NBA: 5 teams to watch out for after the All-Star Break
The All-Star Break is a great time for most teams to rejuvenate and review their goals as a franchise: Either make a case for the Playoffs or re-establish themselves as a contender for the NBA or Conference title.
With the run, the Miami Heat made last season, still fresh in our mind, we will look at the top 5 teams to look out for post the All-Star Break:
#5 Washington Wizards (33-24)
The Washington Wizards have had an underwhelming season till now, considering they were supposed to be challengers for the Eastern Conference title this year. Even though they are 4th, only 1.5 games behind 3rd seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, their journey has been tumultuous. A decent start to the season with a 4-2 record had everyone's hopes high. A horrid 7-8 November record took them out of contention for the Eastern conference's top seed.
A decent 17-12 record for December and January have pushed them back into an Eastern Conference which is very underwhelming this season. Most of their problems have stemmed from the absence of John Wall at the end of November through most of December and has again been injured since the start of February. But the absence of Wall has now actually improved the team with Beal in-charge.
They have been 5-2 to start this month and overall look very encouraging, moving the ball around better than they ever have this season. They are a team to watch out for as they are only 1.5 games behind the Cavaliers and just 6 wins separating the 3rd seed and the 9th seed, they have to give it their all to stay in the Playoffs.