TOP NBA GAMES OF THE WEEK: 2/9 - 2/15
February 9, 2009 by B. C.
Wednesday //
Phoenix Suns at Cleveland Cavaliers. Only a few games worth noting this week as we head into the NBA All-Star break. First up is the Suns visiting the Cavs in Cleveland. The Cavs will be playing at home for the first time since losing there to the Lakers on Sunday, snapping their perfect 23-0 home winning streak to start the season.
The Suns, meanwhile, are sitting on the outside looking in, currently in the ninth spot in the Western Conference playoff standings. A big win in Cleveland could provide a confidence boost and extra momentum heading into the second half of the season. Rumors have been circulating that the Suns are looking to unload one of their two all-stars, Amare Stoudemire or Shaquille O’Neal, before the trade deadline. Will both big men be making the trip to Cleveland?
Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz. The rematch of last season’s Western Conference semifinals match-up has lost some of its luster due to a barrage of injuries suffered by the Jazz. Deron Williams is finally rounding back into form after missing a dozen games at the start of the season, but Carlos Boozer has missed significant time and is not expected to be back until after the All-Star break. The Lakers are coming off an impressive 6-0 road trip with huge victories over the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, taking the season series and tie-breaker from both teams. Expect to see newly acquired Adam Morrison in the Lakers lineup, taking the place of former Lakers “space cadet” Vladimir Radmanovich. Morrison isn’t likely to contribute too much as he attempts to break into an already deep bench. But it’s not like the Rad-man was lighting things up for L.A. either.
Thursday //
Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls. A nationally televised game between the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls? Really? Okay, maybe a bit harsh. This one has the potential to be interesting, but only if the season’s top two draft picks, Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley, use this game as a showcase for their bids to win Rookie of the Year honors. There hasn’t been a clear favorite this season like last season with Kevin Durant, but Rose has been the better player thus far, averaging over 16 points and six assists to Beasley’s 13 points and five rebounds. Both players, however, appear to be trailing O.J. Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies, whose 19 points per game is tops among all rookies.Oh yeah, that Dwayne Wade fellow has been known to put on a good show or two.
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