Best:
Timberwolves @ Heat: Garnett and Shaq are arguably the top two big-men in the NBA and face each in this game. KG's best teammate Wally Szczerbiak is having a great month of December. The gap between Wally and Garnett's talent is far greater than Shaq and Wade's. Both teams rely on players to be one-game wonders; who will step up in this one? The Timberwolves need Marco Jaric to outplay Jason Williams if they hope to have a chance. Predicted Score: Miami wins 104-102

Runner-up:
Clippers @ Blazers: The Clippers are in a tremendous freefall coming off several blowouts. The Blazers have been blessed with a weak West to this point, which places them not far out of playoff picture. Their biggest issue has been an inability to win close games (an extent of their inexperience). However they should find a win against a Clipper team playing in the second game of a back-to-back. Predicted Score: Portland wins 98-94

Blowout:
Jazz @ Lakers: The Utah Jazz are the luckiest team in the world, playing back-to-back games against the Lakers with no Kobe Bryant. Kobe got suspended for two games for knocking Mike Miller in the head. It might be a learning experience in the end for the Lakers who definitely need to play for themselves once in awhile. But for now, it's and exploitable win for the Jazz. Predicted Score: Utah wins 93-78

David Pincus

David Pincus is an up-and-coming 16-yr old basketball writer. His hobbies including playing the sport and video games. David is a TV buff, alternating between ESPN, G4, [adult swim] and FSN. He hates Lifetime and his favorite food is steak.