Basketball Games Preview 12/26/05: Pacers 5-0 without Ron Artest

Monday (12/26)

Best:
Pacers @ Mavericks: Even without Ron Artest, Indiana should have enough defense to make this game interesting. Both teams are one-man led at the moment, contrary to their previous rosters, where Reggie Miller and Steve Nash were more than supporting players. Indiana has a 5-game winning streak since they let Artest gocoincidence?

Runner-up:
Bucks @ Magic: Milwaukee plays a ton of close games and Orlando has trouble winning games. History does repeat itself, like how the Spurs/Bucks game came down to the wire this year, after a Duncan lay-up was wiped away at the end of last years game. In 2000, both Milwaukee and Orlando played against each other in game 81, fighting for the last playoff spot. The Bucks won by 2. On opening day last year, Steve Francis hit a game-winning shot vs. the Bucks on opening day.

Blowout:
Nets @ Knicks: New Jersey comes off a road win in Miami, which is something to brag about no matter how disoriented the Heat are. On the other hand, the Knicks have looked awful. Leading the League in turnovers, the Knicks franchise has looked completely dilapidated. Being stuck between a team not good enough for the playoffs and last place is the last place a franchise wants to be, and their massive payroll only solidifies their place in the NBA. The Nets should continue their run with an easy win.

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