Monday, April 2nd: Grizzlies @ Thunder, 8:00 ET, NBALP: KD and company have been on a six-game rampage, recently defeating the Lakers, Heat, and Bulls. Although they’ve already beaten the Grizzlies three times this season, they’re yet to defeat them by more than seven points. Tony Allen always brings his best defensive effort against Kevin Durant, and I expect his intensity to spread throughout his teammates. I’m not saying you should go put your lunch money on Memphis, but it figures to be a spirited battle, at least.
Tuesday, April 3rd: Nets @ Lakers, 10:30 ET, NBATV: The Lakers cut Gerald Green way back in December. I hope he’s still mad, and he chooses to take his anger out on a Staples Center rim. In all seriousness, if you haven’t checked out a Nets game lately you should probably watch this one. They’ve won three in a row, Gerald Green is rolling, and the Lakers tend to play down to their competition.
Wednesday, April 4th: Lakers @ Clippers, 10:30 ET, ESPN: Rivalry or not, it’s pretty clear that these two teams aren’t exactly fond of each other. The Clippers have moved to within a game of the Lakers in the loss column and could be knocking on their door by the time hump day rolls around. I lack faith in both of these teams, but I can’t imagine that they won’t show up for this.
Thursday, April 5th: Celtics @ Bulls, 9:30 ET, TNT: The Celtics looked f@cking fantastic against the Heat on Sunday, and they’ve won five games in a row as of Monday. Kevin Garnett looks as hungry as ever, and Avery Bradley has stepped his game up to a higher level in the absence of Ray Allen. I never thought I’d see this particular group play so well ever again, and I’m curious as to whether or not they’ll be able to ride their new-found momentum all the way into the postseason.
Friday, April 6th: Suns @ Nuggets, 9:00 ET, NBALP: If you haven’t yet, you’ve got to see Javale McGee and Kenneth Faried in action. I didn’t expect to enjoy watching Javale as a member of the Nuggets, but he hasn’t been making many bonehead plays… just crazy slam dunks.
Saturday, April 7th: Mavericks @ Grizzlies, 8:00 ET, NBALP: I’m struggling to come up with anything creative to say about this particular game, but it’s yet another one of those Western Conference match ups that will have an impact on postseason positioning.
Sunday, April 8th: Sixers @ Celtics, 6:00 ET, NBATV: The battle for the Atlantic Division continues. As of right now, the last team to beat Boston was Philadelphia. That was back on March 23rd, when the Sixers rolled in a 99-86 victory. They should expect the going to be much tougher at the Garden.
