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spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Boston Celtics","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/boston_celtics.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "BOSTON CELTICSRecord: 38-9; 1st in Atlantic Division.
Analysis on coach: Doc Rivers became a much better head basketball coach when the club traded to acquire Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. But remember, there were skeptics who thought the experiment might not pan out, that it would be impossible to split one basketball among three superstars. Rivers has managed to keep the thrilling threesome working in harmony while producing the best record in the NBA. Some of the credit should go to Garnett, Allen and Paul Pierce themselves, because obviously they’re at points in their careers where they’ll more willing to sacrifice individual glory for team accomplishments. Yet there was lots of pressure to win when Garnett and Allen came on board, and Rivers has succeeded in living up to the expectations, at least at the halfway point.
Make plans for a title if: The Celtics have an excellent shot at coming out of the Eastern Conference. Their chief competition is the Detroit Pistons. In order for Boston to get past Detroit, its veteran stars will have to remain healthy and the Celtics will have to continue to play outstanding defense, which it has been doing thus far.
Player to watch in the second half: Kevin Garnett is a devastating scorer, rebounder and defender. But he is currently out of the lineup because of an abdominal strain. That is the type of injury that can nag all season long. The Celtics obviously understand the importance of rest and letting it fully heal. But if Garnett isn’t 100 percent in the second half, the rest of the club will feel the pain.
Trade rumor: There is constant talk that point guard Sam Cassell wants to jump from the Clippers to the Celtics, but the Clippers want a first-round draft pick. It could happen.
Predicted finish: The Celtics will probably reach the Eastern Conference finals, but then get bounced by Detroit.";
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Toronto Raptors","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/toronto_raptors.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "TORONTO RAPTORS
Record: 26-22; 2nd in Atlantic Division.
Analysis on coach: Sam Mitchell was last year’s Coach of the Year. As a result, he came into 2007-08 on a cushion of good will. Mitchell is doing a commendable job so far in 2007-08 as well, and the Raptors are in the hunt in the East. But this club is a player or two away from challenging teams like Detroit, Boston and Cleveland for supremacy. They could use a veteran rebounder and another reliable scorer. But Mitchell has taken the players he has and has preached defense to great effect: the Raptors have been among the 10 stingiest teams in the league in points allowed. The onus is on GM Bryan Colangelo rather than Mitchell as far as the outcome of this season.
Make plans for a title if: The Raptors are not title-worthy yet, not by a long shot, although they certainly can play with anybody in the NBA. The outlook is bright in gloomy Toronto, but it will take another year or two before the franchise is in a position to talk seriously about a championship.
Player to watch in the second half: Point guard T.J. Ford is back after missing 24 games after an injury sustained on Dec. 11 when he was knocked to the floor. He will back up Jose Calderon, who is playing at an All-Star level, but Ford’s presence will energize the Raptors’ second unit.
Trade rumor: The Raptors will probably not make a deal by the trade deadline.
Predicted finish: Toronto will probably fall in the Eastern Conference semifinals.";
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","New Jersey Nets","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/newjersey_nets.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "NEW JERSEY NETS
Record: 21-29; 3rd in Atlantic Division
Analysis on coach: Try being Lawrence Frank. He’s stuck with one superstar who has a huge, unwieldy contract but wants to be traded, and another who also is owed a whopping amount of money but seems to be on the decline. That’s Frank’s situation with Jason Kidd and Vince Carter, respectively. The Nets are like a jet airplane hovering over the city waiting to get the O.K. to land, but never hearing from the control tower. They’re stuck in a pattern and won’t be able to take the next step until something is done with Kidd’s situation. Frank is doing about as well as he can under the circumstances, but the Nets as a franchise are going nowhere.
Make plans for a title if: There’s always a chance the four teams from the original ABA could break off and leave the NBA and start their own league, but even then the Nets would be unlikely to get out of the first round.
Player to watch in the second half: Forward/center Nenad Krstic is a valuable force on the front line, but he only recently returned to the lineup after suffering a knee injury last season. The 7-footer’s presence should energize a tepid lineup and perhaps spur the Nets on to grab a low seed in the playoffs.
Trade rumor: There is lots of chatter surrounding Jason Kidd. As much as Kidd wants out, it’s unlikely to happen before the Feb. 21 deadline because he’s making $19.7 million this season and is owed $21.3 million next season, and there are very few teams willing to take on that salary for a 34-year-old point guard.
Predicted finish: The Nets should make their customary run toward the playoffs, snare the eighth seed, and promptly lose in the first round."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Philadelphia 76ers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/philadelphia_76ers.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Record: 20-30; 4th in Atlantic Division
Analysis on coach: Maurice Cheeks probably thought he’d landed in heaven in May of 2005 when he took over as head coach from the fired Jim O’Brien. But then came the trade of Allen Iverson to Denver in December of 2006, and the Sixers thus embarked on a rebuilding journey. Unfortunately for Cheeks, they’re still on it. Because Cheeks has managed to coax the Sixers into being a solid defensive team, they’re often competitive. But they just don’t have enough weapons.
