Wednesday (12/21)

Better:
Wizards @ Nuggets: Denver has been disappointing this year, losing to several bad teams. They have continued to be a great local team, which keeps them in contention. If they’re going to be as good as they were late last year, they need to kill teams like Washington. So far, they haven’t.

runner-up:
Clippers @ Pacers: Indiana lost hugely at home to the Clippers early last year, when Ron Artest was still on the roster. Without him, the Pacers are worse talent-wise. But now the team can continue the momentum that propelled them to the postseason last year. It’s the Clippers’ game to win (which I’m not used to saying), so can they deliver?

Burst:
Raptors @ Rockets: T-Mac and company are bringing Houston back into contention. Despite all his injuries, he won’t deny himself a win here against Toronto. McGrady has to realize that he shouldn’t do stupid swoons when he can drive it to the hoop. Against Toronto, he should have a standout dunk montage when it’s all over.

Thursday (12/22)
[As usual, only two games are on TV this Thursday]

Better:
Mavericks @ Kings: Dallas has remained a semi-contender in the West, while Sacramento has been left out. They already have almost as many home losses as last year. They’re not going in any real direction positively. Still, they can score. Defense is a problem, as it is for Dallas. But they’ll need a little more than offense to get anywhere in the West.

runner-up:
Cavaliers @ Bulls: Cleveland is struggling. After a 9-2 start, they haven’t gotten much help from anyone but LeBron. When you lose at home in Atlanta, something is seriously wrong. Chicago is inconsistent. They’ve lost at home to Miami and San Antonio (both were close losses), but they’re the only NBA team to win in Detroit. Both teams have shown the ability to be better than they are now. Larry Hughes needs to get 20 points, or he could be fish food for a Ron Artest trade.

Friday (12/23)

Better:
Lakers @ Magic: These two teams always produce an entertaining game when played in Orlando, so why miss this one? Last year, Mobley was injured while playing, so the Magic will face LA with almost the same team. Smush Parker now guards Steve Francis instead of Chucky Atkins. Otherwise, it’s also the same team for LA.

runner-up:
Mavericks @ Sonics: Two teams, no defense, good offense. Blah blah blah, you know the drill. The final score should be from 100 to 100 something. The interesting thing is that ESPN brings this game to ESPN2. What sports game brought basketball to ESPN2? Why none other than the Fort Worth Bowl. Who the hell watches the Fort Worth Bowl? Houston vs. Kansas? -please. If we’re going to boycott the BCS, let’s start with this pile.

Burst:
Nets @ Heat: New Jersey’s biggest weakness is Center, where Jason Collins is filling the job. Miami’s biggest strength is their Center Shaq, so this game should be a blast. After all, Miami beat the Nets in a sweep last year. It was always nice to see the Payton-Kidd matchup, but now it’s impossible to follow as Payton drops teams every year. The Nets need to find their footing in the East; they will gain a better understanding with this loss.

Saturday (12/24)
[There are no games on Christmas Eve] However, most NFL games are moved to Saturday, so you can live without basketball for a day. Kobe-Shaq two at Christmas.