Groundhog Day Basketball

Tonight's NBA Games:

Chicago Bulls (28-18) @ Atlanta Hawks (26-19)

25 years ago you would've gotten to see Michael Jordan go up against Dominique Wilkins. Today you get to see Luol Deng and Josh Smith. Not exactly the same great rivalry that it once was but both of these teams are still contenders every year in the East. Derrick Rose should be back soon for the Bulls who have remained one of the four best teams in the East all season. The Hawks traded away Joe Johnson before the season started and haven't really played that much differently. Expect the Hawks to win this one at home.

My prediction: Hawks win 98-93

Sacramento Kings (17-31) @ New York Knicks (29-15)

The Queens are coming to the Big Apple. The Knickerbockers have been playing much better since the return of Raymond Felton and have been unstoppable when playing at "The World's Most Famous Arena." While there have been times where the starting lineup hasn't been reliable enough for the Knicks this year, being able to go to J.R. Smith and Amare Stoudemire off the bench has really helped ignite the offense. Boogie Cousins is one of the best offensive bigmen in the NBA today so the matchup to watch will be him against last year's Defensive Player of the Year, Tyson Chandler.

My prediction: Knicks win 107-96

Oklahoma City Thunder (35-11) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (13-34)

Kevin Durant and the Thunder are visiting Kyrie Irving's Cavaliers tonight in a game that probably won't be a close one. Irving has looked impressive so far in his short NBA career and is showing why it was smart of the Cavaliers to draft him first overall two years ago. The only thing to really look forward to in this game will be whether or not we get to see Russell Westbrook have another temper tantrum. We can only hope.

My prediction: No temper tantrum tonight and Thunder win 114-96

Charlotte Bobcats (11-34) @ Houston Rockets (25-23)

Will the Bobcats ever be good? Will Michael Jordan ever do anything successful with basketball when he's not playing? These are questions that the city of Charlotte has to really ask themselves. The greatest basketball player of all time just can't seem to run a team at all. After almost 10 years of being a team their greatest draft pick might end up being Emeka Okafor or Raymond Felton. Not something that you can really build a team around. They also drafted the guy below over Brandon Roy and Rudy Gay once too. He wasn't exactly the second coming of Larry Bird.

My prediction: Morrison will get a reality TV show about mustaches some day on Spike TV
(Rockets win 102-90)

New Orleans Hornets (15-32) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (17-26) (NBATV)

The city of New Orleans has had some up and downs over the years. They're known for Hurricane Katrina and Mardi Gras. The Saints won a Super Bowl a couple years ago that is now being remembered as "Bountygate." In the NBA they had the great times of Chris Paul leading the Hornets and are now moving forward as the Pelicans with Anthony Davis. It doesn't matter how good this team may ever get, people will always laugh when they hear the Pelicans are coming to town. I'm really sorry New Orleans, David Stern doesn't care about your basketball team.

My prediction: Timberwolves win 99-90

Orlando Magic (14-32) @ Milwaukee Bucks (24-21)

Bucks just lost on the road against a better Knicks team and will now be at home against a worse Magic team. They should be able to win this game rather easily. Expect a boring win for the Bucks tonight.

My prediction: Bucks win 104-95

Washington Wizards (11-34) @ San Antonio Spurs (37-11)

Can this team just go back to being called the Bullets? The Bullets was an awesome team name and the Wizards sounds like a horrible team name for anything besides quidditch (I've never read or seen any of the Harry Potters). This is all I could really write about this game. Any kind of insight would have been me just talking about how awesome the Spurs are and how bad the Wizards are.

My prediction: Spurs win 104-86

Utah Jazz (26-21) @ Portland Trail Blazers (23-23)

It's been 15 years since Stockton and Malone were in the NBA Finals with the Jazz and somewhere Byron Russell is still complaining about the push off. That's been about the only thing this state has been able to talk about besides Jimmer Fredette being a virgin for BYU. The team once known as the Jail Blazers are a team that Portland probably misses these days. Those old Blazers teams always competed and contended in the late 90's early 00's and now this team never seems to play as well as they should.

