NBA Central Division
Cleveland Cavaliers
Despite the struggles that the Cavs have had in recent weeks, they are currently on a two game win streak, so it would be a good time to start taking a hard look at them once again in the Eastern Conference. There are a myriad of trade talks surrounding this team, and it would be certain that something would and needs to get done to improve overall chemistry, as that, along with a lack of defensive efficiency, has killed them. The time is now to start picking up the pace, as they lead the Bucks by just three games in the division currently. Cleveland takes to the road Tuesday night, as they visit the Pistons, and then they return Wednesday night to take on Miami. The week closes out Saturday with the Rockets coming to town for a huge showdown.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have won three straight coming into the new week, albeit against teams with losing records. Still since Jason Kidd was fired, there seems to be a renewed focus on winning again, and this is a team that could do some damage in the second half of the season. The first half of the week is a bit tough, as the Sixers come to town tonight, followed by a road trip to Minnesota Thursday. The Bucks return home to face the Knicks and their road woes Friday, and then travel to take on Brooklyn on Sunday. Baseline expectations could be a 2-2 week at worst.
Indiana Pacers
Indiana is tied for second in the division with the Bucks, and they have won three of their last four games on the season. The lone loss was to Cleveland in a game that the Pacers had in their grasp, yet allowed it to get away. They also struggled to a 114-112 win over Orlando. Indiana looks like a team on a tight rope right now, as they have a vibe that they could implode and fail, or they could go on a run and make life tough for the Cavs in the Division. Indiana takes on Charlotte at home tonight, Memphis at home on Wednesday, they travel for a rematch with Charlotte on Friday, and then will close out the week against Philadelphia on Saturday. A really good week would have the Pacers finishing the week at 3-1.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have lost eight straight games, and are now in full tank mode. News comes out today that Avery Bradley has been made available in trade talks, and I can see some kind of deal getting done sooner rather than later. The Pistons have not won since 1/10 against Brooklyn. The Pistons host Cleveland tomorrow night, and then host Memphis on Thursday and Miami on Saturday. At best, this is lining up to be a 1-2 week, but I can see the losing streak being snapped, most likely against Memphis.
Chicago Bulls
Just a few of weeks ago, the Bulls were showing flashes of life, like everything was starting to meld for the future, but now, they have lost four straight, and sit at 14 games under .500. Chicago has one win over a team with a winning record in their last 15 games played. It's a quiet week with just two games on tap, as the Bulls play Wednesday night at Portland, and then Saturday at the Clippers. This could very well be another two loss week, which would drive the streak to six.
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