It's hard to believe that the NBA regular season is nearly half over already. Then again, it's hard to believe that 2008 is almost over, too.

Along with New Year's resolutions and hangovers, the New Year also can bring a chance to find some values in NBA teams that are heating up in January. Here is a look at possible candidates in this week's Buy or Sell (all numbers come before Monday's games).

Buy

Portland Trailblazers - This upstart club needs to turn the corner and start beating some solid teams on a regular basis if it's going to be a contender this year. The Blazers, who have covered four of their last six, get this chance with an upcoming homestand against Boston, New Orleans and Detroit. Watch for budding star Brandon Roy to lead Portland to an impressive showing.

Dallas Mavericks - For some reason, Rick Carlisle-coached teams always seem to start slow but they always seem to come on with a flourish. Such is the case with this year's Mavericks, who were slow out of the gates but have won and covered five of their past seven. An upcoming slate that includes weak spots such as Minnesota and Philadelphia should give the Mavericks a chance to go on a nice run for their backers.

Los Angeles Lakers - After failing to cover in eight straight games, the Lakers got their second cover in a row with their Christmas Day win over the Celtics. They certainly are due for more cashes, and the stage is set with an upcoming home stand against the likes of Golden State, Utah and New Orleans.

Sell

Phoenix Suns - This is just in case you haven't already done so. It would be hard not to if you've seen much of the Suns this year, but they are admittedly a tempting team to back based on talent alone. But despite a new coaching regime, the Suns still have an inability to get a key stop and an innate knack for breaking their bettors' hearts on a regular basis.

New York Knicks - Speaking of Mike D'Antoni, his new team is picking up right where his old one left off. The Knicks are third in the NBA in total offense but second-worst in total defense, a combination that does not bode well for success. Accordingly, they have lost six consecutive games and failed to cover in four straight.

Detroit Pistons - This one might be in effect until further notice, and who knows when the notice will come. The Pistons are reacting to Allen Iverson like a person who receives a kidney from the wrong donor; their system is rejecting him. The trade might have seemed like a good idea at the time, but the Pistons are a disappointing 17-11 overall and have been a bust at the cashier's cage, getting the money just three times in their past 10 outings.