A solid week by the Wine and Gold has them tied with the Lakers, though LA holds all tie-breakers. Can the Cavs use a series of home games to get over the hump?? Let's take a look at the week ahead --
Los Angeles Lakers(53-13) - Last Week(3-1) - This Week -- 3 Games(2 Home, 1 Away)
The Lakers looked to be in a bit of trouble after getting blown out of the building in Portland. All Kobe and Co. did after that was sweep Houston and San Antonio before completing the Texas Sweep by knocking off the Mavericks. While the Dallas game was at home, the other two road wins were certainly impressive. A much easier week this week for LA as they face 3 teams that they should be able to handle.
3/17 - Philadelphia (33-31)
3/19 - Golden State (23-43)
3/21 - @ Chicago (30-37)
Cleveland Cavaliers(53-13) - Last Week(4-0) - This Week -- 4 Games(3 Home, 1 Road)
The Cavaliers really put on a display last week, sweeping their 3-game west coast trip before returning home to knock off the pesky New York Knicks, IN doing so, the Cavaliers clinched the Central Division and broke the team record for road wins in a season. This week, the Cavaliers get a taste of home cooking with Orlando, Portland and Atlanta coming to town. All three are playoff teams and should present the Cavs with a solid challenge. It all starts on St. Patty's Day with a battle against Orlando. Now that is going to be fun!
3/17 - Orlando (49-17)
3/19 - Portland (42-25)
3/21 - Atlanta (39-28)
3/22 - @ New Jersey (28-39)
Boston Celtics(50-17) - Last Week (1-2) - This Week -- 4 Games(1 Home, 3 Road)
A busy week for the banged up Boston Celtics who appear to have gone into complete 'get healthy for the playoffs' mode. Kevin Garnett hopes to be back on Friday, but with the way the Celts played in Milwaukee on Sunday it won't be easy Trips to Chicago and San Antonio sandwich a home meeting with the Miami Heat. The Celtics also play the dreaded 4 games in 5. With Orlando nipping at their heels, the Celtics should pay more attention to the #2 seed than trying to take the #1 seed.
3/17 - @ Chicago (30-37)
3/18 - Miami (36-30)
3/20 - @ San Antonio (44-22)
3/21 - @ Memphis (17-49)
Orlando Magic(49-17) - Last Week 3-1 - This Week -- 3 Games(1 Home, 2 Away)
The Magic finally get their shot against the Cavaliers in Cleveland, a win by the visitors would be something only the Lakers have done this year. Now sitting 4 games back in the loss column, this is probably a must win for the Magic if they want to make up the ground between them and the Cavaliers. After Cleveland, the Magic play in Milwuakee and welcome the Knicks to town. Not difficult, of course, but no games the Magic can take lightly.
3/17 - @ Cleveland (53-13)
3/18 - @ Milwaukee (31-38)
3/21 - New York (28-38)