Our nightly look ahead to the schedule with a couple of notes and story lines so you can plan out your NBA viewing. All Times Eastern.
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7:00: Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76’ers
Not many people would have guessed this one would mean anything a couple of months ago, but the Sixers have worked their way into the conversation by playing better defense than anyone in the league at this point. Philly has the top rated defense in the NBA, while Chicago is second. Philly has the biggest win differential in the NBA (11.38), Chicago is second (9.43). This one promises to be a war.
Couple of notes:
- Philadelphia actually won the season series with Chicago last season, 2-1.
- The Bulls are currently on a nine-game road trip, the third longest in franchise history
8:00: Oklahoma City at Dallas (ESPN)
This is the third time this season these two teams will have squared off with each of the prior two matchup being a shootout between Dirk Nowtizki and Kevin Durant. KD outscored Dirk by 1 in each game (27-26 and 30-29) so expect more of the same back and forth between the these two again. But it’ll the supporting casts that make the difference.
Couple of notes:
- After hitting 100 in only four of their first 19 games, the Mavs have hit triple digits in their last three straight.
- Russell Westbrook has scored at least 20 points in nine of the last 10 games.
Other story lines for tonight
7:00: Washington-Orlando: How far have the Magic fallen? Let’s see if the blow out Washington like they should.
7:30: Toronto-Boston: The Celtics have historically struggled in back-to-back games. Can they summon the energy in what should be a winnable game?
7:30: Detroit-New Jersey: It’s a battle of who can suck less. Sorry Pistons and Nets fans. Don Draper couldn’t find a way to sell this game.
8:00: Phoenix-New Orleans: Will Steve Nash be able to play after missing a game with a bruised thigh?
8:00: Miami-Milwaukee: Miami actually looks for revenge, by taking on the only team to beat them in the past two weeks.
8:00: Indiana-Minnesota: The T-Wolves try for the fourth time this season to finally get to a .500 record
8:30: Houston-San Antonio: Can the Rockets win their first season series against the Spurs since 1996-97?
10:00: Charlotte-Portland: Is there any possible way Charlotte can avoid losing its 9th straight game?
10:30: LA Clippers-Utah: The Clippers try to cure their road woes (2-4 away record) against the Jazz (10-3 home record)
John’s Picks:
Bulls, Thunder, Magic, Celtics, Nets, Hornets, Heat, Timberwolves, Spurs, Blazers, Clippers
Last night: 6-1
Season: 13-3
