, and if they were in the East they'd be in the playoffs. Unfortunately for them, they aren't.
11. Golden State Warriors (26-29)
The Warriors have won 7 of 9 games entering the break. This team has the talent to be much better than they have been, and it looks like they are finally starting to put it together. Monte Ellis is among the league leaders in scoring, and if his coaches can convince him to play team ball every night, Golden State could be a playoff team in the very near future.
12. Houston Rockets (26-31)
It's time for the Rockets to plan for life without Yao Ming. While it looks like Yao's career could be over, Houston has a good core of young talent to build on. Kyle Lowry is blossoming into a great player and has taken over the point guard position for this team, and Luis Scola is a workhorse down low. The Rockets need to find another big man to replace Yao, as well as teach SG Kevin Martin how to play a little defense and take better shots. Houston isn't too far away from being a playoff contender.
13. Los Angeles Clippers (21-35)
The Clippers are a team on the rise. Blake Griffin has been a human highlight film all season, and he's going to be one of the most exciting players to watch for years to come. When healthy, the other team in L.A. can be very good. The Clippers really miss Eric Gordon right now, but the future looks bright for this team.
14. Sacramento Kings (13-40)
DeMarcus Cousins has been a bright spot for this team, but there hasn't been much else to cheer about in Sacramento. Tyreke Evans is a talented player struggling with a foot issue right now, further adding to the Kings' list of problems. Shooting guard is a major need for this team.
15. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-43)
The one positive for Minnesota has been Kevin Love, who made the all-star team and is on the verge of breaking the record for most consecutive double-doubles. Other than that, it's been pretty ugly for the T'Wolves.
Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics (40-14)
The Celtics are getting old and are usually a little banged up, but all that matters for these guys is that they are healthy for the playoffs. I think they lose the #1 seed to Miami by season's end, but Boston still has a great chance to make the finals.
2. Miami Heat (41-15)
Love 'em or hate 'em, the Heat are very exciting to watch. When you put two of the world's best athletes on the same team, great things are bound to happen every night. I expect the Heat to enter the playoffs as the 1 seed, but Miami has yet to beat Boston this season so they need to get better if they plan on beating the Celtics in a 7-game series. If the Heat can get everyone healthy by playoff time, I'll probably be picking them to win the title.3. Chicago Bulls (38-16)
In just his 3rd season, Derrick Rose might already be the best point guard in the NBA. Despite injuries to both of his best big men for a large chunk of the season, the Bulls are still playing great and are only 2 games out of first going to the all-star break. I'd be extremely surprised if they won the East, but if they can get the whole team healthy they've got a chance.
4. Orlando Magic (36-21)
The Magic have struggled to find consistency after the blockbuster trade that brought Hedo Turkoglu, Gilbert Arenas, and Jason Richardson to Orlando. After an appearance in the finals a few years ago, it sure looks like the Magic don't quite have what it takes to win the Eastern Conference this season.
5. Atlanta Hawks (34-21)
The Hawks aren't playing particularly well but they have a nice cushion over the teams behind them, making it likely that they'll find themselves in the 4/5 matchup in the first round of the playoffs.
6. New York Knicks (28-26)
The Knicks are a hard team to understand. Just when you think they are playing great and might make a move into the upper echelon of teams in the East, they lose 5 or 6 in a row and drop back in the pack. If they can add Carmelo without giving up too much, this team has a chance to do some damage. If the rumors continue to circulate without anything happening, the unpredictable play will likely continue.
7. Philadelphia 76ers (27-29)
After a terrible start to the season, the 76ers have hit their stride. They have recent wins over the Spurs, Hawks, and Knicks, and look to be a young team on the rise.
8. Indiana Pacers (24-30)
We've known about Danny Granger for a while, but the emergence of Roy Hibbert as a true force in the middle has turned the Pacers into a playoff contender.
9. Charlotte Bobcats (24-32)
After Larry Brown left and Paul Silas took over, the Bobcats have been a much improved team. Gerald Henderson is starting to break out, and if Stephen Jackson can keep his head in the game, Charlotte could be back in the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (21-34)
The Bucks have had some injuries and haven't played very well this season, but they are still only 3.5 games out of a playoff spot. They've lost 8 of their last 10, so their not exactly in good form at the moment. They'll need to pick it up soon if they want to move in to the top 8.
11. Detroit Pistons (21-36)
The Pistons are a big man away from being a decent team.
12. New Jersey Nets (17-40)
The Nets are a work in progress, and they will only be relevant if they can somehow trade for Carmelo Anthony.