Make plans for a title if: The only way Sixers fans will experience a championship in the coming months is if they pop in a DVD highlight video of the 1983 team.
Player to watch in the second half: Andre Miller is one of the few players on this team worth watching at all. He is a leader, can score and pass, and he keeps a positive attitude during dismal times.
Trade rumors: There have been some rumors about Andre Miller as well as Andre Iguodala and Gordan Giricek. Among those players, Giricek and his expiring contract are most likely to move, although the Sixers probably will hold onto it.
Predicted finish: The Sixers will be watching the playoffs from the comfort of their living rooms."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","New York Knicks","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/newyork_knicks.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "NEW YORK KNICKS
Record: 14-36; 5th in Atlantic Division
Analysis on coach: It may not be fair to call Isiah Thomas the worst head basketball coach in the history of the game. But he certainly is on the short list. For some inexplicable reason, chairman James Dolan has not yet fired Thomas even though the Knicks are a disaster area. Perhaps it is because Dolan is an idiot. Whatever the case, Thomas possesses that rare combination of poor game tactician, lousy motivator and abysmal preparer so vital to creating a true failure.
Make plans for a title if: The Giants just had a parade. The Knicks should be happy they weren’t forced to leave the city limits during it.
Player to watch in the second half: Jamal Crawford is probably the Knicks’ best player, but there are rumblings that he isn’t happy after having been one of those most loyal to Thomas. If Crawford’s attitude starts to go south, this could get even uglier, if that’s humanly possible.
Trade rumors: The Knicks need a point guard for the long term. And Thomas is very much interested in acquiring Indiana’s Jermaine O’Neal. But it’s unlikely the Knicks will be able to swing a deal with the Pacers by the trade deadline.
Predicted finish: The Knicks will be in serious competition for the worst record in the NBA, although they have enough talent to finish second- or third-worst if they apply themselves."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","CENTRAL","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Detroit Pistons","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/detroit_pistons.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "DETROIT PISTONS
Record: 36-13; 1st in Central Division.
Analysis on coach: When he was coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Flip Saunders managed to keep his team among the league’s top 10 in points scored and points allowed. The situation is more lopsided in Detroit: The Pistons are No. 2 in points allowed, 15th in points scored. Still, they’re among the favorites for the NBA title. They have enough firepower to score when they have to, and they’re an excellent defensive club. That’s a reflection on Saunders’ ability to keep his veteran-laden team focused through a long season.
Make plans for a title if: The Pistons have a legitimate shot at a title. Last year they faltered and allowed the upstart Cavaliers to bounce them behind LeBron James. They’ll be mentally stronger as a result this season, but there are no guarantees.
Player to watch in second half: Rodney Stuckey is a talented rookie who has struggled thus far to play his best basketball. It could be that he was overrated in the first place. But he could also bust out sometime in the second half, which would be fabulous news for Detroit’s bench.
Trade rumor: The Pistons likely will not make a move by the trade deadline.
Predicted finish: Detroit will probably be the Eastern Conference’s representative in the NBA Finals, but lose to the West rep.";
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Cleveland Cavaliers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/cleveland_cavaliers.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Record: 28-21; 2nd in Central Division.
Analysis on coach: In January, club owner Dan Gilbert gave head coach Mike Brown a contract extension that will keep him with the Cavaliers through the 2010-11season. That was a signal not only that the owner is happy with the job Brown is doing, but also that LeBron James is pleased. The Cavs are cruising along in the thick of the East race despite the fact that they did little to improve last offseason. The barometer is LeBron. As he goes, so go the Cavs. And Brown has LeBron’s seal of approval.
Make plans for a title if: It’s unlikely the Cavs can swing a deal for a point guard like Jason Kidd or Mike Bibby. But if they did, it would increase their chances somewhat. Still, it seems to be either Detroit’s year or Boston’s in the East.
Player to watch in second half: Starting forward Drew Gooden has a strained groin. He says he should be fine, but if he comes back to the lineup too soon it could pester him all year. The Cavs don’t have the kind of depth to allow them to miss Gooden for any length of time.
Trade rumor: The Cavs would love to have someone like Kidd or Andre Miller, but they don’t have enough in excess to offer in a deal.
Predicted finish: Because Boston took a giant step forward, this season the Cavs will take a corresponding step back and fall in the conference semifinals."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Chicago Bulls","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/chicago_bulls.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "CHICAGO BULLS
Record: 20-29; 3rd in Central Division.
