Predictions for 30th Dec 2009

10 Game night and mostly battle of equals. Lets dig in. Please leave comments

Atlanta Hawks(21-9) @ Cleveland Cavaliers(25-8):-
Cavs will win again. Second game of home-and-home series. Hawks lost the first one and desperate to win this game, to show what they are made of. But Cavs are on a mission too, and with LeBron leading the way, their spirit is indomitable. So, cant Hawks win today? They can. They have to keep the game close until fourth quarter. Then Mike woodson will be well adviced to move Joe Johnson to SF and make LeBron guard him. That will wear down LeBron(and Joe), but Crawford at two guard, can pick up the scoring. This forces Mo to take up more scoring and if he scores again, then hats off to Cavs. But this is a gamble that Mike Woodson should take if Hawks want to beat Cavs.

Memphis Grizzlies(14-16) @ Indiana Pacers(9-21):-
Grizzlies will win. Grizzlies are hot, but bad on the road. Zach Randolph is on a tear. There is nothing much to say about Indiana, without Granger. One guy who could have shifted the balance on to Indiana is Troy Murphy. Memphis doesnt have anyone who could guard Troy's three point range. But Indiana will be without Troy Murphy and Danny Granger. Memphis coud be without Rudy Gay. But Memphis will pull out a victory and sweep the season series against Indiana.

Milwaukee Bucks(12-17) @ Orlando Magic(22-8):-
Magic will win. Orlando has 15-1 record against the sub .500 teams, this year. Orlando is too deep for Bucks to handle. Michael Redd is not in his prime shooting form. Without him playing well, Bucks are in for an ambush.

Charlotte Bobcats(12-17) @ Toronto Raptors(15-17):-
Raptors will win. Bobcats destroyed Raptors in their last meeting in Charlotte, winning by 35 points (116-81). But Bobcats have a dismal 1-13 road record. Raptors feed off their home crowd. Wallace will have his hands full, guarding Hedo. So that leaves Bosh unguardable. Bosh is too quick for Bobcats front line to handle.

New York Knicks(12-19) @ New Jersey Nets(2-29):-
Knicks will win. News of this season is New York Knicks are playing defense. Or may be their opponents are shooting a bad percentage. Either way, Knicks have found a way to stay in the race of playoff. And they will look to add to New Jersey's season woes. Nets are the worst team and may very well tie the NBA record for fewest wins in a season. But Yi Jianlian is back and playing very well. He could be the difference tonight. Whoever wins the matchup between Yi and Gallinari, could decide the result of the win. You cant blame me to go against a dismal 2-29 Nets.

Utah Jazz(17-13) @ Minnesota Timberwolves(7-25):-
Jazz will win. Every team has their nemesis. Twolves have been Jazz' nemesis this season. Twolves are 2-0 against jazz this season and are averaging 109 points against Jazz. Jazz doesnt seem to be able to stop the front line or the guards of the Twolves. Jazz is seeking a revenge and Deron always dominates smaller guards. Jazz will win this comfortably.

Miami Heat(16-12) @ New Orleans Hornets(13-16):-
Hornets will win. Although Miami seems to be in good form, Hornets are a tough matchup for Heat. Hornets also play very well at home. But Hornets are playing back-to-back and could affect them. I am going with my gut feeling that Hornets will somehow pull this out.

Boston Celtics(23-7) @ Phoenix Suns(20-12):-
Boston will win. Best Game of the day. Celtics are on a two game losing streak. Suns are comig off a huge home win against Lakers. Suns are tough to beat on their home turf. But Celtics are raring to get back on the winning track. Without Paul Pierce, their wing position depends entirely on Allen. Boston also is looking for revenge against Phoenix, who defeated them 110-103 on Nov 6. This game means so much for Boston and they will pull out a win.

Los Angeles Clippers(13-17) @ Portland Trail Blazers(20-13):-
Portland will win. Clippers stunned Boston on Sunday and Portland was beaten at home by lowly 76ers. Baron Davis controlled the Boston game with 24 points and 13 assists and the game winner. Chris Kaman has also been playing really well. Marcus Camby could miss this game. Clippers front line could be too big for Portland to handle, but Clippers are not a front line oriented team. Brandon Roy has been playing like an All-star for the Trailblazers and they will look to bounce back from the loss to 76ers. Easy win for Portland.

Philadelphia 76ers(8-22) @ Sacramento Kings(14-16):-
Kings will win. Both the teams are coming off strong wins over playoff teams. 76ers are on the end of their long road trip and will be looking to sign off in style. Arco arena is regaining its aura, with their team performing very well at home. Tyreke Evans could be back for this game. If 76ers would go down low to Brand everytime, they could win this game. But, arco's aura will sustain tonight.