We’ve just passed the halfway point in the NBA season, which means it’s time to address something urgent: fixing my botched preseason rankings. (If you haven’t seen them; http://marquettejournal.org/blogs/nba-season-preview/)

Where I Was Right

Phoenix Fiasco – My one prediction that was flawless: Phoenix is awful, their roster is awful, and they are playing awful. A series of questionable contracts leaves the Suns with possibly the leagues worst roster moving forward. Not a lot of promising young talent on this team, and they should be praying to win the lottery this year.

Liftoff in Houston – I had Houston as a promising bubble team, and thats exactly what they’ve been this year. The Harden trade worked out great for both sides of the deal. Unfortunately, I wasn’t 100% right with my prediction for the Rockets. I expected much bigger things from Jeremy Lin, and he hasn’t been playing as good as I expected.

Hello Brooklyn – I thought the Nets had a solid roster that would be a strong team in the East, but not a real contender. Thats what they have been. Not much more to say here.

Golden Warriors – Stretching a little bit with calling myself right here, but I proclaimed the Warriors as my “dark horse” to make the playoffs this season. I didn’t see this coming. The Warriors have a legit roster moving forward, and if they can get Bogut on the floor at some point, it’s very possible they can go deep into the playoffs.

The Clippers are Legit (for the first time EVER) – I had LAC in fourth in the West, but I did sneak them into my contenders category, and right now, I think they are coming out of the West if healthy. You’ve got the best point guard in the league, the most exciting front court, and the deepest bench in the league. Talk about a dangerous team moving forward.

Fountain of Youth – I asked the question “Will the Spurs ever age?” this offseason. I didn’t think they would. And, they haven’t. Tim Duncan is doing his best Brett Favre on the Vikings impression, and having one of his best seasons since the championship era ended. I think they window is still cracked open, and it may be time for another title in San Antonio.

Where I Was Wrong

The Untouchables – Before the season I strongly believed the Heat would run the tables all season this year. I still think they win it all, I still think they dominate the East in the playoffs, but I think there is a good chance they get beat in the finals. The Thunder and the Clippers are just as good, Wade isn’t getting any younger, and the team is relying way to much on Lebron. But I still think Lebron carries them to another championship, just not as sold as I was a few months ago.

The Lakers aren’t Legit (for the first time EVER) –  For the longest time I still had faith that they would pull it together, but under .500 at midseason is way too much for me. This team is a lost cause, and I really can’t explain why. Good luck to Jim Buss trying to keep Dwight around this offseason.

Rolling Thunder – I thought the Harden trade was really gonna hurt OKC, but they haven’t missed a beat. Durant is having an amazing season, and Westbrook is finally starting to look like a point guard. I’m finally starting to believe this team is strong enough to take down Miami.

Garden Greats – By far my worst prediction was how much I ripped the Knicks for a questionable offseason. But it payed off. The Knicks have been incredible this year, and are loaded with shooting. But, I’m not sold that they’re a contender. I like Chicago more then the Knicks with Rose, and I like the Pacers more with Granger, but I still think the Knicks have a good shot at going to the conference finals this year.

Magic-less Wizards – The Wizards we’re my dark horse in the East, and that really backfired for me. Wall being hurt obviously was a huge part of the disaster area Washington has been, but its no excuse for how awful they are.

Where I’m Not Giving Up

Promising Wolves – I’m not giving up on Love and company. They haven’t had a healthy squad all year. If the whole team is healthy, this team is a playoff team in my eyes. I love Rubio and Love, and they have a solid group of guys around them. It would be a shame if they can’t make it work.

Indina Elite – I wasn’t really wrong here, but I just want to stick to my point that the Pacers are the second best team in the East. Paul George is blossoming right in front of our eyes, and David West is back to playing like he played alongside CP3. When Granger returns, this team is going to be scary.

Where I’m Taking My Mulligan

The Curious Case of the 76ers – I had the 76ers as 5th in the East. And everything should have worked out for this pick. Jrue Holiday is an all star, Evan Turner is only getting better, even Spencer Hawes has been having a really solid season. Unfortunately, aspiring bowling star Andrew Bynum has been MIA for months, which has doomed the 76ers to a mediocre middle of the pack team in the East. I’ll be taking my mulligan here and calling it a day.