Analysis on coach: Scott Skiles not only was fired after the Bulls started 9-16, he reportedly suggested it because he felt he wasn’t reaching his players anymore. Assistant coach Jim Boylan stepped in to replace him and has been only marginally more successful. The Bulls were supposed to be one of the favorites in the East this year, but a lack of chemistry has kept them from achieving their promise. Expensive center Ben Wallace is being kept on the bench more and more. It’s a bizarre year that seems to have more to do with a lack of collective confidence than anything a coach is doing, or the fact that young stars Ben Gordon and Luol Deng are too busy trying to pad their stats in anticipation of restricted free agency.
Make plans for a title if: The Bulls seemed to be going in a championship direction. Now they’re not. They won’t get back on track and into the midst of the Eastern Conference race unless they make a major trade and shake up their desultory roster.
Player to watch in second half: Forward Tyrus Thomas, a problem child since he came to Chicago, has started to show signs that he gets it and that he can carry some of the leadership burden, especially down the stretch in games.
Trade rumor: They missed out on Pau Gasol. Now they’ll probably stand pat and try to improve themselves over the summer, although there’s an outside chance they could deal Ben Wallace to the Utah Jazz for Andrei Kirilenko.
Predicted finish: They’re too deep into a funk to make a spirited charge for a playoff berth in the second half, even in the relatively weak East."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Indiana Pacers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/indiana_pacers.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "INDIANA PACERS
Record: 20-30; 4th in Central Division.
Analysis on coach: To evaluate Jim O’Brien, the topic of Jermaine O’Neal has to be examined. O’Neal is the Pacers’ lone superstar, yet he not only has been the subject of constant trade rumors but he’s also rehabbing his knee, which was surgically repaired after last season. He has a bone bruise that has kept him out of the lineup since the middle of January. The Pacers beat the Knicks on Wednesday, but had lost seven straight before that, all without O’Neal. Until Jermaine returns, O’Brien gets an incomplete in this course.
Make plans for a title if: The Pacers were a long way from being a championship team with a healthy and fully motivated O’Neal. Marquis Daniels, Mike Dunleavy, Danny Granger and Kareem Rush comprise a fine core of young players, but the team needs some quality muscle inside before it can even start dreaming about titles.
Player to watch in second half: Kareem Rush has only been averaging about 8.5 points per contest. But he had a breakout game last week against New York, scoring 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting. The team likes his defense, so if he can build upon that offensive outburst it will help the Pacers immensely.
Trade rumor: Constant talk surrounds Jermaine O’Neal. He wants to go to the Knicks, and the Knicks would love to have him. Stay tuned.
Predicted finish: The Pacers won’t make the playoffs. They just have too much going against them."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Milwaukee Bucks","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/milwaukee_bucks.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Record: 19-31; 5th in Central Division.
Analysis on coach: Larry Krystkowiak is serving as a medic, patching up his team until everybody can limp out of the infirmary and make a push in the second half. The Bucks not only have had to deal with a first-half schedule that was heavy on travel, but star guard Michael Redd missed six games with a knee strain. Krystkowiak has done a respectable job of keeping his team in the hunt for a low seed in the playoffs. The second half will be more telling, as most of the schedule has the Bucks playing at home.
Make plans for a title if: Well, if we’re talking about a brat-eating contest, the Bucks have a shot at that title. The NBA title? Still a few years off, although they have a good mix of talent with Redd, Andrew Bogut, Yi Jianlian, Mo Williams and Bobby Simmons.
Player to watch in second half: Charlie Villanueva is a gifted but erratic power forward who is unhappy with his playing time. If he sucks it up and puts aside his individual concerns for the good of the team, the Bucks will benefit greatly. If he pouts, they could have a problem.
Trade rumor: The Bucks are unlikely to do anything before the trade deadline, although there is interest in Villanueva, especially from the Knicks.
Predicted finish: Even if the Bucks get everybody back healthy, it will be an uphill battle to earn a playoff berth. More likely they’ll be in the lottery."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","SOUTHEAST","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Orlando Magic","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/orlando_magic.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "ORLANDO MAGIC
Record: 32-20; 1st in Southeast Division.
Analysis on coach: It wasn’t that long ago that Stan Van Gundy was leaving the Miami Heat so he could “spend more time with his family.” That enabled Pat Riley to take over the coaching reins with the Heat. Well, Riley is in a quagmire and Van Gundy is atop the division. My, my, my. Van Gundy has a young team, led by workhorse Dwight Howard. He also has new addition Rashard Lewis, who has panned out as a scorer thus far, and he has lit a fire under laid-back Hedo Turkoglu. In all, Van Gundy is at least doing better than his former boss.
Make plans for a title if: The Magic isn’t quite there yet. While Orlando has the foundation of a championship-caliber team, it lacks the experience necessary to win big playoff games. But give this club a year or two more, and perhaps a player or two more, and look out.
