NBA Games of the Week

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 23, 2009

NBA Games of the Week

Pistons at Bulls | Tuesday, March 24, 8 p.m. ET, TNT

Detroit is battling Philadelphia for the Nos. 6 and 7 seed while Chicago is seeking to hold off several hopefuls for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls have been getting a big lift from John Salmons, who is averaging 22.6 points as a starter since being acquired from the Kings at the trading deadline.

Rockets at Jazz | Tuesday, March 24, 10:30 p.m., TNT

Utah is chasing Houston and others as it tries to move up from the No. 7 spot in the tight Western Conference playoff race. The Jazz have won 12 in a row at home, including a 101-94 victory against the Rockets on March 4 in which Deron Williams had 26 points and 14 assists.

Celtics at Magic | Wednesday, March 25, 8 p.m., ESPN

Boston began the week with a one-game lead over Orlando for the No. 2 seed in the East. Kevin Garnett has returned after being sidelined 13 games with a knee injury. The Celtics were missing Garnett and point guard Rajon Rondo when they lost to the Dwight Howard-led Magic 86-79 in Boston on March 8.

Celtics at Hawks | Friday, March 27, 7:30 p.m.

Atlanta is developing a reputation for playing Boston tough, pushing the Celtics to seven games in a first-round series last season and losing two meetings this season by a combined four points. Joe Johnson and the Hawks, who entered the week with a 27-7 record at Philips Arena, will play host to the Spurs two days before this game and then welcome the Lakers two days after this one.

Grizzlies at Kings | Friday, March 27, 10 p.m.

Far removed from the playoff race, Memphis and Sacramento are two of the teams competing in the Blake Griffin sweepstakes. The Grizzlies have an opportunity down the stretch to "catch" the Kings for the league's worst record -- and thus improve their chances of winning the lottery and getting Griffin, the consensus No. 1 pick in the June draft.

Knicks at Bobcats | Saturday, March 28, 7 p.m.

With a tough schedule looming in April, coach Larry Brown badly needs a victory against one of his former teams as Charlotte chases its first playoff berth in franchise history.

Spurs at Hornets | Sunday, March 29, 8 p.m.

Another game with seeding implications in the West playoff race. New Orleans came into the week trailing third-seeded San Antonio by only one game. Chris Paul and Tony Parker are both averaging at least 25 points a game in March.