For the basketball tragic's out there, this week on the NBA provides a number of games that should not be missed, even if you're time-poor with work, holidays or other curricular activities. They are as follows:
Tuesday January 11 - New York at Portland
The Knicks have been superb this year to date, however they are coming off a drubbing from the Lakers over the weekend in which they were held to 36% for a Top 5 offensive team this year. They travel to Portland against a struggling yet hard to beat at home team, without their marquee player Brandon Roy. This is a game the new New York should win, however will be a litmus test to see how far they have come this year. Good teams don't drop the ones they should not. Knicks by 7.
Wednesday January 12 - Miami at Los Angeles Clippers
Many basketball gurus would question this match-up on paper. However statistically speaking this game is more interesting than just one glance. Miami are shooting for their 14th straight road game win. Successful here and this certainly justifies their No.1 ranking in the league right now. What is even more interesting is how the rejuvenated Clippers will go against the best. Despite missing Chris Kaman for much of the year, the play of Blake Griffen, Eric Gorden and now a healthy Baron Davis is delivering. This game should be a dunk fest with many fast breaks and penetrating into the paint since both teams do not have legitimate shot-blocking interior presence. Heat by 9, with many sensational dunks.
Thursday January 13 - Orlando at Oklahoma
Since the blockbuster trade, Orlando have been on fire playing their inside-out, catch-and-shoot game, with Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson all embracing their roles. Dwight Howard has been a monster on the glass and is actually scoring at the levels he should be regularly, and yes folks is above 50% at the FT line. Their opponents have had a slow start to the year by everyone's expectation however their two best players Westbrook and Durant play positions in which the Magic's defense is not so strong. Look for a match that goes offensive and defensive in periods, however the Magic should continue their streak and make it 11 wins after disposing of New Orleans the night before. Magic by 5.
Friday January 14 - Dallas at San Antonio
The decimated Mavs by injury will likely come into this game without Dirk or an underdone Dirk. Combined with the fact the Mavs are without Butler and they have their work cut out for them. With whispers in Texas about a trade for Stephen Jackson to fill Butler's spot, the Mavs need to stop the injury-excused slide and try and show some character against the league leading Spurs. Sports Analytics Inc predicts the Spurs by 11.
Saturday January 15 - Miami at Chicago
The last leg of the Miami roadtrip will have them searching for sweet 16 consecutive road wins against a Chicago team playing inspired ball from both Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer who are now learning the pick and roll craft together as a dynamic duo. Look for Miami to get to the hoop in the absence of Noah who is still out with this finger injury. Miami by 9.
Stay tuned for these quality marquee and interesting games.
No comments:
Post a Comment