Player to watch in second half: Brian Cook didn’t do much when he was with the Lakers. And he hasn’t done much more as a member of the Magic. However, he showed a good stroke in a tough loss to his former team last week. Who knows? He may be ready to contribute, especially in the area of three-pointers.
Trade rumor: The Magic probably won’t pull the trigger on a deal, although guard J.J. Redick is reportedly unhappy and wants out.
Predicted finish: The Magic should win its first-round playoff series, but then bow out in the second round to a team like the Pistons or Celtics.";
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Washington Wizards","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/washington_wizards.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Record: 24-25; 2nd in Southeast Division.
Analysis on coach: When Gilbert Arenas went down with a knee injury and was declared out for three months, the Wizards’ season seemed to go down with him. And yet, Eddie Jordan has kept the club afloat through more injury woes (most recently a hip ailment by Caron Butler). The Wizards miraculously have hovered around .500, only recently dipping below for the first time since early December. Arenas is expected back after the All-Star break, so then Jordan will have a fighting chance with a healthy team.
Make plans for a title if: Arenas is a phenomenal scorer, but he isn’t good enough to lift the Wizards out of the middle of the Eastern pack and into the NBA Finals. They just don’t have the overall talent to compete with teams like Detroit and Boston.
Player to watch in the second half: Besides having the desire to help his team power its way into the playoffs, Arenas will be in full contract mode in the second half. He declared he will opt out of his current deal after this season and become an unrestricted free agent. So look for Gilbert to take many shots.
Trade rumor: The Wizards will probably stand pat and let the trade deadline go by.
Predicted finish: Washington will probably lose in the first round of the playoffs."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Atlanta Hawks","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/atlanta_hawks.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "ATLANTA HAWKS
Record: 21-25; 3rd in Southeast Division.
Analysis on coach: The fact that the Hawks aren’t in single digits in the win column is cause for a ticker tape parade in downtown Atlanta. Actually, they’re much better than that, and some of the credit goes to Mike Woodson, who took over this lost cause prior to the 2004-05 season and slowly has turned it into much less of one. The Hawks have also benefited from the law of averages, which states here that if they keep finishing among the worst teams in the league often enough and get lottery picks, eventually they should have a decent team.
Make plans for a title if: The title the Hawks should be happy with is “Southeast Division champions.” Even that is probably a year or two away, although they’re on the right track.
Player to watch in the second half: Al Horford is only a rookie center/forward, and yet he sometimes plays like a 10-year veteran. He’s averaging nine points and 10 boards a game thus far, and he’s just getting warmed up.
Trade rumor: The Hawks probably won’t make a deal.
Predicted finish: This is admittedly a longshot, but if everything goes well in the second half and the Hawks don’t suddenly wake up one day and remember that they’re the Hawks, they could squeeze into the playoffs."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Charlotte Bobcats","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/charlotte_bobcats.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Record: 18-32; 4th in Southeast Division.
Analysis on coach: Last month, Sam Vincent questioned the heart of his players. That kind of thing is always risky. Sometimes it ignites the troops, and sometimes it causes a silent insurrection. Check out the Bobcats’ record and you can probably guess which way they went. Charlotte has lost nine of its last 12, including the last five in a row. Vincent may want to take the opposite approach and go kinder and gentler, because whatever he’s doing now doesn’t seem to be working.
Make plans for a title if: This team is too Clipper-like to ever win a championship.
Player to watch in the second half: Center Emeka Okafor will be a restricted free agent at the end of this season. It will be interesting to see how he responds to the opposite motivational forces of wanting to put up good numbers to attract a deal, but doing so while playing on a hopeless franchise.
Trade rumor: The Bobcats probably won’t do anything before the Feb. 21 deadline and will wait until the offseason to try and strengthen themselves.
Predicted finish: Lottery land, for sure."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Miami Heat","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/miami_heat.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "MIAMI HEAT
Record: 9-39; 5th in Southeast Division.
Analysis on coach: It’s hard to give Pat Riley anything other than poor grades for this calamity. Granted, he’s had to deal with the fact that Dwyane Wade hasn’t been his old self after returning from knee surgery, and Shaquille O’Neal’s erratic production. But nine victories? That’s worse than the Minnesota Timberwolves. Riley should be able to generate a couple of victories more than the T-Wolves on sheer will alone. Now that Shaq is gone and Shawn Marion is in the fold, the season is lost but the future offers some hope. Whether Riley will still be on the bench when that hope unfolds is anyone’s guess.
Make plans for a title if: I would say make plans for a title if you’re willing to be really, really, really patient and you’re willing to invest another two or three years of waiting.
Player to watch in the second half: Naturally, it’s Shawn Marion. He will become a free agent after this season, and the likely scenario is that he will sign an extension with the Heat. But if the chemistry isn’t right from the Heat’s point of view, and if Marion isn’t entirely pleased either, then the parties could part ways.
