With the NBA taking the weekend off for All Star festivities, it’s a better time than ever to break down the first 50+ games thus far. We’ve seen some surprises, some blockbuster trades and the rejuvenation of two legendary franchises: The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.

All-NBA First Team
Forward, Kevin Garnett.
Forward, LeBron James.
Center, Dwight Howard.
Guard, Kobe Bryant.
Guard, Chris Paul.

Most Surprising Team: New Orleans Hornets. Not Phoenix, San Antonio or Dallas. The Hornets have the Western Conference’s best record at 36-15. The Hornets have relied on a balanced attack, led by point guard Chris Paul. CP3 is averaging 20.5 PPG and is also dishing out 11 assists a game. But they also have a major inside presence with Tyson Chandler and David West, who are averaging 31 points and 21 boards between them.

Most Disappointing Team: Miami Heat. While the Chicago Bulls are sitting at a disappointing 21-31, they haven’t suffered a complete meltdown like the Heat, who are the league’s worst team at 9-42. This is a team just two years removed from the NBA Finals, and now they’re in disarray. The Heat have won exactly one game in 2008, losing 20 of their last 21. Shaq is gone, Dwyane Wade is leading the league in turnovers and Pat Riley is busy plotting his exit strategy.

Three Storylines to Watch
1. Can the Celtics stay healthy? Kevin Garnett has missed the last seven games, while Ray Allen and Paul Pierce have had injury problems in the past. It’s up to Doc Rivers to keep this team fresh for the playoffs. With the Big Three and their depth intact for a postseason run, the Celtics could find their way back to the NBA Finals.

2. Can the Hornets keep it up? The Hornets are the league’s biggest surprise, going from lottery pick to top seed in the Western Conference. It’s been a great story so far, but it’ll be a struggle to hold off the Mavs and Spurs in the Southwest, one of the deepest divisions in the league.

3. Who got the best of the NBA trade frenzy? The Lakers’ theft of Pau Gasol puts them in a great position to challenge for the NBA title. But how will Shaquille O’Neal fare with Phoenix? And will that Jason Kidd deal ever pan out in Dallas? The answers to these questions could determine who wins it all in June.