January 26, 2009
By Rob Thompson

Starting this week, we're going to focus on the best games of the entire week, rather than just on a particular weekend's games.  So, each Monday you'll find a set of five games spread across the week.  Take a look at what the EA SPORTS Simulation technology predicts will happen this week.




Monday 1/26
Prediction Atlanta 92 - Miami 89

The Atlanta Hawks haven't beaten a winning team in over three weeks. It's not that they can't win, they just forgot how, going 11-4 in December. As long as Atlanta is without Al Horford they are only as good as Joe Johnson's shooting and he's as cold as it gets. He went 5-20 and only 15 points against the Suns in a 104-99 loss. Miami can't beat a winning team either but the Thunder are definitely not a winning team. Dwayne Wade had 32 and 10 in a 104 - 84 win last Sunday. It was a good win for the Heat as they finished up long road trip with a huge comeback win. We think it might have taken too much out of the Heat as they head home Monday night to play the Hawks. Joe Johnson should regain his touch and go off for 24 points as Atlanta surprises themselves and Miami on the road.




Tuesday 1/27
Prediction San Antonio 96 - Utah 103

The Spurs are coming off a thorough beating by the Lakers and need to rebound on the road. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are the Spurs only consistent threat with Manu Ginobili having just now rounded into form. It's always tough to win in Salt Lake and coming off a loss to Denver; Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan will have his Jazz in lock-down mode on Roger Mason Jr. The last time these two teams met in November, Roger Mason Jr. torched the Jazz for 29 in his Spurs coming out party. We don't expect that to happen again as Deron Williams controls a fast paced game with 28 points and 7 dimes.




Wednesday 1/28
Prediction Denver 83 - New Orleans 93

Denver is changed team with acquisition of Chauncey Billups. Billups known for his game winning shots has become a true floor general with a 3 to1 assist to turnover ratio. He's also scoring 18 points a game for a fast paced Nugget team that just smacked the Jazz around 117-97. Billups and company held Deron Williams to just 15 points. The key for New Orleans will be slowing Nene down. He's starting to play the way George Karl always thought he could, scoring 28 and grabbing 9 rebounds against a doughnut Jazz defense. Tyson Chandler and David West will work the glass but Chris Paul will carry the Hornets to a comfortable win, getting 32 points and sharing 10 assists.




Friday 1/30
Chicago 112 - Sacramento 103

There's been some talk about Vinnie Del Negro's job lately. There is plenty of potential on the Bulls. They're a good offensive team when Ben Gordon and Derrick Rose are hot and the return of Luol Deng has helped. But Vinnie's just got to get the Bulls to play defense and that hasn't happened enough this season. The good news is Sacramento doesn't play defense either. After a quick stop in Clipper land the Bulls get a day off to warm up for a Kings team that that's only 7-15 at home. Kevin Martin is doing all he can for interim Coach Kenny Natt but if John Salmons doesn't get his touches the Kings just don't have the talent to beat the Bulls. In what we expect to be shootout, Derrick Rose will flash his rookie MVP game for 20 points and 9 assists as the Bulls make road kill of the Kings.




Sunday 2/1
Cleveland 106 - Detroit 89

The Cavaliers have tough one against Orlando then go home for the Clippers before they head to Detroit. It's not the best way to go into The Palace at Auburn Hills. But if you have to go you might as well play them right after they play the Celtics. This is going to be show me couple of games for Detroit Coach Michael Curry. Boston and Cleveland over a three day stretch won't be easy. The Celtics are firing on all cylinders so Detroit will have to rely on their new spark plug Rip Hamilton. With the rise in Rodney Stuckey's play Coach Michael Curry sees potential in Rip's instant offense off the bench. Rip better tighten up his face mask against Cleveland. Because this isn't just King James and his court any more. Cleveland plays the best defense in the league and Lebron has a new scoring partner in Mo Williams. If Williams can keep the Piston defense honest then Lebron should have his way in the Palace getting 30 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in a huge road win for the Cavaliers.