Trade rumor: After the Marion trade, it’s unlikely the Heat will do anything else, although they’d love to figure out a way to get Gilbert Arenas.
Predicted finish: The prediction here is that they will rally in the second half and post one or two more victories than the Minnesota Timberwolves."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","PACIFIC","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Phoenix Suns","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/phoenix_suns.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "PHOENIX SUNS
Record: 35-15; 1st in Pacific Division.
Analysis on coach: The Suns have been pushing toward the peak for some time now, but they haven’t quite been able to get there. They’re an incredible offensive team, but their defense comes and goes. That’s been somewhat by D’Antoni’s design. Now, however, with the addition of Shaquille O’Neal in the middle, the post will be a tougher place for opposing teams to venture into. The Shaq trade could either slow the Suns down to the point where they are less potent than before, or it can re-energize them. Either way, it will present D’Antoni with a new and unique challenge.
Make plans for a title if: This might be the Suns’ best chance with this core group. Right now, on paper, they’re the best team. It’s just a matter of chemistry and whether Shaq can do for these Sun what he did for the Heat when he first arrived there.
Player to watch in second half: Amare Stoudamire used to have the burden of playing beefier players in the post and getting hammered by them occasionally. Now that he has help from Shaq in the front court, it should free him up to block shots and ease the load on him so he can do more offensively.
Trade rumor: The Suns are probably done dealing, although they may make a minor trade for a versatile role player to provide more bench depth.
Predicted finish: The Suns, Lakers and Spurs appear to be the favorites in the West to advance to the NBA Finals. Let’s go with the Suns.";
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Los Angeles Lakers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/losangeles_lakers.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Record: 32-17; 2nd in Pacific Division.
Analysis on coach: You have to give Phil Jackson credit for keeping this crazy train on the rails after Kobe Bryant went off about wanting a trade last spring. He kept Kobe focused, and convinced the rest of the guys that hope was on the horizon. He has also aided the rapid development of Andrew Bynum (with a big assist from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and kept Lamar Odom from getting down on himself. He won’t win, but he should be on the short list for Coach of the Year.
Make plans for a title if: The biggest “if” is whether Bynum returns to his old self as scheduled in mid March. With him, the Lakers are among the favorites in the West. Without him, they’re a very good team that should make it to the conference semis.
Player to watch in the second half: A forgotten and valuable Laker is Trevor Ariza, who went out about the same time as Bynum with a broken foot. He’s one of those unsung effort guys who makes big plays and is incredibly versatile. He is also scheduled to return in mid March. If he does, he’ll provide quality depth to an already solid bench.
Trade rumor: After pulling off the Pau Gasol heist, the Lakers are done, at least until the summer.
Predicted finish: If they’re at full strength, the Lakers should make the conference finals, but then lose to Phoenix."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Golden State Warriors","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/goldenstate_warriors.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Record: 30-20; 3rd in Pacific Division.
Analysis on coach: Don Nelson has definitely mellowed if he was willing to take Chris Webber back. Of more importance is whether he can convince his charges not only that last season’s upset of Dallas in the first round wasn’t a fluke, but also that they can take a step beyond what they accomplished last year. The Warriors need to be poised down the stretch, something that has been a problem in the past. That’s Nelson’s area of expertise. He may not coach beyond this year, the Warriors know it, and yet they’re responding as if they want to usher him out on a high.
Make plans for a title if: The Warriors just don’t have the overall talent to compete with the other powers in the West, but they’re good enough to give them fits in a best-of-seven series.
Player to watch in the second half: Monta Ellis. While most Warrior watchers focus on Baron Davis or Stephen Jackson, this third-year shooting guard – a second-round pick in 2005 – is blossoming into a star.
Trade rumor: Mickael Pietrus reportedly is unhappy with his playing situation, but the Warriors don’t seem to be in a hurry to please him and send him elsewhere.
Predicted finish: The Warriors will make the playoffs, but as opposed to last year, they’ll get eliminated in the first round."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Sacramento Kings","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/sacramento_kings.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "SACRAMENTO KINGS
Record: 23-26; 4th in Pacific Division.
Analysis on coach: Ron Artest is a nut bag, so any coach saddled with the responsibility of coaching him deserves a medal, let alone a contract extension. Reggie Theus has had to cope with Artest balking at various aspects of his coaching style, and yet the Kings are doing O.K. They recently finished an 8-3 stretch and they’ve been competitive and upbeat. More important, they seem to be responding to Theus, who has not only had to deal with on-court issues but also constant rumors about the future of Artest and to a lesser extent Mike Bibby. So far, so good.
Make plans for a title if: The Kings still have a long, long way to go before anyone can mention them and the word “championship” in the same breath. This team is still a work in progress.
