NBA Today – Wednesday April 4th, 2012

April 4, 2012 - CoreySA - No Comments

Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers guard Lou Williams (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

 

GAME OF THE NIGHT - 

Golden State (94) v. Memphis (98) — The Grizzlies looked like dead fish for three straight quarters before they woke up in the fourth and outscored the Warriors 28-15. Now that Zach Randolph is back, this team could turn into a deadly playoff performer once again this year. O.J. Mayo has caught fire as of late as well.

PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT - 

Most would say LeBron (more on him in a bit), but without Wade and coming off of a lose, his performance wasn’t at all surprising. The Sixers seem to have to play the Heat every time they come off of a loss.

I give last night’s nod to DeMarcus Cousins in a losing effort to the Suns. He abused Phoenix all night, scorching them for 41 points and 12 boards. Not bad for a guy who spent the beginning of the season buried in problems.

COUSINS’ STAT SHEET — 41pts., 12rbs. (5 offensive), 16-25 shooting, 9-14 free throws

COREY’S CORNER (DAILY THOUGHTS) -

  • I was even more convinced after last night that LeBron James is better off without D Wade. Yes, I know Wade is by far the better finisher, but LeBron looks more in control and way more comfortable without worrying about where Wade is on the floor. For those haters out there – ‘Bron had 14 points in the fourth quarter…something to think about…
  • Really, who in their right mind would ever turn on the Bobcats and Raptors on League Pass last night? Both teams are inexplicably brutal and being Canadian, I’m ashamed to admit I have no choice but to watch those lowly Raptors on more than one occasion a year.
  • San Antonio just continues to roll. I love that team and with how Pop’ has rested the starters this year, the Western Conference better be ready come playoff time. I think they are a concrete number two right now and they’re a serious contender. They just completely dominated a young Cavs team last night 125-90.

WHAT’S ON TONIGHT -

Some fantastic basketball action heading our way tonight with 4 unbelievable games on tap (and some less exciting match-ups).

SPURS @ CELTICS — Arguably the two best playing teams in the league square off tonight. Garnett is on fire as of late. Considering the Spurs came off of an easier night, the back-to-back shouldn’t factor in too much, but I still say Pop’ moderately rests the starters and I give the edge to the home team. PICK: CELTICS

GRIZZLIES @ MAVS – The teams stand only a game apart in the standings and as I mentioned before, the Grizzlies have found their touch. Still don’t like the back-to-back and a tough building to play in. PICK: MAVS

LAKERS @ CLIPPERS — The last time these two teams met, it was a hotly contested fight until the end. Kobe has been giving the Lakers his late game heroics, but with Bynum hurt/angry at the world, I expect the Clips to exact revenge on the Lakers – another team coming off of a back-to-back PICK: CLIPPERS

GAME OF THE NIGHT – THUNDER @ HEAT — The last time these two met, OKC dominated the visiting Heat. This is my NBA Finals dream match-up and an interesting one to watch tonight. Miami has won 16 straight at home and could be playing with a bunch of motivation tonight after the humiliating loss to the Thunder only 11 days ago. There is also a chance that Miami will be without the services of Wade again tonight and are coming off of a close bout with a tough Sixers team last night. OKC will also be motivated after a loss the other night. I expect the best of these two teams to show up – Wade or no Wade. I give the edge to the home team. PICK: HEAT

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Sorry Cavs fans...