TOP GAMES OF THE WEEK
January 21, 2009 by B. C.
Thursday //
Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic. The shine on this match-up may have come off a bit with the Magic struggling, but don’t think the recent hiccup will result in a blow-out game.
You better believe Dwight Howard and the Magic are pumped for this game, as are LeBron James and his Cavs, who haven’t exactly been perfect themselves in the last month. The Magic have lost their last two games after winning seven straight that included a perfect four-game West Coast trip. They’ll be looking to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season as they take on the Cavs, who are missing key players Delonte West and Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns. Remember last season’s heated playoff war? Here’s hoping for an encore. Despite the Suns’ struggles this season, the intensity level will be high as the Spurs and Suns renew their heated rivalry. Entering play on Sunday, the Suns are a game behind the Dallas Mavericks for the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings. Tim Duncan has been solid as usual, but Shaquille O’Neal’s revival at age 36 has been one of the few bright spots for the Suns this season, tallying eight 20-point games since Christmas. Expect a struggle in the post between two of the NBA’s all-time dominant big men
Friday //
Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons. If we had a time machine and could bring in the Pistons from a few years back, this might be more of an anticipated game. The Pistons have definitely taken a step back this season and are currently in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Chauncey Billups – Allen Iverson trade has yet to pay off, Richard Hamilton looks like a lost puppy and has been relegated to the bench, and Tayshaun Prince looks like a shadow of himself. The Pistons used to be what the Celtics are now, playing tough physical defense with a well balanced offense. A win over the Celtics would provide a huge boost for their confidence and show the rest of the league that they are still a dangerous team come playoff time.
Saturday //
New Orleans Hornets at San Antonio Spurs. It’s hard to believe that a game to determine the second-best team would be so exciting. But that’s exactly what this match-up is, as both still lag the dominant Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference.The Hornets have had a disappointing season thus far after being picked by many as the team that would challenge the Lakers for Western Conference supremacy. Instead, the Spurs have overcome a slow start and settled into the second spot in the conference. A blowout loss against the Lakers, however, revealed that they are still a few missing pieces. Expect these two teams to be neck and neck in the race for the second best record in the Western Conference.
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