Player to watch in the second half: Brad Miller is a reliable anchor in the middle and a fairly consistent double-double machine. While controversy swirls around Artest, Miller is the opposite on the steady scale.
Trade rumor: Obviously, Artest’s name is out there, since he’ll be a free agent at season’s end. But he’ll be asking for a whopping sum of money in his next contract – around $13 million a year, which is a lot of dough for a head case – and the number of teams interested in taking on Artest for that kind of money is small. Somebody could rent him down the stretch and then let him become a free agent, but even that’s a longshot.
Predicted finish: Out of the playoffs."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Los Angeles Clippers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/losangeles_clippers.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Record: 16-32; 5th in Pacific Division.
Analysis on coach: Last season, Mike Dunleavy saw his point guard of the future, Shaun Livingston, go down with a serious knee injury that the kid is still rehabbing. Then in August his star forward, Elton Brand, suffered a ruptured Achilles’ tendon. That was it for the 2007-08 season. The owner, Donald Sterling, who happens to be from the James Dolan school of sports visionaries, criticized Dunleavy’s coaching ability a few weeks ago, even though Dunleavy is doing the best he can with a severely depleted roster. Dunleavy could get fired after the season, but it won’t be his fault.
Make plans for a title if: This is a jinxed franchise. Even when the Clippers were at full strength and showing signs of becoming a contender, they were still not in the same league as the Western Conference’s finest. The Clips won’t win a title as long as Sterling owns them.
Player to watch in the second half: Rookie Al Thornton is getting a lot more playing time than he probably expected with Brand out, and he’s performing well, although his inconsistency on defense sometimes frustrates his coach. He will be worth keeping an eye on for the rest of this woeful season and beyond.
Trade rumor: There are reports that Sam Cassell has asked the Clippers to trade him to Boston, but he denies that. Still, it makes sense, and it could happen by the deadline.
Predicted finish: In the lottery, which is familiar territory for this franchise."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","SOUTHWEST","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Dallas Mavericks","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/dallas_mavericks.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "DALLAS MAVERICKS
Record: 34-15; 1st in Southwest Division.
Analysis on coach: Avery Johnson has been fighting a hangover all season. No, not that kind. It’s the one that descended upon his top-seeded team after it was upset by the eighth-seeded Warriors in the first round last spring. Since then, the Mavs have been trying to regain their confidence and instill the belief that they can finally win a championship, even though the club did little in the offseason to improve. Meanwhile, the West has gotten stronger. If the Mavs can do something to shake up the status quo – perhaps by acquiring Jason Kidd? – Johnson’s task will be a lot easier. For now, he fights an uphill battle.
Make plans for a title if: As currently constituted, the Mavs just don’t have a team strong enough to overcome the powers in the West – San Antonio, Phoenix, Utah and the Lakers.
Player to watch in second half: Dirk Nowitzki won the regular season MVP last year, but he disappeared in the playoffs against the Warriors, especially in the clinching Game 6 when he had just eight points and shot 2 for 13. He also angered his coach at one point in the series by suggesting he would have to take what the defense allows him to have rather than be aggressive and find other ways to score. Nowitzki has a lot to prove in the second half and the playoffs.
Trade rumor: The Jason Kidd thing is still out there, but it’s such a cumbersome move considering his salary that it probably won’t happen. Perhaps Mike Miller of Memphis?
Predicted finish: The Mavs should make it to the second round this year – an improvement over last season – but get no farther.";
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","New Orleans Hornets","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/neworleans_hornets.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "NEW ORLEANS/OKLAHOMA CITY HORNETS
Record: 34-15; 2nd in Southwest Division.
Analysis on coach: Byron Scott is another Coach of the Year candidate for doing his part not only to turn this team around from its 39-43 finish last season but to nudge it forward into the upper tier of the Western Conference. It helps that he has one of the top point guards in the league in the wondrous Chris Paul, along with a formidable supporting cast led by David West, Peja Stojakovic and Tyson Chandler. But remember that Scott was forced out of New Jersey by Jason Kidd, and the perception lingered that he had trouble relating to players. That has proved to be false, especially this year.
Make plans for a title if: The idea isn’t that farfetched, but it’s more conceivable that the Hornets will be in serious contention after another year and another key player.
Player to watch in the second half: Paul really has nothing to prove as far as his ability to play and even dominate in this league. But he has a lot to prove in terms of leading a team into the playoffs. This will be his first foray into the postseason, so his performances in the second half and beyond will be highly scrutinized.
Trade rumor: The Hornets will probably stand pat and let the trade deadline fly by.
Predicted finish: Although the Hornets have been quite impressive in the first half, they’re not battle tested, and therefore they will probably fall in the first round of the playoffs to a more experienced team."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","San Antonio Spurs","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/sanantonio_spurs.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Record: 32-16; 3rd in Southwest Division.
