Monday, December 20th: Mavericks @ Heat, 7:30 ET, NBATV
The Heat are currently riding the league’s second longest winning streak (12 games). The last time they lost? November 27th, at Dallas. Tyson Chandler was the story in that one, he went for 14 points and 17 boards. Can he beat up on Miami’s frontcourt once again, or will former Mav Erick Dampier have none of that? I can’t wait to find out.
Tuesday, December 21st: Mavericks @ Magic, 7:00 ET, KTXA SUN
It’s Dallas once again, this time against Florida’s other team. I’m assuming we’ll see J-Rich and Gilbo in Magic blue for either the first or second time (not sure if they’re playing tonight, but I don’t see why not), and Turkoglu back where he belongs. That and a severe lack of other good options make this game the obvious choice.
Wednesday, December 22nd: Thunder @ Knicks, 7:30 ET, FSOK MSG
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant running and gunning at Madison Square? Yes please! Amare may be poised for a big night in this one. Each member of OKC’s frontcourt is either undersized or unathletic.
Thursday, December 23rd: Heat @ Suns, 10:30 ET, TNT
Vince Carter is supposed to miss tonight’s game against the Spurs, so watch Half Man Half Retired make his Suns debut against LeBron and company. Nash and VC will have to try for at least one lob connection, right? Carter’s getting up there, but he’s not quite completely finished yet. Hey, maybe Phoenix’s legendary medical staff can help Wince become a little less fragile. I hadn’t even thought of that. Look at what they’re getting from Grant Hill… the guy’s 38 and he did 30/10 last night. Now I’m excited, this could be a revival for a guy who used to be worth the price of admission every single night.
Friday, December 24th: A Christmas Story, 8:00 ET, TBS
There’s no games on the 24th, but even if there were I’d have to roll with A Christmas Story. Watch it multiple times… I’m going to. The part where they’ve got Randy so bundled up he can’t get his arms down… ROFL.
Saturday, December 25th: Heat @ Lakers, 5:00 ET, ABC
If you can only escape from family obligations for one of the five games on Christmas Day, make it this one. The Heat have their chemistry issues worked out, Andrew Bynum’s back, no excuses… GO HEAT! I want to see it rain foam fingers at Staples like it did last year. Of course for that to happen they’d have to give the fans something to throw, but I figure they will. It’s Christmas, they’ve got to give something.
Sunday, December 26th: Suns @ Clippers, 3:00 ET, MY45 FSPT
Weekly dose of Blake Griffin. Marcin Gortat, Robin Lopez, and Channing Frye are all prime candidates to become the next Timofey Mozgov.
