Games of the Week (3/30-4/5)

Why you should care: Two weeks ago I said that if the Spurs were serious championship contenders, then they would easily dispatch of the Thunder. Instead the Spurs lost 78-76. Oops. I’m done making silly proclamations like that. It’s fairly obvious, at least I think so, that this team is capable of losing to anybody, just as they are capable of beating anybody. I guess that statement is technically true for all teams, but I think you get my point. There are simply no guaranteed victories with how the Spurs have played lately and nothing surprises me. That makes every game, like this one against the exciting Thunder, and important game.

Why you should care: The Pacers have an outside shot at the playoffs with Chicago 4.5 games ahead of them, and by outside shot I mean from the other team’s three-point line. That means Indiana will either show up hungry for a huge win or down about their chances. Also, the Spurs hold a half game lead over Denver and Houston for the second spot out West and a 2.5 game lead over New Orleans and Utah for the sixth and seventh spots. Basically any team from 2-7 can finish anywhere in that range. Nothing is decided yet, making each game so vital for seeding.

Why you should care: Cleveland has the best record in the league at 60-13 and the largest point margin at +9.36. LeBron and co. have to be the favorites right now to win the whole thing. I don’t think you need me to tell you why a win here would be a huge boost heading into the playoff.s The Spurs are known for finishing the year strong, but that has not been the case this year while enduring injuries to Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan. The Big Three are finally all back even though Ginobili and Duncan aren’t at 100%. Unfortunately, Cleveland also has the league’s best home record, 35-1. Ouch.