Atlantic Division:
Washington Bullets - Record: 26-10The Bullets have put together a strong first half of the season, boasting a top-tier offense and a rock-solid rebounding game. Sitting at 26-10, they're a serious contender in their conference with plenty of firepower and a well-balanced roster. While not without flaws, their ability to outscore and outmuscle opponents has kept them in the upper echelon of the standings.
What the Team Does Well:
Scoring Efficiency: The Bullets are lethal offensively, ranking 2nd in points per game (117.3) and leading the league in FG% (.512), adjusted FG%, and points per shot. They’re highly efficient in both inside and midrange looks.
Rebounding Dominance: They're +4.9 in total rebounds per game over opponents — thanks to Buck Williams, Jack Sikma, and Phil Hubbard crashing the boards relentlessly.
Ball Pressure & Hustle: With 9.2 steals per game (2nd in the league), they thrive in transition and disrupt opposing offenses.
Team Weaknesses:
Turnovers & Fouls: They turn the ball over 20.1 times per game (23rd in the league) and rack up 25.4 fouls per contest — two critical issues that could haunt them in tight playoff games.
Shot Blocking & Rim Protection: The Bullets rank in the bottom third for blocks (3.5 per game, 19th), which can leave their interior defense vulnerable.
Outside Shooting: They’re near the bottom in 3PT shooting (.221), limiting their spacing and potentially making them easier to defend in half-court sets.
Team MVP: Buck Williams (C)
Williams is having a monster season, averaging 24.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and shooting 59.1% from the field. He’s damn near a double-double machine. His elite rebounding, strength inside, and constant activity on both ends make him the backbone of this team. His PER of 25.8 and Value Added (VA) of 269.3 are among the league's best.
Final Take:
The Bullets have all the makings of a playoff juggernaut if they tighten up their ball control and find a bit more balance with perimeter shooting and rim protection. With Buck Williams leading the charge and strong depth across the board, they’re in the title hunt — but their margin for error gets thinner as the season grinds on.
Team Grade: A-
New York Knicks - Record: 19–17
The Knicks are hanging tough at 19–17, and while they're not blowing anyone away, they’re very much in the thick of the playoff hunt. With a couple of standout stars and a team that knows how to scrap on defense, this is a squad that could make noise if it tightens up in a few key areas.
What the Team Does Well:
The Knicks are a high-pressure defensive unit, leading the league in steals (9.6 per game) and ranking top-tier in assists (25.6 per game). Their team-oriented ball movement and active hands are keeping them competitive night after night. They’re also surprisingly solid at limiting turnovers, with a +1.6 turnover margin—best in the league.
The duo of Alex English and Darrell Griffith is putting in serious work on the offensive end. English is dropping an MVP-caliber 30.9 points per game, while Griffith is right behind him at 24.5, and both are shooting efficiently. Rickey Green has also been stellar at point, dishing out a league-leading 10.1 assists per game and providing great tempo for the offense.
Team Weaknesses:
Rebounding is a real issue. The Knicks are getting outmuscled on the boards, ranking bottom third in total rebounds (-2.1 margin) and defensive rebounding (-2.0 margin). Their bigs—while serviceable—are not dominant glass-eaters, and it’s costing them extra possessions.
Shooting efficiency also lags. The team is below average in FG% (.463) and adjusted FG% (.471), and their points per shot (1.20) ranks 21st. While they lead the league in 3PT% margin, they rarely attempt threes—suggesting a more traditional mid-range-heavy approach that might not keep pace with higher-octane offenses.
Team MVP: Alex English
Even though he is brand new, this one’s not even close. English is on fire, averaging nearly 31 points per game, shooting 49% from the field, and hitting his free throws at an elite 85.7% clip. He’s the offensive center point, drawing doubles, creating space for others, and keeping the Knicks competitive every night. His PER of 24.2 and Value Added (VA) of 289.8 are easily the best on the team, making him the clear MVP of this squad.
