NBA All-Star Break Roundtable: Surprises, Predictions And Trades

Feb 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during first half against Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during first half against Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets a high five from his teammates guard Kyrie Irving (2) and forward Kevin Love (0) after scoring during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets a high five from his teammates guard Kyrie Irving (2) and forward Kevin Love (0) after scoring during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

One Bold Prediction For The Second Half Of The Season…

Saenz: The Cleveland Cavaliers will NOT win the East. I know, I know. But, I think this is finally the year that LeBron James gets dethroned. It’s really the perfect storm. The Celtics are getting better with every passing minute, the Raptors just got Serge Ibaka and the Washington Wizards are finally playing up to their potential. At the very least, it’s not going to be easy for King James.

Morton: Russell Westbrook scores 70 points in a game.

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Polazzon: The Washington Wizards will hold the best record in the Eastern Conference by season’s end. The Wizards have been the best team in the East for at least a month now after their underwhelming start to the season. Behind one of the best backcourts in the league, the Washington Wizards ripped off a 17-game home winning streak that was only broken once the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers entered the building and scraped past the Wizards in overtime, needing a miracle LeBron three to even reach the extra period.

If it wasn’t for that 2-8 start, the Wizards might’ve already been in the number one seed already but I think they still have enough time to do just that if John Wall and Co. can keep up their magnificent level of play.

McFee: Charlotte tanks. I don’t know how the Cavs managed to trade the injured and not coming back this season Chris Andersen and net a second round pick in return from the Hornets, but props! The Hornets also turned Roy Hibbert and Spencer Hawes into Miles Plumlee, but what does that say about the direction His Airness’ team is headed? Answer: I have no idea. While the Hornets probably won’t move Kemba or Batum, I wouldn’t be surprised if they moved MKG and/or Williams for picks and just tanked the rest of the season to land a top prospect in this loaded draft class.

Must Read: NBA All-Star Weekend: Four Things To Watch For

Gonzalez: If Kevin Love does not return this regular season, the Cavaliers will not get the first seed. Boston is closing in quick even with Avery Bradley hurt and still could possibly make a trade. Washington has been on molten lava fire lately, and the Raptors just solidified their start five with Serge Ibaka.