Player's Guide

To mix things up, I thought I could maybe do a thing where I say what I think is the best, worst and inbetween NBA game to watch. By best, I mean close. So some of my choices for Best game might be a little different, since a game like Knicks/Lakers has a good backstory, but it's still just 2 mediocre teams playing.

Sunday (11/20)
Best:
Rockets @ Pacers: At 3-6, Houston really needs the tough win in Indiana. It doesn't matter how shallow the West is, last place is bad to be in. Yao Ming gets in foul trouble often, and you can put him down for a disqualification up against Jermaine O'neal. McGrady won't show up in the 4th quarter every time; he's got to contribute early and have a big first half.
Runnner-up:
Grizzlies @ Nuggets: Memphis has looked increasingly more impressive with each game. Denver has looked good sporadically with injuries to Boozer, Nene and coach George Karl hurting them. Tough to say whom the favorite should be. Whoever of Gasol and Anthony steps up more will lead their team to victory.
Blowout:
Heat @ Raptors: Last Sunday's Raptor game was one to watch. Toronto will be in a similar situation though: down by 18 in the 4th and looking to make a comeback. Regardless of injuries to Williams and Shaq, Miami is starting to click. A double-digit win should be expected for Miami.

Monday (11/21)
Best:
Nets @ Warriors: Kidd against Davis and Carter and against Richardson spotlight this matchup. Golden State hasn't had to travel far lately, so they should be well rested for this encounter. However, Richard Jefferson is going to exploit Dunleavy at SF. Someone has to step up for the Warriors.
Runner-up:
Hornets @ Sixers: The young guys in New Orleans/Oklahoma City will find a lot of easy shots with Sam Dalembert injured. Iverson should have a good game, but Webber could get fatigued easily. This is Philadelphia's game to win, but they could easily get complacent before the game begins.
Blowout:
Bucks @ Jazz: Utah owner Larry Miller freaked out when they lost a game scoring only 63 points. He shouldn't fret since Utah did have 4 of their 5 starters injured that in that game. However, he should fret that those situations will come often, and this encounter with Milwaukee will be no different if McLeod, Boozer, Giricek and Kirilenko are hurt.

Tuesday (11/22)
Best:
Celtics @ Cavaliers: These 2 have a history against each other, going back to when Paul Pierce spit on the Cavs bench. The Celtics hustle will compete for certain against Cleveland. Boston began the year with 3 straight OT or last-second games, so you know a tight affair is in order.
Runner-up:
Rockets @ Mavericks: These 2 teams went 7 games in the playoffs last year, and could very well meet again this year (assuming the Rockets once again finish strong). Like the postseason, Yao needs to step up to give Houston a good shot at a win.
Blowout:
Raptors @ Suns: Toronto has allowed a ridiculous 112+ PPG in their last 4. Thrice in their last 7 games have they allowed their opponent to score 117 or more. Phoenix doesn't score as much as they used to, but it shouldn't take much overwhelm Toronto.

Wednesday (11/23)
Best:
Bobcats @ Knicks: If nothing else, both of these teams will struggle throughout. Expect a lot fouls, 3-point attempts and layups. Why watch it? Neither team wins their games on blowouts, so a squeaker is in order.
Runner-up:
Spurs @ Warriors: Golden State has a day off, so they should be able to dictate the game's pace. In the half-court game, Golden State is outmatched. They play the same way as San Antonio, but their pace is a little quicker. They made 12 3-pointers to win in Milwaukee, and they'll need to make a high percentage to come out with a W.
Blowout:
Nuggets @ Pistons: We know that Detroit is the genuine article great team we expected, but Denver is still up in the air. If Denver plays their best they could compete, but they just don't match up well to Detroit's defensive powerhouse. And Darko Milicic will make sure Carmelo Anthony has a poor game.

Thursday (11/24)
Keep in mind that there are only 2 NBA games on Thanksgiving, so these 2 were the only ones. Both might've made the cut anyway.
Best:
Cavaliers @ Pacers: A central division matchup that will prove more about Cleveland if they win. Making the playoffs isn't a concern as much as winning the division. This important game will be played tough and will hopefully push back the start of the Sonics/Lakers game.
Runner-up:
Sonics @ Lakers: Love is not in the air. If there is one guy Ray Allen doesn't appear to be classy to, it's Kobe. The Sonics are worse and the Lakers are faintly better. The Sonics have owned the Lakers in the 21st century, but Kobe Bryant is going to step up for a big performance.

Friday (11/25)
Best:
Blazers @ Magic: Orlando has had some problems containing rather inexperienced teams. Portland is sure to give them trouble. Orlando is low scoring and doesn't wipe out any team. Composure is going to be key. It adds up to close finish, and whether Turkoglu or Ratliff can produce.
Runner-up:
Mavericks @ Heat: If Detroit really is the best team in the East, then Dallas's 37-point win against them last Saturday says volumes. Of course Miami just isn't at Detroit or even Indiana's scale with Shaq missing. A win here should raise their status.
Blowout:
Bulls @ Spurs: Chicago lost in OT to San Antonio earlier in the year, and will find it even harder for redemption. Songalia and Chandler provide little blockage against Tim Duncan to blow right through them. Hinrich is as good as anyone to be up against Parker, but you'll still see Tony get 20+ points. Expect the deficit to reach 20 by the 3rd quarter.

Saturday (11/26)
Best:
76ers @ Knicks: Iverson and Marbury have both been known throughout as coach killers, but Iverson has appeared to gel with Maurice Cheeks. The same can't be said for Marbury, who like all Knick players is facing trade rumors. The divisional player matchups are what make this game a draw.
Runner-up:
Pistons @ Bucks: Another good-ole Central division showdown, and once again Milwaukee is trying to validate their 3-0 start. With the division as tight as it is, both teams should play harder than usual. Detroit definitely needs a better road showing than that bombardment they took in Dallas.
Blowout:
Hornets @ Sonics: J.R. Smith will get a lesson on defending pure shooters like Ray Allen, assuming Smith isn't injured and won't play. Either way, Seattle should dominate offensively. Really bad field-goal % for the Sonics will be the only factor keeping a blowout from occurring.

-David