Last week was a tremendous week in the NBA. So many close games and we had some great multiple overtime thrillers. This coming week has even more great matchups, including my personal favorite and certainly what should be a favorite of the whole NBAtoday staff – the Thunder at the Grizzlies! Can’t wait, but let’s get to the games…!

Monday

Since it is Martin Luther King Day, Monday is jam packed with 12 games starting as early as 1pm EST and finishing with a triple header on TNT. And these games get better and better as the day goes on.

Thunder @ Hawks – The Thundercats go into Atlanta for a matinee of two of the best young teams in the NBA. I expect Josh Smith to lock down Kevin Durant (to whatever extent that is possible) to give the home team the win.

Spurs @ Hornets – A month ago, this matchup would be a snoozer, but now it’s a must watch. The Spurs have finally started playing as a REAL contender in the West. Meanwhile, the Hornets have turned it around after a slow start that resulted in the firing of their coach.

Suns @ Grizzlies – Love the energy in this matchup. Two high flying teams that can run with the best.

Mavericks @ Celtics – Dirk the Jirk playing in Bean Town against the C’s. Of course, this is always a potential Finals preview (not that I actually think that will happen) so you can’t just breeze past this matchup.

Magic @ Lakers – Finals rematch! The Lakers are just as good as last year, but the Magic seemed to have downgraded their roster a bit. I’m sure Orlando will want to prove that they are better than last year though since they haven’t completely lived up to their expectations this season.

Tuesday

Raptors @ Cavaliers – Ok, there’s only two games on Tuesday. But the Raptors have crept back to .500 and deserve some credit. Although, if they’re still only at .500 at this time, they’ll be under .500 by the time this game is over. ‘Nough said.

Wednesday

Grizzlies @ Hornets – These two teams are two of the hottest around as the frigid January weather continues to control the country. The Grizzlies need to prove they can win on the road and the Hornets need to keep picking up those W’s.

Jazz @ Spurs – The Jazz need to keep winning to stay in the West playoff picture, but the Spurs would like to control that from happening. Duncan, Boozer and other bigs will be slugging it out in SA.

Thursday

Lakers @ Cavaliers – I get the feeling that Kobe will have something to prove after the Christmas Day beatdown the Cavs dropped on the Lake Show earlier this season.

Friday

Blazers @ Celtics – Another tough West team plays the Celtics this week as the Blazers trail their way to Boston. Can the C’s stop Brandon Roy? Will KG ever play again?

Thunder @ Grizzlies – Consider this game to be The Ref, JB & Duts (in favor of the Thundercats) vs. The Basher, G & Shooter (in favor of the Grizz). The NBAtoday staff is ready to fight with bragging rights on the line between two of the most exciting teams in the league. I NEED to watch this game!!

Lakers @ Knicks – Kobe at the Garden. Do I really need to say more? Last time he was in NY he dropped an MSG record 61 points. Don’t expect another game like that, but do expect the Lakers to own.

Rockets @ Spurs – Texas showdown in San Antonio. Seriously, I want to see how Carl Landry plays against Tim Duncan.

Saturday

Magic @ Bobcats – Look at Shooter, giving the Bobcats credit by highlighting one of their games. Of course, I have no choice but to highlight one of their home games – how are they so good at home? Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace will look to salivate all over Dwight Howard and the Magic.

Thunder @ Cavaliers – The Cavs will win, but the matchup of Durant and LeBron is pretty cool.

Warriors @ Suns – I hope these two teams combine to break the 300 point mark. That’d be awesome. If that happens, JB has to do a Fantasy Update simply on that one game, haha.

Sunday

Lakers @ Raptors – I could care less about the actual game here, but I am highlighting this game due to the possible trade that could happen within the next month: Chris Bosh for Andrew Bynum. Let’s see how each player reacts to the rumors while playing against each other!

Matchups of the Week

Dwight Howard vs. The Lakers Bigs – I know it’s weird, but I’m focusing on Howard facing both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. He’s just that big and intense. But that’s the problem for Howard here, he can’t do it alone – that’s what the 2009 Finals told us.

Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James – On Saturday in Cleveland, the future meets the present as KD faces LBJ. Could these two combine for 80 points? It’s possible; they both already average nearly 30 points per game!

Entire Warriors Roster vs. Entire Suns Roster – Saturday’s game in Phoenix will bring some crazy scoring stats and intense offensive highlights. Please don’t watch this game if you like defense.

-Shooter