Final Word:
The Knicks are gritty, unselfish, and driven by star-level perimeter play. But to take the next step, they’ll need to shore up their rebounding and find ways to stretch the floor more consistently. They’re right on the edge—and with English playing like a superstar, anything feels possible.
Grade: B-
Philadelphia 76ers - Record: 16-19
The 76ers are trudging through an underwhelming season, sitting below .500 and failing to establish consistency on either side of the floor. Despite having a few standout performances and some strengths, the team has too many weak spots to be considered a real threat in the conference—at least for now.
What the Team Does Well
Ball Movement & Passing: The Sixers rank 2nd in the league in assists (25.4 APG), with Norm Nixon (7.2 APG) and Gerald Henderson (5.0 APG) orchestrating the offense. The team plays unselfishly and creates good looks, especially in the midrange.
Interior Scoring & Efficiency: With a team FG% of .473 and solid efficiency from bigs like Larry Nance (.533 FG%) and Pat Cummings (.549 FG%), Philly gets a lot of high-percentage shots in the paint.
Steals & Transition Pressure: They're top 5 in steals (7.7 per game), thanks to aggressive perimeter defenders like Henderson and Don Collins.
Team Weaknesses
Three-Point Shooting: Philly is absolutely ice-cold from deep, shooting just 25.8% as a team (2nd worst in the league). There’s no reliable floor spacer on the roster, which compresses the half-court offense.
Defensive Rebounding: The team allows 14.1 offensive rebounds per game, near the bottom of the league. Opponents get too many second-chance opportunities.
Turnovers: With 17.3 turnovers per game, they’re coughing it up far too often, especially considering their strong assist totals. It’s killing possessions and leading to opponent runs.
Free Throw Shooting: At 72.9%, they’re leaving points at the line, with several key players (Mychal Thompson, Cummings) hovering around or below average.
Team MVP: Larry Nance (PF, Age 23)
Nance has been the heart and soul of this team. Averaging 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 0.8 steals + 2.3 blocks per game, he leads the team in both scoring and rebounding. He’s also sporting a true shooting % of .578 and has been a solid defensive presence inside. Simply put, he’s doing it all and keeping this squad competitive for Digiskunk.
Final Thoughts
The Sixers are built like a classic grit-and-grind team: strong inside presence, good passing, and scrappy defense. But they’re held back by poor shooting (especially from three - but then again who isn't), inconsistent perimeter scoring, and rebounding lapses. If they can address spacing—maybe by acquiring a legitimate shooter—they could turn things around. But for now, they're stuck in the middle of the pack.
Grade: C
Boston Celtics - Record: 13-23
At 13–23, the Boston Celtics are struggling to find consistent footing this season, ranking near the bottom in both conference and overall standings. Despite having high-end individual talent, their team synergy and execution on both ends of the court leave much to be desired.
Team Strengths:
Shot Blocking: The Celtics are elite at protecting the rim, averaging 6.4 blocks per game (2nd in the league), anchored by defensive stalwarts like Mark Eaton and George T. Johnson.
Assists: Thanks to Maurice Cheeks, the team is 9th in total assists with 23.3 per game. Ball movement is one of the few areas where the Celtics shine.
Free Throw Shooting: At .742 from the stripe, Boston is above average in converting freebies, with multiple players shooting over 75%. This is a big change from last season where Boston was near the bottom all season in this category.
Team Weaknesses:
Three-Point Shooting: Abysmal would be putting it lightly. The Celtics shoot just 11.7% from deep — dead last in the league — turning their perimeter game into a non-factor.
Turnovers and Fouls: Sloppy play is a recurring theme, as the team commits nearly 20 turnovers per game (9th worst) and an excessive 28.3 fouls per game, which is the most in the league.
Scoring Margin: Boston is being outscored by 8.9 points per game, ranking them 11th in the conference. It has improved since having a -13 earlier in the season but this suggests deeper structural issues on both offense and defense.
