The All-Star Break is one of the best times of the year for NBA fans. The best players in the league come together and put on a show for the fans. While some teams go into the break feeling great, there are teams who could really use this time off. Let’s take a look at five teams who are in need of this extended break.
- Miami Heat – Even though the Heat lost LeBron James in free agency, no one expected the Heat to be in this bad of a situation. They sit at 22-29 with the 7 seed in a weak Eastern Conference. With Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade both selected to participate in the All Star Game, it would be smart for Wade to sit out and rest that nagging hamstring injury. The injury bug has hit the Heat these past two weeks, so maybe a week off will give this team the rest it needs. Maybe the rest can get the team rejuvenated to make a strong push in the second half of the season.
- Los Angeles Clippers – It seemed that the Clippers were able to find their stride. That was until they went on a four game losing streak with two of those losses being blowouts. The Clippers at one point were the #4 seed, but they have now fallen to the #7 seed. Blake Griffin will be out for a few weeks after a procedure on his elbow, so this is going to be a very important time for the Clippers. They are more than capable of being one of the top five teams in the West. With Griffin out, DeAndre Jordan and Jamal Crawford will have to step up to fill the void.
- Washington Wizards – Like the Clippers, the Wizards just went on a losing streak of their own. While it seems that they have gotten over that losing streak and found their stride again, this break will give great mental rest for this young team. John Wall will be starting for the East in the All Star Game, and I expect him to ball out. Also, Paul Pierce is nearing the end of his career. For a veteran player who knows how to get the job done, this rest period is going to be great for Pierce. He has done a great job providing leadership for a young team, and he’ll be even better down the stretch.
- Chicago Bulls – The Bulls have been a very iffy team the past few weeks. With rumors going around about Tom Thibodeau and his job security, this team has had its struggles. For Derrick Rose, this break could really pay off. Finally, we have seen Rose play on a consistent basis. He might not have made the All Star roster this season, but it could make a difference in the long run for this season. Sometimes just a few days off really gets your body right. Congrats to Pau Gasol and Jimmy Butler for making the All-Star roster; they both deserved it. If the Bulls are able to get it together in the second half, it’ll be very exciting to watch.
- Phoenix Suns – Man, the Suns simply can’t catch a break. They have lost on a buzzer beater three times this season. With the Suns owning the #8 seed in a stacked Western Conference, those three games could possibly be the difference between making and missing the playoffs. If the Suns want to keep the #8 seed, they really need to focus on closing games out. This team is very talented and deserves a spot in the postseason.
All-Star Weekend is going to be great. Be sure to tune in to the three point contest – it’s going to be historically good.
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