With the All-Star break in the rear view mirror, teams will begin their playoff pushes in earnest this week.
Considering 21 of the league's 30 teams are either in a position to make the playoffs or no more than 2.5 games off the pace, the next few months will provide some exciting basketball.
The Miami Heat look unstoppable. Chicago has been able to stay atop their division despite Derrick Rose's injury. Jeremy Lin hit a bump in the road, but will get the next 30 or so games to prove he's not a fluke.
What else should we pay attention to between now and the playoffs?
Are Jeremy Lin and Linsanity here to stay?
Jeremy Lin came up VERY short against Miami last week, but as Charles Barkley said after the game, the kid deserves a pass.
More than 30 games remain on the Knicks schedule, which is plenty of time for New York's new-look roster to figure things out.
The team has already climbed into the Eastern Conference playoff picture and has its sights set on catching Philadelphia (3.5 games in front) for the Atlantic Division lead.
New York was awful without Lin, so any and all hopes of a playoff run rest on his shoulders.
What team will take the Los Angeles crown: Lakers or Clippers?
As it currently stands, the Clippers have a small 1.5 game lead over the Lakers.
Not only is the Pacific Division at stake, the winner gets home court advantage in the first round.
As currently constructed, the Clips look set for a deep playoff run. Kobe's crew, on the other hand, needs some kind of jolt for its offense. Steve Nash and/or Dwight Howard make sense, but we're not sure the Lakers could pull off either trade.
Yes, we feel weird saying this too: Clippers are set for a deep playoff run.
Who has a shot at taking the MVP award from LeBron James?
Averaging 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists per game means LeBron James is likely well on his way to a third MVP award.
But will voters opt for a different choice this time around?
Kobe Bryant is scoring at a ridiculous pace. Chris Paul has completely changed the outlook, and perception of, the Clippers. Kevin Durant is still the most amazing combination of size and shooting ability we've ever seen. And Dwight Howard continues to be a double-double monster.
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