13. Washington Wizards (15-39)
The Wizards have lost 10 of their last 12, so you can't exactly say they're improving. John Wall is going to be a great player in this league, but Washington is still missing too many pieces to compete for a playoff spot.
14. Toronto Raptors (15-41)
The Raptors have lost 17 of their last 19 games, including a stretch of 13 in a row. Andrea Bargnani is a scoring machine and Jose Calderon has been getting lots of assists, but it hasn't added up to wins.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-46)
The Cavs set an NBA record with 26 losses in a row. It's safe to say they miss LeBron James.
Western Conference
1. San Antonio Spurs (46-10)
Every year is supposed to be the one where the Spurs are too old and they finally miss the playoffs. This year is definitely not that year, as they enter the all-star break with the league's best record. Gregg Popovich is the best coach in the NBA, and the Spurs are the best run franchise. It's not even really close.
2. Dallas Mavericks (40-16)The Mavs struggled badly when Dirk Nowitzki was out with an injury, but they enter the break winners of 13 of their last 14 games. Dallas has been as good as anyone this year, and they are one of a handful of championship contenders. As of right now, they are my pick to win the West.
3. Los Angeles Lakers (38-19)
The Lakers are having some major problems right now. Despite that, as long as they have a guy named Kobe Bryant on their team, L.A. will always be on the short list of championship contenders.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (35-19)
Kevin Durant is once again leading the NBA in scoring, and this year he's running away with it. Now that Russell Westbrook has raised his game to an all-star level, this team is capable of beating anyone.
5. Portland Trail Blazers (32-24)
The emergence of LaMarcus Aldridge as an elite player has helped Portland overcome the absence of Brandon Roy. Aldridge has been putting up huge numbers in the Blazers current 6-game win streak, and if he continues to play at this level, this team could put a scare into one of the West's top teams.
6. New Orleans Hornets (33-25)
The Hornets are extremely streaky. They've had win streaks of 8 and 10 games already this season, but they've currently lost 7 of 8 and are struggling badly. You never know what you're going to get with this team.
7. Denver Nuggets (32-25)
Given all the speculation and rumors about possible trades for Carmelo Anthony, it's pretty impressive that the Nuggets have done this well. If he ends up staying Denver can contend in the West. If he's traded, you will see the Nuggets slide down the standings and start the rebuilding process.
8. Utah Jazz (31-26)
Things are coming unraveled in Utah. The Jazz just lost their Hall of Fame coach to retirement, and they've lost 13 of 17 entering the all-star break. Utah certainly doesn't look like a playoff team right now.
9. Memphis Grizzlies (31-26)
The Grizzlies look to be the beneficiaries of the collapse in Salt Lake City. While the Jazz have been losing consistently, Memphis has won 12 of their last 15 and looks poised to make the playoffs. Zach Randolph is dominating the boards, and the Grizzlies are getting balanced contributions from nearly everyone in their recent stretch of wins.
10. Phoenix Suns (27-27)
The brilliance of Steve Nash has kept this team competitive without Amare Stoudamire, and if they were in the East they'd be in the playoffs. Unfortunately for them, they aren't.
11. Golden State Warriors (26-29)
The Warriors have won 7 of 9 games entering the break. This team has the talent to be much better than they have been, and it looks like they are finally starting to put it together. Monte Ellis is among the league leaders in scoring, and if his coaches can convince him to play team ball every night, Golden State could be a playoff team in the very near future.
12. Houston Rockets (26-31)
It's time for the Rockets to plan for life without Yao Ming. While it looks like Yao's career could be over, Houston has a good core of young talent to build on. Kyle Lowry is blossoming into a great player and has taken over the point guard position for this team, and Luis Scola is a workhorse down low. The Rockets need to find another big man to replace Yao, as well as teach SG Kevin Martin how to play a little defense and take better shots. Houston isn't too far away from being a playoff contender.
13. Los Angeles Clippers (21-35)
The Clippers are a team on the rise. Blake Griffin has been a human highlight film all season, and he's going to be one of the most exciting players to watch for years to come. When healthy, the other team in L.A. can be very good. The Clippers really miss Eric Gordon right now, but the future looks bright for this team.
14. Sacramento Kings (13-40)
DeMarcus Cousins has been a bright spot for this team, but there hasn't been much else to cheer about in Sacramento. Tyreke Evans is a talented player struggling with a foot issue right now, further adding to the Kings' list of problems. Shooting guard is a major need for this team.
15. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-43)
The one positive for Minnesota has been Kevin Love, who made the all-star team and is on the verge of breaking the record for most consecutive double-doubles. Other than that, it's been pretty ugly for the T'Wolves.
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