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The second contest we should dote on is the Lakers’ trip to New Orleans.
The Lakers played, and nearly lost, last night. They’ve had
a tough road trip, to be sure, but the team is really just a few inches away
from a 3-0 run. A few game-winners spin in against the Heat and Magic, and the
outlook has changed considerably. This is why you have to be wary about taking
too much from close games.
The Hornets don’t want a close game. They might get Peja
Stojakovic back. They want to put this team away early, and they’re probably
hoping the Lakers might be looking forward to Christmas’ matchup with the
Celtics.
In all honestly, the Lakers probably are. Core members of the
team have mentioned that game all month, not giving it the usual "it’s just
another game" platitudes. This isn’t to say that they’ll overlook the Hornets,
no way, but human nature is human nature. Good thing they have a Machine on the bench.
Los Angeles Lakers:
22-5, 95.5 possessions per game (4th), 112.3 points scored per 100
possessions (3rd), 102.5 points allowed per 100 possessions (4th).
New Orleans Hornets:
16-7, 87.4 possessions per game (29th), 110.4 points scored per 100
possessions (5th), 104.6 points allowed per 100 possessions (10th).
Well, it’s that time of year again. The time of year when family and friends gather round the dinner table, throw back a few stiff drinks and try to figure out just what the hell this "basketball blogging" you say you do is. Ah, good times.
So, starting right now, it’s going to be a little quiet around these here parts. Here’s this week’s skeleton schedule:
Wednesday, Dec. 24: KD’s award-winning Behind The Box Score. Merry Christmas Eve.
Thursday, Dec. 25: Five mini-previews/open threads for the Christmas Day games. Merry Christmas.
Friday, Dec. 26: Nothing. Happy Boxing Day, Canada!
We’ll return to normal programming on Monday, Dec. 29. I’ll wear new socks.
And with that, I’m off. Happy holidays, BDL readers. Be safe and happy, whatever you’re doing this holiday season.
A big night in the L, and I’m sorry if my horrible touch is
ruining it for everyone, but one of the games I’m looking forward to tonight’s
Cavaliers/Rockets pairing.
The Rockets played last night, but they did most of their
damage in the first quarter, and I’m sure this veteran team will be just fine
after flying into a Great Lakes-bread windstorm on its way to Cleveland for
tonight’s action. No effect at all.
Rafer Alston will likely sit again, temper your instincts to
scream and shout, while Daniel Gibson is back for the Cavs. Ron Artest is
coming off the bench, and ooh-wee,
we get to see Artest and Shane Battier go at LeBron James. I’m all for it.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
23-4, 89.6 possessions per game (24th), 114.4 points scored per 100
possessions (1st), 99.6 points allowed per 100 possessions (2nd).
Houston Rockets:
19-9, 90.4 possessions per game (22nd), 108.6 points scored per 100
possessions (8th), 103.3 points allowed per 100 possessions (5th).
A look around the league and the web that covers it. It’s also important to note that the rotation order and starting nods aren’t always listed in order of importance. That’s for you, dear reader, to figure out.
C: SLAM Online. You’ll see ‘em on TV soon enough, but here are the NBA’s three new commercials. Odd.
PF: Hoops Addict. Could former defensive greats like Jordan or Pippen have stopped today’s LeBron?
SF: The Hoop Doctors. Video of the Day: Jamal Crawford’s circus moves against the Magic.
SG: Vegan Fish Tacos. A solid 2010 off-season primer and what to look for in the short and long term.
PG: Docksquad. MJ: One legend, six rings and the same commercial over and over and over again.
6th: Yahoo! I’m not happy to report that Artest and K-Mart top Forbe’s most-suspended athletes list.
7th: WFNY. Apparently, Cavs fans will have a reason to go watch the Wizards on Christmas Day: chalk.
8th: NBA Video, via Hornets Hype. Mo Pete, Chandler and Ryan Bowen sing "Jingle Bells," Hornets style.
9th: You Got Dunked On. Bosh throws one down hard over Brian Skinner. That had to have felt good.
10th: Denver Stiffs. Hilariously true comment from DS’ "Brian": "The Nuggets are 18-10. The last time the Nuggets started off the season
18-10, everyone was calling for Doug Moe to be fired. Doug Moe was
fired and 20 years later, we finally are back to an 18-10 start and
once again, people want the head coach fired. Unbelievable."
Take note, ABC. If I’m not bouncing around my living room like a litter of puppies on crack by dinnertime this Thursday, you will have ruined the holidays. If Grandpa isn’t pounding his chest, while Aunt Helen throws Clementine peels at the cat by 5:03 p.m. this Christmas, you will have failed. The hype bar has been set. Don’t let me down.