Just like last week, it’s time to see what’s in store from the world of the NBA this weekend, while assigning some empty grades in the process. If you’re as unexcited about the Super Bowl as I am, the NBA provides even more of a comfort blanket to crawl under than usual. Thanks again for ending that lockout, you guys.
Friday.
Miami at Philadelphia – A-. Wednesday, the 76ers got what was probably their biggest win of the season when they smacked the Chicago Bulls, 98-82. In their first meeting a few weeks back, the Heat trounced the Sixers by 21. Wins over the two elites of the Eastern Conference in one week, and Philly’s resume suddenly looks a lot better.
Memphis at Oklahoma City – B. The Thunder are already 2-0 this season against Memphis, who aren’t always as sharp on the road, but these are the Grit and Grind Grizzlies; adverse situations only allow them to use that nickname all the more.
Los Angeles Lakers at Denver – B-. Could be fun, but I could also see a Nuggets’ barrage and Kobe & Co. resting the ol’ legs early. Either way, it’s the late game of the night and Denver doesn’t stop running, so it should be entirely watchable.
Saturday.
Orlando at Indiana – SRY. It’s the night before the Super Bowl, the Magic don’t want to be there — some people don’t seem to want to be anywhere with the Magic, which probably doesn’t help — and the Pacers, an exciting up-and-comer in the East, will likely feel like they’re playing second fiddle in their own city. Definitely seems like a scheduling oversight, hence the grade of ‘Sorry’ for this one.
Chicago at Milwaukee – B+. These teams met in Chicago last Friday, where the Bulls simply wore down the Bucks in the second half. Since then, the Bogut-less Bucks have beaten the Lakers and Heat at home, and Brandon Jennings is making an All-Star push with some truly electrifying play. There will be a fun atmosphere in Milwaukee for this one; plus, people really want to start saying “Fear the Deer” again.
Denver at Portland – A-. Another fantastic-looking late game for any NBA-TVers out there. After their hot start, the Blazers seem to have lost some of their buzziness around the league. But because Portland seems to be about as alternative a city as any in the league, staying a few steps away from what’s trending probably means they’re right where they want to be.
Sunday.
Memphis at Boston – B. Not a bad pairing at all, and since this one will tip around 12 Eastern time, get the tailgating started early by tallying all Patriots paraphernalia against Celtics’ green in the crowd and drinking in some accordance with said count. Then get depressed, or excited, I guess, when you remember the Super Bowl starts in a few hours.
Toronto at Miami – ON. ‘On’ as in it is on television. League Pass, actually, but yeah, this is all you get from the NBA on Super Bowl Sunday. Since it’s the Heat, it could be worth a look as compared to a live feed of Rob Gronkowski’s ankle.
Enjoy the weekend, and if your team’s in the Super Bowl, go team.
Griffin Gotta contributes to The Hoop Doctors and is a co-managing editor of Straight Outta Vancouver. The story arcs and infinite weirdness of the NBA are addictions he deals with every day. Email him at griffingotta at gmail dot com.
