Why You Can and Can't Believe in Each Potential NBA Title Contender

It's not too late for NBA teams to emerge as contenders, and some surely will during the second half of the lengthy 82-game season.

But at this stage, with All-Stars selected and the festivities in New Orleans looming in the not-so-distant horizon, eight teams have established themselves as the favorites to at least have a shot at competing for an NBA title.

Sadly, only two of the them are in the Eastern Conference—the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat, both of whom could play with their eyes closed for the next two weeks and still have a lead on the other 13 squads in the Association's weaker conference.

The other six come from the West, though you could make an argument—I will do so, in fact—that one of them is only a fringe contender. Even though the Phoenix Suns have a better record than one of these teams, they don't have the same potential for upward mobility, barring a trade before the Feb. 20 deadline.

You're welcome to believe in any of these eight teams. But you're also welcome to do the opposite.

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Jose Mourinho Claims Chelsea Are 'Little Horse' in Premier League Title Race

Jose Mourinho has been underselling his side's title credentials all season long, and was at it again after defeating Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

The victory leaves Chelsea still behind City and league leaders Arsenal, but only two points separate the top three after 24 matches.

Asked about Chelsea's title hopes after the victory, the Portuguese said in his press conference:

The next pre-season, me and my players will say openly that we are mature, solid from day one and are candidates for the league. This season is about evolution...
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5 Things Arsenal Must Do to Keep Their Title Challenge on Track

After Manchester City’s defeat to Chelsea at the Etihad, Arsenal are arguably in an even stronger position in the race for the Premier League title. The Gunners now sit two points clear of both teams at the top of the table.

However, there are still 14 games to go. That’s more than enough time for title dreams to crumble. Arsenal fans have a lingering cause for concern: they have a history of collapsing from contention at this stage in the season.

If they are to finish top of the Premier League, there are five things Arsene Wenger’s team must hope for and aspire towards. Some will be dependent on their own performance, others on the interference of the fates.

Go to the next slide to discover the key components of Arsenal’s continued title challenge.

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Arsenal Need Their No. 10s to Win the EPL Title

Arsenal winning this season's English Premier League title will depend on the play of their No. 10s. That means Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky must all deliver big in the final 14 games.

All three are at their best in that pocket of space between the midfield and forward lines. That is the area that belongs to the classic No.10. Think Dennis Bergkamp. 

These are the players manager Arsene Wenger builds his brand of attacking football around. They are the technically-gifted schemers who attack a defence between the lines.

Threading passes between the lines to forward-breaking runners is the essence of what Gunners fans have come to know as so-called "Wengerball."

With one or more mercurial No.10 pulling the strings, Arsenal remain a force going forward, even if they are not well stocked in the striker position.

Finding credible cover and support for natural centre-forward Olivier Giroud has been a season-long concern. Despite Giroud's steady improvement this season and undoubted value to the way his team attacks, it is a problem Wenger is obviously mindful of.

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