The NBA trade deadline has passed and All-Star festivities are complete, leaving two months of regular-season basketball with compelling storylines still unfolding. ESPN's NBA insiders have compiled a comprehensive viewers guide covering the biggest questions, must-watch games, and award races as teams position themselves for the postseason.

With the playoff picture beginning to take shape, the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder face mounting challengers. The Denver Nuggets, despite injury struggles, have assembled their strongest supporting cast around Nikola Jokic yet, potentially positioning them as the West's top threat. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs have proven they can compete with OKC, winning four of five meetings this season, though their lack of playoff experience raises questions about their ability to navigate the West gauntlet.

The MVP race remains wide open between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, though dark horse candidates could emerge. At the bottom of the standings, teams jockey for position in the NBA lottery set for May 10, with the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz among those hoping for favorable ping-pong ball results to reshape their futures.