My prediction: Jail Blazers win 102-94

Phoenix Suns (16-31) @ Golden State Warriors (29-17)

The Suns wore their old school uniforms the other day from back in the 90's and managed to beat the Lakers. I'm starting to think the Suns need to go back to wearing those old unis and just drop the bright orange things they wear everywhere. The Warriors might get Steph Curry back for tonight's game, but I wouldn't bother rushing him back. Warriors should be able to take this game without him.

My prediction: Warriors win 108-92

Yesterday's NBA Results: 

Los Angeles Clippers (34-14) @ Toronto Raptors (17-30) - Raptors won 98-73

Miami Heat (29-14) @ Indiana Pacers (28-19) - Pacers won 102-89

Milwaukee Bucks (24-21) @ New York Knicks (29-15) - Knicks won 96-86

Orlando Magic (14-32) @ Boston Celtics (23-23) - Celtics won 97-84

Chicago Bulls (28-18) @ Brooklyn Nets (28-19) - Nets won 93-89

Sacramento Kings (17-31) @ Philadelphia 76ers (20-26) - 76ers won 89-80

Cleveland Cavaliers (13-34) @ Detroit Pistons (18-29) - Pistons won 117-89

Washington Wizards (11-34) @ Memphis Grizzlies (30-16) - Grizzlies won 85-76

New Orleans Hornets (15-32) @ Denver Nuggets (30-18) - Nuggets won 113-98

Portland Trail Blazers (23-23) @ Utah Jazz (26-21) - Jazz won 86-77

Dallas Mavericks (20-27) @ Phoenix Suns (16-31) - Mavericks won 109-99

Los Angeles Lakers (21-26) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (17-26) - Lakers won 111-100


Thursday's NBA Results:

Memphis Grizzlies (29-16) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (35-11) - Thunder won 106-89

Dallas Mavericks (19-27) @ Golden State Warriors (29-17) - Warriors won 100-97

Tonight's Key NCAA Games:

(* #5 Duke @ Florida State - I was going to pick Florida State to upset Duke today. I'm very glad that I didn't get this written up before that game started because the Seminoles look lost out there)

Oklahoma State (14-5) @ #2 Kansas (19-1) (YES & ESPN3)

The Cowboys will be visiting the the Jayhawks tonight at Allen Fieldhouse tonight. The Jayhawks will be looking to continue their 18 game winning streak tonight and could end up being the only team with 1 loss by the end of the night.

My prediction: #2 Kansas wins 74-60

#14 Miami (FL) (16-3) @ #19 NC State (16-5) (CBS)

In a nice ACC matchup on CBS today, these are the only teams that have defeated the Cameron Crazies this year. Both the Hurricanes and Wolfpack have shown this season that they can contend with any team that they go up against. Right now they are arguably the second and third best teams in their conference and are teams that could go pretty deep in the NCAA Tournament this upcoming March.

My prediction: #19 NC State wins 71-67

#18 Kansas State (16-4) @ Oklahoma (14-5) (ESPN2)

The Wildcats are visiting the Sooners in a Big 12 matchup tonight on ESPN2. In the first meeting between these two teams earlier this season the Wildcats came out victorious 69-60 in the Little Apple. I'm expecting Oklahoma to even up the season series tonight and move back into the top 25.

My predicton: Oklahoma wins 69-65

#16 Ole Miss (17-3) @ #4 Florida (17-2) (ESPNU)

The Gators are welcoming the Running Rebels to "The Swamp" tonight. The Gators haven't lost any games at home yet this season and have remained very consistent in Gainesville. Ole Miss lost earlier in the week to a Kentucky team that isn't having one of their best seasons currently. Expect the Gators to remain undefeated at home and Ole Miss to lose their second straight.