Team MVP: Julius Erving
“Dr. J” is carrying the load offensively with 22.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He’s logging over 35 minutes a night while maintaining a .505 true shooting percentage and being a positive presence on both ends. His versatility, leadership, and production stand out even amidst the team’s struggles.
Honorable Mention: Maurice Cheeks — An elite facilitator with 9.7 assists per game and a 34% assist rate, Cheeks adds major value as a floor general and defensive disruptor.
Bottom Line:
Boston is a talented but flawed team that lacks floor spacing, discipline, and a clear identity. With some structural tweaks and a reduction in self-inflicted wounds, this team could turn things around — but for now, it's a long road back to relevance.
Grade: D+
New Jersey Nets - Record: 10–26
Despite some bright spots, the New Jersey Nets’ season so far has been a tough ride. Sitting at 10–26, the team has struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor. Offensively, they’re averaging just 107.8 points per game (20th in the league), while giving up 113.6 (12th most), resulting in a -5.7 scoring margin.
What the Team Does Well:
Rebounding: The Nets are a surprisingly strong rebounding team, ranking top 5 in offensive (13.4) and total rebounds (44.9). Cliff Robinson and Darryl Dawkins are monsters on the glass, providing second-chance opportunities and anchoring the frontcourt.
Interior Scoring and Efficiency: Dawkins is having an excellent offensive season, shooting an elite 56.8% from the field and carrying a monster 29.2% usage rate with a True Shooting % of .597 — top-tier efficiency.
Ball Movement from the Guards: Larry Drew (8.1 APG) and Fat Lever (7.1 APG) are, and were before injury, doing a solid job facilitating the offense, even if the scoring isn't quite keeping up.
Where the Team Struggles:
Shooting: A major Achilles' heel. The Nets rank 23rd in both free throw percentage (.700) and adjusted field goal percentage (.470). Their 3-point shooting is dismal — worst in the league at just 21.2% — making the offense predictable and easier to guard.
Turnovers: They cough the ball up 18.1 times per game, which ranks 10th most in the league. With a negative assist-to-turnover differential, the team is often its own worst enemy.
Perimeter Defense: Opponents shoot .490 against them and average 113.6 points per game, exposing holes in transition and along the perimeter where the Nets lack foot speed and lateral quickness.
Team MVP: Darryl Dawkins
“Chocolate Thunder” is another outstanding season. Averaging 27.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, Dawkins is the offensive catalyst. His paint dominance is unquestioned, and he’s one of the league’s most efficient big men. He’s the one constant in an otherwise inconsistent campaign, and without his presence, the Nets would be in far deeper trouble.
Outlook:
There’s a foundation here, especially with Dawkins, Robinson, and the young guard tandem of Lever, even after his injury, and Drew. But the Nets need shooting — badly. Whether through trades or offseason acquisitions, improving perimeter play and spacing will be essential if this team hopes to turn things around.
Grade: D+
Central Division
Cleveland Cavaliers - Record: 20-16
The Cleveland Cavaliers have carved out a solid season so far with a 20-16 record. They aren’t blowing anyone out of the water, but they’ve found consistency behind strong two-way play and a balanced roster. Offensively, they average 112.2 points per game—good for top five in the league—and they rank highly in field goal percentage (48.0%) and free throw percentage (75.6%). That efficient scoring profile, paired with decent assist numbers (24.4 per game), has kept them competitive.
What They Do Well:
Star Power: Sidney Moncrief and Jim Paxson are forming one of the most dynamic duos in the league. Both are averaging over 26 PPG, and they’re doing it efficiently—Moncrief has a TS% of .595, while Paxson is right behind at .580.
Ball Movement: With a collective 24.4 APG, the Cavaliers are sharing the ball and creating good looks. Johnny Davis and Kevin Porter are contributing nicely with 4.8 and 6.2 assists per game, respectively.
