The Utah Jazz
Should be a good week for Jefferson owners.
The Jazz play a solid four games this week. Three of their games are away, which normally would be a concern for the Jazz as they notoriously play much better at home. However, Utah is one of the teams I mentioned earlier that should be giving its best effort this week.
The Jazz are precariously close to falling out of the playoffs (if they started Sunday morning, the Jazz would be on the outside looking in). Management cannot afford to look foolish in holding on to both trade chips Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap at the deadline this year to ensure making the postseason and then fail to do so.
Fortunately for the Jazz it is likely that Tyson Chandler will be out when they face the Knicks. Look for great production from the Jazz post players in that match-up. Also, if the Jazz can slow the tempo of their game with Houston they should be able to use their size to overwhelm the Rockets front-line. Dallas does not boast the defensive players to give Utah trouble.
The match-up that would scare most owners off would be their game against the Spurs. The Spurs are already missing one of their “big three” (Tony Parker). Nothing matters more to coach Popovich than having a healthy team when the play-offs come around (Also, Popovich is the smartest coach in the league. It is no secret the Spurs would rather face a young Jazz team they swept in last year’s playoffs than a star-loaded team like the Lakers in the first round. If I am Pop, I am definitely resting my stars this game and secretly hoping it helps the Jazz win to help them in the standings). When the Jazz face the Spurs do not be surprised if defensive aces Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan sit out for precautionary measures. If so, again the Jazz’s front-line should be dominant.
The Toronto Raptors
I like the Raptors this week. They only play three games and two of them are away games. Yet I believe the Raptors will be exceptionally efficient this week considering their competition. The Raptors are out of the playoff picture and will be looking to give their young guys extra minutes and looks.
Facing Charlotte’s defense is like going through practice drills. The entire starting line-up for the Raptors should play well. Perhaps, even Kyle Lowry will remember he is good against them (one can only hope). The Knicks are going to make the play-offs. If Woodson is wise he will not rush back his injured players and will continue to let scrubs get extended minutes. If so, the Raptors players should enjoy a light and efficient week.
Eric Gordon is in for a tough week.
The New Orleans Hornets (soon to be Pelicans)
I would recommend avoiding these guys like Gandalf avoids beard trimmers. The Hornets are out of the playoff picture (thus taking away any real motivation) and face three teams all fighting for playoff positioning (making them extremely motivated).
Golden State should pick up its defense soon. I would not be the least bit surprised if facing the mediocre Hornets were just the thing to get their defense back in rhythm. Boston has been finding its stride since Rondo’s injury and locking down opponents with tenacity not seen since last season. Anytime you’re facing a defense led by Kevin Garnett you should lean towards players who are strong jump shooters.
The Grizzlies are the NBA’s premier defense. They will effectively eliminate any and all efficiency coming from the Hornets’ perimeter players. Eric Gordon owners should look else where for this match-up and not think twice about it.