Preview and Predictions of Tonight's Games: Sat Jan 30 2010

I was very accurate on my predictions last time I did them, so I decided to do it again. There are six games tonight in the NBA. I think most of them are going to be very close, since the teams playing each other tonight are evenly matched.

Hawks @ Magic: Two of the top dawgs in the eastern conference meet in Orlando after they both took care of the Celtics. This is a big game for both teams to prove who is the number 2 team (behind the Cavs) in the east. The Magic seem to start getting it together, and figured out that playing inside out with Dwight Howard can be beneficial to the team. Vince Carter is still struggling, but the Magic are deep and other role players can step up. The Hawks are more athletic in almost all the positions, and have the 6th man of the year candidate and scoring machine Crawford to bring a spark when they are struggling. I think when they play the combo back court of Joe Johnson and Crawford it will be hard for the Magic to contain them. Horford is solid in the offensive end, so Howard is going to be concerned with him, and won't help too much. I think the Hawks will get a big win in Orlando, and this can be a huge step forward for this young team who seems to be finally maturing.

New Orleans @ Memphis: The grizzlies were on a roll till last night. Now they have to play back to back nights, which is always a pain in the butt. The Hornets are not the team they were a couple years ago. Yes Chris Paul is one of the top players in the league, but he doesn't get much help. Zach Randolph vs David West should be a good match up in this game. They both are big men who are versatile scorers, but I see Randolph with the advantage here. The Grizzlies are motivated, and will come out with energy to take this win at home and keep moving in the right direction. Unless Peja wakes up and gets 8 three pointers or something.

New York @ Washington: Evenly matched game. Both teams are below average in the league. The Knicks are making some improvement this year, and I think LeBron might consider going there if they keep up with what they are doing. They a lot of scoring off the bench with shotaholics Al Harrington and Nate Robinson.  NY!

Miami @ Milwaukee: I think Jennings is a good player, but not that great. Wade is going to go by him at will, and even though the Bucks defense is good, I don't think the will come up with the win on this one. Wade doesn't have much, and it hurts if Beasly doesn't play, but Rafer Alston has been bringing some help and creativity to the Heat's offense.

Portland @ Dallas: I think that the Blazers are overrated. I know Brandon Roy is good, but I do believe he is really overrated. I read a lot of articles and stuff saying how with the adjusted tempo and everything he has MVP quality numbers and all that. I don't believe in the adjusted tempo and all that bull. I mean they play at the tempo they play because that's how they are better. They can't play at the same tempo the Lakers or the Suns play and win. It's kinda like saying that Sabonis made 10 out of 20 three pointers in one season, so if the team would allow him to shoot more, he would have been the best 3 point shooter in the league. Guess what? There is a reason he didn't shoot more threes and there is a reason why the Blazers play at the tempo they do. I am taking Dallas at home in this one, because they are the better team by a mile.

Charlotte @ Sacramento: This is a really good match up, and one that I am very excited to see. Two young teams that were expected to be mediocre, but are playing well above everyone's expectations. The trade for Jackson brought some life to the Bobcats, and they have been outstanding since the team got adjusted to him and vice-versa. The Kings have the run away rookie of the year, who is playing like an all-star, and now got their former star Kevin Martin back on the court, with a supporting cast of talented young players. I think the Kings are going to take it at home, but I am looking forward to an exciting and close game.

Those are my pics for tonight. If you disagree with me let me know and leave a comment.