The Latest on the Lakers vs. Heat Showdown
Kobe Bryant will try to ruin the Heat’s Christmas, and this year Kobe will play the role of “Grinch.” [LakersNation]
Take a look back at history, and relive all the Lakers-Heat Christmas Day games. [Los Angeles Times Lakers Blog]
The Lakers’ loss vs. the Bucks on Tuesday night did not help them prepare for the Heat. The Lakers were supposed to boost their morale on Tuesday before facing the Heat, but that plan completely failed. [Los Angeles Times]
ESPN writers predict the winner of the much anticipated Christmas Day game. [ESPN.com Los Angeles]
Ron Artest finds happiness giving back to others who are in need of help. [NBA.com]
NBA Game Previews for December 23rd, 2010
San Antonio Spurs at Orlando Magic- TNT- 8:00 P.M. EST/ 5:00 P.M. PST
Spurs- (25-3) Magic- (16-12)
The San Antonio Spurs have the best record in the NBA, and they are currently on a ten game winning streak. The Spurs will be tested tonight vs. the new look Magic, and it will be a very intense game.
The Magic have yet to win a game with their new roster, but they have been in games late in the fourth quarter. If the Magic can keep up with the Spurs and if they find a way to close the game, the Magic should come out victorious. However, that is easier said than done since the Spurs are playing amazing basketball.
Prediction: Spurs win
Milwaukee Bucks at Sacramento Kings- 10:00 P.M. EST/ 7:00 P.M. EST- NBA League Pass
Bucks- (11-16) Kings- (5-21)
The Bucks are without Brandon Jennings, but that does not seem to be a problem for the team. The Bucks beat down the Lakers on Tuesday night, and they are hoping to carry their momentum into this game.
As for the Kings, there isn’t much to say for a team that only has five wins. The team has many issues to deal with, including the the immature behavior of DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings will most likely lose the 22nd game tonight.
Prediction: Bucks win
Miami Heat at Phoenix Suns- TNT- 10:30 P.M. EST/ 7:30 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Heat- (21-9) Suns- (13-14)
This will the Heat’s final game before they prepare for a Christmas Day showdown vs. the Lakers, and a win tonight will boost their morale. The Heat had their winning streak snapped by the Mavericks, so they will be extra-motivated to win this game.
The Phoenix Suns have not had a chance to play their new acquisitions yet, and they will be needed for tonight’s game. If Carter, Pietrus and Gortat suit up tonight, the Suns should come out victorious. The crowd can get hostile, which will certainly favor the Suns.
Prediction: Suns win