Analysis on coach: Gregg Popovich popped off recently about the Lakers’ trade to acquire Pau Gasol, suggesting there should be a law against that kind of thievery. He also remarked that the Spurs wouldn’t be pressured into making a trade just because other clubs are doing so. Translation: He’s worried. The competition is getting better and his team is getting older. That’s the bad news. The good news is that the Spurs are still the team to beat. As long as they have Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker and a defensive-minded group of role players, the Spurs will be difficult to beat.
Make plans for a title if: The Spurs had an excellent chance to repeat until the Lakers got Gasol and the Suns got Shaq. Now their chances have been downgraded slightly to very good.
Player to watch in the second half: Parker has been suffering from bone spurs and is resting and out of the lineup. If the pain persists, the Spurs will have big problems. Jacque Vaughn is no Tony Parker, and neither is the newly acquired Damon Stoudamire.
Trade rumor: The Spurs will not work the phones before the trade deadline, other than to order the occasional pizza. They’ll stick with what they have.
Predicted finish: The Spurs should be mentally tough enough to scratch and claw their way to the Western Conference finals, but age and fatigue will catch up to them and they’ll be stopped there by either the Lakers or Suns."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Houston Rockets","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/houston_rockets.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "HOUSTON ROCKETS
Record: 30-20; 4th in Southwest Division.
Analysis on coach: The Rockets have won 10 of their last 11, so Rick Adelman must be doing something right. Actually, Yao Ming made a comment before this streak, something about their ship sinking after a Jan. 15 loss to Philly. That seemed to light a fuse, and the Rockets have been a focused club ever since. Tracy McGrady, Yao and Bonzi Wells in particular are playing inspired basketball. Adelman has simply reminded the Rockets that they’re professionals and they should be playing better than they were. Surprisingly, the Rockets listened.
Make plans for a title if: The Rockets are playing well, but not that well. They are a player or two away from being on the same level as the West’s best. But their play lately has been encouraging.
Player to watch in the second half: Tracy McGrady always threatens to lead his team to great heights, only to wind up in bed with a sore back or some other ailment. His health and durability will be critical to the Rockets’ second-half success.
Trade rumor: The Rockets aren’t likely to make a move.
Predicted finish: They’re a bubble team. Right now they’re among nine teams for eight playoff spots. They’ll probably fall just short of qualifying for the postseason.";
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Memphis Grizzlies","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/memphis_grizzlies_2005.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Record: 13-37; 5th in Southwest Division.
Analysis on coach: This has probably not been exactly what Marc Iavaroni expected when he took over the club prior to this season. He came in expecting to coach a basketball team and a fire sale broke out. Pau Gasol, his best player, is already gone to the Lakers. And Mike Miller may follow. Team owner Michael Heisley seems to want to create cap space to pursue free agents in the offseason, but then again, no one really knows if he really knows what the heck he’s doing. In the meantime, Iavaroni plods on with a ragged collection of youngsters and no hope in sight.
Make plans for a title if: The Grizzlies should start small when it comes to titles and work their way up. For instance, they could focus on trying to obtain the titles to their cars.
Player to watch in the second half: Yes, Kwame Brown is a stiff. But perhaps a change of scenery will help. Yes, that’s what they said when he went from the Wizards to the Lakers. But in this case, there is absolutely no pressure for him to perform, so maybe under those circumstances he will.
Trade rumor: A lot of teams would like to have Mike Miller, if they can get someone to take the two years and $19 million left on his contract. Dallas has been named as one potential destination.
Predicted finish: They’ll end up in Secaucus, N.J., site of the draft lottery."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","NORTHWEST","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Utah Jazz","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/utah_jazz_2005.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "UTAH JAZZ
Record: 33-19; 1st in Northwest Division.
Analysis on coach: Jerry Sloan has a habit of getting on certain players, to the point where they rebel and give less than an enthusiastic effort. Sloan had such a dustup last season with Andrei Kirilenko, but now all appears to be forgiven, mostly. The result of Sloan’s Tom Coughlin-esque conversion is an impressive surge into the Western Conference elite, even beyond the stellar season the Jazz had last year. Of course, it helps to have players like Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer providing leadership. But this is a happier camp – for now.
Make plans for a title if: The Jazz has a genuine shot. It would help if the club smoked the competition the rest of the way during the regular season and snagged the home-court advantage over teams like the Spurs, Suns and Mavs.
Player to watch in second half: Kyle Korver was stolen from the Philadelphia 76ers and the Jazz has been on a tear with him in the lineup. But is he a pressure player who can nail three-pointers in playoff games? That remains to be seen.
Trade rumor: Even though Kirilenko seems to be less peeved, he might still be dangled as trade bait. One prominent scenario has him going to Chicago for center Ben Wallace.
