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Authored by Daniel Leroux - 16th November, 2009 - 11:24 am
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| Current Featured Columns |
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Merry Christmas, Raptors Fans
The Raptors might not be playing good basketball right now, but there are plenty of things for Toronto fans to be thankful for this holiday season.
A Melo Behind The Superstars
Carmelo Anthony has never been one of the league's most efficient offensive players.
A Melo Behind The Superstars
Carmelo Anthony has never been one of the league's most efficient offensive players.
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Monday
Portland @ Atlanta: There is an interesting little rivalry between these two teams over the last few seasons. As someone who advocated for the Hawks to go after Andre Miller this off-season, it should be compelling to see how Miller and Mike Bibby fare. Another nice parallel in Blazers/Hawks games is how their strengths matchup- both feature lead scorers at the SG slot, athleticism (albeit different types of it) from their power forwards, and solid production on the boards from the C’s. Also, it marks a game for Greg Oden a stone’s throw away from where he played for the National Championship less than three years ago.
Tuesday
Oklahoma City @ Miami: Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade on the court at the same time should produce some impressive fireworks. What may end up making the difference in a game like this is how the supporting cast plays: Thabo Sefolosha will have a major role in the outcome of this game, and we could see Michael Beasley make an impact as well.
Indiana @ New Jersey: I’ve been a fan of games featuring two teams that do not even possess an inkling of defensive skill or effort for some time now. It also features two of the fastest players in the entire league matching up in Devin Harris and T.J. Ford. The other storyline to watch is how the Nets attempt to handle Danny Granger- it could be a time to see what Terrance Williams is made of on the defensive end.
Phoenix @ Houston: A battle of teams that are rolling incredibly well at the moment. What may end up making the difference is the play by the big men, since the perimeter D of Houston is so strong thus far this season. Incidentally, the newfound three point shooting of Channing Frye may impact the game less considering the Rockets are much more mobile at center this year.
Wednesday
New Jersey @ Milwaukee: Another game with some interesting duos. Brook Lopez and Devin Harris going against Andrew Bogut and newly minted dynamo Brandon Jennings should be fascinating.
Thursday
Utah @ San Antonio: Even if Tony Parker is not yet 100% (but it looks like he’ll be back, at least), this game will hold major ramifications for both teams. Plus, it provides us an opportunity to see if the world explodes when Paul Millsap and DeJuan Blair are on the floor at the same time.
Friday
Memphis @ Philadelphia: The potential absence of Allen Iverson makes this game lose some of its luster, but the teams provide for some intrigue even without AI. Each team features a young PG looking to make an impression on their coaching staff, high flying swingmen just beginning to scratch their potential, and bigs that need to replicate their previous production for their squad to have a chance.
Portland @ Golden State: Last season, these two teams played a tremendously entertaining game at the Oracle that proved to be one of Greg Oden’s best performances of his rookie season. The Blazers appear to be hitting their stride just as the Warriors continue to be dominated by chaos from every conceivable angle. Even with that, you never know what can happen in Oracle with the Warriors’ home-court advantage…
Saturday
Chicago @ Denver: This should provide a decent challenge for both Derrick Rose and Chauncey Billups, as each is facing someone that could give them problems defensively. This game could also prove a good barometer for just how strong the Nuggets are playing right now- this week will prove whether their ESPN thumping of the Lakers was an aberration or if Denver should really be in the conversation for a higher tier in the Western Conference. The other match-up that should be fun is Carmelo Anthony vs. Luol Deng, guys with dramatically different skill-sets who should also guard each other most of the game.
Sunday
Orlando @ Toronto [Game of the Week]: Every Vince Carter game in Toronto should be mandatory viewing for NBA fans, even this early in the season. This one in particular should carry an interesting dynamic as it brings Hedo Turkoglu against his old mates, and we should see Rashard Lewis as well. Beyond the returns, this should be a compelling game because of the match-ups, from Jose Calderon against Jameer Nelson to Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard. |
