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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8:00 Oklahoma City Thunder @ Orlando Magic (TNT) 
Oklahoma City is on a rampage through the NBA. Ok, maybe not a rampage, but they’re pretty damn good. Except in Orlando… where they have never won since moving to OKC. This team is a little different, though, and the Magic are in some turmoil (don’t know if you’ve heard, but I hear Dwight Howard might want out), so this might be their chance to break that streak.
Unless Dwight Howard wants to make a statement. This will be one hell of a showcase for that.
Couple of notes:
- OKC is 7-1 vs. the Eastern Conference this season
- Orlando is 15-5 when they equal or out-rebound an opponent.
10:30: Miami Heat @ Portland Trailblazers (TNT)
The Heat follow the Thunder in the national broadcast tonight, looking to keep their roll going. This is one of those “excuse” games, though, that could catch the Heat napping. Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh were all at the All Star game… they’ve been traveling… Portland has been struggling. I can see how the Heat would relax a little and use those excuses to explain away a tight game. Plus, Portland has a little something to prove. So this one might end up tighter than some expect.
Couple of notes
- 70% of the Heat’s wins this season have been by double-digits.
- Portland has outscored opponents at home by 12.7 points.
Other story lines for tonight:
9:00 Minnesota-Phoenix: Minnesota closes out its back-to-back-to-back series… and hopes to have Kevin Love back after missing a game with the flu.
10:00 LA Clippers-Sacramento: The Clippers begin a stretch of six road games in nine nights against the Kings… who have beaten the Clippers in six of their last seven meetings.
John’s picks:
OKC, Miami, Minnesota, LA Clippers
Last night: 7-5
This season: 66-46
