Jason Kidd's Nets play four - how many will Jason Kidd play though?

Now that a fourth of the season has passed, teams are starting to shake out and identities are forming. A few injuries have held some teams down, but good teams have risen to the top while those who are rebuilding only a handful of wins. The Cavs have proved that they are indeed a one-man show, and without LeBron James, they failed to win even a single game this week. On the other hand, the Wizards are on cruise control with Gilbert Arenas out as Caron Butler has secured his status as a bona fide all-star.

Five Games: Milwaukee and Seattle

The Bucks face a tough schedule this week with two of the best teams in the league on their calendar in Boston and Orlando. Furthermore, they have played dismally on the road so far this season, and three of their five games are in the opponent’s stadium. Seattle has also been struggling, and the absence of Nick Collison has only served to hurt their lineup even more. However, they do play two teams who are struggling as much as they are with the Knicks and the Bulls slated for this week. The Supersonics may be able to come out of this week with a winning record.

Four Games: Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Golden State, Houston, Indiana, L.A. Clippers, Miami, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Portland, Sacramento, Toronto, Utah, and Washington

It seems like the gods of basketball have a sense of humor. Jason Kidd’s condition has been listed as questionable. Of course, that refers to how likely it is he will actually play, not to the headache itself. The Bobcats will face a rough schedule this week in addition to the news that Sean May will be sideline for the remainder of the season. The Trailblazers have improved slightly in their past few games, due mainly to the clutch shooting of Travis Outlaw, but this team is not built to win right now, and they may find another high lottery pick at the end of this season, essentially giving them two rookies next season who will possibly contribute immediately (if you count Greg Oden).

Three Games: Chicago, Cleveland, L.A. Lakers, Memphis, Phoenix, and San Antonio

The Cavaliers have literally limped through the games that LeBron James was unable to play. However, he is currently listed as probable, and should return to the lineup this week. With a mediocre schedule, look for the Cleveland to get back to its winning ways. Meanwhile, the Lakers are trying to figure out how to put their new acquisition from the Magic to use. Trevor Ariza is having trouble fitting in, but once he picks up the coaching and style of offense that the Lakers run, look for him to be a huge asset as the season wears on.

Two Games: Boston and Denver

Boston has an easy week with only two games. With neither the Kings nor the Bucks playing above .500 ball, look for the Celtics to sweep this week. The Nuggets, on the other hand, play two tough teams. The Hornets and the Spurs are both playing well right now. However, Denver has only gotten stronger with the addition of Anthony Carter, so things could get interesting. Before, the Nuggets were all about offense, but their lack of a solid defense allowed too many points to be scored against them. With Carter, their defense has improved while also allowing Allen Iverson more freedom to move off the ball.

Best Games

Sunday, December 15th, 2007
Phoenix Suns at New Orleans Hornets

The Suns have really improved with the addition of Grant Hill, but what is frightening is that they were a high-end playoff team without him. The Hornets are no slackers though. With Chris Paul and David West playing at the top of their games, this one could be close. New Orleans plays in a high percentage offense by getting the ball to their big guys, and the Suns might not have an answer defensively. This will ensure a high scoring game with both teams putting up some points for an exciting match up.

Sunday, December 15th, 2007
Denver Nuggets at San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are the champions and they have been playing like it, but they dodged a huge bullet this week with Tim Duncan’s injury being minor. If he were out for any period, San Antonio would have a tough stretch without him. Having said that, they will face a strong opponent in the Nuggets. Denver’s strength is their offense. You can count on Bruce Bowen to help on the defense, but he cannot stop all of the weapons that Denver has. Look for another shootout with dynamic stars like Carmelo Anthony and Manu Ginobili lighting up the scoreboard.

Top Players This Week

Point Guards
Jason Williams
Stephon Marbury
Chris Paul

Shooting Guards
Michael Redd
Jason Terry
Tracy McGrady
Dwyane Wade

Power Forwards
Rashard Lewis
Yi Jianlian
Chris Wilcox
Antawan Jamison
Dirk Nowitzki

Shooting Forwards
Hedo Turkoglu
Kevin Durant
Caron Butler
Josh Howard

Centers
Dwight Howard
Yao Ming
Shaquille O’Neil
Chris Kaman

Sleepers
Earl Watson
Kurt Thomas
Brendan Haywood
Jeff Green
DeSagana Diop
Jerry Stackhouse
Bonzi Wells