Predicted finish: The Jazz is good enough to win it all. Or it could lose in the first round. So let’s split the difference and say it will bow out in the conference semis, not because the team isn’t good enough but because the West is so intensely competitive.";
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Denver Nuggets","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/denver_nuggets.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "DENVER NUGGETS
Record: 30-19; 2nd in Northwest Division.
Analysis on coach: George Karl is a skilled tactician and a solid motivator. He manages to smooth ruffled feathers with the best of them. One thing he can’t seem to do very well with this assemblage, however, is preach defense. The Nuggets are severely lopsided: with Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, they’re among the top five scoring teams in the NBA. But they also rank among the league’s bottom five in points allowed. Defense wins championships. Perhaps Karl and the Nuggets have yet to see the memo.
Make plans for a title if: Defense is effort, but it’s also a mindset. If the Nuggets can somehow keep themselves in that thought process in the second half and into the postseason, they have at least an outside shot to make the Finals. Extremely unlikely, but theoretically possible.
Player to watch in the second half: With Nene out because of testicular cancer, Kenyon Martin is taking on power forward chores with newfound enthusiasm. He’s finally healthy after two microfracture surgeries and is playing like his old self, which will come in handy down the stretch.
Trade rumor: The Nuggets are hamstrung by a fat payroll and probably won’t do anything to add to it.
Predicted finish: The Nuggets likely will lose in the first round, again not because they’re chumps but because the West is brutal."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Portland Trail Blazers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/portland_trailblazers.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Record: 28-22; 3rd in Northwest Division.
Analysis on coach: Nate McMillan is a Coach of the Year candidate for keeping the upstart Blazers in the thick of the West race even after the depressing news that top overall pick Greg Oden would miss the entire season. He has some help, of course. Brandon Roy is a brilliant player and the team leader in scoring, assists and steals, and LaMarcus Aldridge is quickly becoming one of the best frontcourt players in the league. The Blazers are way too young to be where they are in the standings, yet there they are, and McMillan deserves kudos for much of it.
Make plans for a title if: Whoa. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. Even the most talented, passionate and exuberant groups of players need experience. This team will have itself tested in the postseason, and that will help for title chases in the coming years.
Player to watch in the second half: Small forward Martell Webster stepped in for Roy recently and played a decent game against Detroit but a strong one against Indiana the following night. He has loads of talent, and even though this is his third NBA season, he’s still only 21.
Trade rumor: The buzz about a three-way deal with Dallas and New Jersey involving Jason Kidd is still audible, but it probably won’t happen.
Predicted finish: The Blazers will make the playoffs and lose in the first round."; spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Seattle SuperSonics","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/seattle_sonics.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
Record: 13-37; 4th in Northwest Division.
Analysis on coach: P.J. Carlesimo is an excellent head coach who is without excellent players. There really isn’t much for Carlesimo to do except help ease the transition for Kevin Durant to the NBA and work to build his confidence, and to try and persuade the consistently overmatched Sonics to play defense. The latter part is the larger challenge, as the Sonics are near the bottom in points allowed. This club needs roster rehab, and that can’t be blamed on the coach.
Make plans for a title if: The title the Sonics should be vying for is “playoff participant.” They’re a long way from even that.
Player to watch in the second half: Rookie forward Jeff Green was one of the players in the deal that sent Ray Allen to Boston. He’s off to a respectable start, but he might just blossom into a star in the second half if he can avoid hitting that rookie wall.
Trade rumor: Wally Szczerbiak is reportedly on the block. Now all the Sonics have to do is find someone who wants him.
Predicted finish: Lottery-ville.";
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i++] = new Array("","Minnesota T-Wolves","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/NBA/minnesota_timberwolves.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_midseason_APP[i-1].body = "MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Record: 10-38; 5th in Northwest Division.
Analysis on coach: Does it really matter who the coach is here? In this case, it’s Randy Wittman, but it could easily be Zippy the Pinhead. The T-Wolves have been declining steadily in recent years, even when they had Kevin Garnett. Now they have Al Jefferson in his place, who is a terrific player. But the team did not get nearly enough in exchange for KG, and it’s showing on the court. Wittman is doing his best, but the franchise has a long way to go in the rebuilding process.
Make plans for a title if: Don’t make plans for a title. That would be a gargantuan waste of time and effort.
Player to watch in the second half: Randy Foye missed the first 43 games of the season with a stress reaction in his left kneecap. He returned in late January but is still trying to regain his form from last year’s fine rookie season, when he averaged 10 points a game. Look for him to have a significant second half.
Trade rumor: There would be no point in Minnesota making a deal before the Feb. 21 deadline, unless it’s a minor one to unload Antoine Walker.
Predicted finish: Out of the playoffs and into the lottery."; // END editorial data