Tim's Two Cents-January 19

Lakers Embark on Longest Road Trip of the Year.  After spending much of the season in the friendly confines of Staples Center, the Lakers now hit the road for an 8 game, 13 day road trip after beating the Orlando Magic 98 to 92 yesterday.  We will finally see what they're really made of.

It all starts on Thursday with LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers.  That is followed by tilts with the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and the Memphis Grizzlies.

This has the makings to be a very good road trip for the purple and gold.  They just need to keep their focus and concentration at the highest level.  I can almost certainly guarantee that Kobe Bryant will play injured or not injured.  Pau Gasol and Ron are slowly but surely settling into a groove since coming back from their injuries.  Right off the bat, I think the Lakers will end up winning 6 out of 8 on the road trip.  If previous history is any indication though, my prediction isn't worth the screen it's typed on.   

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Eric Kilby under CC-SA 2.0 License

NBA Stocking Stuffers

Merry Christmas to you all!  I hope you have a good one.  Even though it's Christmas, sports doesn't take a break.  The NBA is in action today, like it is every year at this time and there are a couple of notable matchups that will brighten up any Christmas.

Boston Celtics (22-5)

Vs.

Orlando Magic (22-7) 
2:30 ET, ABC

Celtics: They are the best team in the Eastern Conference.  We all know what the big three of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett are capable of.  They seem to be destined to face the Lakers in the Finals, but the season is still young and we'll see how it plays out.  I expect the C's to do well in this matchup.  It is going to be close throughout.

Magic: They're having a good follow up year so far, fresh their first Finals appearance last year against the Lakers.  Dwight Howard keeps getting better and better each season.  You can bet the Magic will bring their A game in this matchup.

Prediction: Celtics 105, Magic 99

Cleveland Cavaliers (22-8)

Vs.

Los Angeles Lakers (23-4)

5:00 ET, ABC

Cavaliers: They have one of the two best players in the league in Lebron James.  The other being Kobe Bryant whom he will face today.  They also have Shaquille O'Neal who will return to Staples Center once again.  They will want a good showing to prove they have what it takes to make a run to the Finals in a possible matchup against the Lakers.  Another storyline to keep an eye on as the season goes along is where Lebron, a free agent at the end of the season, will be at the start of the 2010-2011 season?

Lakers: They are the best team in the league, followed closely by the Celtics.  Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol are the best 1-2 combination in the NBA.  Ron Artest has surprisingly fit in like a glove.  You can bet Kobe and LeBron will have their fair share of matchups throughout.  Whereas the Celtics and Magic are the appetizer, Cavs and Lakers is the main course.

Prediction: Lakers 110, Cavaliers 100.  Sorry, no free tacos.    

Photos courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Keith Allison under CC-SA License
Wikimedia Commons and Dave Hogg under CC-SA License