NBA Today – Saturday April 14th, 2012

April 14, 2012 - CoreySA - No Comments

Russell Westbrook and the rest of the Oklahoma City starters don't even need to play the fourth quarter. (US Presswire)

GAME OF THE NIGHT - 

LA Lakers (103) v. Denver (97) — With Mr. Black Mamba on the bench in a suit, the Lakers put on a convincing performance behind the beast known as Andrew Bynum and his 30 point performance. That’s not to mention the fact he faced double and triple teams throughout most of the night.

PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT - 

Although Bynum was impressive, I’m not going to give him the nod. Instead, I’m looking at Marcin Gortat. Phoenix is playing some very inspired ball as of late, and a big part of that has to be attributed to the Suns’ big man.

GORTAT’S STAT SHEET — 20 pts., 10-15 fg, 15 rbs., 2 blks. 

COREY’S CORNER (DAILY THOUGHTS) -

  • Is Miami self-destructing? A cause for worry? This team is literally down to Wade and LeBron going iso back and forth. The bench is non-existent and Bosh has turned into an invisible big man. Although I still give them the slight edge in the east, my doubt is creeping in…
  • I may sound like the bias Canadian, but I love Steve Nash. I want Steve Nash to get more respect and a title. I wish Steve Nash wasn’t a loyal and admirable player so he could end up on a contender and have that chance. That probably won’t happen because Steve Nash is who he is. He’s 38 and averages 11.2 assists a game. Insane.
  • Bill Simmons just released a new blog on his Grantland network involving the 33 reasons you should be excited for the stretch run. Check it out.
  • I’m going to be blunt – I hate the Orlando Magic and I hate Dwight Howard. This team plays like a sack of rocks without him, but you know what? I don’t see a big difference of intensity WITH him. I’m still saying there is no way the Magic hold onto him after this season and what has happened.
  • The Bobcats should be demoted to a D-League team. In fact, cut their whole roster. God they suck.

WHAT’S ON TONIGHT -

Not the biggest night of exciting basketball, but here are my top 3 picks regardless –

THUNDER @ WOLVES — Ok, so the Wolves have fallen off of the planet a bit, but I love me some Love and they’re catching the Thunder on a back-to-back and a travel day. Could turn into a potential game where Kevin Love tries to do anything to prove a point. PICK: THUNDER

PACERS @ BUCKS – I really worry about any team that has to face the Pacers in the playoffs. Every starter averages double digits in scoring and they’re balanced all over the place. Playing on the road against a solid team should be a good warm up. PICK: PACERS

GAME OF THE NIGHT – SUNS @ SPURS — A potential first round playoff preview. As I said before, I’m a big Nash fan but the Spurs have always had his number. Is there a chance he plays spoiler this year? I doubt it on this night considering the Spurs are coming off of a loss, at home and the Suns are playing a back-to-back. PICK: SPURS

PREVIOUS – (3-0) OVERALL – (5-2)

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