The Latest on the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers finished their seven-game road trip with a victory in Toronto. Here is a quarter-by-quarter of yesterday’s game. [LakersNation]
Andrew Bynum returned from his injury a week ago, but he is feeling soreness in his knee after yesterday’s game. [LakersNation]
Kobe Bryant will soon be featured in a social network game on Facebook. [Los Angeles Times Lakers Blog: Mark Medina]
The Latest on the NBA
Gilbert Arenas will wear the number “1” on is Orlando Magic jersey in honor of Penny Hardaway. [Dime Magazine]
The Orlando Magic are trying to acquire either Tony Battie or Ronny Turiaf as their back-up center. [Hoopsnotes]
Milwaukee Bucks’ point guard Brandon Jennings will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks with a foot fracture. [NBA.com]
Legendary coach Rick Pitino will be coaching the Puerto Rican national basketball team. [NBA.com]
NBA Game Previews for December 20th, 2010
Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks- 7:00 P.M. EST/ 4:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The Magic have revamped their roster, and their new players will most likely make their debut tonight. The Magic will be going up against their Southeast Division rivals, and it will be a test for the newly constructed team.
The Atlanta Hawks had to completely change their game plans as the Magic are now a whole different team. The Hawks have had trouble playing the Magic and in particular, matching up against Dwight Howard. However, if the Hawks force Howard into foul trouble, they should win the game. Expect to see a confused Magic team, they will need some time to “gel” before they win big games.
Prediction: Hawks win
Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers- 7:00 P.M. EST/ 4:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The Utah Jazz are a tough team to play against, and Deron Williams is very hard to contain. They will have no problem taking care of the Cavaliers.
The Cavs have gone 1-9 in their last ten games, and they are will be overwhelmed by the Jazz’s talent.
Prediction: Jazz win
New Orleans Hornets at Indiana Pacers- 7:00 P.M. EST/ 4:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The New Orleans Hornets are coming off an embarrassing loss against the Pistons, and they absolutely fell apart in the latter stages of the overtime. The Hornets started the season off strong, but their recent struggles are very depressing.
The Pacers have been very inconsistent this season, but they seem to play well against good teams. The Pacers have the ability to upset the Hornets, and the home-crowd will work to their advantage.
Prediction: Pacers win
Charlotte Bobcats at Washington Wizards- 7:00 P.M. EST/ 4:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The Charlotte Bobcats are perhaps the biggest disappointment in the Eastern Conference. They made the playoffs last season, but their chances of making it this season are essentially dead. They have not played well all season, and almost all of their players are on the trading block.
The Wizards will most likely have Rashard Lewis available today; he will bring instant offense and toughness to a struggling team. The Wizards almost beat the Miami Heat on Saturday, so they should have no problem beating the Bobcats tonight.
Prediction: Wizards win
Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat- NBA TV- 7:30 P.M. EST/ 4:30 P.M. PST
The Dallas Mavericks beat down the Miami Heat several weeks ago in Texas, and that was just one of their many big wins. The Mavs are the second best team in the West, and they are playing amazing basketball.
After the Miami Heat lost to the Dallas Mavericks, they held a players only meeting. Ever since that sit-down, the Heat have been a totally different team. Expect to see a much closer battle than the previous one in Dallas, as the Heat will try to seek revenge.
Prediction: Mavericks win
Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs- 8:30 P.M. EST/ 5:30 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The Phoenix Suns beat the Oklahoma City Thunder last night, with a shortage of players. There new players did not suit up for the previous game, and it is not certain that they will play this game.
Even if the Suns’ new acquisitions play tonight, the Spurs will surely win the game. The Spurs are the best team in basketball right now and they are currently on an eight-game winning streak.
Prediction: Spurs win
Milwaukee Bucks at Portland Trail Blazers- 10:00 P.M. EST/ 7:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The Milwaukee Bucks will be without star point guard Brandon Jennings for this game, which will greatly hurt their chances of winning this game. The Bucks have not had a successful season with Jennings, and I expect to see the same without him.
The Blazers will also be without their star, Brandon Roy. However, the Blazers have balance and they should be able to sneak pass the Bucks.
Prediction: Blazers win
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors- 10:30 P.M. EST/ 7:30 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The Rockets are in the bottom half of the Western Conference and the loss of Yao Ming has really hurt them. The Rockets will have Aaron Brooks back, but he is still rusty after missing a long period of time.
The Warriors tend to play well at home, and they have enough offense power to challenge most teams. If Monta Ellis is having an efficient shooting game, the Warriors are a tough team to beat.
Prediction: Warriors win
Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers-10:30 P.M. EST/ 7:30 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The Timberwolves and Clippers are two of the worst teams in the league. There is not much hype around this game, and very few people will be in attendance to watch this match-up.
Both of these teams will not make the playoffs, and they will be grateful for a win tonight. The edge goes to the Clippers due to their home-crowd and high-flyer Blake Griffin.
Prediction: Clippers win