We've spent half the season in the NBA, and trends are consolidating across the league. But there are also teams who are gaining momentum, while others are stalling.
Boston (37-11) is however still at the top. Certainly, the Celtics are no longer invincible at home, the Nuggets and the Clippers having stormed the TD Garden, in different circumstances, but Joe Mazzulla's men remain the most consistent since the start of the season, with the second best offense in the league (120.5 points scored per 100 possessions) and the second best defense (111.0 points conceded per 100 possessions).
We can criticize the Massachusetts squad for still abusing the outside shoot a little, and for still relying a little too much on their individualities in hot moments, but with Kristaps Porzingis, the team seems better equipped to thwart the plans opposing defenses when the end of season games arise.
Behind, Minnesota (34-14) has experienced some ups and downs (Charlotte, San Antonio, etc.) recently, mainly due to poorly controlled fourth quarters. But Anthony Edwards and company recovered against the Thunder in stride, and the best defense in the league regained the lead in the Western Conference.
Because Oklahoma City (33-15) also dropped a few matches, including the most surprising in Detroit. Each Thunder defeat seems to be linked to the same problems, particularly rebounding. It must be said that if Chet Holmgren stabilizes the interior structure, the rookie has experienced a slight decline in performance recently, and above all he cannot do everything, while OKC is, for example, only 29th in defensive rebounding.
The Clippers, Knicks and Cavaliers are coming back strong
Just behind, the LA Clippers (31-15) are the best team since Christmas, with 14 victories in 17 outings! Over the period, they are the best attack in the league (123.4 points scored per 100 possessions) and the 6th defense (113.2 points conceded per 100 possessions). Led by a Kawhi Leonard – Paul George duo in top form, and the possibilities offered by James Harden on the pick-and-roll, the Los Angeles team repositioned itself perfectly for the home stretch, despite Ivica Zubac’s injury…
Same thing for New York (31-17), author of an exceptional month of January with 14 victories for 2 defeats. This is simply the club's best calendar month since March 1994. Tom Thibodeau has his army of soldiers, led by Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and his “Villanova Connection”. The problem is that Julius Randle is injured and the rotation is (very) short. Will the Knicks be able to keep up?
Cleveland (29-16) can hope to succeed in this challenge on its side since after having found its rhythm (11 victories in the last 12 matches!) in the absence of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, it has just found its two starters. With a defense back at its level from last year and an attack that seems to have more firepower, the Cavaliers are in ambush behind the Knicks, who have just joined the Top 3 in the East.
For his part, Denver (33-16) is quietly installed in the Top 4 of the Western Conference. The reigning champions are collecting the necessary victories, behind Nikola Jokic, and undoubtedly the only objective of Mike Malone and his men is to approach the playoffs without having left too many feathers upstream…
For Milwaukee (32-16) And Philadelphia (29-17), the perspectives are a little different. Certainly, the Bucks are still in 2nd place in the East but it makes them digest the departure of Adrian Griffin and the arrival of Doc Rivers on the bench. Above all, the defense is still coughing, and the former technician of the Celtics, Clippers and Sixers does not have a magic wand. Behind a Lillard/Beasley first curtain, there will inevitably be gaps and it is not the coach who will be able to fill them all. Can the Wisconsin franchise win the title under these conditions?
For the Sixers, the key question is obviously the health of Joel Embiid, whose left knee has been grinding for several weeks. With their MVP in top form, Nick Nurse's players can harbor the greatest ambitions. But watch out for the slightest grain of sand in the machine…
Outsiders surrounded by questions
Phoenix (28-20) is not far from joining the group of contenders, above. The talent of its “Big Three” allows it to reap victories (9 out of the last 11 matches), even if the team of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker can always suffer at the end of the match and when it faces at true physical density.
For Sacramento (27-19)it seems to be a bit of the same thing, with outside skill still too often deciding the Kings' results.
Even without Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana (27-21) now poses problems for almost all teams. The pace and constant movements of Rick Carlisle's troupe are a challenge for opponents. It's difficult to see this team, even with Pascal Siakam, going far in the playoffs, but it could be very annoying.
On the side of New Orleans (27-21) And Dallas (26-22), the questions remain. The Pelicans cannot really take off, the defensive limits of CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson being too easily exploited by the opponents, while the Mavericks still seem too limited, despite the prowess of Luka Doncic. And the two clubs are now out of the Top 6 of the Western Conference…
Miami (25-23), who plunged in the standings with a series of seven consecutive losses, for his part tried to inject new blood by transferring Kyle Lowry to recover Terry Rozier. This is because the Heat attack is suffering, with Erik Spoelstra forced to fiddle to find the best balance. He notably gently moved Tyler Herro away from the ball, while Bam Adebayo marked time a little and Jimmy Butler sometimes had a frankly surprising attitude, as if he were annoyed by the limits of his own teammates.
As to LA Lakers (24-25)they are, as LeBron James himself says, “capable of beating any NBA team every night” but also “to get your ass kicked by any team”. Like Erik Spoelstra, Darvin Ham tries to juggle between the profiles at his disposal, to find address around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but also the defense, because the duo D'Angelo Russell – Austin Reaves is problematic in this way. side of the field. Not simple, and not sure that a simple “trade” will resolve the difficulties.
Since his impressive start to the season, Orlando (25-23) has largely fallen from its cloud. Certainly, Paolo Banchero and his team are physical and athletic, with an overall size that makes them difficult to attack. But on attack, the Magic remains limited, especially since Cole Anthony has come down from his cloud.
In the very soft stomach
Just behind, we find Utah (24-25), Chicago (23-26) Or Houston (22-25)teams who will undoubtedly fight for the “play-in”.
For Golden State (20-24), the future, near or distant, is difficult to predict. With the return of Draymond Green and the progression of Jonathan Kuminga, as well as Andrew Wiggins finally concerned, the Warriors have the weapons to return to the Top 10 of the Western Conference, or even better. The fact remains that Steve Kerr is having a hard time finding the right levers this season, between his veterans and his youngsters, to write the last chapter of the dynasty.
For Atlanta (20-27) Or Brooklyn (19-28), it's hard to imagine much better than the “play-in” this year. Trae Young and his team are unable to build momentum, while the Nets are simply an average team when Ben Simmons is not there. And the Australian is not often there.
And behind?
Behind, Memphis (18-29) is fighting despite injuries and a decimated workforce, which pushed the NBA to offer several additional recruitment envelopes to the Tennessee franchise. Without Ja Morant, the club knows that its season is over, but the Grizzlies fight and collect some symbolic victories.
HAS Toronto (17-30)we also launched the reconstruction by transferring OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, and we will undoubtedly be able to finish the campaign in freewheeling fashion.
This was already more or less what Portland (15-33), Charlotte (10-36), San Antonio (10-38), Washington (9-38) And Detroit (6-41) were heading, even if we can note some reasons for satisfaction among the Blazers, even among the Spurs, who have been making progress lately.
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