Written by Ryan McNeill, HoopsAddict.com
This week, your friendly neighborhood About Guide, Dennis Velasco, comes off the bench to give Ryan some much needed respite. Pass me the rock!
BOSTON CELTICS
Recap Rewind: The Celts lost game numero ocho, number nine, and the tenth game in a row this past week. The Celtics rallied from a 23-point deficit to make their game against the San Antonio Spurs, which they eventually lost 93-89. Against the Atlanta Hawks, the Celtics led by 15 points at halftime, but lost 82-76. Not a good look. And for loss number ten, the Atlantic Division champion, Toronto Raptors beat the Celtics by six, 96-90. Oh, this just in... they lost number 11 in a row after being beguiled by the Washington Wizards 105-91.
Notable News: Along with the Memphis Grizzlies, it seems like the Boys in Beantown are headed towards the right to draft Greg Oden or Kevin Durant... Wally Szczerbiak returned to action tonight after missing nine games with a sprained ankle. Wally World came off the bench and scored nine points on 3-for-12 shooting. It seems the Wiz did like squirrels, went into Wally's world, and got his nuts... Where's Paul Pierce when you need him? It'll be a little bit longer (next week?) before the Truth is set free... The Celtics are in talks with the league about crossing the Atlantic to play in London for one or two preseason games next season.
Fast Forward: Tuesday will be the first of back-to-back games, starting with the Indiana Pacers at Indy then hosting the Los Angles Lakers. Two days later on Friday, they host the other L.A. team, the Clippers.
NEW JERSEY NETS
Recap Rewind: The Western swing this past week was not good to the Nets. They went 1-3, salvaging the trip with a win against the Denver Nuggets, 112-102 on Saturday. Before that, they lost to the Sacramento Kings, the Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers... ALL BY ONE POINT! Tougher than leather losses right there.
Notable News: First it was Nenad Krstic, now it's Richard Jefferson who will be out thanks to having ankle surgery on his right ankle on Monday. It's a tough break, but the division so weak, the Nets will still have a chance to make the playoffs... It's amazing to me that Jason Kidd is still playing so well, despite the ugly divorce that's coming his way. In the past week he averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 boards, and 7.3 dimes. He can only hope that he has such favorable numbers when he matches up against his soon-to-be ex, Joumana... There are rumors that Vince Carter and rookie Marcus Williams would be sent to the Clip Joint for Corey Maggette and Shaun Livingston.
Fast Forward: The West Coast trip continues on Monday as the Nets face off against the Utah Jazz. They return home on Wednesday to host the Detroit Pistons and then head back out on the road for Friday's game against the Orlando Magic.
NEW YORK KNICKS
Recap Rewind: The Knicks were obliterated by the Miami Heat 101-83, who didn't even have Dwyane Wade on the floor! At one point in the first quarter, the Knickerbockers were outscored 27-0. On Wednesday they lost to the surging Suns who seem to be stuck on one gear, which would be the Just Win gear. On Friday, the Knicks got revenge against the Heat, winning 116-96, thanks to Jamal Crawford dropping 52 points. They lost a heartbreaker tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks, 107-105.
Notable News: Stephon Marbury's knees still bothers him, but remains a trooper. After only playing 16 minutes because of his pesky knee against the Heat the first time, Starbury missed the next game, but came back to get more against the Heat, passing for 13 assists... The Knicks are actually the most valuable franchise in the NBA, despite Isiah Thomas and James Dolan messing it up with bad decisions... Crawford is hotter than Jessica Biel right now, leading the Knicks in scoring the last three games with 29, 52, and 26 respectively... Just as hot, but cleaning the glass, is David Lee who has led the team in rebounding 10 games of 13 this month. In the past week, Lee has grabbed 15, 14, 12, and 14 respectively.
Fast Forward: The Knicks host the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, then hit the road for two games - versus the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday and the Orlando Magic on Saturday.
