The All-Star break already? Man, time sure flies when you're having fun! Before departing for the mineral baths of Hot Springs, Arkansas for a few days of R-and-R, here's my take on where the West is headed -- trades, winners, losers, flops, rumors, you name it -- in the NBA season's second half.

Wang Zhizhi and Eduardo Najera have been the two most pleasant surprise contributors to the Mavericks in their ascent to the top of the Midwest Division. Expect to see more, not less of them in the season's second half. Tim Hardaway and Danny Manning will play increased roles as well.

There's a little dog in the Sacramento Kings. Remember you read it here first. Here's rooting for a Mavs-Kings round two playoff match-up.