Written by Zach Harper | 06 March 2009

By Darren Spicer


So the weekend has finally arrived, and you're planning out your two days of freedom.  What games should you catch?  Which players are going to explode?  Rest assured, you've come to the right column.....Not only will I list the can't-miss games, but I'll also give you the best match-ups of the weekend.  After all, the NBA season is coming down the stretch and every game counts.

#1 Game to Watch: Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics, Sun. @ 1pm ET
What's not to like here?  Dwight and Co. take on the defending champs in Beantown....These two teams are 92-30 combined, and poised to do battle as we wrap up the season.  Anyone see Pierce's game-winner Wednesday night against the Nets?  I see shades of last year's Finals.  

Personally, I like the Magic as one of the premier teams in the Association.  However, with the loss of Jameer Nelson, their chances of challenging Boston and Cleveland in the Eastern playoffs might have fallen by the wayside.  Rafer Alston isn't a bad replacement, but he can't shoot like Jameer.  On the flip side, Pierce and Allen have stepped up in KG's absence, torching teams inside and out.  Look for this game to be a high-scoring affair, with the Celts pulling out a tight one at home.

(Editor's Note: Zach Harper will be at this game in Loge 8. So come by and say hi if you're going to the game. You can tweet me or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .)

#2 Game to Watch: Phoenix Suns @ San Antonio Spurs, Sun. @ 3:30pm ET
This is perhaps the most intriguing matchup of the weekend.  With Drew Gooden joining the Spurs, I'm excited to see just how much stronger they look.  He adds a degree of toughness that is already present in Tony Parker, Timmy D and Manu.  I think he'll add depth to the frontcourt that will be extremely valuable in the playoffs against the likes of the Lakers and Jazz.

At the same time, the Suns are reeling from a couple recent losses, despite the recent stellar play of Shaq (30ppg and 9reb over the last 4 games).  What blows my mind is that Phoenix still has so many weapons, even with the loss of Amare.  Nash, Jason Richardson, Leandro Barbosa and Shaq make for a great quartet.  If Shaq can keep up, look for Phoenix to try and run the Spurs up and down.

#1 Matchup to Watch: Joe Johnson vs. Richard Hamilton (Sat. 7pm)
Joe Johnson has been playing very well as of late (22ppg, 4.5reb and 7.5ast over last wk), and I like his play in games on the big stage.  He has Atlanta playing at a high level, and his supporting cast of Bibby, Horford and Josh Smith know that it's Joe's show.  Look for him to attack the basket hard against Detroit, with something to the tune of 24 pts, 5 reb and 6 ast in an Atlanta victory.

Rip has stepped up in AI's absence, amidst the Pistons' most recent struggles.  I like the challenge he represents to Johnson, with Hamilton being very tough to defend off the pick.  Rip will get his points (think something along the lines of 20), but it will be the other categories that separates Joe from him.
Advantage:  Joe Johnson

#2 Matchup to Watch: Chris Paul vs. Russell Westbrook (Sat. 8pm)
Paul is one of my three favorite players in the league (see Amare and D-Wade), so I love it when he's matched up against another solid PG.  I just never thought that other PG would be Russell Westbrook, at least not this early in his career.  Westbrook has been on a tear, averaging 24, 6 and 7 ast this past week, including a triple-double on Monday.  He's quick, smart and gets to the free-throw line.  While he doesn't have the vision of CP3, he's fun to watch, and should bring out the best in Paul.

As far as Chris is concerned, what is there to say about the guy?  He can shoot, creates for his teammates, and is constantly pushing the tempo.  And if the Hornets didn't already have a fire lit under them to perform, throwing Tyson Chandler back into the mix should elevate them to the next level.  You think Chandler might have taken his not-so-trade a little personal?  I do.  Look for him to be CP3's main target, especially against an undersized OKC team. 
Advantage:  Chris Paul
 

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