The Latest on the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers snapped their four-game losing streak last night, when they ran over the Sacramento Kings; the Lakers won by 33 points, 113-8o. Here is a quarter-by-quarter recap of last night’s game. [LakersNation]
Kobe Bryant has been named the best player in the NBA by Sporting News. [LakersNation]
Phil Jackson is known for playing “mind-games” with his opposing coaches and players. The “Zen Master” has been using this art throughout his NBA career. [NBA.com]
Previews for tonight’s NBA Games.
Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat- 7:30 P.M. EST/ 4:30 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Hawks-(13-7) Heat-(12-8)
Tonight’s spotlight game will feature two Southeast division rivals, the Hawks and the Heat. Both teams won their previous games, and will be looking to come out on top in tonight’s big match-up.
The Hawks will be without their all-star Joe Johnson, as he is sidelined due to a right elbow injury. However, unlike the Heat, the Hawks have a balanced team with players who know their roles.
As for the Heat, they will play for the first time after winning an emotional game in Cleveland. The Heat will also be missing key players, Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller. Until the Heat beat a serious Eastern Conference contender, like the Hawks, their season will still be considered “average.”
Prediction: Hawks win
Charlotte Bobcats at Philadelphia 76ers-7:30 P.M. EST/ 4:30 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Bobcats-(7-11) 76ers-(5-14)
This match-up is not very intriguing, as both teams are in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference. The Sixers blew a double-digit lead last night to the Hawks, and the Bobcats are a very inconsistent team.
The game should come down to wire, but expect to see very ill-advised shots and poor offensive execution.
Prediction: Sixers win
Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls- 8:00 P.M. EST/ 5:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Rockets-(7-12) Bulls-(9-8)
The Houston Rockets are entering the game on a two-game winning streak; they beat both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies. However, the Rockets will be not have the services of Aaron Brooks and Yao Ming.
The Chicago Bulls are coming off a tough loss from the Boston Celtics, despite the presence of Carlos Boozer. However, the Bulls should have no problem beating the Rockets tonight. Expect to see a more dominate Boozer, and a more productive Derrick Rose.
Prediction: Bulls win
Cleveland Cavaliers at Minnesota Timberwolves-8:00 P.M. EST/ 5:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Cavaliers-(7-11) Timberwolves-(4-15)
The Cleveland Cavaliers will play for the first time since Thursday night, when they lost to LeBron James and the Miami Heat. The Cavs should put together a better performance, as they will be facing the one of the wost teams in the league.
Although the Minnesota Timberwolves have “talent,” they cannot find a way to close games. The Wolves were leading on the road vs. the Spurs, but they eventually lost due to lack of experience. Unless the Wolves can put together a strong first quarter and maintain their effort for the whole game, they will fall to ten games under .500.
Prediction: Cavaliers Win
Orlando Magic at Milwaukee Bucks- NBA TV- 8:30 P.M. EST/ 5:30 P.M. PST
Magic-(15-4) Bucks-(6-12)
The Orlando Magic will try to steal a road game despite the fact that four players are questionable for tonight’s game; Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Mickael Pietrus and J.J. Redick are all suffering from a stomach virus.
The Bucks have to take advantage of the Magic’s lack of players, and must feed off their home-crowd. The Bucks must give the ball to Andrew Bogut and Brandon Jennings, as they will be guarded by reserves for the whole game.
Prediction: Bucks win
Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings- 10:00 P.M. EST/ 7:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Mavericks-(15-4) Kings-(4-13)
The Dallas Mavericks have won eight games in a row, are looking to continue their winning games vs. the struggling Kings.
Despite the fact that the Kings will be playing at home, they do not have the personnel to beat the tough Dallas Mavericks. The only way the Kings can win the game is if Nowitzki, Kidd and Terry get injured.
Prediction: Mavericks win
