A week after the trade deadline and we’re just about 60 games in. What’s happening around the Association. Let’s look at some of the bigger headlines.
The MVP race is shaping up to be a one horse race with Nikola Jokic stretching out a substantial lead according to pollsters. It would be his 3rd in a row, a feat that hasn’t been seen since Larry Bird in 1984,85 and 86. Other notable multiple time MVP award winners include:
-LeBron James 4 out of 5 years 2009-2013;
-Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan shared 3 each intermingled between 1987-1992 and Jordan would go on to get 2 more;
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won 5 in 7 years and 6 in 10 starting in 1971;
-Wilt Chamberlain won his first in 1960 and then won 3 in a row starting in 1966;
-Bill Russell won a total of 5 with 3 in a row starting in 1961
Power Rankings have Boston remaining in 1st place followed by Denver, Milwaukee, Philly and Cleveland this week, no change from last week.
All Star Game this Weekend. Team LeBron will play Team Giannis. LeBron is going for his 6th win in a row this weekend. If Giannis is healthy, you have to think he doesn’t want to lose again.
Eastern Conference News
Celtics – The Celtics remain the team with the most wins in the league and have been 7-3 in their last 10.
Bucks – Winners of 12 in a row including a contest last week against Boston, the Bucks have closed the gap and are now only ½ game behind the Celtics.
76ers – 7-3 in their last 10 games, Philly keeps chugging ahead, beating the teams they need to beat .
Cavs – Moving back into home court advantage territory, Cleveland is 8-2 in their last 10 games and looking like they could make some noise in the playoffs.
Nets – Falling back to earth after the implosion of trading Irving and Durant. Unlikely to be a factor in the playoffs this year.
Western Conference
Denver – With the best basketball player in the world playing at the top of his game in Nikola Jokic, Denver continues to be the class of the conference. The question remains, however, can they do it in the playoffs?
Memphis – Looking good late in the season isn’t something new for the Grizz. They did the same thing last year until injuries took them down. Hopefully they will be able to stay healthy this year for a deep playoff run. 4-6 in their last 10, they need a better result following the all star break.
Sacmo – Wow, still sitting in 3rd in the West. Are they for real? Only the payoffs will tell for sure.
Clippers – With both of their stars remaining healthy, the Clippers have clawed their way back to the top half of the playoff picture.
Don’t forget that the Rising Stars Challenge is tonight and enjoy all the fun NBA all star festivities over the weekend!