The NBA is pausing for a few days after the All-Star Game to rest and gear up for the stretch run. Once the regular season resumes Thursday, teams will be off on a six-week dash to the playoffs.
It’s shaping up to be an intense race for postseason spots and seeding. The top five teams in the Eastern Conference are separated by just 2½ games; the top eight are separated by seven games. There is more separation at the top of the Western Conference, but it will be a scramble for the final guaranteed playoff spots.
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Which marquee players will step up down the stretch and put their teams in position for postseason success? Here are 10 NBA stars who will impact the championship race in the second half:
James Harden, Sixers
Daryl Morey and the Sixers finally got their man at the trade deadline, and Harden is expected to make his debut in the first game after the break Friday. Philadelphia’s title hopes hang on how well…