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Most NBA teams have played 41 or more games as we speak, which means the second half of the 2015-16 season is now upon us. Some of the craziest things imaginable will happen over the next three months, as basketball aficionados are left awestruck every year during the stretch run. With that in mind, here’s a look at 15 bold predictions for the upcoming festivities.
15. Phoenix Suns Trade Brandon Knight To New York Knicks
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsMany have linked the Knicks to Detroit Pistons PG Brandon Jennings, but he's not going to be enough of a difference maker to put them over the top. Instead of Jennings, it will be Phoenix's Brandon Knight the Knicks obtain.
The New York Knicks have been in need of backcourt help all season. New York is currently 21-22 and very much alive in the playoff hunt, so chances are Phil Jackson is going to add a piece or two prior to the trade deadline.
Many have linked the Knicks to Detroit Pistons PG Brandon Jennings, but he's not going to be enough of a difference maker to put them over the top. Instead of Jennings, it will be Phoenix's Brandon Knight the Knicks obtain.
14. Sacramento Kings Make Playoffs As No. 8 Seed
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY SportsSacramento is currently just 0.5 games behind Utah for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, and will make an addition or two prior to the trade deadline that will catapult George Karl's bunch into the postseason for the first time in 10 years.
After a slow start in his new home, Rajon Rondo has done an excellent job with the Sacramento Kings. Rondo's built an undeniable rapport with DeMarcus Cousins, which helps him get the best out of the uber-talented big man.
Sacramento is currently just 0.5 games behind Utah for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, and will make an addition or two prior to the trade deadline that will catapult George Karl's bunch into the postseason for the first time in 10 years.
13. Memphis Grizzlies Miss The Playoffs
Getty ImagesExpect the Grizzlies to fall apart down the stretch, as the impending departure of PG Mike Conley in free agency has the franchise in need of a rebuild that projects to begin prior to the trade deadline.
The Memphis Grizzlies have struggled to find an offensive strategy that works on a consistent basis this season despite currently holding the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference at 24-19. Aside from the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers, no team is guaranteed a playoff berth out west at this point.
Expect the Grizzlies to fall apart down the stretch, as the impending departure of PG Mike Conley in free agency has the franchise in need of a rebuild that projects to begin prior to the trade deadline.
12. Washington Wizards Fire Head Coach Randy Wittman
Getty ImagesWittman is 156-179 since taking over in 2011, and he has yet to lead the Wizards to a 50-win season no matter how much talent he's been given.
Once it becomes evident the Wizards will ultimately be eliminated from postseason contention, Wittman will be fired.
While I understand the Washington Wizards have been ransacked by injuries this season -- which is one of the main reasons for their 19-21 start -- it doesn't change the fact that it's time for the franchise to move on from head coach Randy Wittman.
Wittman is 156-179 since taking over in 2011, and he has yet to lead the Wizards to a 50-win season no matter how much talent he's been given.
Once it becomes evident the Wizards will ultimately be eliminated from postseason contention, Wittman will be fired.
11. Houston Rockets Begin Rebuild By Trading Dwight Howard To Boston Celtics
Getty ImagesHoward's been linked to multiple teams of late -- including the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans -- but I believe he makes the most sense for the Boston Celtics, who lack star power and a steady presence at center.
Evan Turner, Marcus Smart, David Lee and Kelly Olynyk are all solid players, and the Rockets could land two of team in a package that also includes some picks.
Dwight Howard never seems to be happy anywhere he plays, so it should come as a shock to absolutely no one that he's rumored to be fed up with playing second-fiddle to James Harden in Houston.
Howard's been linked to multiple teams of late -- including the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans -- but I believe he makes the most sense for the Boston Celtics, who lack star power and a steady presence at center.
Evan Turner, Marcus Smart, David Lee and Kelly Olynyk are all solid players, and the Rockets could land two of team in a package that also includes some picks.
10. New York Knicks Make Playoffs As No. 8 Seed
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY SportsOnce Phil Jackson begins wheeling and dealing prior to the trade deadline as I expect, the Knicks will have all the pieces in place to cement a playoff berth.
The New York Knicks have shocked the basketball world by playing at a competitive level thus far, and they are currently just 1.5 games out of the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Once Phil Jackson begins wheeling and dealing prior to the trade deadline as I expect, the Knicks will have all the pieces in place to cement a playoff berth.
9. San Antonio Spurs Finish With NBA's Best Record
Getty ImagesThe Warriors used up a ton of energy while on their unbeaten streak, and it's going to catch up with them by the end of the regular season. Thus, expect to see the Spurs cement the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, as head coach Gregg Popovich goes to great lengths to ensure his players get proper rest.
The Golden State Warriors have been the darling of NBA fans and media alike due to their epic start to the season. But now on Jan. 19, the San Antonio Spurs have quietly drawn within two games of Stephen Curry and Co. at 36-6.
The Warriors used up a ton of energy while on their unbeaten streak, and it's going to catch up with them by the end of the regular season. Thus, expect to see the Spurs cement the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, as head coach Gregg Popovich goes to great lengths to ensure his players get proper rest.
8. Portland Trail Blazers Make Postseason Led By Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum
Getty ImagesDamian Lillard and C.J. McCollum make up the most dynamic backcourt in the NBA and will easily lead Portland to a playoff berth after upper management adds a solid veteran big man prior to the trade deadline. Write it down in permanent marker.
Despite losing LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, Robin Lopez and Arron Afflalo to free agency over the offseason, the Portland Trail Blazers are 19-25 and sit just 0.5 games behind Utah for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.
Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum make up the most dynamic backcourt in the NBA and will easily lead Portland to a playoff berth after upper management adds a solid veteran big man prior to the trade deadline. Write it down in permanent marker.
