Halfway There

Let’s check in with each team briefly as we approach the all-star game

By Doug Knopf

AP Photo/ Michael Conroy

Indiana Pacers: (31-20) I hate to say I told you so, but I told you they would be good. Even with the absence of Danny Granger, the Pacers hold the lead in the Central. It’s a slim lead, but a lead nonetheless. Indiana gets contributions from different players every night. Players are assigned a job and they do it. They are not flashy. These blue color players should not be taken lightly and are going to be dangerous threats in the second half of the season.

Chicago Bulls: (30-20) It has been a season of ups and downs for the Bulls, mostly ups though. Thibodeau has his team playing well as most expected, but they did not expect pressure from an Indiana team. There is no question whether or not Chicago will make the playoffs. The question is in what way will they make the playoffs. This team could easily flow into the playoffs and most likely lose in the first round to another team. The other option is, the Bulls get Derrick Rose back, get new energy and fly into the playoffs making a true run at the conference title.

Milwaukee Bucks: (25-24) Holding down the eight seed, the Bulks are clinging on to life. In reality, I do not see the skies falling. They have two premier talents to form a franchise off of and compete strongly with many teams. The issue for the Bulks is whether or not they can become elite. Right now they are not.

Detroit Pistons: (20-32) I really hoped the Pistons were going to do better this year. They were my sleeper pick to make the playoffs. But they just have not groomed their young talent into a formidable force. Brandon Knight is going to all-star weekend in the skills challenge… but not the all-star game. On the bright side for Detroit, there is still Calvin Johnson.

Cleveland Cavaliers: (16-35) Kyrie Irving is great, but he is on a terrible team. There is nothing to talk about with the Cavs besides him. I can only name one other player on their team off the top of my head (Omri Casspi). C’mon give it a try… give up? Yea me too, and the Cavs should probably give up on this season as well.