Interior Strength: Rick Mahorn is anchoring the paint with 9.9 rebounds and 14.3 points per game, while providing a physical edge defensively.
Weak Spots:
Three-Point Shooting: Their league-worst .167 3PT% is a major red flag in a spacing-focused league. No consistent perimeter threats make it easier for teams to clog the lane.
Turnovers & Fouls: The Cavs average 19.4 turnovers and 30.6 fouls per game, both among the worst in the league. Sloppy play and undisciplined defense are costing them momentum and easy points.
Bench Production: Outside of Billy Ray Bates, the bench offers little punch. Depth is thin, and injuries could expose this quickly.
Team MVP: Sidney Moncrief
Moncrief has been great across the board: 26.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 5.3 APG, all while being one of the best perimeter defenders on the team. His impact is felt on both ends, and his PER of 25.0 and 9.2 estimated wins added lead the team.
Outlook
If Cleveland can tighten up its ball security and find even one reliable shooter from deep, this team could be dangerous down the stretch. Right now, they’re a good team on the edge of being great—but they’ll need cleaner play and more floor spacing to get there.
Grade: B+
Indiana Pacers - Record: 21–17
Team Strengths
1. Elite Scoring & Efficiency
The Pacers lead the league in points per game (117.7), and they're 2nd in field goal percentage (.493). With an adjusted FG% of .493 and top-5 Points Per Shot, they’re elite in offensive execution—especially inside the arc.
2. Offensive Glass Domination
They’re #1 in offensive rebounds per game (14.9), led by the relentless efforts of Larry Smith and Joe Barry Carroll. This fuels second-chance points and extends possessions.
3. Rebounding
Overall, the team ranks 2nd in total rebounds, giving them control of the tempo and limiting opponents' second-chance opportunities.
4. Star Power Up Top
Adrian Dantley (31.5 PPG, .600 TS%) is playing at an MVP level. Joe Barry Carroll is not far behind with 27.5 PPG and elite efficiency inside.
Team Weaknesses
1. 3-Point Shooting (or lack thereof)
They're dead last in 3PT% (.161)—and also 10th worst defending the 3PT line. This hurts both spacing and defensive versatility in today’s game.
2. Turnovers
Leading the league in turnovers per game (16.7) is a glaring issue. This offsets some of their offensive firepower by gifting extra possessions to the opposition.
3. Perimeter Defense & Fouling
They commit 30.4 fouls per game (bottom 5), and their opponents are shooting well against them—indicating potential perimeter defensive issues.
Team MVP: Adrian Dantley (SG)
Dantley is the main guy of this offense—elite inside scorer, great at drawing fouls, and playing huge minutes. He’s also contributing solidly across the board with 5.0 assists and 6.1 rebounds. No one carries a heavier or more efficient offensive burden.
Outlook
If Indiana can clean up the turnovers and develop some reliable perimeter shooting, they could make real noise in the playoffs. They’re a physical, punishing interior team with elite scorers—they just need to modernize a bit and tighten up on the perimeter.
Grade: B+
Milwaukee Bucks -Record: 19–17
The 1984-85 Milwaukee Bucks have been a solid, if inconsistent, squad halfway through the season. With a 19–17 record, they’ve shown flashes of dominance, especially on the boards and on the defensive end, but ball control issues and inconsistent perimeter shooting continue to hold them back.
Team Strengths
Rebounding (especially defensive): The Bucks lead the league in total and defensive rebounds (46.8 RPG, 32.8 DRPG), driven by a lengthy, athletic frontcourt anchored by Alton Lister, Terry Tyler, and Kevin McHale.
Shot Blocking: Milwaukee leads the league with an eye-popping 7.3 blocks per game. Lister and McHale protect the rim with authority.
Interior Efficiency: Kevin McHale is a low-post machine, shooting 58.4% from the field and drawing constant double teams.
