NBA week 8: Five things we learnt

The trade window opened earlier this week, meaning that teams are now able to trade players that were signed in the off-season. But with so many teams tightly bunched in the middle of both conferences, many franchises seem reluctant to make a change at this stage of the season. As always seems to be the case, Dwight Howard is being talked about as a possible mover, with the centre seeing his minutes and efficiency drop this season with the Houston Rockets. Ty Lawson is another Rocket said to be on the trade block, while Ryan Anderson (Pelicans) and Brandon Jennings (Pistons) are also names being thrown around that could be traded.

The one man that looks certain to leave is Markieff Morris of the Phoenix Suns. Markieff publicly stated his reluctance to stay at the Suns in the summer after his twin brother Marcus left the franchise for Detroit in the summer and was fined $10,000 for his trade demand - the twins are reported to have agreed smaller contracts to ensure they played together. It has not got any better for the 26-year-old, playing just three of the last nine games and he should get his wish for a move away. Houston has been talked about as a possible destination following their poor start to the season, but it would be a surprise to see them trade for another high risk individual with Howard and James Harden in their ranks. Despite his struggles this year, there are few big men in the league that are accomplished in the post and can shoot the three as well as he can, and his 4-year, $9m contract is very inexpensive (twin brother Marcus, seen as inferior, signed a $20m deal with the Pistons) in this day and age.

For a player that averaged just three points and 10 minutes per game with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, Will Barton has put his name in the hat for the Most Improved Player award following a string of superb performances for Denver. He’s an explosive young talent with great athleticism and he has helped his side’s bench be far more competitive this year. He’s averaging 15.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game and is shooting career high percentages both from the field and beyond the arch.

His performances led Denver to five wins in six games - including three consecutive road wins - before they were beaten by the Utah Jazz. And despite suffering another defeat against New Orleans, Barton posted a career-high 32 points off the bench to go with 10 rebounds and six assists. He made seven three-points from 11 attempts and continued his impressive early season rise. It’s easy to forget that Barton is just 24-years-old, but the small forward looks to be enjoying his time in Denver and is a big reason that his side are currently just a game outside of the play-offs.

The Pelicans are gradually getting back to health and they still believe that the play-offs are within reach. The eighth seed in particular looks up for grabs, with the 11-14 Utah Jazz holding onto it despite losing seven of their last 10. Anthony Davis and his side have continued to be one of the league’s most inconsistent sides, although four wins from their last eight have at least shown improvement from their woeful, injury-hit start. That included important wins against Western Conference rivals Utah and Denver, as well as a shock overtime win against LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers.

Their defensive troubles have continued, though, conceding an average of 108.2 points per game, the worst record in the NBA. That’s worse than both the Los Angeles Lakers (4-23) and a Philadelphia 76ers side that have lost 28 of their 29 games. Despite the return of Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday, who both scored 21 points on 7-13 shooting in the win against the Nuggets, they are missing something defensively. Ryan Anderson has been talked about as potentially moving away from New Orleans after enjoying a career-season to date, and New Orleans could do a lot worse than bringing in an improved defensive option during the trade window.

Despite being the only side in the league that has beaten the Golden State Warriors this year, it has been a disappointing year for Jason Kidd and his Milwaukee Bucks. Last season’s surprise package, they have failed to live up to their increased expectations and the trade of Greg Monroe has not worked out so far. They sit 13th in the East with an 11-18 record, 5.5 games outside of the play-offs. The news that coach Kidd will miss between four and six weeks with a hip condition was the last thing that they needed. The Warriors may have managed to win 26 of their 27 games with an interim head coach in charge, but Kidd, a 10-time All Star as a player, is a huge presence and will be sorely missed.

They also have a tough schedule coming up with nine of their next 11 games against sides that are .500 or better, including games against San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Indiana and Toronto. With so many sides having improved in the East this season it looks as though this season could be a write off for the Bucks. They still have a very young squad and showed that they can compete in the post-season last year by winning two games against the Chicago Bulls. But the time is not quite right for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co.

While sport takes an almost universal backseat on 25 December every year, the NBA uses the opportunity to showcase the league in all its glory. Five high quality matches will be played with the first game beginning at 5pm and the final match starting at 3.30am (GMT). Eight of the 10 teams that will take to the court are currently in play-off spots and every game has the potential of being a classic. While it may be tradition in this country to watch the Queen’s Speech, Eastenders and Downton Abbey, the NBA offers us a welcome alternative.

Indeed, there is so much excitement around the globe for some of these matches that it has seen the game played with more intensity in recent weeks. Some of the teams involved seem to be gearing up for the great spectacle that Christmas Day will bring. You may still be opening presents or tucking into a late dinner when the Heat and Pelicans square off in Miami at 5pm, but the following game in Oklahoma should not be missed. Two aspiring teams square off as Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant of the Thunder take on a troubled Chicago side. 2014 Champions, the San Antonio Spurs then have a tough trip to Houston, before there is the Los Angeles derby between the Clippers and Lakers at Staples Centre.

The most intriguing game of all, however, comes at the seemingly perfect time of 10pm. While the Christmas festivities calm down, there is a repeat of last year’s NBA Finals as Steph Curry and the Warriors once against take on LeBron James and his Cavs side. All-Star point-guard Kyrie Irving has also returned from a long injury lay-off and it is expected to be one of the most watched games in league history. The NBA’s idea to put such important matches on this day will continue to enhance its increasing global recognition and if there is one thing you do this Christmas, switch on and watch the league’s best two players at the peak of their powers.