Best:

Warriors @ Grizzlies: Two of the best half-court teams in the West meet in Memphis. Bobby Jackson should still be able to run the offense the same way, since he won’t be running up and down the floor. The Warriors are good at shooting 3-pointers, though Memphis is even better at defending them. A wild card like Mike Dunleavy needs to step up for both sides. Predicted score: Memphis wins in defensive duel 94-89

Runner-up:

Rockets @ Wizards: Two separate game styles interact with each other. Washington is a run-and-gun team that is still productive in scoring. Houston is fighting mightily and slowing down the game. Whoever wins, we know that both Arenas and McGrady will have to play outstanding for their team to win. Predicted score: Houston wins with heroics in the fourth quarter from Tracy McGrady 98-93

Burst:

Magic @ Pistons: The Magic have been very sporadic this year and have somewhat held on to the #8 seed in the East. However, there are games where they just don’t have any defensive intensity. No team that comes and goes can hope for victory when it comes to Detroit. Predicted score: Detroit wins in an outright 99-82 route, easily knocking down any given margin in the game.