The Lakers and Bucks, both proud owners of nine-game winning streaks, continue to lord over their respective conferences.
25. Chicago Bulls (Up 2)
(6-13) Last week: 1-3
The Bulls, despite their record, remain a chance to sneak into the playoffs. They’re taking the right shots and allow the right shots, they’re just shooting the ball terribly. If they start to put the ball in the bucket, a turnaround isn’t out of the question. For those of you that like wild finishes, check this out against Charlotte.
24. Detroit Pistons (Up 1)
(6-12) Last week: 1-2
Detroit continues to struggle. They’ve had a couple of big wins against Atlanta and Orlando among big losses to Chicago and Milwaukee. Blake Griffin continues to reintegrate himself, averaging 20.2 points since his return from injury. The team will be hoping for an uptick in form soon, as the season is slipping away from them.
24. San Antonio Spurs (Down 3)
(5-10) Last week: 0-4
Th Spurs under Greg Popovich have produced some wonderful attacking sides, but they’ve always built upon solid defense. This seasons Spurs have been utterly dreadful at that end, despite the return of young defensive ace Dejounte Murray from injury. The Spurs simply have too many turnstiles like DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay or players like Patty Mills and Bryn Forbes, who battle hard but just don’t have the capability.
22. Charlotte Hornets (Steady)
(7-12) Last week: 1-3
The loss to Chicago was heartbreaking, but it’s not the only discouraging loss for the Hornets this week, losing by a point to Detroit yesterday. Charlotte have an exciting group of your guards and wings, but Cody Zeller aside (8.1 boards per game, 2.9 ahead of 2nd place Miles Bridges), they have nothing up front. As a result, they’re getting pounded inside at both ends.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder (Down 2)
(6-11) Last week: 1-2
Stick or twist? General Manager Sam Presti seemingly has a simple decision to make, given that his team are loaded with draft picks: trade the veterans, take the L’s & draft elite talent. The counter is that this Thunder side are only some crunch time finishing away from a .500 record, going 1-7 in games decided by 6 points or less. Should the Thunder decide to hit the trade market, Danilo Gallinari looks certain to move, but Chris Paul is an interesting case, given his monstrous contract. Miami appear happy with their lot. Do the Bucks look to add CP3, going all in for a championship this season?
