Sunday (11/20)
Better:
Rockets @ Pacers: At 3-6, Houston really needs the tough win in Indiana. No matter how shallow the West is, it’s bad to be in last place. Yao Ming gets into foul trouble often, and you can get him disqualified against Jermaine O’neal. McGrady won’t always show up in the 4th quarter; he has to contribute early and have a great first half.
runner-up:
Grizzlies @ Nuggets: Memphis has been looking more and more impressive with each game. Denver has looked sporadically good with injuries to Boozer, Nene and coach George Karl. It’s hard to say who should be the favourite. Whoever from Gasol and Anthony takes the most step will lead their team to victory.
Burst:
Heat @ Raptors: This past Sunday’s Raptors game was one to watch. However, Toronto will be in a similar situation: down 18 in the fourth and looking to come back. Regardless of the injuries to Williams and Shaq, Miami is starting to click. A double-digit win for Miami should be expected.
Monday (11/21)
Better:
Nets @ Warriors: Kidd vs. Davis and Carter and vs. Richardson highlight this matchup. Golden State hasn’t had to travel much lately, so they should be well-rested for this game. However, Richard Jefferson will exploit Dunleavy in SF. Someone has to step up for the Warriors.
runner-up:
Hornets @ Sixers: The young guys from New Orleans/Oklahoma City will find plenty of easy shots with Sam Dalembert injured. Iverson should have a good game, but Webber could tire easily. This is Philly’s game to win, but they could easily get complacent before the game even starts.
Burst:
Bucks @ Jazz: Utah owner Larry Miller freaked out when they lost a game scoring just 63 points. You shouldn’t worry as Utah had 4 of their 5 starters injured in that game. You should worry, though, because those situations will come up frequently, and this game with Milwaukee won’t be any different if McLeod, Boozer, Giricek and Kirilenko are all hurt.
Tuesday (11/22)
Better:
Celtics @ Cavaliers: These 2 have history against each other, dating back to when Paul Pierce spat on the Cavs bench. The Celtics’ hustle will certainly compete against Cleveland. Boston started the year with 3 straight overtime games or last-second games, so you know a tight affair is in order.
runner-up:
Rockets @ Mavericks – These 2 teams played 7 games in the playoffs last year and could very well meet again this year (assuming the Rockets finish strong again). Like the postseason, Yao needs to step up to give Houston a good chance of winning.
Burst:
Raptors @ Suns: Toronto has allowed a ridiculous 112+ PPG in their last 4. Three times in their last 7 games they have allowed their opponent to score 117 or more. Phoenix doesn’t score as much as it used to, but it shouldn’t take much to overwhelm Toronto.
Wednesday (11/23)
Better:
Bobcats @ Knicks: If nothing else, both teams will be in trouble every time. Expect a lot of fouls, 3-point attempts, and layups. Why see it? Neither team wins their games in blowouts, so a squeal is needed.
runner-up:
Spurs @ Warriors: Golden State has an off day, so they should be able to dictate the pace of the game. In the half court game, Golden State is outclassed. They play the same way as San Antonio, but their pace is a bit faster. They made 12 3-pointers to win in Milwaukee, and they’ll need to make a high percentage to come away with a W.
Burst:
Nuggets @ Pistons: We know Detroit is the genuinely great team we’ve hoped for, but Denver is still up in the air. If Denver plays his best, he could compete, but he just doesn’t compare well to Detroit’s defensive powerhouse. And Darko Milicic will make sure Carmelo Anthony has a bad game.
Thursday (11/24)
Keep in mind that there are only 2 NBA games on Thanksgiving, so these 2 were the only ones. They both could have made the cut anyway.
Better:
Cavaliers @ Pacers: A Central Division matchup that will prove more about Cleveland if they win. Making the playoffs isn’t as much a concern as winning the division. This important game will be played hard and hopefully delay the start of the Sonics/Lakers game.
runner-up:
Sonics @ Lakers: Love is not in the air. If there’s one guy Ray Allen doesn’t seem to have class for, it’s Kobe. The Sonics are worse and the Lakers are slightly better. The Sonics have owned the Lakers in the 21st century, but Kobe Bryant will step up for a big performance.
Friday (11/25)
Better:
Blazers @ Magic: Orlando has had some trouble containing fairly inexperienced teams. Portland will surely give them trouble. Orlando is a low scorer and does not eliminate any team. Composure is going to be key. It adds to close the end, and if Turkoglu or Ratliff can produce.
runner-up:
Mavericks @ Heat: If Detroit really is the best team in the East, then Dallas’ 37-point win against them last Saturday says a lot. Of course, Miami just doesn’t measure up to Detroit or even Indiana with Shaq gone. A win here should elevate their status.
Burst:
Bulls @ Spurs: Chicago lost in overtime to San Antonio earlier in the year, and it will find it even harder to redeem itself. Songalia and Chandler provide a little block against Tim Duncan to get through them. Hinrich is as good as anyone at going up against Parker, but you’ll still see Tony get 20+ points. He expects the deficit to reach 20 in the third quarter.
Saturday (11/26)
Better:
76ers @ Knicks: Iverson and Marbury have been known as coach killers, but Iverson seems to freeze on Maurice Cheeks. The same can’t be said for Marbury, who, like all Knicks players, faces trade rumors. Divisional player matches are what make this game a tie.
runner-up:
Pistons @ Bucks: Another good Central division matchup, and once again Milwaukee is trying to validate its 3-0 start. With the division as tight as it is, both teams should play harder than usual. Detroit definitely needs a better road performance than that blitz they got in Dallas.
Burst:
Hornets @ Sonics: JR Smith will get a lesson in defending pure shooters like Ray Allen, assuming Smith isn’t injured and doesn’t play. Either way, Seattle should dominate offensively. A really bad field goal percentage for the Sonics will be the only factor preventing a blowout from happening.