Wednesday (12/28)
Better:
Rockets @ Hornets: Both teams are struggling. Houston is suffering badly from injuries to Yao and PG Rafer Alston. Without those two, the Rockets don’t have a player who can step up and score other than McGrady. Also collapsing is the New Orleans Hornets, who have lost 8 of their last 11. Both teams have been great at home for playoff chances, which is partly why Houston is struggling. They are 3-7 at home and will continue to rely on wins like this on the road if they hope to stay alive.
runner-up:
Sonics @ T’Wolves: The Northwest Division is a 5-team race between Seattle, Minnesota, Denver, Utah, and Portland. Realistically, Utah and Portland will probably be out of the race at the end, which leaves two of the three contenders playing in this game. With the other two Western divisions being significantly better, these inter-division games become more important, as the only other playoff spot available is the #8 seed. Being #8 means an instant loss to the Spurs, so that getting the #3 seed means facing an easier team and potential home field advantage.
Burst:
Grizzlies @ Lakers: Mike Fratello is a much more experienced coach than Avery Johnson; he’ll make sure his team plays better defense against Bryant than the Mavs. Dallas’ defense is nothing compared to Memphis’, which leads the NBA in Points Allowed. They will sufficiently cover Kobe. LA needs the supporting cast to step up, but playing their third game four days in December won’t help.