At Sports Analytics INC we thought we'd like to provide a more informative service based on experience to help fellow sports fans and couch potatoes what to watch this week. In the NBA, the first week of January brings some big match-ups. They are as follows:
Tuesday 4th of January - San Antonio at New York
The league leading Spurs are managing to dispose of all who come before them at this point in the season, with renewed offensive venom and a fast-paced game that has seen them improve to a top 5 team in fast break points. For the Knicks, the addition of Amare Stoudemire and Raymond Felton have created a run and gun game that Mike D'Antoni had back at Phoenix. Look for a high-scoring shootout.
Wednesday 5th of January - San Antonio at Boston
As part of the Spurs' Atlantic trip they must face the Eastern Conference leading Celtics on the 2nd night of a back to back. This should be interesting viewing for both teams that have ageing rosters. The Spurs are playing rejuvenated basketball this year, whilst the Celtics are coping with injuries to marquee players in Rondo, Garnett and Perkins. Look for a return to the defensive times for quality 5-man lock down basketball
Thursday 6th of January - Oklahoma City at Dallas
To date this season Dallas has beaten OKC twice both convincingly. However this time will be different. Surprisingly the Mavericks have struggled at home despite having the league's best away record. OKC are coming into their own after having early season shooting troubles. This game will be close with Caron Butler sidelined for a minimum two months and Dirk Nowitzki still struggling with a knee, this will go to show just how deep the Mavericks are against a youthful Thunder.
Friday 7th of January New Orleans at Los Angeles Lakers
Two teams who started the season on fire, have been struggling of late. The Lakers have lost 3 out of the past 4 at home by a margin of now less than 16 points. That's blowout territory folks. Phil Jackson's ailing body must be stressed to the eyeballs right now worrying what to do to fix this team that is stagnating on offense, the triangle is not functioning well, and their defense has been downright horrible of late. Which struggling team will come out on top.
Saturday 8th of January Boston at Chicago
Chicago are playing inspired basketball despite the loss of Joakim Noah for an extended period. Derrick Rose is likely to be leading the MVP race at the moment, with amazing scoring, assisting and uptempo play. Can he continue this form against the defensive minded Celtics and in particular the best point guard defender in the league in Rajon Rondo. Tune in for this one folks.
Saturday 8th of January Orlando at Dallas
Two heavyweights play in Texas, with Nowitzki right by this time, and Orlando playing inspired basketball with their blockbuster trades, can Orlando get one back on Dallas when Dallas beat Orlando on their recent Florida trip. Can Tyson Chandler defend Howard better than last time and keep him off the glass unlike his 25 rebounds last meeting.
These are all big games that will find out the men from the boys and give us all a clearer indication who are pretenders and who are contenders.
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