NBA: Where Burglar's Tools Happen

“When you crossed me, you lost me

Now if I was guarding Derrick Rose

I would be more understanding but you ain't Derrick Rose

You was my number one, but uuuhmm, you ain't Derrick Rose

You try to make a point again, you ain’t Derrick Rose” - Fabolous (Want You Back)

What a great opening week for basketball. Rookie Michael Carter Williams had an impressive debut for the 76ers, gathering 9 steals in a near quadruple double. The 76ers are one of the few undefeated teams left in the league. While the first game could be considered a fluke, the fact that they’ve won a couple more says that we should at least consider if they are a fringe playoff teams with their pieces. The other undefeated teams are Indiana, Houston, and surprisingly Minnesota. The Wolves have been injury prone for so long and it’s been a while since Rubio, Love, and Pekovic shared the floor.

My favorite player in the league right now is Anthony Davis. He’s a center who does a lot of great defensive work. It’s a little too early to call him Olajuwon-esque but the stat line he put up against the Bobcats certainly looked that way with 6 blocks and steals in the same game. Only 4 players since 1985 have done this, including great defensive players like AK-47, the Admiral, and of course, The Dream (Andrei Kirlienko, David Robinson, and Hakeem Olajuwon respectively).  Having a player who can do things defensively creates less work for the offense and covers up defensive deficiencies that other players on the team have. No one notices that a player blew by the point guard if the center steals the ball away.

Weekly leaders

Points -  Kevin Durant / Chris Paul (42)

Steals -  Michael Carter Williams (9)

Blocks -     Roy Hibbert (7)

3PM -     Stephen Curry (9)

Rebounds -     Dwight Howard (26)

Assists -      Chris Paul (15)

Turnovers -   Stephen Curry (11)

Triple Double - Batum (PTS/REBS/ASTS)

Nationally Televised Games 

*all times MST

Monday

Houston @ LA Clippers 8:30PM NBATV

Well this game should be good. The Clippers and Rockets both made huge personnel changes that aim to make their teams the leader in the West (Doc Rivers, coach and Dwight Howard, coach killer, respectively). The Rockets have been dominant so far, as expected and a win here would be huge for them.   

Tuesday

LA Lakers @ Dallas 6:30PM NBATV

While I predicted neither of these teams going to the playoffs, I still think both of them will be in the mix and neither of them have owners who will endorse tanking for picks.

Wednesday

Chicago @ Indiana 5PM ESPN

This central division rivalry will be important all year. The Bulls have looked lackluster despite having the best “on paper” starting lineup in the game. Playing against the Pacers will serve as a great measuring stick for the squad.

Dallas @ Oklahoma City 7:30PM ESPN

WAR MACHINE! Russell Westbrook came back weeks ahead of schedule and now the thunder, warts and all, look like the team they were designed to be. We’ve learned over the last few months that Russ’s presence makes Ibaka better and makes Durant’s life easier.

Thursday

LA  Clippers @ Miami TNT 5PM

Doc Rivers against Miami, with a lineup that exploits the Heat weaknesses (PG and C). This game should prove interesting.

LA Lakers @ Houston TNT 7:30PM

Let’s ignore this match-up until the Dwight visits LA and Kobe is healthy. This game should be a blowout in Houston’s favor.

Friday

New York @ Charlotte 5PM NBATV

I don’t think much of the Knicks this year but having defensive minded players Iman Shumpert and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist guarding each other should prove to be interesting.

Sacramento @ Portland 8PM NBA TV

These to squads are perennially interesting teams that are always irrelevant once June rolls around.

Saturday

Indiana @ Brooklyn 5PM NBA TV

While Saturday games are usually terrible, The Pacers against Brooklyn should be amazing since both could potentially lead the Eastern Conference at the end of the year.

Sunday

Washington at Oklahoma City 5PM NBATV

The Thunder tried to trade James Harden for Bradley Beal. They’d be much happier if they did. As of now, the Wizards should be a fringe playoff team and now after the Okafor trade, things should be great for them.