Washington Wizards

The Wiz Kids have hung around the top of the Eastern Conference standings, but don't expect them to make much noise chasing the Atlanta Hawks. They have lost seven of their last eleven games and will head to Toronto to take on the Raptors before the All-Star break. John Wall has led the team and is the lone Wizard headed to the All-Star game. Wall leads the league in assists, the only point guard averaging more than 10 per game. And while the starting five for the Wizards has been solid, they are lacking a strong bench. The loss of Trevor Ariza has been overshadowed by a weakened Eastern Conference. A shakeup of teams and players allowed the Wizards to move up in the standings from a year ago, which may give people the wrong impression. The addition of Paul Pierce helped fill the void left by Ariza, but the future Hall of Famer simply cannot withstand an immense amount of minutes. The Wizards could make some noise in the second half of the season but, going into the break, appear to be a championship pretender. A thin bench will ultimately be the downfall of Randy Wittman's team who, as of right now, would likely struggle with a potential playoff matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Los Angeles Clippers

The absence of Blake Griffin is insult to injury for the Clippers, who have taken a step back this season. Under new ownership, they have been victimized by poor defense, allowing over 100 points per game. They have lost five of their last seven games. Now, with their leading scorer out with an elbow injury, the rest of the Clippers' lineup will be truly tested. A bench that once looked solid has underperformed and forced the starters to play extensive minutes. Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan have played up to par, but will need to pick up the slack in the second half of the season. Paul and Griffin were both selected to the All-Star game, but Griffin will continue to rest while the Clippers anxiously await his return. Without him, Doc Rivers will have a tall task of maintaining their place in the standings and, even with Griffin on the floor, the Clippers are up against tough odds to contend for a title in the Western Conference.

Portland Trail Blazers

The fate of the Blazers lies in the thumb of LaMarcus Aldridge. The team's all-time leader in double-doubles has been playing with a torn ligament in his left thumb, delaying inevitable surgery. Leading the team in points and rebounds, Aldridge just recently snapped a streak of six consecutive games with a double-double. He is an animal, but playing hurt is a thin line to walk and one that may come back to bite the Blazers. If Aldridge were to further injure his thumb, Damian Lillard and Wesley Matthews would be tasked with carrying the team as the only other players averaging double figures. The Blazers are another team with a complete starting lineup, but a flakey bench. Four of five starters average over 30 minutes per game while only two bench players average over 20. Heading into the All-Star break, the Blazers are in a good position in the Western Conference but are a team that could very easily decline in the second half of the season.

Milwaukee Bucks

One of the biggest surprise teams in the league, the Bucks have steadily remained above .500 with Jason Kidd at the wheel. Even without Jabari Parker for the majority of the season, the antlers have benefited from a number of contributors. Brandon Knight has been the top performer, followed by the emergence of Giannis Antetokounmpo who, not only is a Most Improved Player candidate, but is also a participant in the Slam Dunk Contest. But while the young Bucks may fool you into thinking they can make a run through the Eastern Conference, think again. They are a year removed from being the 2014-2015 Atlanta Hawks and a bright future does not ensure a successful run through this year's playoffs. Without a single All-Star representing the Bucks, they go into the break having won eight of their last ten games as they continue to rope those into believing they are true contenders.

Oklahoma City Thunder

While it appears as though Kevin Durant is back to form, the NBA world is anxiously awaiting the return of the Thunder in the playoff standings. They have climbed back above .500, but still sit two spots back of eighth place in the Western Conference. It has continued to be the Durant and Russell Westbrook show in Oklahoma City. The addition of Dion Waiters was a necessary acquisition that should vault the Thunder into the playoffs. However, the going has been slow and, even if the Thunder can obtain a playoff spot, their chances at a title are minimal. Heading into the break, you can guess who will be representing Scott Brooks's squad at the All-Star game. And it will be those two who will be tasked with getting their team into the playoffs and beyond, fooling the league into thinking they will be there in the end.