Phoenix Suns (33-31)

The Suns are just 3-4 in their last seven games following a 118-107 home loss to Denver Saturday, which has hurt the team’s postseason hopes. On top of the loss on the court, Phoenix lost thee services of Channing Frye to a shoulder injury in the Denver game, and his status – as well as the status of fellow starter Grant Hill (knee) – is in serious question for Tuesday’s game. If Frye can’t go, it may likely be rookie Markieff Morris who steps into the starting lineup during a playoff push. Morris has shown flashes, but he hit the rookie wall a few weeks ago and it’ll be interesting to see if he’s come out on the other end to help Phoenix in this game with the tough matchups of Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson. Phoenix needs to win Tuesday and either beat San Antonio Wednesday at home, or hope Utah loses to Portland Thursday, in order to reach the playoffs after a 14-20 record in the first half.

Utah Jazz (34-30)

Since that home loss to Phoenix, Utah is 6-3 in its last nine games and has won its last three, the latest a 117-107 double-overtime win over Dwight Howard-less Orlando Saturday. Utah has only lost eight games at home this year and has won four straight since the Phoenix loss and is 7-1 in its last eight home games vs. teams with winning records (including wins over Miami and San Antonio). However, Utah has lost seven consecutive games to Phoenix, including the last four at home. Utah only has to win Tuesday night to clinch a playoff spot; a loss would mean an 0-3 mark vs. Phoenix this season and a tie with the Suns entering the final game.

Odds & Predictions

The latest NBA odds show the Jazz favored by 4 points, while the total rests at 202.5. These two teams are pretty even in major statistical categories. The Suns are seventh in the league in scoring offense (98 ppg) and 20 th in defense (98 ppg), while the Jazz is fifth on offense (99 ppg) and 23 rd defensively (99 ppg). The one big difference is on the glass, where Utah ranks fourth in rebounds per game (44 rpg) and Phoenix is 20 th (42 pg). With the playoffs on the line, this will likely be one of the most hotly contested playoff-type games in the late season. Both teams will want to push the pace, but how shorthanded the Suns will be Tuesday may determine the outcome. Phoenix will need to be a strong rebounding team by committee to keep Utah from getting second chances. And turnovers have doomed Phoenix in recent games, and that will have to be contained in order to have a chance. At home, with so much on the line, it’s hard to go against Utah in this situation – but the psychology of not having beaten Phoenix in its own building in two years will weight on this game, likely more than it should.

Atlanta Hawks (34-23) @ Boston Celtics (32-24), 8 p.m. ET

The Hawks enter this game riding a three-game win streak and a 4-1 mark in their last five games, the most recent effort a 116-96 rout at Charlotte Saturday night. Atlanta sits just a game behind Indiana for the top non-division-winning playoff spot out East (right now, the No. 3). Atlanta has scored 100 or more in each of its last five wins and has held opponents under 100 in each of the last six games. On the road, the Hawks are a respectable 15-15, but have lost their last four road games against teams with winning records (the last such win was March 6 at Indiana). Atlanta ranks just 18 th in the league in scoring (95 ppg) and 23 rd in rebounding average (41 pg) but lists fifth in scoring defense (93 ppg).

The Celtics have been on a very solid run up the East standings, rallying from a 4-8 start to take a three-game lead in the Atlantic Division over Philadelphia and New York with 10 games left. Boston sits in the No. 4 playoff spot, 2.5 games behind Indiana for the No. 3 slot. Boston has won its last two games entering Tuesday contest at Miami and seven of its last nine, the most recent a 103-79 rout of Philadelphia Sunday night. Boston has won nine of its last 10 home games (the only loss a one-pointer to San Antonio) and has held its last 13 opponents to fewer than 100 points overall. Like Atlanta, Boston has struggled to score (ranked 27 th with 91 ppg) and rebound (30 th with 39 rpg), but it one of the elite defensive teams in the league (third with 89 ppg allowed).

The latest NBA odds show the Celtics favored by 4.5 points, while the total has been posted at 180 points. The first meeting between these two teams was likely not a fluky off-night for both offenses. Chances are pretty good that the team that hits 80 points will be the inner. Both offenses have been weak all season, though Atlanta showed some life by scoring 100 or more in each of the last three games (two vs. Charlotte, one vs. Detroit). The Hawks will have a rest advantage, since they haven’t played since Saturday and Boston will be arriving early Wednesday morning from their Tuesday night game in south Florida. While two good defensive teams will usually not bend due to fatigue, that may be a factor if one team tried to dictate a little more tempo. And with Atlanta’s scoring binge of late, it might be the Hawks who will want to get into the open court. If Atlanta is successful at doing that, it will have the firepower to beat Boston. But the Celtics have been very disciplined defensively, especially at home, so it will be a tough job. However, Atlanta does have the weapons and a surge of offensive confidence that just might be enough to eke out a key road win.