Defense: With elite perimeter defenders like Michael Cooper and solid team metrics (opponent FG%: .464), this is a team that grinds out games.
Team Weaknesses
Turnovers: Averaging nearly 20 a game (19.7), the Bucks rank among the league’s worst in ball security. Sloppy passes and over-dribbling—particularly from the backcourt—are costly.
Three-Point Shooting: At just 20.2% from beyond the arc, Milwaukee is near the bottom of the league in outside shooting. It’s a glaring issue that shrinks spacing and bogs down the offense in key moments.
Offensive Fluidity: Despite a decent assist rate, the team struggles to move the ball efficiently when Phil Ford or Michael Cooper aren't facilitating.
Team MVP: Kevin McHale
McHale has been nothing short of dominant. Averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and shooting a scorching .644 TS%, he’s the focal point of the Bucks' offense and a defensive anchor. His efficiency, two-way play, and ability to carry the offense in tight spots make him an easy choice for team MVP.
Outlook
The Bucks are a tough, defensive-minded team with a dominant interior presence, but if they want to climb into the top tier, they’ll need to tighten up their ball security and find more reliable perimeter scoring. With McHale leading the charge, they’re a playoff threat, but the ceiling is capped unless the backcourt finds more consistency.
Grade: B-
Chicago Bulls - Record: 15-21
The Chicago Bulls, sitting at 15–21, have shown flashes of potential this season, but inconsistency and a lack of depth have left them trailing in the standings. While the team competes hard and has a couple of standout individual performers, it struggles to control the paint and lacks reliable offensive firepower beyond its top guns.
What the Team Does Well:
Defense & Hustle Stats: The Bulls are a scrappy defensive team. They rank top-3 in the league in steals (9.0 SPG) and turnovers forced (19.2 TOPG), often winning the possession battle through hustle.
Ball Movement: Their 24.9 assists per game show a commitment to unselfish play, ranking them 4th in the league.
Shooting Efficiency: Surprisingly, the Bulls shoot .489 from the field (3rd in FG%), showing they make the most of their looks, especially inside the arc.
Where the Team Struggles:
Rebounding: Chicago is bottom-third in total rebounds (41.2 RPG) and gets out-rebounded by nearly 4 boards per game. The lack of a dominant glass presence hurts them, especially in second-chance opportunities.
Free Throws & Three-Point Shooting: They're one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the league (.706 FT%, 10th worst), and their three-point shooting (.205 3PT%) is historically poor, barely better than their opponents.
Depth & Consistency: Outside of two main players, contributions are inconsistent, and bench production is sparse.
Team MVP: Steve Johnson (C)
Johnson has been the heart of the Bulls. Averaging 25.1 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting an elite .612 from the field, he's one of the most efficient big men in the league. He also sports a stellar PER of 22.4 and provides steady interior scoring night after night. With his scoring and ability to stay on the court (37.6 MPG), Johnson is the offensive starlet of this Bulls team.
Outlook:
Unless the Bulls address their rebounding woes and find a reliable shooter to complement Johnson and Reid, a playoff push will be tough. But there’s a competitive spirit here, and if the defense holds up, a strong second half isn’t out of the question.
Team Grade: C-
Detroit Pistons - Record: 14-22
The Detroit Pistons are a team still searching for consistency and identity. At 14-22, their season has been defined by a mix of strong individual performances and glaring collective weaknesses. While there are bright spots to build upon, the Pistons currently sit on the outside looking in when it comes to playoff contention.
Team Strengths:
Offensive Rebounding: The Pistons are one of the top teams in the league in offensive rebounds (13.7 per game, ranked 4th), thanks to the efforts of players like Terry Cummings and Clark Kellogg crashing the glass hard.
Scoring Punch: Detroit features two prolific scorers in Terry Cummings (29.5 PPG) and Marques Johnson (24.2 PPG), providing a consistent offensive foundation.
Free Throw Rate: Despite an average team free throw percentage (.731), the Pistons do a good job of getting to the line, largely due to Cummings and Toney drawing contact in the paint.
