After all the All Star Game festivities ended on Sunday, it was make to real life for the NBA. What should we expect down the stretch? How many teams realistically have a chance to hoist the trophy in June? Is every team trying to win? And who will be the league MVP? Lots of unknowns surround the league at the midway point.
So who are the contenders?
West: Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs & Memphis Grizzlies,
East: Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers & Toronto Raptors.
Who is in the running for NBA MVP?
LeBron James, James Harden, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis & Chris Paul.
Which teams are tanking? Why?
The most notable 2nd half tanker would be the Los Angeles Lakers. They will intentionally trying to finish in the bottom 5 of the league to secure their 1st Round pick. The Lakers are in full blown tank & rebuild mode. Their window of opportunity is closing with Kobe Bryant’s clock ticking. The Sixers, Knicks, Timberwolves & Orlando Magic also appear to be tanking or they could just be really bad teams.
Predictions?
Let’s say Dallas Mavericks scratch and claw their way out of the West only to lose to the Chicago Bulls. Going out on a limb here…
What do you think?
