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TSN Basketball Analyst

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TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong shares his thoughts on the value of solid pros Ramon Sessions and Trevor Ariza, and the emergence of Derrick Favors in Utah.

1. DAMIAN LILLARD & C.J. MCCOLLUM (Blazers): What a performance Tuesday night versus the Nets by this magnificent young backcourt. The Portland duo combined for 68 points and 10 assists in the 112-104 win over Brooklyn, shooting an impressive 22-of -38 from the floor. The Blazers are fighting tooth and nail to make the Western Conference playoffs. The club lost a lot of talent last off-season, but they are proof that in today's NBA you can compete with anyone if you have elite guards.

2. DERRICK FAVORS (Jazz): This guy has quietly emerged as a very good post player. Moving Enes Kanter out of the mix has opened up time and touches for him in Utah, and he has taken the next step. He’s averaging 16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting 52 per cent from the field, which are solid numbers. Coach Quin Snyder has done an excellent job getting a lot of mileage out of his roster. This young man has developed nicely on his watch.

3. RAMON SESSIONS (Wizards): This guy has bounced around to eight different teams during his NBA career, but I've always liked him. Sessions is having another solid season in D.C., averaging 9.9 points per game on 47 per cent shooting. He’s is a good slasher who comes off the bench attacking the opposition off the bounce. Sessions plays hard and at a high level of pace. The Wizards have had their share of injuries on the roster this season but Sessions’ professionalism and productivity have been a constant.

4. TREVOR ARIZA (Rockets): I'm not a fan of this Houston roster, but I'm a fan of his. He's a very good defender and competes with an edge. Ariza is having another under-the-radar season, with 12.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He’s also a good floor spacer, shooting 38.5 per cent from three-point range. He's a dependable player in every sense. There’s not a lot of flash in his game, but if you appreciate substance he's a keeper.            

5. EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS: If you're a Raptors fan you're not only watching the Cavs above, but you're also keeping an eye what's happening below. How about the fact that only two and a half games separate seeds three through eight? It’s amazingly tight with a lot of volatility to keep an eye on. The lesser seeds are also feeling the heat with the Pistons only two games out of eighth, while the Wizards (three games back) and Magic (four games back) are trying to find a way to get to the dance. Eastern Conference games will have significant playoff implications, so there will be plenty on the line many nights down the stretch. It’s all about finishing strong and peaking when it matters most - the last six weeks of the season.