It’s only been 2010 for a few days and we have already had some great games and performances! So where do we go from here? How about some more great games and matchups in the first full week of the new year!

Monday

Hawks @ Heat – As it stands at the beginning of the week, the Hawks and Heat are 4th and 5th in the eastern conference standings. So yes, as of now this is a playoff preview. However, both of these teams are struggling a bit. Each team is 5-5 in their last 10 games, so each will be jockeying for a way to right what’s wrong.

Tuesday

Grizzlies @ Blazers – I cannot wait for this matchup. I am as close to a believer as there is in the Grizzlies. They have so much young talent that makes them near the tipping point of competing for the playoffs. Then there’s the Blazers, who keep surviving despite every player over 6’10’’ getting hurt. Can’t wait to see Rudy Gay vs. Brandon Roy!

Suns @ Kings – I’m banking on Tyreke Evans staying healthy and playing in this game because I REALLY want to see Evans play against Steve Nash. Evans has proved his future in the league, a league that Nash has owned for years.

Rockets @ LA Lakers – Last time these two teams squared off in LA, the Rockets shocked the Lakers behind an inspired performance by former-Laker Trevor Ariza. So what’s in store for the rematch? I expect Kobe to be Kobe…although, this time a buzzer beater won’t be necessary.

Wednesday

Rockets @ Suns – Suddenly the Suns have lost home court advantage in the wild, wild West. Meanwhile, the Rockets have been trying to slide up the standings and they now have Phoenix in sight!

Hornets @ Thunder – Who knew the Thunder would grow as a team so soon? Well, other than the staff here at NBAtoday, how about the Thundercats themselves! And who knew the Hornets would turn it around to try and make a run toward the playoffs? I’ll be CP3 did. This should be an exciting game in OKC.

Thursday

Bobcats @ NY Knicks – Before you ask me why this game is listed in the ‘what to watch for’ post, please note that this is the only game on Thursday. HOWEVER, each of these teams are looking to make the playoffs, which makes any game between the two very important!

Friday

Celtics @ Hawks – When I see this matchup, I can’t help but to recall the game in Boston earlier in the year when the Hawks took it to the Celtics to declare their stance in the East. I know, for a fact even, that the Celtics will seek revenge.

Mavs @ Spurs – Fact. The Spurs are streaking their way back into the top of the West standings. Fact. The Spurs struggle against the league’s best. But have they overcome that quirk? I’m sure the Mavs will bring all they have in San Antonio, that’s for sure.

Cavs @ Nuggets – I wanted to save this game just for the player matchups of the week (below), but I couldn’t pass up the matchup of the teams. Reason being: you can’t pass up a game between two of the top teams in the NBA and a potential Finals matchup.

Saturday

Hawks @ Magic – Boy, what a busy week for the Hawks! This is the third game they are highlighted in this week, and it really doesn’t get any easier. The Magic are one of the best at home and I’m sure they want to make sure they stay in front of ATL in the standings.

Sunday

Cavs @ Blazers – Cleveland’s west coast swing continues into Portland with a matchup against Brandon Roy and the Blazers. The Blazers are only a .500 team against the Eastern Conference, but since this is a home game, the battle should be fierce.

Matchups of the Week

Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams – Like quality point guard battles? I know I do. Two of the West’s bests will square off in Salt Lake City on Monday night. CP3 has been out of his mind recently and D-Will keeps truckin along. They will run the show for sure!

Gilbert Arenas vs. LeBron James – Remember all of those playoff battles between Arenas and James? They seem like a distant memory now, but maybe they can rekindle their history on Wednesday in Cleveland – that is if Arenas isn’t suspended by then.

Derrick Rose vs. Brandon Jennings – On Friday in Milwaukee, we have the best that young Eastern Conference point guards have to offer. Rose is doing the best he can to bring the Bulls back to their rightful spot in the East standings, while Jennings is trying to keep the Bucks above water as a rookie point guard.

LeBron vs. Melo – As mentioned in the preview above, the LeBron and the Cavs visit Melo and the Nuggets on Friday in Denver. This is always a must-see battle due to their high entertainment abilities and the fact that they were both drafted in 2003 NBA Draft (LeBron #1, Melo #3). Who will score more points?

-Shooter