STANDINGS, PROJECTIONS & UPCOMING SCHEDULENEXT 7 GAMES:The all-star break is always interesting check-point. All 4 teams which started the season with a 9-1 record still lead the league after 55+ rounds. But Oklahoma on West and Philadelphia from the East should join these teams, with some chances for Boston too, even Houston, to finish the season with under 30 loses. But for the most positive surprise of the season, Indiana Pacers, it is probably just a question of the time when their current over 65% will fall even under 60%, considering their biggest star is out for a season.
In the playoff race for TOP8, three teams from California fighting for #8, and current order is #8-LAC #9-SAC #10-LAL, but considering that Harris leaves Clippers, Barnes joins Kings, and LeBron is back, chances for 2019 playoff are in opposite order (#1-LAL #2-SAC #3-LAC). On the East seems that Brooklyn secured TOP8 spot (most probably as #6 seed), so for just 2 remaining spots fighting 5 teams: Charlotte, Detroit, Miami, Orlando, and maybe Washington, which is in the worst position, playing without supermax franchise player John Wall.