If you’re a sports fan there is nothing better right now than the NBA’s Western Conference. The final 30 games are going to be ridiculous. Just how crazy is it?
Well if the Spurs lose their next three games in a row they could easily be the 9th seed.
Now before I continue let me first say I’m biased on this topic. Over the past three years I have taken many a late afternoon nap just so I could be awake for these games, both in the regular season and in the playoffs.
I feel old just reading that last sentence, moving on.

So for the rest of the season I’ll preview the week’s best game’s involving Western Conference teams:

Tuesday February 19th … Golden State @ Utah

Why to watch:
-Golden State has dropped two games already to the Jazz, but that was without the services of Stephon Jackson. Let’s see how this game plays out now that both teams are relatively fully healthy.
-Little known fact, at 7-1, no team in the West has a better record in games decided by three points or less than the Warriors.
-Baron Davis vs. Deron Williams
-Combined these teams have won 16 of their past 20 games.

Wednesday February 20th … LA Lakers @ Phoenix

Why to watch:
-Shaq vs. Kobe … need I say more? … Actually yes.
-Everyone wants to see how Shaq handles himself in the Phoenix offense.
-This will only be the second team that the Lakers will have faced with a winning record since acquiring Pau Gasol. Let’s see how the new look Lakers look against an elite NBA team.
-Just how is Kobe’s finger?
-Phoenix eliminated the Lakers in the last two years in the playoffs so these games always have an added element of bad blood.

Thursday February 21st … Seattle @ Portland

Why to watch:
-Okay this isn’t exactly Spurs/Suns but there are only three games on tap.
-Between Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Durant you have three of the most promising players under the age of 24 on the court.

Friday February 22nd … Boston @ Phoenix

Why to watch:
-Potentially a preview of the NBA Finals with the #2 team in the West taking on the top team in the East.
-Less NBA star power then was at the All Star Game but certainly more than was at the Atlanta Goldclub Trial.
-Rajon Rondo’s defense vs. Steve Nash. The Celtics don’t need much O from Rondo but let’s see how he defends the 2-Time league MVP.
-Amare Stoudamire vs. Kevin Garnett

Saturday February 23rd … New Orleans @ San Antonio

Why to watch:
-Last time these teams met in San Antonio it was the Hornets who blew out the Spurs 102-78. Let’s see just what kind of revenge Popovich and company have in mind. Pride can cause Bruce Bowen to do some pretty dirty things on the court.
-Speaking of Bowen he managed only one rebound in 24 minutes. I want to see what he has in store for the Hornets front court. If I was Peja Stojakovic I’d watch my knees.
-It is around this time that San Antonio normally wakes up from their first half slumber and rips off 16 wins in 20 games. Let’s see if they still have that in them.

Sunday February 24th … Detroit @ Phoenix

Why to watch:
-It’s always fun to watch two teams with completely different offensive styles go at it.
-Shaq vs. Rasheed & Billups vs. Nash
-Eastern pride. With the gap between the two conferences growing it’s time for the Pistons to step up and show that an elite team from the East Coast can keep up.
-It’s a Sunday afternoon, the weather is lousy and you still have hours to find out if ‘No Country For Old Men’ will win for best picture.