Jan. 7, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) have words on the court during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Boston won 102-96. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
This week was a wild one for the Atlantic Division. We had an in-division battle between the Celtics and Knicks that ended with everybody’s favorite quote: “Your wife tastes like Honey Nut Cheerios”. Okay, so we don’t really have an official word on the quote, but I’m going with that because it’s awesome. Reports say that Carmelo Anthony had to be restrained as he was looking to confront Kevin Garnett, the man behind the quote, first in the team locker room, and then the team bus. Anthony’s actions got him suspended for one game by the NBA.
For the record, I’m not a fan of Honey Nut Cheerios. I do love me some Cinnamon Toast Crunch though…
Another indecent happened kinda in-division. The Nets were visiting Philly to face the Sixers. The Nets’ Andray Blatche was in a hotel room that apparently had a young lady in there that was raped. Of course you question everyone that was in the hotel room, as Blatche was present. But authorities don’t think he did it. Boy, that would be some tough news, huh?
Other Nets news involve their coaching search. Phil Jackson said his intention was to never coach again. Welp.
Knicks:
Knicks are hovering around .500 basketball in the past couple of weeks. They did go 2-1 this week with the wins over the Spurs and Magic and the loss coming against the Celtics. This week has them facing the Pacers (without Anthony), Bulls, and Hornets. Without Anthony, I think they lose to Pacers. Next night, I think they win vs the Bulls. And then finish things off winning vs the Hornets.
My Prediction: 2-1
Nets:
Nets maybe looking for a new coach but their record under their current coach is pretty, pretty, pretty good. They’re on a 4 game winning streak. This week, they beat the Wizards, Kings, and Sixers. For the next week, they face the Suns, Pacers, and rival Raptors. I see the Nets beating the Suns, while losing to the Pacers and beating the Raptors. But, I wouldn’t be surprised if Nets beat the Pacers and sweep another week. Still, a loss seems likely.
My Prediction: 2-1
Celtics:
Celtics have won 4 straight and have passed the Slumping Sixers for 3rd place in the division. Of course, their week was good as they won all of their games. They beat the Pacers, Hawks, Knicks, and Suns. Can the streak continue? Are the Celtics back? Welp, this week may not be the week to test them. Rockets and Bobcats. If the Celtics are back, then they win both games.
My Prediction: 2-0
Sixers:
Ah, the Sixers. At this point, they look like they just don’t have it in them. Did the road trip wipe them out? I don’t want to get involved; otherwise this post turns into a rant. That’s for another day/loss. Well, this past week they obviously lost each game as they are currently on a 5 game losing streak. Losing to the Spurs, Thunder, Nets, and Raptors. Hm. Vs the Spurs, Thunder and Nets, they lost by over 20 points. But they made the necessary adjustments and lost by only 18 vs the Raptors. Progress! This week promises more bloodshed, but not on the road, this time, it’s at home. Rockets, and Hornets. Now, I automatically see a loss vs the Rockets. The Hornets have been winning recently and with the Sixers in this slump, I really don’t see the Sixers coming out on top. But, as our friends at 76ers Digest mentioned, this is the week for the Sixers. If they don’t show any fire in these next two games, this team is in serious trouble. Hope they get it together.
My Prediction: 0-2
Raptors:
Even in blowing the Sixers out, Raptors are still behind them. But, at the pace both of the teams are going, Raptors, only a game behind the Sixers, could move into 4th place soon. This week they lost to the Kings and Thunder while beating the Sixers. This week, they have 3 games and could definitely move closer to the Sixers. They have Bobcats, Bucks, and Nets. I can see them beating the Bobcats and lose to the Nets. That Bucks game is the odd one. I’ll say Raptors win that one too just because i’m in that mood.
My Prediction: 2-1
Let’s just hope there are no more legal issues with any of the teams. Andrew Bynum was/is involved in a lawsuit over his former neighbors involving guns and stuff. This was about a month ago but still. Sixers could use some Bynum but, as I said during last night’s “game”, Bynum coming in isn’t really going to make a drastic change.