The NBA concluded the first half of the season Sunday in Atlanta when Team LeBron won a fourth consecutive All-Star game that many players wished did not happen during a condensed season that has forced some games to be postponed because of COVID-19 issues. While the pandemic presented its own challenges for the league and players, the teams that were expected to be contenders for the championship the Lakers now hold remain the favorites. In the Western Conference, the Lakers and Clippers remain the top contenders despite being third and fourth, respectively, in the standings behind league-leading Utah and second-place Phoenix. The Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and defending conference champion Miami Heat also should be in contention. The question is which team will impose its will if the 76ers and Nets meet in the East finals?

Source: Los Angeles Times March 09, 2021 12:00 UTC