Clippers vs. Rockets

This is the second time these teams have played this week. The Clippers got the best of the Rockets in LA on Monday in a shootout 137-118. Both teams are looking for a bounce back win. The Clippers have lost two in a row and the Rockets have dropped two of their last three. The Clippers and the Rockets rank first and third respectively in points per game this season so I expect another shootout like Monday. Ultimately I think whoever makes the most stops down the stretch will get the win. I am interested to see which team’s front court plays better. DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, or Dwight Howard and Omer Asik.

Warriors vs. Spurs

This is a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Semi-Finals matchup that the Spurs won four games to two. Tonight both teams come in at 4-1. These are easily two of the top teams in the West again this year. The big concern going into tonight’s game is Stephen Curry’s ankle. He is listed as a game time decision. The Warriors are going to need Curry to play, and play well if they want to end their 29 game losing streak at San Antonio during the regular season. The key matchup will be between the two teams elite point guards Curry(if he even plays) and Tony Parker.

Clippers vs. Heat

There really is not much that needs to be said to explain why this is such an exciting matchup. Both teams are loaded with superstars, elite athletes, and plenty of shooters. Maybe a potential finals matchup? Only if the Clippers solve their problems defensively. They haven’t been able to stop anybody. In their first five games they have allowed their opponents to score 109.6 points per game! Fortunately for the Clippers they have been able to hold their own by averaging 113.2 themselves. You better believe they will not put up that much against the Heat. When Miami turns the switch on they are as good defensively as anybody. The key matchup is between the two all star big men Chris Bosh and Blake Griffin.

Bulls vs. Pacers

There are probably only three teams that can potentially contest the Heat in the east this year. These are two of them. After their win last night over the Pistons, the Pacers remain undefeated meanwhile the Bulls come in at 1-2 with losses to the Heat and the surprising Sixers. These are two of the physically toughest and best defensive teams in the league. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN. I have a gut feeling Derrick Rose is going to have a statement game tonight on national TV and let the world know he is back in MVP form. His athleticism seems to be there but the shots just have not been falling in the first three games. The key matchup will be how Luol Deng and or Jimmy Butler, and how they defend Paul George who has been unstoppable in the early season.

Pacers vs. Pistons

Tonight the only remaining undefeated team, the Indiana Pacers, will put their streak on the line as they travel to take on the up and coming Detroit Pistons. Since the key additions of Josh Smith, Brandon Jennings and the return of Chauncey Billups, many believe that this young and talented Pistons team would have a breakout year and emerge as a legit top five or six team in the east. Tonight it will be interesting to see how they compare against a Pacers team that many consider the second best team in the east. The key individual matchup will be between two of the most talented young big men in the game, Roy Hibbert and Andre Drummond.