Final Score Prediction: Hawks 91, Celtics 88

Oklahoma City Thunder (40-13) @ Miami Heat (38-14), 8 p.m. ET

The Thunder saw its six-game win streak come to an end Tuesday night with a surprising 94-88 home loss to Memphis. Now the team heads on the road where it has won three of its last four. The Thunder is 2-0 in these “NBA Finals preview” games, having defeated Chicago (92-78) and Miami (102-87), both at home. The 88 points vs. Memphis was the team’s lowest scoring output in 37 games, dating back to an 84-point effort vs. New Jersey Jan. 21. The Thunder still ranks as the league’s No.2-rankesd scoring offense (103 ppg) and is ranked eighth in rebounding average (43 rpg).

The Heat has been relatively struggling of late, suffering a 91-72 loss at Boston Sunday night for its third loss in five games, but bounced back with a win last night over the 76ers. The Heat is fourth in the league in scoring (101 ppg), but has been held to fewer than 100 points in 11 of the last 14 games, and held under 90 points six times during this span. If there is good news for Miami, it is that they have remained competitive with its defense – Miami ranks seventh in the league in scoring defense (94 ppg). The Heat has recorded a 9-6 record against the West this year, which includes a 6-0 mark at home.

The latest NBA odds show the Heat favored by 3 at home, while the over/under is set for 196.5 points. The Thunder and Heat are two of the more dynamic and entertaining offensive teams in the league, which might make this game a track meet – except that the Heat takes some pride in its defense. However, if the turnover numbers stay down for both teams, this should be an opportunity to see some great offense with four of the league’s best offensive performers – Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Miami hasn’t lost at home against the West, and likely will be itching to avenge the earlier loss in Oklahoma. That, plus Miami being a little bit better defensively, should be all the motivation and difference needed for the Heat to be the first to 105 points and the victor.

Final Score Prediction: Heat 107, Thunder 103

Houston Rockets (27-23) @ Dallas Mavericks (28-22), 8:30 p.m. ET

The Rockets won for the third time in four games Monday night with a 113-106 overtime home win over Sacramento – Houston’s second straight overtime game and sixth this season (3-3). The Rockets are in the playoff mix, but in order to stay there it will have to improve on its 8-16 road record – which includes just two wins in its last 10 roadies. However, the team’s last road win was at West leader Oklahoma City. Houston ranks eighth in the league in scoring (98 ppg) but just 16^th in rebounding (42 rpg) and 20^th in scoring defense (98 ppg), which partly explains why the team hasn’t been able to generate much positive momentum since winning seven straight in mid-January and four in late-February. Houston’s recent falters have been partly because of starting point guard Kyle Lowry (infection), who has missed several games and is not expected back for a while longer. Goran Dragic has filled in admirably in his place, though.

The Mavericks have struggled of late to fall into this logjam after they seemed to establish themselves as one of the elite teams. Dallas is just 8-11 in its last 19 games, and the win in Houston over the weekend was a bounce-back from two lopsided losses to the Lakers (109-93) and at San Antonio (103-87).  Dallas is 15-1 when it scores 100 or more points, and has reached the century mark in each of its last six wins. However, in each of the last four losses, Dallas has allowed 100 or more points and is 2-10 overall when that happens. Dallas is a tough spot for Houston to get healthy on the road, though, as the Mavs boast an 18-6 home record this season and has won five of its last six home dates. The Mavericks have the seventh-best scoring defense in the league (93 ppg).

A look at the latest NBA odds shows the Mavs favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 193.5.  Really, one can crunch the numbers all week long for these two teams, and it mostly won’t matter. These two have been rivals for a number of years and right now, the Mavericks have the Rockets’ number. Overall, Dallas has beaten Houston the last six times they’ve played, and that in addition to the home-court advantage should give Dallas a lot of psychological momentum heading into this game. Dallas would love to get a little bit of separation in the conference standings, while Houston would love to muddy the waters even more. Without Lowry, it will be a tough road to hoe for Houston, so Dallas would be the pick on its own floor, but don’t expect a lopsided game – counting Saturday’s OT game, the last five meetings have been decided by seven points or fewer.

