Can the new look Lakers make an playoff push?
The Lakers made a lot of big moves around the trade deadline and we got a chance to get a look at what they are capable of in the last game before All-Star break. In a matchup against a Zion-less Pelicans team, the Lakers looked strong in a wire to wire win with Anthony Davis dropping a game high 28 points. The big new addition in D'angelo Russell who is back for his 2nd stint with the Lakers looked solid scoring 21 points and dishing out 7 assists.
With the Lakers additions, they have improved their roster by getting younger, more athletic, and spacing the floor with shooters like Malik Beasley. Still, with the Lakers currently sitting at 13th in the west and just 23 games remaining in the season, the Lakers face an uphill battle to even make the play-in tournament. However, with the roster the Lakers now have they are capable of making a run especially if they make it to the 6th seed. Currently, the Lakers are 3.5 games back of the 6th seed in a densely packed western conference with 11 of 23 games against teams that are the 6th-12th seed. In order to avoid the play in and have a chance to go deep in the playoffs winning games against those teams in particular has to be a priority.
Next week, when the Lakers return from All-Star break on Thursday they have a key matchup with the Golden State Warriors followed by the new look Dallas Mavericks.
Are the Bucks quietly the best team in the NBA right now?
Milwaukee has arguably been playing the best basketball in the league over the past couple week as they entered All-Star break on a 12 game winning streak. As usual, Giannis Antetokounmpo has continued to put up MVP caliber numbers averaging 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His best game individual game during the win streak was a dominant 54 point 19 rebound performance in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Bucks other All-Star in Jrue Holiday has been playing some of the best basketball of his career averaging 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. Jrue's best game during the win streak was an impressive 40 point performance against the Boston Celtics where he hit multiple clutch shots in OT to secure the win.
The Bucks current streak not only shows why they are one of the best team in the NBA but also has kept them in play for the #1 seed as they sit just a half game behind Boston. Though another potential playoff matchup between the two conference powerhouses will likely come down to health having home court advantage could be a huge different maker.
Next week, the Bucks first game after All-Star break will be against a possible playoff opponent in the Miami Heat followed by a potential Finals matchup as they take on the Phoenix Suns.
Should the Suns be favorites to make it out of the west?
The Phoenix Suns made one of the biggest trades in recent NBA history acquiring superstar Kevin Durant less than 24 hours before the trade deadline. With this move, the Suns have gone from contender to title favorite as they now have a super team with great talent and high expectations. Despite the talent, they still face a tough road as they currently sit as the 5th seed right behind other contenders such as the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies. If Durant is able to return to the court soon after All-Star break, the Suns stand a chance to at least earn the 3rd seed as they sit just a game and a half behind the Sacramento Kings.
A factor that could majorly impact the Suns title aspirations is health as they have already dealt with injuries this season mainly to both Devin Booker and Chris Paul. With key players traded to acquire Kevin Durant they lack the depth they once had making possible injuries even more impactful. Still, when healthy the Suns now have the best starting five in basketball which is a huge reason why they should be considered a heavy favorite to represent the west in the Finals.
Next week, the Phoenix Suns and possibly Kevin Durant continue their season with matchups against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the surging Milwaukee Bucks.
Game of the week- Jrue Holiday drops a game high 40 points as him and Giannis combine for 76 points as the Bucks come away with a hard fought win over the Tatum and Brown-less Celtics in OT
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