My prediction: #4 Florida wins 80-71

#1 Michigan (20-1) @ #3 Indiana (19-2) (ESPN)

In a battle of BIG 10 powerhouses tonight, could the #1 team in the country go down? The Hoosiers have already been ranked as #1 earlier in the season and have their sights set on regaining that position tonight. This game features a lot of players that will more than likely be drafted in the first round on the upcoming NBA Draft including Tyler Zeller and Victor Oladipo of Indiana, and Trey Burke and Glenn Robinson III or Michigan. The Wolverines and Hoosiers are currently the best two scoring teams in the country, and are so well-rounded that whenever one key player has a bad game someone else has stepped up all season.

My prediction: #3 Indiana wins 78-76


Thursday's NCAA Results: 

UConn (14-5) @ Providence (10-11) - UConn won 82-79

Illinois (15-7) @ #13 Michigan State (18-4) - Michigan State won 80-75

#8 Arizona (18-2) @ Washington (12-9) - #8 Arizona won 57-53

#9 Butler (17-4) @ Saint Louis (15-5) - Saint Louis won 75-58

#7 Gonzaga (20-2) @ Loyola Marymount (8-13) - #7 Gonzaga won 88-43

1/30 NBA Predictions

Tonight's NBA Games:

Washington Wizards (11-32) @ Philadelphia 76ers (18-26)

Wizards are on the road against the 76ers in what appears to be a snoozefest. The 76ers haven't played the way anyone expected them to before the season because of the absence of Andrew Bynum and the Wizards have finally gotten back their best player in John Wall. The Wizards have only won three times on the road this season and it's not looking like they get their fourth tonight.

My prediction: 76ers win 102-92

Detroit Pistons (17-28) @ Indiana Pacers (26-19)

10 years ago this was one of the best rivalries in basketball and the last five years it has slowly gotten worse and worse. The Pistons are on the way down and the Pacers are on the way up and I think the home team will continue to go up in this game. Expect a defensive game played in this one.

My prediction: Pacers win 91-79

Orlando Magic (14-30) @ New York Knicks (27-15)

I don't think there's any "Magic" left in this team this season. The Howard trade had to happen, but it doesn't appear that they got enough to build off of from that trade to this point. The Knicks will be missing Jason Kidd but I still expect them to prevail at home.

My prediction: Knicks win 110-94

Sacramento Kings (17-29) @ Boston Celtics (21-23)

Where do the Celtics go from here. They just won at home on Sunday against the Heat and now have a Kings team visiting the TD Garden that has been completely inconsistent all season. The Celtics should win this game but without Rondo the rest of the season I don't see them blowing anybody out.

My prediction: Celtics win 98-94

Toronto Raptors (16-29) @ Atlanta Hawks (25-19)

The best team in Canada doesn't exactly play all that well outside of the Great White North. Expect the Hawks to win this game rather convincingly.

My prediction: Hawks win 100-86

Miami Heat (28-13) @ Brooklyn Nets (27-18)

This is probably my favorite game of the night and there's a reason why ESPN will be airing this one. These two teams have used free agency and trades to really build squads that will compete come playoff time. The defending champions got to visit the White House yesterday on their day off and haven't played that well outside of South Beach so expect the Nets to win at the house Jay-Z built.

My prediction: Nets win 99-93

Chicago Bulls (27-17) @ Milwaukee Bucks (24-19)

Da Bulls are heading to Milwaukee tonight in a game between two Central Division rivals. The Bucks have played well this season behind their backcourt of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis and the Bulls have somehow played amazing without their all-star point guard Derrick Rose. This game will be a close one, but I'm giving the slight edge to the home team.

My prediction: Bucks win 96-94

Los Angeles Clippers (33-13) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (17-24)

The biggest story of this game might be the injuries that both teams are facing. Both teams are without their best players in Chris Paul and Kevin Love and will have to continue to find scoring from other players on the court. The Clippers have played well without CP3 while the T'Wolves have not been the same without their 20-12 guy in Love. There won't be any "Love" for the T'Wolves tonight.

