The NBA at the Halfway Point

The NBA All-Star game is today. At the halfway point of the year, NBA fans probably feel exactly the same way I do, and it has perhaps been unprecedented. I am extremely excited about how one conference's playoffs are going to look and horrified at how the other conference's bracket will go. The disparity between the Western Conference and the Eastern Conference is obvious, and the points scoring barrage that can happen when two quality West teams face off against each other is only countered by the stinky poo poo entertainment that has been any Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets game this year.

Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and what the playoffs will bring. Let's take a look at the matchups that would happen if the playoffs started today.

Eastern Conference

Indiana (1) vs Charlotte (8)

Charlotte has been impressive only in that they haven't been the complete embarrassment of the league this year. I'd expect the Pacers to make quick work of them. God, why are these best-of-seven series again? Can the NBA really make that much money off Pacers-Bobcats?

Miami (2) vs Brooklyn (7)

This series is only entertaining in that the Nets were expected to actually contend with the Pacers and the Heat this year. But, the combination of Jason Kidd's poor coaching skills and ability to dress more like a model than the team's coach has only complicated an aged roster. The Heat have taken the season easy to get into this position. It will be interesting to watch LeBron bury Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett one final time. But, again, best-of-seven series? Yikes.

Quality coaching.

Toronto (3) vs Washington (6)

This may be the most fun series if only because I am very impressed with the Raptors and I'm happy for the city of Washington that they have a playoff team for the first time since Gilbert Arenas had a pile of guns in the locker room. The Raptors dealt Rudy Gay and only got better. Washington is seeing John Wall step up into the role as the leader at point guard that they wanted him to be. Toronto seemed like they were going to tank after the Gay deal where as the Wizards seemed like they were hitting for the fences with the Gortat deal prior to the season. From a basketball standpoint, it's intriguing. But, remember, there may be no one in the rest of the world other than Toronto and Washington that cares about a Raptors-Wizards battle. Remember, guys, best-of-seven series.

Chicago (4) vs Atlanta (5)

This only really becomes fun if Derrick Rose returns for the playoffs. Atlanta has looked impressive given how underwhelming their roster looked on paper and GM Danny Ferry has set up the team for a bright future. It's unfortunate Al Horford went down for the year, but I like what Jeff Teague and Paul Millsap have managed to do for this team. The Bulls are being the Bulls again. Just a solid team that is well coached by Tom Thibodeaux and finds a way to get into the playoffs and have an impact even without their superstar.

Main point:

We're just waiting on the Heat-Pacers conference final, which is going to be awesome. Until then, we'll suffer through weeks of mediocre basketball in the East.

Western Conference

Oklahoma City (1) vs Golden State (8)

This is such a great 1 vs. 8 series. Kevin Durant has been playing out of his mind, and with the impending return of Russell Westbrook, the Thunder seem poised to take the West. Golden State is one of the most entertaining teams into the league to watch, but their first half of the season was up and down to the point that it is very possible they could not make this year's playoffs, which would be a shame. A series of Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry? My God, I love the best-of-seven series!

San Antonio (2) vs Phoenix (7)

Phoenix is the biggest surprise of this season, and Jeff Hornacek may have already put his name on the Coach of the Year award. This is an intriguing match up for the aging Spurs. Gregg Popovich will always have something up his sleeve, and the team rested, but this is a great first round battle to potentially have the young, upstart team against a package of veteran All-Stars looking at one more chance at a ring.

Houston (3) vs Dallas (6)

It would be a Texas showdown in the first round, and expect the point totals to be high. It would be nice to watch Dwight Howard face off against one of the teams he spurned in free agency. But, while I'll love Dirk Nowitzki, this year's Dallas Mavericks have been kind of non-descript. Could they slip out of playoffs in the second half or take it up a step to put themselves in the conversation as one of the top 4 teams in the West?

L.A. Clippers (4) vs Portland (5)

Another potentially great series. Blake Griffin has come into his own this year, and the Clippers finally seem like a team that has the depth and the organization under Doc Rivers to make a legitimate run at the title. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge all on the same floor? Best-of-seven series, I love you!

Main point:

The West feels a lot more wide open and will make for some really entertaining games. It still seems like it's the Thunder's conference to lose, but we never know what to expect from the Spurs, and with the return of Chris Paul, the Clippers appear more legitimate than ever. Also, keep an eye out for the Memphis Grizzlies. They are on the outside looking in right now, but they've been playing stifling defense, and have finally gotten healthy to a point that they can make an impact. I expect them to make the playoffs, and unfortunately eliminate one of these other eight fine teams.

Final point:

Between LeBron and Durant, whoever doesn't win the MVP will have a major chip on his shoulders. These guys both want it (and the championship) but there may even be an extra incentive if they don't get this honor. I love what both of them are doing on the court right now, and as much as I'd love to see the Pacers take it to the next level and be in the NBA Finals, a Heat-Thunder collision course in June would be fantastic to watch.

Now, for no reason other than it is All-Star Weekend and my buddy Justin Golak reminded me of it, here's Reggie Miller's hilarious broadcasting moment during a 3-pointcontest.