Monday, January 30th: Blazers @ Jazz, 9:00 ET, NBALP: The Blazers have been pretty bad on the road (3-7), but if they want to prove that they’re as good as I think they are then this would be a great place to start. Utah has picked up 9 of their 11 wins on their home floor while losing on just 3 occasions. Both teams are 4.5 games from first place and will be looking to make a jump in the standings. I’d like to tell you to watch the Clippers play the Thunder at 10:30… but after last night’s Jumper Fest I can’t recommend that you do that.
Tuesday, January 31st: Nuggets @ Grizzlies, 8:00 ET, NBALP: Two of the prized big men from the 2011 free agent class will try to prove their worth against one another. Both Marc Gasol and Nene have played well this season, but while Nene’s Nuggets have risen to 2nd place Western Conference ranks, Gasol’s Grizzlies have fallen to 10th. This obviously has a little something to do with the injury to Zach Randolph, but anyway… big game for the Grizz.
Wednesday, February 1st: Bulls @ Sixers, 7:00 ET, NBALP: Everyone wants to talk about Philly’s easy schedule. Well, here’s a nice challenge for those young Sixers. I hope this will serve as the night shift’s coming out party. People will be paying attention to this game, so if the Thad Young, Lou Williams, and the rest of the bench can step up maybe they’ll get some attention from the national media.
Thursday, February 2nd: Nuggets @ Clippers, 10:30 ET, TNT: Hopefully Chauncey Billups lets Blake get involved this time. That’s right, Chauncey; no one’s tuning in to watch you shoot threes. As for Denver… damn, their upcoming schedule is tough. This game is the first of three in as many nights. On Friday night they’ve got…
Friday, February 3rd: Lakers @ Nuggets, 10:30 ET, ESPN: …the Lakers. Can the Nuggs step up and take the middle game of a back-to-back-to-back against an LA team that’s really struggled on the road? The Lakers and Nuggets always seem to battle so I don’t think fatigue or road records will carry much weight in this match up.
Saturday, February 4th: Rockets @ Timberwolves, 8:00 ET, NBALP: The bad news is that ball stoppin’ Beasley is back taking 15 shots a night. Other than that this game seems promising. Don’t ever go a whole week without watching Ricky Rubio! I’ve become convinced that his childlike enthusiasm in contagious.
Sunday, February 5th: Grizzlies @ Celtics, 12:00 ET, NBATV: Take a break from those pregame shows and watch a little NBA basketball on Superbowl Sunday! There are only two games to choose from and the other one involves the Raptors, so if you’re looking for a decent game this is the obvious choice.
What did you say about Beasley?
I believe I called him a ball stopper. Sorry, but I don’t like the fit with Beasley and the T-Wolves anymore.
What you say is true, but as long as he plays like he did yesterday (34 points on 10-14 shooting), I think the Wolves should keep him. True, he oftentimes disrupts the flow of the game by catching the ball and taking over 5 seconds to do anything. However, he is really Minnesota’s only player who can create shots, and as long as he continues improving, he’ll fit well enough to stay on the team. Also, from yesterday’s game, although the 1 assist doesn’t show it, Mike has really improved with his passing. It’s not necessarily his first option, but at least it is an option now.