NBA: 5 Bold Predictions for the Second Half of the NBA Season

With the momentary pause that is the All-Star break in the rearview mirror; an already hectic NBA season is set to make the final push towards the playoffs. 

And the hectic fragment of that sentence cannot be overstated. Since the season begun on Christmas Day, players have been hitting the hardwood at a breakneck pace. 

The season has already produced a gaggle of storylines and scenarios (Linsanity anyone), even if the overall quality of play has at times been sub-standard.  

Yet, that was to be expected in the lockout effected, compacted season. 

But, on one of the rare NBA-free calendar spots, lets cast a weary eye to what’s to come rather than dwelling on the past.

Minnesota Timberwolves Make the Playoffs

It’s been a long time since the Timberwolves made a playoff appearance, eight years in fact, and in reality they’ve struggled to compete in most of those seasons.

But, for the first time in the better part of a decade, the Timberwolves are on the verge of having a solid playoff nucleus.

Kevin Love is in the midst of a season that should have him in the conversation for League MVP. 

The former UCLA Bruin is averaging 25 points and 14 rebounds per contest. Astonishing numbers however you look at it. 

Yet, playing Robin to Love’s Batman this season, is the Spaniard sensation, Ricky Rubio. 

While Rubio’s number may not immediately jump off the page (11.3 points and 8.4 assists per game) his vision, and sometimes-breathtaking creativity, makes the Timberwolves a handful every single night. 

Right now, the Timberwolves sit one game behind Portland in the race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. 

Expect Minnesota to surge past Portland for that final spot, and provide the long-suffering Timberwolves fans with a long-overdue playoff appearance. 

Deron Williams Goes, Dwight Howard Doesn't

The New Jersey Nets have been horrific this season. 

They sit third-last in the Eastern Conference, and have the lowly Wizards and Bobcats to thank for propping them up a few places. 

New Jersey are a team going nowhere fast on the court, even though they have a Brooklyn-relocation looming. 

Poor Deron Williams must feel like Tom Hanks in Castaway, marooned in the East Rutherford abyss. Nets administration by now must have come to the realization that Williams will be on the first plane out when his contract expires at seasons end. 

As they prepare to move into the New York scene, a superstar playing to plaster on billboards is a prerequisite. If Williams walks, the next player with name recognition on the roster is probably Kris Humphries. 

New Jersey need to hit reset, and trading Williams for a potential franchise cornerstone and some other pieces is the first step in that process. 

However, don’t expect Dwight Howard to be traded before the March 15 deadline. 

The Magic is in a decent position in the Eastern Conference, seemingly locked into a top 4-5 seed.

That will ultimately lead Orlando into taking the gamble of holding onto Dwight Howard, hoping that he can lead the Magic in another playoff run. 

Yet, despite that standing, they are in no position to contend with the Heat, Bulls, Pacers or Sixers in the East. 

Dwight Howard will walk away from the Magic in the summer, even though Orlando can offer more money to the superstar center, leaving Orlando in a Cleveland-styled state of turmoil after losing their centerpiece.

Indiana Pacers' Frank Vogel Will Be Coach of the Year

Who would have thought that the Indiana Pacers would be in possession of the fifth-best record in the NBA at the All-Star break?

The Pacers appeared set to be around the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff seedings, and even that would have been a strong effort from a young, talented squad.

Yet, they’ve exceeded all expectations so far this season.

A lot of that credit has to go to coach Frank Vogel.

Vogel—originally appointed on an interim basis—has been instrumental in molding the Pacers into a team on the verge of legitimately contending in the league, although serious contention is still probably a year or two away.

In a little over a year, Vogel has revitalized a proud franchise, and led fans to once again dream of consistent playoff appearances.

The Lakers Will Once Again Top the Clippers in the Pacific

Since acquiring uber-point guard, Chris Paul, the Los Angeles Clippers have become the NBA’s new trendy team.

The high-octane combination of Paul and Blake Griffin, plus a solid support-staff of Caron Butler, DeAndre Jordan, Mo Williams and Kenyon Martin, has led the Clippers to the top of the Pacific division.

But Clippers fans shouldn’t be celebrating the demise of the Lakers just yet.

The Lakers are likely to be one of the main movers before the trade deadline, either by acquiring a superstar talent or a raft of role player support.

Either way, the Lakers will remain hot on the tail of their Staples Center co-tenants, ready to pounce on any slip-up or slump.

The Clippers are a young team, and in better shape for the immediate future than the Lakers, but their youth will ultimate cost them the Pacific crown.

The Lakers are one of the most battle-tested, playoff-proven sides in the NBA, which should be the defining factor in the closing stages of the season.

Add in an on-a-tear Kobe Bryant—who has without doubt adopted the same borderline psychotic approach to winning that a certain Chicago star had—and the status quo will remain.

At least for one more season.

The King Will Get His Ring

Hardly a bold choice, but the Miami Heat and LeBron James will capture the NBA title come June.

James alienated the majority of the casual NBA public with his Miami move, but the beginning of a potential championship run in South Beach, would be the first step in redemption for the self-dubbed “King”.

Such is Miami’s dominance during much of the season that the litany of LeBron fourth quarter jokes that stemmed from his poor NBA finals, will become obsolete.

The Heat could have it wrapped up by the end of the third.

James won’t win an MVP this season—meaning that he will miss out on the individual honor he deserved for the second-consecutive season—but the image of him hoisting a championship and Finals MVP will be the defining image of the 2012 season.

Conclusion

There you have it.

Agree, disagree?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below. 

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