The Latest on the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers finished their seven-game road trip with a victory in Toronto. Here is a quarter-by-quarter of yesterday’s game. [LakersNation]
Andrew Bynum returned from his injury a week ago, but he is feeling soreness in his knee after yesterday’s game. [LakersNation]
Kobe Bryant will soon be featured in a social network game on Facebook. [Los Angeles Times Lakers Blog: Mark Medina]
The Latest on the NBA
Gilbert Arenas will wear the number “1” on is Orlando Magic jersey in honor of Penny Hardaway. [Dime Magazine]
The Orlando Magic are trying to acquire either Tony Battie or Ronny Turiaf as their back-up center. [Hoopsnotes]
Milwaukee Bucks’ point guard Brandon Jennings will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks with a foot fracture. [NBA.com]
Legendary coach Rick Pitino will be coaching the Puerto Rican national basketball team. [NBA.com]
NBA Game Previews for December 20th, 2010
Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks- 7:00 P.M. EST/ 4:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The Magic have revamped their roster, and their new players will most likely make their debut tonight. The Magic will be going up against their Southeast Division rivals, and it will be a test for the newly constructed team.
The Atlanta Hawks had to completely change their game plans as the Magic are now a whole different team. The Hawks have had trouble playing the Magic and in particular, matching up against Dwight Howard. However, if the Hawks force Howard into foul trouble, they should win the game. Expect to see a confused Magic team, they will need some time to “gel” before they win big games.
Prediction: Hawks win
Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers- 7:00 P.M. EST/ 4:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The Utah Jazz are a tough team to play against, and Deron Williams is very hard to contain. They will have no problem taking care of the Cavaliers.
The Cavs have gone 1-9 in their last ten games, and they are will be overwhelmed by the Jazz’s talent.
Prediction: Jazz win
New Orleans Hornets at Indiana Pacers- 7:00 P.M. EST/ 4:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The New Orleans Hornets are coming off an embarrassing loss against the Pistons, and they absolutely fell apart in the latter stages of the overtime. The Hornets started the season off strong, but their recent struggles are very depressing.
The Pacers have been very inconsistent this season, but they seem to play well against good teams. The Pacers have the ability to upset the Hornets, and the home-crowd will work to their advantage.
Prediction: Pacers win
Charlotte Bobcats at Washington Wizards- 7:00 P.M. EST/ 4:00 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
The Charlotte Bobcats are perhaps the biggest disappointment in the Eastern Conference. They made the playoffs last season, but their chances of making it this season are essentially dead. They have not played well all season, and almost all of their players are on the trading block.
The Wizards will most likely have Rashard Lewis available today; he will bring instant offense and toughness to a struggling team. The Wizards almost beat the Miami Heat on Saturday, so they should have no problem beating the Bobcats tonight.
Prediction: Wizards win