FanHouse's NBA Guide gives you a daily look at all the games that matter ... and some that don't.On the surface, it would appear that tonight's schedule is not as stellar as the lineups we've had over the last few days. But nobody would have predicted the Celtics and Cavaliers both losing yesterday, and besides, the headliner looks like it might be better than advertised.
HEADLINER
San Antonio at Miami, 7:30PM EST, NBATV
If you had looked at this matchup before the season began, you probably would have thought that the Fiesta Bowl might make for a more compelling viewing choice than this regular season hoops yawner, which will be shown only to the proud owners of an NBATV subscription. But now? You'd be wrong! (Apologies; I'm not that into college football.)
The Heat were supposed to be rebuilding this year, but thanks to Dwyane Wade's resurgence -- and the fact that he's leading the league in scoring -- Miami finds themselves in the playoff race, currently holding down the six spot in the East. They've also won two out of their last three games (against the Nets and Cavs no less) without Shawn Marion, who's day-to-day with back spasms.
The Spurs come into this game as, well, the Spurs. After an injury-plagued slow start to the season, the team sits in second place in the West, and is coming off of a miraculous buzzer-beating victory over the Sixers. Sure, the Spurs should be favored here. But the way the Heat have been playing lately, and with Wade doing what he does, this one will probably be a lot closer than expected.
UNDERCARD
Toronto at Milwaukee, 8PM EST
Normally two teams with sub-.500 records playing would be ignored here, but the Raptors and Bucks have both been playing much better lately than their season-long records would indicate. The Raptors have won two in a row over quality opponents Orlando and Houston; Milwaukee beat the Spurs in San Antonio, then came within four points of taking down the Rockets in Houston the following night. Of course, they split a home and home with Charlotte after that, but whatever, have some faith: this one's going to be competitive from start to finish.
Indiana at Denver, 9PM EST
The Pacers might be the best 12-21 team in NBA history. They're competitive no matter who they play, whether it's the Lakers and the Celtics, or the Knicks and the Grizzlies. Danny Granger is averaging 29 points per game in his last four, and the team might get Mike Dunleavy (Jr.) back by the end of this road trip. Dangerous. If the Nuggets allow this game to stay as close as their last two -- late wins over the Thunder and Hornets -- the Pacers might just steal another one.
BLOWOUT
Sacramento at New Jersey, 7:30PM EST
BIG BLOWOUT
Golden State at Utah, 9:00PM EST
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Great game , Miami have Wade and Marion ,plus,
plus but the Spurs have Duncan, Parker, Ginobili,
Bowen, Finley ,plus, plus ;
It came down to experience and quantity in this game
as they said the more ..........they have playing together
for many years , plus, plus.