Alas, three full months of the regular season are in the books. The All-Star break is almost here. By the end of the week, most teams will have played 50 games. Where has the season gone?
Tuesday, Feb. 2
Milwaukee vs. Portland
The Trail Blazers are among several squads fighting for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. The race is down to four teams. Hopefully DeMarcus Cousins’ ankle is indeed alright, but Portland has more than just Boogie to worry about.
Utah’s Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert are healthy, and the Jazz could start to roll now—especially given how well Gordon Hayward and Rodney Hood have been playing. I’m certainly not expecting the Trail Blazers to hold onto the final playoff spot, but then again I projected them to finish with a similar win total as the Lakers.
For Milwaukee, even in a losing season it’s impossible to overlook the improvements made by Kris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jabari Parker. I never understood bringing in Michael Carter-Williams, and Greg Monroe might not be a great fit, either. Nevertheless, I love what I’ve seen from their trio of wings.
Wednesday, Feb. 3
Denver vs. Utah
Now that the Jazz finally have most of its players back in the fold, the sprint to the finish line begins. There’s reason to believe Utah will benefit much more from a handful of playoff games than minimal odds in the NBA Draft Lottery. If the worst is over (in terms of injuries), I’d have a really tough time betting against the Jazz. In fact, I predict Utah will go 4-0 this week against the Bulls, Nuggets, Bucks, and Suns in order to reach .500 (25-25) and re-claim the eighth spot.
Thursday, Feb. 4
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans
Don’t look now, but the Pelicans have won seven of the last 10 games. One of those losses, however, came against the lowly Lakers. With Memphis and San Antonio on tap to start the week, this match-up is pretty much a must-win for NOLA.
Friday, Feb. 5
Philadelphia vs. Washington
John Wall’s Wizards enter the week at 21-24, and the Thunder and Warriors are on tap for them to begin the week. These games going into the All-Star break feel like make-or-break ones for a handful of teams on the cusp on playoff contention. Meanwhile, the 76ers are no longer merely a walkover win—the Wiz will have to earn it.
Saturday, Feb. 6
Washington vs. Charlotte
Charlotte plays at home on Friday as well against the Miami Heat, and the Hornets are 23-25 entering Wednesday’s match-up with Cleveland. This week’s three-game home-stand is pivotal for a Charlotte team that’s also hoping to remain relevant in the postseason conversation following the All-Star break.
Sunday, Feb. 7
Denver vs. New York
Danilo Gallinari and the Nuggets take on the Knicks in an early afternoon Super-Bowl Sunday showdown. New York is 23-27 entering February, and has huge meetings versus the Celtics, Pistons, and Grizzlies before the weekend matinee. As is the case for the majority of the teams hovering just outside of the playoff picture, it’s a now-or-never week for the Knicks.
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