TOP GAMES OF THE WEEK
January 14, 2009 by B. C.
Monday //
Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant versus LeBron James is always a sight to see. This year, the expectations are ramped up; anything short of a championship for either team will be viewed as a disappointment.
The Cavs have been unbeatable at home so far this season, becoming the first team since the ‘95-96 Chicago Bulls to start 20-0. But they’re a mediocre 11-7 on the road, so home court advantage would play a huge role in their playoff run, and may favor the Lakers.The Lakers, meanwhile, will be looking to get back on track after back-to-back losses against the San Antonio Spurs and the Orlando Magic.
Wednesday //
Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets. One game is all that separates the fifth place Rockets from the eighth place Jazz in the Western Conference playoff standings. Both teams have struggled through injuries this season, and Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest are expected to sit out the game. The Jazz, meanwhile, will be hitting the floor without Carlos Boozer. Though we’re only at the halfway point of the season, this game will be crucial in determining who will still be playing in June.
Thursday //
Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic. The struggling Celtics run into the surging Magic. Orlando just completed an undefeated road trip last week with wins over each of the Western Conference division leaders: the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers, and the Denver Nuggets. We all know about Dwight Howard’s MVP-like numbers, but Jameer Nelson has been playing out of his mind, averaging 24 points and over seven assists on the four-game road trip. The Celtics are just 6-7 since their record setting 27-2 start, so a win here could help them regain some of their swagger.
Friday //
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers. Two of the worst teams in the league will battle it out, so don’t expect too much drama. But keep an eye out for Thunder guard Russel Westbrook. While all the attention has gone to Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo, and Michael Beasley, Westbrook is quietly becoming the league’s most productive rookie. Westbrook averages 17.4 points, 6.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds and just 2.3 turnovers while shooting 45.3 percent in January.
Sunday //
San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers will be looking to avenge their one-point loss at San Antonio from last Wednesday in the match-up of the top two teams in the Western Conference. Though the Lakers hold a comfortable five-game lead over the Spurs in the Western Conference standings, they need to continue winning to keep pace with the Cavaliers and the Magic for home court advantage throughout the playoffs and the finals.
(Top games of the week featured every Monday)
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