By Sam Amico
ProBasketballNews.com
Miami at Detroit
It's hard to believe this was the Eastern Conference finals just two seasons ago. The Pistons are still among the top two in the conference, but the Heaters are reliving their expansion years. Winner: Detroit.
Dallas at Denver
Two teams that must treat every game like a playoff game. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki is still out with a sprained ankle. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are at full strength with Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson -- and playing at home. Winner: Denver
Portland at Golden State
Unlike last season, the Warriors are hoping to secure a playoff spot BEFORE the final day. And Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson have been doing everything they can to make that happen. Winner: Golden State.
This week's record: 17-9
MARCH 26
Detroit at Toronto
Raptors need a win, but Pistons playing really well. Winner: Detroit.
Miami at New York
I suspect three angry people from Queens to be in attendance -- and that's it. Winner: Miami.
Chicago at Philadelphia
It's the story of one of the East's most disappointing teams against one of it's most surprising. A crucial game for both teams. Winner: Chicago.
Milwaukee at Atlanta
Hawks aiming to stay in playoff chase after loss to Bulls. Bucks just aiming to finish the season without anyone else getting fired. Winner: Atlanta.
New Orleans at Cleveland
Cavs have been very good at home, but not necessarily against good teams. Tonight, they'll find out that the Hornets are a good team. Winner: New Orleans.
Phoenix at Boston
The first matchup in Phoenix a few weeks back was perhaps the ugliest, most disappointing game of the year. Suns could prove something with a win tonight: Winner: Phoenix.
Indiana at New Jersey
Up until now, I've picked too many road teams for my own good. Winner: New Jersey.
Minnesota at Houston
Should be an easy one for the Rockets. Winner: Houston.
L.A. Clippers at San Antonio
Someone will need to wake up Spurs in third quarter and let them know they have a game. Poor Clips. Winner: San Antonio.
Memphis at Sacramento
A meaningless game between two non-playoff teams. It's exactly the type of non-hyped NBA game I love in March. Winner: Sacramento.
Washington at Seattle
A rematch of the the first of two Finals matchups between the teams 30 years ago -- and possibly the Wizards' last visit to the Emerald City. Winner: Washington.
Charlotte at L.A. Lakers
Bobcats can sneak up on you if you're not careful, so it might be a little closer than you think. Winner: Lakers.
MARCH 25
San Antonio at Orlando
Tim Duncan is still quietly teaching Dwight Howard that greatness means dominating night after night -- and that you don't have to be a dunking king to do so. Howard's getting closer, but unfortunately for the Magic, this is when the Spurs typically make a season-ending push. Winner: San Antonio.
New Orleans at Indiana
A big game for both teams, as the Hornets are still vying for the top spot in
the wild West, and the Pacers are still trying to squeeze into the final spot in the fairly easy East. Should be a good one. Winner: Indiana.
Atlanta at Chicago
If the Bulls lose this one, it's time to start thinking about next year. Things aren't quite as dire for the Hawks, but they too are running out of time. Funny how these two teams are so close in the standings, yet view the success of their seasons so very differently. Winner: Chicago.
L.A. Clippers at Dallas
The Mavericks without Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) aren't all that great, but they're not the Clippers, either. Winner: Dallas.
Charlotte at Utah
When I spoke to Bobcats like Emeka Okafor and Matt Carroll a little more than a week ago, they both had high hopes of sneaking into the playoffs. But the Jazz are still a better team that is playing at home, and has much more on the line. The Cats, meanwhile, are still a year away. Winner: Utah.
Washington at Portland
After Monday's loss in Seattle, we can officially consider the Blazers eliminated from the Western Conference playoff race. The Wizards need a win here to keep pace with suprising 76ers. Winner: Wizards.
MARCH 24
Philadelphia at Boston
The best thing to happen to our favorite league this season is that these two proud franchises have become relevant again. The Celtics are, of course, more relevant (for now). Winner: Boston.
New Jersey at New York
Let's see, the Knicks have a winnable game at home against a struggling opponent. So only a fool would pick the Nets to win by anything less than 20. Sorry, Knicks fans. It's just too easy. Winner: New Jersey.
Milwaukee at Miami
Last time these teams met, former Bucks GM Larry Harris was fired shortly afterward. The message was clear: Lose to the Heat this year and you very well could be out of a job. Winner: Milwaukee.
Phoenix at Detroit
The Suns have won seven straight and are seeking to avenge an embarrassing loss on their own court. But the Pistons just seem to do so well against hot teams that feature Shaquille O'Neal. It'll be closer, but the Suns' streak is about to end. Winner: Detroit.
Denver at Memphis
How can you not like a team that seems to put up 732 points every time it steps on the court? I'm talking about the Nuggets, and if Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and the rest hope to sneak into the playoffs, they need to win games like this. Winner: Denver.
Sacramento at Houston
TNT analyst Kenny Smith posed a fair question the other night. He asked, "Are the Rockets the team before the (22-game winning) streak, the team during the streak, or the team after the streak?" Buckle up, because we're about to find out. Winner: Houston.
Portland at Seattle
The Sonics are playing on a night when fans hopeful of keeping the team in Seattle will be rallying outside the arena. Throw in the fact they're playing their top rival, and no doubt, the Sonics will be pumped. Time to snap that nasty
11-game losing streak. Winner: Seattle.
L.A. Lakers at Golden State
One day after offering up a regular-season instant classic in L.A., the Lakers and Warriors meet again. The Warriors won in the Lakers' house, and you just know that doesn't sit well with Kobe Bryant's gang. Winner: Lakers.
Sam Amico is the editor of ProBasketballNews.com. Contact him or sign up for his free e-mail newsletter at amico@probasketballnews.com.
