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Authored by Daniel Leroux - 8th March, 2010 - 3:23 pm
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Merry Christmas, Raptors Fans
The Raptors might not be playing good basketball right now, but there are plenty of things for Toronto fans to be thankful for this holiday season.
A Melo Behind The Superstars
Carmelo Anthony has never been one of the league's most efficient offensive players.
A Melo Behind The Superstars
Carmelo Anthony has never been one of the league's most efficient offensive players.
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Monday
Dallas @ Minnesota: These two teams played a fun little game a few weeks back in Dallas, thus warranting inclusion on the list. Rodrigue Beaubois had one of his best games as a pro in that one, but his playing time has been sporadic since. The big men should be entertaining here, especially to see how Coach Rambis chooses to defend Dirk Nowitzki with his bigs who are limited on D.
Tuesday
Miami @ Charlotte: A major, major game for two teams that are only one game apart as of this writing. The Bobcats are uniquely suited to defend Dwyane Wade with Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace on the wings. If Wade can get Michael Beasley and the rest of the Tito Jacksons in line, this could be a great one to watch.
Utah @ Chicago: One of those PG matchups that I just don’t remember seeing before though it obviously has happened. Deron Williams and Derrick Rose are both amazingly talented and still on the upside of their careers, and each thrives in a very different way. With Joakim Noah still out, the Bulls will have their hands full with Carlos Boozer who will play a major role.
Sacramento @ Portland: Two of the best young off-guards go at it in a game I am really looking forward to. Brandon Roy already has his Rookie of the Year award while Tyreke Evans has the opportunity to make a real statement in the race this season. This game is also one of quick redemptions as both Beno Udrih and Andre Miller have gone from much maligned to at least tolerated by their hardcore fanbases. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Wednesday
Memphis @ Boston: A statement game for two teams that need it for different reasons. The Celtics have gone on a mini-run after they were written off, but they haven’t beaten a team with a winning record in over three weeks. Memphis is still on the outside looking in and will need a big game from OJ Mayo and either Zach Randolph or Marc Gasol to get a meaningful road win.
Friday
LA Clippers @ Charlotte: Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson on the same floor once again. That alone makes this one worth keeping an eye on.
Chicago @ Miami: Besides the obvious off-season subplots that will be beaten into the ground later, this game should have substantial playoff implications as each tries to scramble for both a spot and a better seed. Kirk Hinrich got a rep a few years back of being a “Wade Stopper” and this one gives him a chance to test it, especially with John Salmons in Milwaukee.
Utah @ Milwaukee: Speaking or Mr. Salmons, he could play a major part in this one. The second leg of the 'Deron Williams plays against top young PG’s Tour' takes him to Wisconsin to meet Brandon Jennings. Andrew Bogut’s improved defensive effort and production under Scott Skiles will face a major test with Utah’s nasty big man rotation while Utah will have to have someone in the interior to limit the drive and dish.
LA Lakers @ Phoenix: While the Lakers will have undoubtedly ended their losing streak by this point, this game stands as a potential playoff matchup while the Suns continue to be a force at home. The Lakers’ PG’s need to handle their business against Steve Nash while Jason Richardson has to try and make Kobe take tough shots. Hopefully we see Amare Stoudemire and Pau Gasol on each other at points, if only because the offense will help fantasy teams across the country.
Saturday
Denver @ Memphis: At the very least, this one should be a game worth keeping an eye on because of the talent involved. Carmelo Anthony and the Nuggets do not make a ton of NNGW appearances (lots of prime time and being so much better than many opponents), but this one will be a real challenge for Denver’s bigs. As someone who is still a Mike Conley believer, this one also marks a potential statement game for him against Chauncey Billups.
Sunday
Charlotte @ Orlando: Two well-coached teams that are fun to watch go at it in a solid end to the week. I’m not sure if Larry Brown will spend some time sliding Jackson and Wallace to the 3 and 4 to handle Orlando’s speed and shooting, but he’ll have to make adjustments to keep this one competitive the whole way. Raymond Felton and Jameer Nelson in a battle of two under the radar PG’s should be fun as well.
Utah @ Oklahoma City [Game of the Week]: At this point in the week, we could be looking at this one as a major game for two teams battling to host a first round playoff series. Utah has a big week of road games while OKC has plenty of days off as well as home games against New Orleans and New Jersey before Sunday’s tilt. Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook is the headlining matchup, but the one I’m looking forward to most is Andrei Kirilenko guarding Kevin Durant. |
