Thank God It's Friday: Why the New Jersey Nets Love the Weekend

Despite winning their final game of the year—a year which has provided nothing but heartache and disappointment—the New Jersey Nets started off 2010 in much the same way as 2009 played out...with a loss.

While nobody gave them a chance against LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, and the Central Division-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, the Nets at least made a fight of it.

The bad news for New Jersey is that they are still the worst-shooting team in the league, with the worst record both at home and on the road.

The good news is that it's a new decade where they can put their record-breaking misery of the past three months behind them—and January is just what they need to get some confidence back in their game.

Like bank tellers, office workers, and bar owners, the New Jersey Nets should love the weekend.

Take a look at what the schedule has in store for the first month of the "10s."

Friday, Jan. 8—at New Orleans Hornets

Friday, Jan. 15—vs. Indiana Pacers

Friday, Jan. 22—at Golden State Warriors

Friday, Jan. 29—vs. Washington Wizards

They will play the bottom team in the Southwest, the bottom team in the Central, the bottom team in the Pacific, and the bottom team in the Southeast.

These four teams have combined for a 44-83 record (0.346) so far, compared with the collective 155-136 (0.532) of the other teams the Nets will face in January, which include five teams with winning records, four teams currently in a playoff spot, and the No. 1 seed in the East.

The trip to New Orleans will be tough because, as bad as they have been on their trips this season, the Hornets are one of the premier teams at home this year. Their 13-3 record speaks for itself, highlighted by the fact that only the LA Lakers have been more successful at home this season.

By contrast, the Pacers are one of the worst teams on the road, so the Nets will have to fancy their chances at the Izod Center at the Meadowlands. If you want to know how bad Indiana are, consider the fact that they have lost seven straight away from the Conseco Fieldhouse including Sunday's 43-point defeat against the New York Knicks.

The Nets' third Friday matchup of the month will see them traveling to Golden State, a team which boasts the second-worst home record in the Western Conference.

Brook Lopez and the Nets should not fear the Warriors, who have lost eight of their last 10, although they will have to keep a very keen eye on guard Monta Ellis—the only player standing between the Warriors and a truly inept franchise.

New Jersey will wrap up their final TGIF game of the month by hosting trigger-happy Gilbert Arenas and his gun-slinging Washington Bullets-turned-Wizards.

The Wizards aren't terrible outside the nation's capitol, so expect a close contest from two teams playing for pride.

It's never easy being in last place. But with four Friday games against teams in similar positions, the Nets—now healthy—will be in good company every weekend this month.

Yi Jianlian has been scorching in every game except the loss to the Cavs since returning from a knee injury and lip laceration, and Courtney Lee now has almost three weeks of playing time under his belt since recovering from a groin strain.

Devin Harris was eased back into the starting rotation after a groin injury of his own in the winter, and with Chris Douglas-Roberts and Brook Lopez also available, the Nets have their full Opening Night lineup on hand to start the New Year with a flurry.

2010 started with a defeat, but there's nothing like seeing a bunch of losers on your schedule to get that Friday feeling back.