NBA Spotlight: Boston Celtics Highlight Top Five Games of the Week

We had some epic showdowns between last year's champion L.A. Lakers and their NBA Finals counterparts, the Orlando Magic, as well as a nice match between the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers last week.

Throw in a little heated Western Conference division battles, and it was a great week for NBA basketball.

This week figures to be no different, as the Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Orlando Magic all have at least two big games this week. Their big match-ups should make for another exciting week of NBA action.

Here's our look ahead to the top five games of the week (Tuesday-Sunday):

Wednesday (Jan. 27th)

Utah Jazz (26-18) @ Portland Trailblazers (27-19)

The Jazz are coming off an impressive (and convincing) victory over the sliding Phoenix Suns, but (like usual) are below average on the road, carrying an 8-16 road record into a match with the Trailblazers, who have a reverse record at home (16-8).

The two teams match-up well, although Utah's inside game is more consistent, while Portland's inside offense (and defense) has been decimated by injuries.

The Blazers are depleted and the Jazz have ripped off three straight wins, so despite their road record, it looks like there's a good chance Deron Williams and Co. can get a rare road victory.

Atlanta Hawks (29-14) @ San Antonio Spurs (25-18)

Every game continues to be a big game for Atlanta, which has quietly turned into one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, and at the time of this article holds a one game lead for first place over the Orlando Magic.

The Spurs are no easy assignment, especially with aggressive inside man, rookie DaJuan Blaire, starting and destroying anyone who gets in his path.

The Hawks have youth, athleticism, and a winning streak on their side, but the Spurs are the smarter team, and with the game at home, will look to end an uncharacteristic three-game slide.

Thursday (Jan. 28th)

Boston Celtics (29-13) @ Orlando Magic (29-16)

Amidst rumors that Boston is thinking about cutting its losses (while trying to add a gem in the process) by trading the aging Ray Allen for superstar Monta Ellis, the Celtics are still keeping pace with the rest of the East and holding a solid lead over their division.

The Magic have continued to drop games they "should" be winning but have gotten things going again lately, winning three of their last four games.

The season series is tied at one game apiece, and despite Boston's stellar 16-6 road record, it's unlikely the Magic drop this one, with their eye's set on a heated division match-up with Atlanta on Saturday.

Friday (Jan. 29th)

Boston Celtics (29-13) @ Atlanta Hawks (29-14)

Boston simply hasn't been playing elite basketball, losing three of their last five and playing down to the level of their competition.

They're still an elite team, but after dropping a road game to the Magic two days earlier, it's going to be hard to bring their "A" game against a stout home team, as the Hawks have an impressive record (18-5) on their home floor.

Atlanta has a deeper and more athletic rotation, and this could be the game that tells us all just how far away the Celtics are from getting back to the NBA Finals and just how seriously we should be taking these Atlanta Hawks.

Saturday (Jan. 30th)

Atlanta Hawks (29-14) @ Orlando Magic (29-16)

This is the match-up we've been waiting for all week, as the Magic should have taken care of business at home against the Celtics, while Atlanta did the same by winning their two contests going into this game.

Orlando is the home team here and has the potential to shoot "lights-out" from behind the arc, while also being able to match-up well with the Hawks defensively.

Atlanta has superior guard play overall, but will have trouble keeping Dwight Howard grounded on his home floor. Atlanta is just 11-9 on the road, so look for them to cough-up the division lead this week in a close battle.

Sunday (Jan. 31st)

L.A. Lakers (33-11) @ Boston Celtics (29-13)

The re-match of the NBA Finals from two years ago just isn't what we thought it'd be. The Celtics are struggling, and despite just having two more losses than the Lakers (four more if the games go as predicted), they are arguably quite a ways behind last year's champions.

The Lakers are still one of the deepest teams in the league, but still don't get the job done consistently enough on the road (10-8).

Boston needs a big win after dropping road games to the Hawks and Magic (predicted), so veteran experience keeps this close, while the clutch play of Paul Pierce gives Boston a shot at preserving the Celtics solid home record (13-7).

For this week's Fantasy Waiver Wire column and more fantasy advice, go here .