My prediction: Clippers win 108-96

Charlotte Bobcats (11-33) @ San Antonio Spurs (36-11)

The Bobcats have won five times on the road. The Spurs have lost twice at home. Yikes this one isn't going to be close even without Tim Duncan.

My prediction: Spurs win 96-80

Houston Rockets (25-22) @ Denver Nuggets (28-18)

The Nuggets might have the best homecourt advantage in basketball due to the high altitude in Colorado. Linsanity hasn't exactly lived up to the same hype that he had when he took over the Big Apple last year due to less shot attempts and teams learning how to play him. Expect Ty Lawson and Andre Iguodala to keep the Rockets backcourt from scoring too many points tonight.

My prediction: Nuggets win 103-94

New Orleans Hornets (15-30) @ Utah Jazz (24-21)

The Jazz just got embarrassed against the Rockets by 45 points on Monday. This is a great bounce back game for a team that definitely needs one. Expect the Jazz to win at home.

My prediction: Jazz win 98-89

Los Angeles Lakers (20-25) @ Phoenix Suns (15-30)

Kobe Bryant has looked like Magic Johnson 2.0 the last three games for the Lakers and if he continues to play this well I expect the Lakers to keep winning. Expect Kobe not to slow down against a team that has starting guards of Goran Dragic and Jared Dudley. This is the kind of team he could drop 40 on without blinking.

My prediction: Lakers win 106-90

Yesterday's NBA Results: 3-1

Golden State Warriors (28-17) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (13-33) - Warriors won 108-95
(Originally predicted Cavaliers would win 107-90)

Milwaukee Bucks (24-19) @ Detroit Pistons (17-28) - Bucks won 117-90
(Originally predicted Bucks would win 96-92)

Dallas Mavericks (19-26) @ Portland Trail Blazers (23-22) - Trail Blazers won 106-104
(Originally predicted Trail Blazers would win 109-105)

New Orleans Hornets (15-30) @ Los Angeles Lakers (20-25) - Lakers won 111-106
(Originally predicted Lakers would win 112-90)

1/27 NBA & NCAA Results

NBA Games: 

Went 7-3 with my picks my first day in the NBA and today went 4-3 bringing my overall record to 11-6.

Miami Heat (28-13) @ Boston Celtics (21-23) - Celtics win 100-98 in 2OT

As good as the Celtics looked in beating the Celtics I think the real story is the Rajon Rondo injury and where the Celtics will go from here: The Last Day of the Celtics Big 4. Paul Pierce put the Celtics on his back and he seemed to be everywhere at points late in the game. As much as I'm not a big fan of LeBron James or the Miami Heat, I was actually upset to not see LeBron try and win the game. He should be better than he is and I think this is why I'll never consider him to be as great as everyone else does. Instead of driving to the hoop to tie it in 2OT he has Shane Battier shoot a 30 footer after he realizes he doesn't have an open shot. (Originally predicted Celtics would win 101-97)

Oklahoma City Thunder (34-11) @ Los Angeles Lakers (19-25) - Lakers win 105-96

I don't know what's going on in Lakertown right now but I'm starting to think Magic Johnson has taken over the body of Kobe Bryant. Bryant dropped 14 assists and 9 rebounds for the second straight game and it is looking like he's trying to show that this thing can work in LA right now with this team. I can't actually remember the last time Bryant had double digit assists two games in a row. While the Thunder may have lost a game to the Lakers that many thought the Thunder would win pretty easily in, this game was all about Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. If the Lakers can keep this up they could make a run and get themselves back into the playoff picture. (Originally predicted Thunder would win 112-95)

Detroit Pistons (17-27) @ Orlando Magic (14-29) - Pistons win 104-102

J. J. Redick could be making his way to a contender in the coming weeks after he put on quite a shooting display for the Magic. Even though the Magic lost this game they aren't actually going anywhere this season so right now they shouldn't be too upset. Orlando should consider trading Redick and anything else that other teams might consider picking up for draft picks and trying to rebuild in the upcoming drafts. As of right now they have one first rounder this year, two in 2014 and two in 2015. If they are able to gain another one they could try and build a new young team in the draft because as of right now the team they are putting on the court aren't exactly exciting. At least they have Disney World. (Originally predicted Magic would win 104-101)

