Four teams have no realistic shot at finishing the season as winners. The bj-league's other 15 teams are in contention for a playoff spot and, possibly, a title.
In fact, those 15 teams are within two games of .500 or better. Parity has been the name of the game so far this season.
The Takamatsu Five Arrows (1-23), Oita HeatDevils (5-19), Iwate Big Bulls (7-19, an expansion club) and Saitama Broncos (7-17) can make dramatic improvements in the season's second half, and in varying forms, that will be each of these team's primary objectives.