7. Milwaukee Bucks Fire Entire Jason Kidd Regime
Getty ImagesEarlier in the campaign, Kidd set a terrible example for his young roster by attempting to slap a ball out of an official's hands. He had to be restrained by his players, which should never happen.
Having seen enough from this regime by the end of the season as they miss the playoffs, Bucks ownership will give Kidd -- and his entire coaching staff -- their respective walking papers.
Jason Kidd's been out since December while recovering from hip surgery, but the truth is, the Milwaukee Bucks have floundered under his guidance this season, and have taken a gargantuan step backward since finishing at an even 41-41 last season and making the playoffs.
Earlier in the campaign, Kidd set a terrible example for his young roster by attempting to slap a ball out of an official's hands. He had to be restrained by his players, which should never happen.
Having seen enough from this regime by the end of the season as they miss the playoffs, Bucks ownership will give Kidd -- and his entire coaching staff -- their respective walking papers.
6. Houston Rockets Swap Ty Lawson, Other Pieces For Detroit Pistons' Brandon Jennings
Getty ImagesSwapping Brandon Jennings for Ty Lawson and other pieces makes a ton of sense for both sides, as the Pistons would have their backup point guard along with some role players and the Rockets would finally have a player who can provide the offensive spark that Patrick Beverley is unable to.
The Houston Rockets have been searching far and wide for a potential suitor for PG Ty Lawson, but to no avail. The Detroit Pistons are known to be willing to trade PG Brandon Jennings, but most of the teams he's been linked to (like the New York Knicks) are fighting for the same playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, which makes me believe he'll be going to a Western Conference team if he's traded.
Swapping Brandon Jennings for Ty Lawson and other pieces makes a ton of sense for both sides, as the Pistons would have their backup point guard along with some role players and the Rockets would finally have a player who can provide the offensive spark that Patrick Beverley is unable to.
5. Miami Heat Collapse, Miss Playoffs
Getty ImagesBarring an unforeseen blockbuster trade for another star, the Heat will collapse down the stretch and ultimately miss the postseason by just one game.
The Miami Heat are 23-18 and deserve credit for playing solid defense this season, but they can't continue to average just 0.9 more points per game than they allow. Put simply, this team as currently constructed is laden with inadequate scorers.
Barring an unforeseen blockbuster trade for another star, the Heat will collapse down the stretch and ultimately miss the postseason by just one game.
4. Phoenix Suns Fire Jeff Hornacek
Getty ImagesThe Suns' failures are clearly not all Jeff Hornacek's fault, but he's going to pay the price whether he deserves to or not.
The Phoenix Suns came into the 2015-16 campaign as a sleeper team that was expected by some to compete for a decent playoff seed in the Western Conference. Instead, the Suns are 13-29 and have dealt with enough drama to make a soap opera jealous.
The Suns' failures are clearly not all Jeff Hornacek's fault, but he's going to pay the price whether he deserves to or not.
3. New Orleans Pelicans Trade Tyreke Evans
Getty ImagesNew Orleans needs help at essentially every position and will be able to demand a king's ransom for PG/SG Tyreke Evans. The Pelicans will have a plethora of players to chose from in return, as even teams that aren't competing this season (like the Los Angeles Lakers) are rumored to be interested in his services.
The New Orleans Pelicans are another team much was expected from this season, but they have completely disappointed. New Orleans is 13-27, and everyone not named Anthony Davis will be available on the trading block prior to the deadline.
New Orleans needs help at essentially every position and will be able to demand a king's ransom for PG/SG Tyreke Evans. The Pelicans will have a plethora of players to chose from in return, as even teams that aren't competing this season (like the Los Angeles Lakers) are rumored to be interested in his services.
2. Toronto Raptors Add Depth At Power Forward, Cement No. 1 Seed In Eastern Conference
Getty ImagesThe Raptors should have SF DeMarre Carroll back from injury for the stretch run, but they still need improvement at power forward, as Luis Scola has far more value as a role player. Whether it's New Orleans' Ryan Anderson or someone who plays in the paint, expect the Raptors to make an addition before the trade deadline.
This will give Toronto everything the team needs to supplant Cleveland for the No. 1 seed.
Kyle Lowry has done a sensational job of leading the Toronto Raptors this season, and he's played at an MVP level to this point. The Raptors are now 26-15 and sit three games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Raptors should have SF DeMarre Carroll back from injury for the stretch run, but they still need improvement at power forward, as Luis Scola has far more value as a role player. Whether it's New Orleans' Ryan Anderson or someone who plays in the paint, expect the Raptors to make an addition before the trade deadline.
This will give Toronto everything the team needs to supplant Cleveland for the No. 1 seed.
1. Brooklyn Nets Trade Thaddeus Young, Keep Brook Lopez
Getty ImagesBrook Lopez is undoubtedly Brooklyn's best player, but he also has a lucrative contract that isn't incredibly appealing considering his past issues with foot injuries. Thaddeus Young, however, is in his prime at 27 years old and could bring back an excellent package as a scoring/rebounding four who can play in the paint and also stretch the floor.
Expect Young to be traded for multiple players and picks, as the Nets are stuck with building around Lopez.
The Brooklyn Nets need a large influx of talent in order to rebuild their roster into a contender. Now that head coach Lionel Hollins has been fired, there's no one else to blame except for the players.
Brook Lopez is undoubtedly Brooklyn's best player, but he also has a lucrative contract that isn't incredibly appealing considering his past issues with foot injuries. Thaddeus Young, however, is in his prime at 27 years old and could bring back an excellent package as a scoring/rebounding four who can play in the paint and also stretch the floor.
Expect Young to be traded for multiple players and picks, as the Nets are stuck with building around Lopez.
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