FanHouse's NBA Guide gives you a daily look at all the games that matter ... and some that don't. It's almost a full slate tonight with 12 games. Let's get cracking ...
HEADLINER
Orlando at Atlanta, 7PM ET
The Hawks may be the league's best team no one is talking about yet, but they've only lost two games in their last 12 -- the first a three-point loss to the Celtics and the second the result of a buzzer-beater by Vince Carter in overtime.
They beat the Magic once already in the season opener, and they've collected wins against Eastern Conference heavyweights Cleveland and Detroit, not to mention Western contenders Houston and Denver. What's my point? This team is for real: and if they sweep their home-and-home with Orlando tonight and Friday, they'll narrow the Magic's lead in the Southeast Division to just two games.
UNDERCARD
Miami at Denver, 9PM ET, ESPN
This game lost a bit of luster after we learned Carmelo Anthony would be sidelined for the next few weeks, but it still has a few things going for it. First, it's on ESPN, which means all the poor fans of the lig that can't afford League Pass will be able to tune in.
Second, Dickie V, baby!
Last but not least, Michael Beasley's performance tonight will be the subject of Matt Moore's first-ever Under the Microscope. You'll want some context for his follow-up piece tomorrow, won't you?
Charlotte at Cleveland, 7PM ETI admit, a game between the 13-22 Bobcats and 27-6 Cavs might not look all that interesting at first blush, but 'Cats are coming off an OT-thriller last night against the Celtics. Can they knock off the two best teams in the East on successive nights? Okay, maybe not, but I'm guessing they'll at least make it more interesting than the bookies in Vegas think: the 'Cats are currently 14-point dogs. That's the biggest spread of the night!
Houston at Boston, 7:30PM ET
With two wins in their last seven games, the Celtics are reeling right now ... which means their return to the friendly confines of TD Banknorth Garden couldn't come at a better time. The Celtics have lost just a single game on their home floor, and that was nearly two months ago.
The Rockets, meanwhile, have dropped three of their last four. With Ron Artest (ankle) and Shane Battier (foot) on the shelf, Houston's defense has been non-existent. Factor in the fact that the world champs have a (bigger than usual) chip on their shoulder due to all the attention their recent struggles has received and this one could get out of hand.
THE OTHERS
Toronto at Washington, DC, 7 PM ET
Memphis at New Jersey, 7:30 PM ET
Philadelphia at Milwaukee, 8PM ET
Oklahoma City at Minnesota, 8 PM ET
Indiana at Phoenix, 9 PM ET
New Orleans at Utah, 9 PM ET
Detroit at Portland, 10PM ET
LA Lakers at Golden State, 10:30 ET
