With the All-Star game behind us, now is the time that teams dig in and really push to either get into the playoffs or prepare for a deep run into June. So with four months of action in the books, what teams have been a disappointment so far?
Well first off, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sure they were not expected to repeat as the team with the best record in the league. But many thought they could still compete and maybe battle for one of the last postseason slots. Minus LeBron James however, it has been a nightmare season for Cleveland. Until recently they were heading straight towards losing 30 games in a row. Not even a shocking upset of the Los Angeles Lakers before the All-Star break can save the season to this point.
The Washington Wizards were expected by basketball betting to be better or at least that was the buzz once John Wall landed in DC. They to had an embarrassing run of not winning a road game until a few weeks ago. Like Cleveland, not much was expected but certainly more than what is happening now.
The Philadelphia 76ers are starting to play better ball now but for the first few months they were one of the bigger disappointments. First year coach Doug Collins took some time to instil his plans and with the talent in Philly, they should post better numbers in the second half.
In terms of the teams that had potential to really make noise in the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets have been a letdown according to NBA betting pundits. With the Carmelo drama hanging over their heads, the Nuggets went from a team that could challenge to win the West, to a team barely keeping itself in the playoff hunt.
Finally, throwing record aside, the Lakers have been a disappointment to many, only because they are held to a higher standard. They are the defending champs and regardless of whether you think they are bored or waiting for the playoffs, they have had some horrible losses this season. Kobe Bryant is not what he used to be and cannot carry a team all by himself. Maybe L.A. is waiting for April to turn it on but the other contenders in the West are not fearing the purple and gold as much as they used to.
