NBA The state of the union in the NBA - Mirror.co.uk

This isn't meant to happen in the NBA. Other sports yes, but not here, not in the National Basketball League. But Jeremy Lin is shattering expectations worldwide right now.

To write an NBA column and not mention Jeremy Lin at the moment would be madness. He's the biggest sports story in America and to get the full run-down on an incredible couple of weeks in New York, check out Alan McKinlay's recent column .

But with this marking a regular NBA column on this site, what better time to quickly bring you up to speed with the season thus far while everyone else is distracted by Jeremy Lin. So a few words on each division and a cheeky couple of predictions and you can get back to work? Good.

The East

Somewhat surprisingly the Philadelphia 76ers lead the Atlantic Division, from the Boston Celtics and the rapidly-catching-up New York Lins, sorry, Knicks. Philadelphia have been solid all season, led by All-Star Andre Iguodala and hold a four game lead in the division thanks to a really impressive home record. A lot is being asked of the Celtics' inconsistent Rajon Rondo - when he turns up they win, when he doesn't they lose. Of course the big story is the Knicks, who were 8-15 before Lin entered the fray with the team failing to click with big names Antoine Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony. With those two missing for the last few games, it remains to be seen the impact Lin has on their play.

Chicago seem to have the Central Division tied up, despite an impressive start to the season from the Indiana Pacers. No team in the league has had to face the injury problems that the Bulls have, and MVP Derrick Rose remains out of action. Brit Luol Deng has also missed significant periods while the biggest addition to the squad Rip Hamilton has yet to get going. Despite all of this they have the best record in the East. If they stay healthy, and find a way to rely less on Rose in the clutch, they will be hard to beat come the post-season.

It's a similar story in the Southeast Division as the Miami Heat dominate from a team who have surprised a few people in the Atlanta Hawks. The Big 3 in Miami continue to put up huge numbers, but often in the absence of one of the 3, and it remains to be seen if they can do it on the biggest stage, and whether, in the end of games, when they need him most LeBron can step up.

However it works out with the Heat, you can't take your eyes off them. They chased by an impressive Hawks team led by Josh Smith who share an identical record to Orlando. The Magic's season has been dominated by the status of soon to be free agent megastar Dwight Howard. With the chance of him leaving for free come the off-season hanging over their season a trade looks possible, but despite this uncertainty Howard has put up impressive numbers and led his side well, without ever looking hugely invested in the team.

Looking at the East as a whole, it looks a two-horse race between the injury-plagued Bulls and the choking Heat. It's hard to pick between the two, but with the Lin factor, and the return of Anthony to the Knicks, you'd be a fool to write off this fairytale of New York.

The West

The Northwest Division is possibly the best division in the league with five competitive teams. Oklahoma City have slipped a little of late but the Thunder sit atop the West, powered by the fearsome duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Behind them, Denver have a powerful offense which has powered them to a winning record, while Portland and Utah have solid enough teams to cause problems. Perhaps the most fun team in the division are at the bottom, but the combination of Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio has been one of the most potent in the league and gives the Minnesota Timberwolves hope looking forward.

It's a battle of LA in the Pacific Division  as the Clippers look like doing the unthinkable and knocking the Lakers off their perch. The trade to get Chris Paul has turned the perennial losing Clips into genuine contenders and alongside D'Andre Jordan and All-Star Blake Griffin have created 'Lob City' out in California. The big test for the Clips will be how they cope without veteran leader Chancey Billups, but as of yet, they seem to be doing well. For the Lakers, their home record is imperious, but they just don't seem to get it done away from the Staples Centre. Kobe Bryant is still one of the very best in the league, and recently became the 5th highest scoring Laker of all time. They've got weaknesses and a lack of depth, but if Kobe gets that team going, it's always hard to bet against him.

Finally, the Southwest Division sees two of the form teams in the league. After an incredibly slow start, defending champions Dallas have finally got going, as has finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks have won five straight at the time of writing. The team has made some changes since winning the title, but they've adjusted and will be a threat. They sit second in the division behind the red-hot San Antonio Spurs who have won 9 in a row spearheaded by Tony Parker who is in crazily good form, possibly the best of his career. It remains to be seen if the Spurs can keep it up, but few would begrudge Tim Duncan going out on a high in what may be his final season.

It's tough to call out West. The Thunder should win, but are so reliant on Durant and Westbrook that they occasionally look short on ideas. It's hard to write off the Clippers and no-one can match the Spurs on current form.

That's just an overview of the top of the divisions, but storylines are bountiful elsewhere. Charlotte have lost 16 straight, Steve Nash is having one of his best seasons in Phoenix while... oh who am I kidding, we're all transfixed by Linsanity right now. The ride is fun, and long may it continue, but let's not forget what else is going on.