NBA Games of the Week

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 16, 2009

NBA Games of the Week

Magic at Cavaliers | Tuesday, March 17, 7 p.m. ET

If Orlando has any hope of winning the No. 1 seed in the East, a victory here is essential. Cleveland has lost only once at home this season, against the Lakers on Feb. 8. This begins a stretch in which the Cavs play seven of eight in their building to close out March.

Heat at Celtics | Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m., ESPN

Dwyane Wade's furious MVP push continues before a nationally televised audience and against a team he burned for 32 points in Miami's 107-99 victory on March 11. Wade was averaging 36.4 points in eight games this month leading into this visit to Boston.

Bulls at Thunder | Wednesday, March 18, 8 p.m.

Two leading Rookie of the Year contenders -- Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook -- go head-to-head in Oklahoma City. Rose was the early front-runner, but Westbrook has been coming on strong for the improving Thunder.

Trail Blazers at Cavaliers | Thursday, March 19, 8 p.m., TNT

Portland will be making the fourth stop on a five-game road trip. The Blazers entered the week 28-6 at home and 13-19 on the road, so they have work to do to prove that they can win big games away from the Rose Garden. This will serve as a good warmup for Brandon Roy and Co. for the playoffs.

Celtics at Spurs | Friday, March 20, 8:30 p.m.

Both teams are battling to keep second place in their respective conferences. San Antonio won at Boston 105-99 on Feb. 8, getting a go-ahead three-pointer from Roger Mason with 20.4 seconds left. Kevin Garnett is targeting this game for his return from a knee injury.

Pacers at Bobcats | Saturday, March 21, 7 p.m.

Both teams are part of the six-club race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Charlotte, which recently won a franchise-record six consecutive games, is seeking the first playoff berth in team history. Boris Diaw has averaged 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists since the Bobcats acquired him from Phoenix in December.

Rockets at Spurs | Sunday, March 22, 3:30 p.m.

Houston is on San Antonio's heels in the race for the Southwest Division title and the No. 2 seed in the West. The Rockets have played well since losing starting guards Rafer Alston (in a trade) and Tracy McGrady (to injury). Aaron Brooks (pictured) and Kyle Lowry have handled the point well, and Ron Artest has moved to shooting guard to make room for small forward Shane Battier in the starting lineup.