NBA Midseason Report (Part 2)

We've reached the All-Star Break aka the midpoint of the NBA season. Some teams have so far exceeded expectations, others didn't. We look at all 30 teams at a glance on how the first half of the season has been. 

Dallas Mavericks

A slow start may have derailed their campaign but the defending champions have found a way to bounce back, ending the season's first half at 21-13. Dirk Nowitzki may be struggling, but don't discount the Mavs yet, as their defense continues to be strong despite the loss of Tyson Chandler. Lamar Odom has finally found the groove, which is good news for Dallas.

Denver Nuggets

After a promising start, the Nuggets went on a tailspin. The loss of Danilo Gallinari for perhaps the season affected the team's play, which led to an 18-17 mark at the break and ninth in the West. However, anything can happen in the rough-and-tumble West, so expect the Nuggets to turn things around.

Detroit Pistons

At 11-24, the Pistons are in a good spot to challenge for at least the eighth playoff spot, but only if luck and better play prevailed. Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe are the team's future, so the Pistons hope the two learn quickly in their new role as franchise leaders. 

Golden State Warriors

If the Golden State Warriors were in the Eastern Conference, they may as well snap a four-year playoff drought. But at 13-17 and with stronger competition out West, the Warriors may have to wait a few more years. Stephen Curry's injury problems have affected the team's chemistry, and despite coach Mark Jackson's promise of improving the defense, the Warriors remain a 'shoot first, defend second' team, a trademark of the 90s teams under Don Nelson.

Houston Rockets

Kevin McHale must have redeemed himself after a pair of unsuccessful coaching tenures in Minnesota. The Rockets are sitting comfortably with a 20-14 mark, and provided they maintain their strong play, they may sneak into the playoffs for the first time since Yao Ming's last healthy season. The 'SML' line (Scola, Martin, Lowry) have performed well for the Rockets, and with Samuel Dalembert playing as if he never left Philly, the Rockets were in a good position to challenge for a playoff berth.