Hoops Habit
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5 big storylines to watch for in the second half of the 2018-19 NBA season

By Daniel Lubofsky

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to dunk on Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of the game at TD Garden on December 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to dunk on Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of the game at TD Garden on December 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

As the NBA enters its post-All-Star break run, there are still a number of teams and players to keep an eye on down the stretch.

The NBA’s 2018-19 season has been a raging success, where the highlights have been plentiful and the drama and storylines ever present. This is a league that never really seems to go away no matter the time of year, and its relentless manufacturing of both plot points and narratives is what continues to drive the bus.

All-Star weekend in Charlotte was plenty enjoyable to watch. It’s always fun to see the best of the best conjoin in one city for a three-day stretch filled with memorable moments, highlighted by Sunday’s game and the honoring of two of the game’s greatest in Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki.

With a few days off before play resumes this Thursday, players will have some time to hit the reset button on both their bodies and minds, gearing up for what is sure to be an exciting and drama-filled final 30 or so games of the season.

Playoff seeding is on the line. Heck, playoff appearances are at stake as well. It seems like every team will be playing for something down the stretch, but as always, some things are more worth watching than others. They just provide a certain level of entertainment value, and in this golden age of sports media, these five talking points are sure to only add to what has continued to be another chapter in the hit soap opera series that is the NBA.