Team Weaknesses:
Defense, Defense, Defense: Detroit gives up 116.2 points per game (ranked 19th) and opponents shoot a blistering .507 from the field — both bottom-tier marks. The team lacks a true rim protector, as seen in their league-worst 3.1 blocks per game.
Turnovers & Ball Movement: The Pistons average 18.3 turnovers per game and rank near the bottom in assists (21.6). Their offense is stagnant without consistent point guard play, and Edmund Sherod, while a willing passer, has struggled with efficiency and turnovers.
Three-Point Shooting: A brutal .149 from beyond the arc (ranked 19th) makes Detroit one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league, limiting their ability to space the floor or mount comebacks.
Team MVP: Terry Cummings
There's no debate here — Terry Cummings is the heart and soul of this squad. Averaging 29.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient .526 from the field, Cummings carries a heavy offensive load. His PER of 25.3 and EWA (Estimated Wins Added) of 9.5 rank among the league's elite. While his passing and defense leave room for growth, he's been a dominant force in the paint and the main charge behind most Pistons wins.
Looking Ahead:
Outlook:
If the Pistons want to make a push in the second half of the season, they’ll need to address their defensive shortcomings and turnover woes. Adding a more defensive-minded big or a reliable floor general would help stabilize this roster. With Cummings in All-Star form and scorers like Johnson and Toney to complement him, the pieces are there — but the cohesion and consistency are not.
Team Grade: C-
Atlanta Hawks - Record: 11-26
The Atlanta Hawks have had a tough campaign so far, sitting at 11-26 with little momentum. The team shows flashes of promise, but its lack of consistency on both ends of the court has kept it anchored near the bottom of the standings.
What the Hawks Do Well:
Offensive Rebounding: Atlanta ranks 2nd in offensive rebounds (14.4 per game), with Jeff Ruland and Kurt Nimphius doing a lot of the dirty work on the glass. This hustle creates second-chance scoring opportunities, which are vital considering their offensive inefficiencies.
Free Throw Rate: While not elite in percentage, the Hawks draw fouls well (4th in team fouls drawn) and get to the line frequently — led by Dennis Johnson and Purvis Short.
Scoring Depth in the Backcourt: Dennis Johnson and Vinnie Johnson are the team’s offensive center pieces , combining for 46.5 points per game. Both are capable of creating their own shot, though efficiency varies.
Team Weaknesses:
Defense, Especially Perimeter: Opponents are shooting .505 from the field and .247 from three — both in the bottom third defensively. The Hawks allow 116.2 points per game (22nd in margin), and struggle with on-ball containment and rotations.
Turnovers and Ball Movement: Atlanta averages 18.6 turnovers per game (6th worst) while ranking just 21st in assists. The offense often stalls in isolation sets, with minimal movement or flow, especially beyond the backcourt.
3-Point Shooting: The team is historically bad from deep, hitting just 15% — dead last in the league. With spacing limited, defenses collapse in the paint, making life tougher for bigs and slashers alike.
Team MVP: Dennis Johnson
Dennis Johnson has been the Hawks’ undeniable leader and most consistent performer. Averaging 26.9 points, 5.7 assists, and nearly 43 minutes a night, DJ has been relentless. His TS% (.519) and PER (17.8) highlight both volume and efficiency, even in a flawed system. He's also the team’s top perimeter defender and plays with maximum effort on both ends, often covering up for others' lapses.
Final Word:
The Hawks have talent — particularly in their guard play and frontcourt rebounding — but lack defensive intensity and offensive cohesion. Unless they can improve their ball security, perimeter defense, and outside shooting, this team may continue to spiral. That said, Dennis Johnson is giving them a fighting chance most nights, and Jeff Ruland’s presence inside provides a physical anchor. But the supporting cast must elevate for this team to climb out of the basement.
Team Grade: D+