New Orleans Hornets (Pelicans) (15-29) @ Memphis Grizzlies (28-15) - Hornets win 91-83

As much as I didn't give the Lakers much chance of winning their game I really didn't expect the Hornets to win this game. Coming in to the fourth quarter of this game the Grizzlies were up four but then they fell apart and only scored 15 in the fourth quarter. This is just one of those games that the Grizzlies should win. Go Pelicans I guess. (Originally predicted Grizzlies would win 106-90)

Atlanta Hawks (25-19) @ New York Knicks (27-15) - Knicks win 106-104

I think Carmelo Anthony is happy to have Raymond Felton back from injury right now. In Felton's second game back from injury he was able to add 12 points and 10 assists to a Knicks team that has really missed his play. As good as it is to see Felton back this game was all Carmelo. Anthony shot above .500 from the field and managed to make 9/12 three pointers finishing with a game high 42 points. The Hawks put up a fight all game and this matchup could possibly be seen again later in the year come playoff time. (Originally predicted Knicks would win 108-103)

Phoenix Suns (15-30) @ Dallas Mavericks (19-25) - Mavericks win 110-95

Dirk Nowitzki led his team to victory with 18 points and did it while passing Allen Iverson on the all-time scoring list. Nowitzki now stands at number 18 all-time and next up on the list of people to pass is former Knicks legend Patrick Ewing. This game was also the 1,000 career game of Shawn Marion's career. Marion added 18 points and 9 rebounds in a game against his former team. The Suns were led by point guard Goran Dragic, 18 points and 8 assists, who has been the teams only real bright spot so far this season. (Originally predicted Mavericks would win 103-96)

Portland Trail Blazers (22-22) @ Los Angeles Clippers (33-13) - Clippers win 96-83

No Paul, no problem. The night before the Trail Blazers were able to win at home and the Clippers paid them back with a win of their own at home. LaMarcus Aldridge continues to show why he was picked for the all-star game this season as he had another double-double for the Trail Blazers, scoring 21 points and adding 11 boards. I'm starting to think that the Clippers second team could possibly beat a few teams in the NBA on a regular basis right now. Not many teams can get by without an MVP candidate but the Clippers are seeming to do fine without him at this point. Both Eric Bledsoe and Jamal Crawford have been playing great basketball in his absence and this is allowing Chris Paul to get as healthy as possible before his return. (Originally predicted Clippers would win 107-98)

NCAA Games: 

In my first day of doing NCAA men's basketball picks I went 6-4.

Rutgers (12-7) @ UConn (13-5) - UConn win 66-54

It really does suck to see this team playing the way that they are and knowing that come March everything they do won't matter. As someone that grew up loving the Huskies, this season is probably the lowest point for this team that I can remember. (Originally predicted UConn would win 71-62)

#13 Michigan State (17-4) @ #7 Indiana - Indiana win 75-70

Two great teams, with two great coaches, in what this year is the best conference in men's college basketball. If you missed today's game you'll have another opportunity to watch these two teams throw down come February 19th at Michigan State. (Originally predicted Indiana would win 76-69)

#2 Michigan (19-1) @ Illinois (15-6) - Michigan win 74-60

I really expected Michigan to choke in this game. A lot of the top teams in the country have been falling this week and I was thinking the trend was going to continue. Michigan will likely be the #1 team in the country when the polls come out Monday. The way this season has been going, how long will they actually hold onto that spot. (Originally predicted Illinois would win 77-73)

Quick Results:

Seton Hall (13-7) @ St. John's (13-7) - St. John's win 71-67 
(Originally predicted St. John's would win 70-64)

Virginia Tech (11-8) @ Clemson (11-8) - Clemson win 77-70
(Originally predicted Virginia Tech would win 66-64)

