NBA Trade Deadline Leaves Title Hopefuls Betting On What They Have

There is never as much movement at the NBA trade deadline as there is during the final week before the MLB deadline, but that may be because of the dynamics of the sports. This season in the NBA, however, there are even less trades to talk about than usual after the deadline came and went on Thursday afternoon.

The teams at the top of their respective conferences did not make any drastic moves, meaning they will make a run at the title with the same players that have been with them most of the year. That could be a good thing for the Lakers and Celtics.

Cleveland came close to making the biggest splash this year. They went after Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal, but were unable to land the big fella. In the end the trade fell short because of an unwillingness to include Wally Szczerbiak.

Out West, it appears the Rockets made a move by trading Rafer Alston to Orlando, but the trade has not yet been approved by the league. If finalized, Memphis would receive a first round pick from Orlando, and the Rockets would acquire Brian Cook from Orlando and Kyle Lowry from Memphis.

The de4fending conference champions, Los Angeles and Boston, both stayed quiet as the deadline approached. Los Angeles has the best record in the league and is still planning on getting Andrew Bynum back for the playoffs before they make their championship run.

The Celtics may still receive the help they need before the end of the season. With James Posey gone, Boston has struggled with their bench scoring. That could be helped by a rumored addition of Stephon Marbury at some point down the stretch.

February 19, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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