February 15 and 16, 2006 – Analysis of the games before the All Star Break

Wednesday (2/15)

Heat@Magic: This should easily be the more closely contested of the two games between Miami and Orlando. Shaq returns to Orlando, but that’s been done before. What will be interesting to see is how Grant Hill handles his first consecutive game since he returned, and it’s the same team no less. He should get some rest, but Orlando will need it if he wants to win.
Predicted Score: Orlando wins 89-87

Wizards @ Mavericks: Antawn Jamison gets to choose who he wants to be mad at: the East for not making him an All-Star team or Dallas for letting him go a few years ago. Either way, I expect a good game from him. Haywood and Diop, the winner of that matchup could give his team the advantage.
Predicted Score: Dallas wins 106-102

Spurs@76ers: Bowen protects AI and Duncan covers C-Webb. Herein lies the Sixers’ problem with depth. With Steven Hunter out and Willie Greene injured, this team doesn’t have anyone recognizable off the bench. That’s a bit different with the Spurs, who could easily include Finley, Muhammad, Van Exel or Barry in the starting lineup.
Predicted Score: San Antonio wins 97-87

Thursday (2/16)

76ers @ bulls: Chicago has done what I thought they would eventually do, and that put Deng and Gordan in the starting five. Tyson Chandler will really have to keep Dalembert in check, as much of Hinrich’s game is penetrating. AI should go all out in its last action until Sunday.
Predicted Score: Philadelphia wins 100-96

Rockets @ Suns: In theory, the Rockets could compete if T-Mac has a 40-point game. And while that may not seem like the greatest stretch in the world, it’s still unlikely (even against the Suns). On national television, McGrady will likely try to play the team game. And since his equipment is so horrible, he should finish it quickly.
Predicted Score: Phoenix wins 110-95