We are about a quarter of the way through this shortened, post lockout NBA season and not everything is turning out the way several experts predicted.
The New York Knicks are not taking over the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division and the Los Angeles Clippers are far from looking like NBA Finals contenders.
Scoring may be down from last season due to the work stoppage, but there are still plenty of intriguing stories as the All-Star break approaches.
Are the Celtics done? Can the Lakers figure things out in time?
Age is a big problem for Boston, but those old legs are doing just fine in San Antonio.
Things have gotten so bad in Boston, there's even talk of blowing up the "Big Three." Paul Pierce's numbers are WAY down and Kevin Garnett looks ancient out there.
On the other hand, the San Antonio Spurs are doing just fine led by aging players. Manu Ginobili is out for another 6 weeks with an injury, but it hasn't stopped Tony Parker and a deep bench from putting up wins against much younger playoff contenders like Orlando, Portland, Memphis, and the LA Clippers.
Ricky Rubio is making people notice the Minnesota Timberwolves.
We know, the Timberwolves are in last place behind four playoff teams in their own division, but they've already beaten the Mavs, Spurs, and Clippers. Ricky Rubio has changed the attitude around the team, helping Kevin Love continue to improve his game and Luke Ridnour find the skills that made him a lottery pick in 2003.
Introducing your new Eastern Conference powers: Pacers and 76ers.
Keeping with the old adage that defense wins championships, both Indiana and Philadelphia's young squads are surprising everyone around the league by allowing less than 90 points a game. Both also easily define the word "team," as each features seven players averaging double figures in points and eight players averaging at least 16 minutes per game.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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