The Latest on the Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers’ rookies Derrick Caracter and Devin Ebanks have not played a lot of minutes this season, and they might not be back for the Lakers next season. [Los Angeles Times: Mike Bresnahan]
Matt Barnes threw a party on Saturday night, check out photos of the event. [OC Register]
Andrew Bynum went through a full-practice without any pain or symptoms. [Los Angeles Times]
According to LeBron James, his teammate Dwayne Wade is the worst finisher in the league. [Slam Magazine]
The NBA has just bought the New Orleans Hornets from owner George Shinn. [NBA.com]
Despite several rumors stating that Allen Iverson wants out of Turkey, Iverson “tweeted” that he is happy in his new home. [NBA.com]
NBA Game Previews for December 6th, 2010
Toronto Raptors at Indiana Pacers- 7:00 P.M. EST/ 4:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Raptors- (8-12) Pacers- (9-9)
The Raptors are coming into tonight’s game after falling to the New York Knicks Sunday afternoon. The Raptors have been struggling this season, and Coach Triano is not pleased with his team’s effort.
As for the Indiana Pacers, they are off to one of the best starts in recent years. The Pacers have beaten teams like the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers on the road. The main concern facing the Pacers is their incapability to secure the ball and not forcing “silly” turnovers.
The home-crowd and positive energy should push the Pacers on top once the final buzzer rings.
Prediction: Pacers win
Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic-7:00 P.M. EST/ 4:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Hawks- (13-8) Magic- (15-5)
The Atlanta Hawks will face off with another Southeast Division rival, this time it will be the Orlando Magic. The Hawks lost to the Heat on Saturday night, despite cutting a double-digit lead to two in the fourth quarter. However, the Hawks will be without Joe Johnson for another month due to a right elbow injury.
The Orlando Magic also have issues to deal with, Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, J.J. Redick and Mickael Pietrus all missed Saturday’s game due to a stomach virus. However, after morning shoot-around Coach Van Gundy believes Howard, Redick and Pietrus will play tonight.
Since the majority of the Magic’s star will return, expect them to take advantage of the Hawks.
Prediction: Magic win
Minnesota Timberwolves at New York Knicks- 7:30 P.M. EST/ 4:30 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Timberwolves- (5-15) Knicks- (12-9)
The Minnesota Timberwolves will make their only visit to New York City this season, but they will most likely not have Michael Beasley. The Wolves are one of the worst teams in the West record-wise, but they destroyed the Cavaliers on Saturday night.
The Knicks are surprising many teams in the league with their stellar play. The Knicks have won nine of their last ten games and are currently the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Look for the Knicks to run a fast-past game and expect the Garden crowd to give them an extra boost.
Prediction: Knicks win
Oklahoma City Thunder at Chicago Bulls- 8:00 P.M. EST/ 5:00 P.M. PST NBA League Pass
Thunder- (14-7) Bulls- (10-8)
The Oklahoma City Thunder will travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bulls; Kevin Durant returned to the team in last night’s victory against the Golden State Warriors. The Thunder are playing great basketball and they beat championship contenders without Durant.
The Bulls are coming off an over-time victory against the Rockets, and this game will be the third game Boozer will play as a Bull. The Bulls have the edge due to home-court advantage, but expect to see a close battle. Both teams play a similar style of basketball and both of them are trying to blend in another player.
Prediction: Bulls win
Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks- 8:00 P.M. EST/ 5:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Heat- (13-8) Bucks- (7-12)
The Miami Heat will hit the road after beating the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. The Heat are currently on a four-game winning streak, and they finally beat an Eastern Conference contender. However, the Heat will have a hand full trying to guard Brandon Jennings.
The Bucks have beaten the Orlando Magic in their previous game, and are looking to knock-off another Florida powerhouse. The Bucks will have to focus on the point-guard mismatch between Jennings and Carlos Arroyo. The Heat have lost to teams with great point guards, so the Bucks must exploit the match-up.
Prediction: Bucks win
Memphis Grizzlies at Utah Jazz- 9:00 P.M. EST/ 6:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Grizzlies- (8-13) Jazz- (15-6)
The Memphis Grizzlies are currently on a three-game losing streak, and their road does not get any easier. They will be playing in a hostile environment, against one of the hottest teams in the NBA.
The Utah Jazz will be held by Deron Williams, who many people believe is the best point guard in the NBA today. The Jazz have gone 8-2 in their last ten games, and are the third seed in the Western Conference. The Jazz have too many weapons and are a much more talented team than the Memphis Grizzlies.
Prediction: Jazz win
Sacramento Kings at Los Angeles Clippers-10:30 P.M. EST/ 7:30 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Kings- (4-14) Clippers- (4-17)
This match-up will include two of the worst teams in the Pacific division. The Kings and Clippers are never in the playoff hunt, and their match-ups are rarely entertaining.
The Clippers will have the edge in this game due to their “home” court and the high-flyer Blake Griffin.
Prediction: Clippers win