California (11-8) @ Colorado (14-6) - Colorado win 81-71
(Originally predicted Colorado would win 68-63)

Iowa (13-7) @ Purdue (11-9) - Purdue win 65-62
(Originally predicted Iowa would win 67-66)

#17 Creighton (18-3) @ Southern Illinois (8-12) - Creighton win 81-51
(Originally predicted Creighton would win 81-60)

Florida State (11-8) @ #25 Miami (FL) (15-3) - Miami (FL) win 71-47
(Originally predicted Miami (FL) would win 74-63)

George Mason (12-8) @ Northeastern (13-7) - Northeastern win 71-51
(Originally predicted George Mason would win 70-67)

1/27 NBA & NCAA Predictions

NBA Games:

I went 7-3 yesterday with my NBA picks.

Miami Heat (28-12) @ Boston Celtics (20-23)
Oklahoma City Thunder (34-10) @ Los Angeles Lakers (18-25)

I think when the NBA made their schedule for today's games on ABC they thought these games would be possible previews of the conference finals in both the East and West. Now the two most successful teams of all time are fighting for a chance at the eight spot in their conferences and the two teams that met in the NBA Finals last year could be set for a rematch this upcoming June.

My predictions: Celtics win 101-97 and Thunder win 112-95

Detroit Pistons (16-27) @ Orlando Magic (14-28)

Two really bad teams that have no star power and aren't going to be improving anytime soon. The Pistons only starter remaining from their 2004 championship is Tayshaun Prince and this team is nothing like it once was almost a decade ago. The Magic traded away Dwight Howard before the season started and it looks like they also traded away their season as well.

My prediction: Magic win 104-101 in a game that I hope people aren't forced to watch

New Orleans Hornets (14-29) @ Memphis Grizzlies (28-14)

The soon to be Pelicans will be visiting a team that no one wants to seem come the playoffs. The Grizzlies for some reason are still overlooked when people discuss contenders and this might finally be their year. This game probably won't be a close one, sorry Unibrow.

My prediction: Hornets lose 106-90, but this loss isn't as bad as finding out they are will be Pelicans next season

Atlanta Hawks (25-18) @ New York Knicks (26-15)

Both teams are currently fighting for position for the playoffs in the East and I see no reason for why either team would miss the playoffs at this point. While the Knicks failed to show up against the 76ers on Saturday, I see them turning it around in today's game.

My prediction: Knicks win 108-103

Phoenix Suns (15-29) @ Dallas Mavericks (18-25)

Remember when both the Suns and Mavericks were competiting deep into the playoffs in the Western Conference? Let's hope their fanbases do too because it's not looking good for either of these teams this year. The Suns have a lot of nice young pieces to build around but they don't have a star to put them around. The Mavs just look old right now and seem to be way too focused on the possibility of picking up Dwight Howard this upcoming offseason.

My prediction: Mavericks win 103-96 in the battle of I wish Steve Nash was still here

Portland Trail Blazers (22-21) @ Los Angeles Clippers (32-13)

I got yesterday's game between these two teams right when I pick the home Trail Blazers to defeat the Clippers. Today I'm going with the home team again and thinking the Clippers will pull this one out. I just don't see this team even without CP3 losing twice in a row to a team that isn't better than them.

My prediction: Clippers win 107-98

NCAA Games Quick Picks:

Seton Hall (13-6) @ St. John's (12-7) - St. Johns wins 70-64
#13 Michigan State (17-3) @ #7 Indiana (17-2) - Indiana wins 76-69
Virginia Tech (11-7) @ Clemson (10-8) - Virginia Tech wins 66-64
Rutgers (12-6) @ UConn (12-5) - UConn wins 71-62
California (11-7) @ Colorado (13-6) - Colorado wins 68-63
Iowa (13-6) @ Purdue (10-9) - Iowa wins 67-66
#2 Michigan (18-1) @ Illinois (15-5) - Illinois wins 77-73 (Upset Alert)
#17 Creighton (17-3) @ Southern Illinois (8-11) - Creighton wins 81-60
Florida State (11-7) @ #25 Miami (FL) (14-3) - Miami (FL) wins 74-63
George Mason (12-7) @ Northeastern (12-7) - George Mason wins 70-67

