After one of the worst Boston sports weekends in a long time the only thing I have to keep me going is looking forward to Week 4 in the NBA. It’s time again to preview the week ahead, and put the weekend behind me. (Really though, the Celtics lose to the Pacers, and Belichick caves against the Colts? Damn the entire state of Indiana really had it out for us…anyways…)

Stud of Last Week - Brandon Jennings - In the two games Brandon Jennings played last week he put up 32 and 55 points respectively. His outburst for 55 against the Warriors was a thing of beauty and he showed flashes of a young A.I. The sky is the limit for this guy and he is extremely fun to watch. Just wait until the 5-2 Bucks get their All- Star two guard Michael Redd back, could be a potent backcourt combination.

Projected Stud of this Week - Paul Pierce - Pierce  needs to take over this week. The Celts have the run and gun Warriors of Golden Sate and then a big matchup against Dwight and the Magic this weeks. Pierce needs to be more aggressive and make his presence felt on both ends.

Monday

Portland @ Atlanta – These two teams have not disappointed so far this season. The Hawks are number one in the East at 8-2 and Portland is 8-3, one game back of the Suns for the Western Conference top spot.

The Hawks are still allowing 100 points a game. One would think that if this trend continues the losses will start to pile up. It’s really on Josh Smith who is the anchor of that defense to make his teammates focus more on the defensive side of the ball.

Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge will be key for the Blazers. Usually if he can knock down that mid range jumper the Blazers don’t lose. Also bringing Josh Smith away from the basket where he can’t block shots won’t hurt either.

Tuesday

Phoenix @ Houston – Houston marched into the Staples Center and dominated the defending champs on Sunday. They are playing a gritty style of play and emerging star Trevor Ariza has looked brilliant.

The Suns are number one in the West and hope to sit comfortably atop the conference for a while. Steve Nash is playing at an MVP caliber level in the young season so far. They are 5-2 on the road so far with wins at Boston and Miami. The only two losses the team has suffered this year is when they played in Orlando against the NBA Finalist Magic, and in LA against the defending champs.

If you aren’t convinced the Suns are here for the long haul think again.

Detroit @ Los Angeles Lakers – The Pistons have been streaky so far this year. However they did get back their leader Rip Hamilton last game.  The play of the point guards in this matchup will determine the winner. The Lakers defensively don’t have an answer for Rodney Stuckey or Will Bynum. The Pistons have a lot of guys who love to shot and if they get hot, it’ll be a long night for the Lakers.

Wednesday

Miami @ Atlanta – The Hawks tough week continues taking on Dwyane Wade and the Heat. I love the Joe Johnson D-Wade matchup. Jumpin Joe is still one of the most underrated scorers in the NBA, and this year is emerging as a great leader. He’ll have to ready the troops for the pressure that will be put on by Wade who still hasn’t landed after dunking over Varejao.

San Antonio @ Dallas – The Spurs are healthy so they should be winning. Right?  They lost to the Thunder in the first game back for Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. They were able to beat the Mavs last week in San Antonio but I still think they need to play better as a whole. They can’t be happy with a 4-4 record after making moves like they did in the off season. They are also looking for their first road win of the season. The Spurs need this win.

Thursday

Phoenix @ New Orleans – Chris Paul. Steve Nash.  I’m drooling with anticipation.

Friday

Orlando @ Boston – K. The Celtics have to win this game for the sake of the cities’ morale. This sudden losing streak by the Celtics and debacle by the Patriots is making Bostonians rely on the Bruins for happiness. That always ends bad.

The C’s need a huge performance from the Big Three. They have played limited minutes this season in a move to get their deep bench early season minutes. However Orlando is one of those games you circle on the schedule the first day you get it. This budding rivalry is sure to entertain. Rajon Rondo nearly averaged a triple double against this team in the playoffs.

Also the Celtics have been frigid from downtown lately. They shot only 4-27 in their two losses last week. That had been the key to their success earlier in the year lets see if they continue to jack up the trey, or begin to take it to the hoop.

Saturday

NY Knicks @ New Jersey Nets – Hahahaha. Does anyone else just get a nice laugh thinking about this matchup. The two worst teams in the league by far go head to head in Dirty Jerse this weekend.  The Nets have at least an excuse for losing their first ten games. They haven’t had their best two players for the beginning of the year.

The Knicks on the other hand have just managed to play abysmal basketball for three quarters and then making a pointless run in the fourth to lose by a semi respectable amount.

One of these teams has to win this game by default. Does Lebron really want to leave Cleveland for one of these teams… I’d rather go to Europe.

Chicago @ Denver – The Nuggets were able to squeak out a one point victory against the Bulls in Chicago. The Bulls will hope to repay the favor when they travel to Denver this weekend.

Luol Deng has fully returned from the injuries that kept him out of most of last year. He is playing on a very high level but will be tested defensively against Melo. This matchup may determine the outcome of the game along with who’s bench can make the biggest difference. Both teams second units have been pretty weak this year but this must change if either team is serious about a ring.

Sunday

Orlando @ Toronto – Hedo goes up against his old squad. Bosh and Superman banging down low. Vince Carter returns to his favorite city. Pick your storyline, but they all result in a must see game.

They’ve Got Something to Prove

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavs, San Antonio Spurs

These teams all had expectations through the roof before they played game. Many thought that these teams had legitimate chances to go undefeated for the first 10 -15 games of the year.

All these contenders have at least three losses and have their stars starting the season rather sluggishly.  The Celts need more production from the Big Three. The Lakers need a more consitent team effort. The Magic just need to start clicking on the offensive end. The Cavs need to give the ball to Lebron and just let him take over. The Spurs need to start playing like the Spurs and win the games they are supposed to win.

-Sean