NBA West to the FINISH LINE...Who will catch the OKC THUNDER in the 2nd Half in the NBA...SQUEEZE the ORANGE with a Watch Dog on the NBA's Western Conference #NBAWest

The Logo's Western Conference is Top-Heavy and the OKC Thunder will only get better adding Uncle Russ back to the mix. The Spurs and Blazers and maybe even the Clippers or Rockets will be the other three teams in the all important top four. The Battle is all also in the bottom four with the Warriors, Mavs, Suns, and the Grizzlies. Who will come out the West and challenge either the Pacers or Heat coming out of the East?

WEST Standings (Top 9 that have a shot) as we come out of All-Star Break

TOP TIER

1.  REGULATORS Report OKC (43-12)...they get Russell Westbrook back to only bolster that potent attack as KD if he stays the course should get his first "Fight for Mo" NBA M.V.P. Trophy to add to his collection.

2. ALAMO City Hoops (38-15)...they need Kawhi Leonard back ASAP as well as Manu and they will only get stronger and better with the emergence of Patty Mills and Marco Belinelli. I look for the Spurs to be in the Western Finals along with OKC in the end.

3. CLUTCH City (36-17)...they have won seven in a row heading into All-Star Break and if they stay injury-free lookout. They also a plethora of Young Legs that should be raring to go in the 2nd half. Loaded with Depth might put the Rockets in the mix.

4. LOB City (37-18)...CP3 is back just in time to start the 2nd half and both Blake and DeAndre have become a wrecking crew in the paint. Can the Clips get past those Playoff Demons they have had the last two seasons versus the Memphis Grizzlies?

5. RIP City (36-17)...They still have a lack of Depth but they should be able to hold down the #2 slot in the Northwest but more importantly can they get back into the Top 4 as they need to hop Houston in the #3 slot.

2nd TIER

6. Big D Hoops (32-22)...all of a sudden the Mavericks have gotten hot and behind Monta Ellis and the Mavs G.O.A.T. and favorite Bubble Gum "DIRK-iliscious" Nowitzki. Can the Mavs make a move to get to in that Top 4 or is that too far fetched?

7. PHX Hoops (30-21)...they have Goran Dragic and Gerald Green playing at a high level and will they make a Deal to get Pau Gasol from the Lakers by the NBA Trade Deadline? They add Gasol they will be a force in Winning Time write it down or take a TWITpic or Instagram!

8. WARRIORS Ground (31-22)...They say the GSW Owner Joe Lacob is not happy where his Team stands and they have played a little p and down but the Clips are playing at an amazing level. Couple all that with a Top-Heavy West where are the Warriors suppose to be when they don't play lock down "D"? Give or take a couple of Wins and Losses they would still be in the 2nd tier.

9. GRIT & GRIND Beale Street (29-23)...The Grizz get a huge sigh of relief as Marc Gasol Knee isn't damaged any further as he left the last game before break. The Grizzlies will be in Winning Time as they will make a serious run in the Southwest at some ones expense.