1/26 NBA Predictions

Tonight's NBA Predictions:

New York Knicks (26-14) @ Philadelphia 76ers (17-25)

Tonight marks the return of Knicks starting point guard Raymond Felton. The 76ers are currently above .500 at home, but I don't see them having enough to win this game against the Knicks. Sixers starting point guard Jrue Holiday has been showing all-star qualities all season but without Andrew Bynum this team doesn't have the frontcourt size to compete with the Knicks big men in Tyson Chandler and Amare Stoudemire.

My prediction: Knicks win 99-90

Cleveland Cavaliers (12-32) @ Toronto Raptors (16-27)

In a battle of two teams that have no postseason hopes this year, this game will feature a lot of rising star Kyrie Irving. Irving has just been named to his first all-star game and I see him putting up big numbers tonight for the Cavs.

My prediction: Cavaliers win 102-96

Chicago Bulls (26-16) @ Washington Wizards (10-31)

The Bulls currently have more wins on the road this season (12) than the Wizards have total. I don't see this game being close at all.

My prediction: Bulls win 98-81

Minnesota Timberwolves (17-23) @ Charlotte Bobcats (10-32)

The only thing Bobcats fans have been able to look forward to all season is the possibility of them regaining their former name the Hornets. Other than that it looks like it will be another losing season for a team that continues to draft poorly and end up in the lottery year after year.

My prediction: Timberwolves win 97-88

Brooklyn Nets (26-17) @ Houston Rockets (23-22)

If you are interested in seeing a lot of scoring coming from the backcourt this is a game that you will enjoy. Both teams currently have starting guards that combine for 34+ points per game. The Nets have impressed in their first season in Brooklyn and the new starting backcourt of Jeremy Lin and James Harden have shown glimpses of a future that looks promising for Houston.

My prediction: Rockets win 94-92

Golden State Warriors (26-16) @ Milwaukee Bucks (22-19)

This game will mark the first meeting between Monta Ellis and his former team the Golden State Warriors this season. Both teams seem to have been better off since the trade a year ago and this game will be very similar to that of the Nets & Rockets. With a lot of guard scoring I see this game being very competitive all the way until the end.

My prediction: Bucks win 101-99

Phoenix Suns (15-28) @ San Antonio Spurs (35-11)

The Spurs have been unstoppable at home this season with only two losses and the Phoenix Suns have been abysmal on the road with only four wins. This game will be a blowout from the beginning.

My prediction: Spurs win 102-78

Sacramento Kings (16-28) @ Denver Nuggets (26-18)

This will more than likely be the last season of the Sacramento Kings as it's looking like the team is all but ready to be moved to Seattle and be renamed the Supersonics. That has really been the only newsworthy thing about the team besides "Boogie" Cousins causing problems for the team all season.

My prediction: Nuggets win 104-90

Indiana Pacers (26-17) @ Utah Jazz (23-20)

The Pacers have been one of the best defensive teams all season and have managed to slow down just about everybody. However, while the Pacers are on the road they tend not to perform as well as they do at home. The Jazz currently have a frontcourt that contains Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson and Derrick Favors. All three of these guys should be starting but only two of them can take up the spots at the 4 and 5. It's only a matter of time before 1 of those 3 is on the trading block and be shopped to half of the NBA.

My prediction: Jazz win 91-88

Los Angeles Clippers (32-12) @ Portland Trail Blazers (21-21)

In the last game of the evening the big question is when will Chris Paul return. That's the only thing that really matters to a Clippers team that has shown signs of contending for an NBA title this year. While the Clippers have been winning without Paul, he is what makes this team so successful. Without Paul in this game I see the Trail Blazers pulling the upset and beating the Clips.

My prediction: Trail Blazers win 103-98