Final Score Prediction:  Mavs 98, Rockets 94

Memphis Grizzlies (25-19) @ Portland Trail Blazers (21-25), 10 p.m. ET

The Grizzlies rattled off five-straight wins to get to eight games over .500 (23-15), but as their defense has lagged, the wins have been harder to come by in a 2-4 skid. After allowing 103 or fewer points in every game, the team has now given up 114 or more three times in the last four games, the most recent a 119-110 loss at Sacramento Tuesday night. Memphis is a competitive 9-12 on the road, wining four of its last seven such outings. The offense has been pretty consistent (ranking 18^th in the league at 95.4 ppg) , but the defense has fallen off to 10^th in the league (93.7 ppg) as the Grizzlies, who were solidly in a No. 4 position in the West are now in sixth, just one game up on Denver. Memphis is a balanced team offensively, with five players scoring in double figures, led by Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol, but a deficiency in rebounding and the recent defensive lapse seems to have sapped some life out of the team. However, Zach Randolph is back in the lineup (torn MCL), and the team is soon to debut new addition Gilbert Arenas, who was waived by Orlando.

The Blazers underwent some major changes lately, not the least of which were the firing of coach Nate McMillan and the trading away of Gerald Wallace. The changes haven’t helped, as Portland is 3-9 in its last 12 games, the most recent a 116-87 loss to Milwaukee at home – but this was just days after upsetting Chicago, 100-89, in the Windy City last week. Portland has given up at least 110 points in three of its last four games and, after knocking on the door of the playoffs about 10 days ago, the team is now five games out.  Portland is 14-8 at home this year, but has dropped three of its last four games on its own floor. LaMarcus Aldridge (21.4 ppg, 8.0 rpg) is still doing his thing, but the team has lacked a consistent partner for him offensively. The No. 2 scorer is Jamal Crawford (14.0 ppg), who has been a bench player most of this season.

The latest NBA odds show the Grizzlies favored by just 1 point, while the total is set at 194.5 points.  Memphis is one of those playoff-bound teams that has a losing record on the road, and has been dealing with changes in the lineup, especially with Randolph returning.  It is possible that Gilbert Arenas can provide some semblance of help off the bench as a third or fourth guard (though he hasn’t played since last year). Portland has had major personnel and rotation changes of late, so it is probably just looking to get some stability moving forward. Being at home might help, but the Milwaukee loss shows that there is still an identity problem. Due to the recent lack of defense by both teams, this may be a high-scoring game – and in that case, Memphis is better equipped to score enough to win, and can do well enough defensively to get the necessary stops. Both teams could use a win, but it seems Memphis to have the upper hand on getting that win.

Final Score Prediction:  Memphis 98, Portland 95

Minnesota Timberwolves (22-21) @ Utah Jazz (20-21*), 9 p.m. ET
*Plays at Phoenix Wednesday night

The Wolves got bad news late last week when rising-star point guard Ricky Rubio blew out his ACL during a home loss to New Orleans, benching him for the rest of the season. The team reeled at first, but rebounded with a 127-124 road win at Phoenix Monday night to begin a seven-game road trip. The Wolves might be very welcome way from home, as they hare 10-9 on the road with a 12-12 mark at home. The Wolves are third in the league in rebounding (44.2 rpg) thanks to Kevin Love (13.6 rpg), and rank sixth in scoring (98.2 ppg) thanks to Love (25.3 ppg) and a balanced attack supported by Nikola Pekovic (13.3 ppg) and Michael Beasley (11.8 ppg) among four currently active Wolves averaging double-figure scoring.

The Jazz have a solid 15-6 mark at home this year, but is in its current position because of struggles on the road (5-15) entering Wednesday’s game at Phoenix. Utah has won its last three home games, the last a 105-90 win over Detroit Monday night to snap a two-game skid. The Jazz are not spectacular in any major statistical category, ranking 11th in the league in scoring offense (96.9 ppg) and 21st in scoring defense (97.8 ppg). The unit is carried by Al Jefferson (19.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg) and Paul Millsap (15.8 ppg, 8.9 rpg) on the inside and Devin Harris (9.9 ppg, 4.5 apg) on the perimeter.

The latest NBA odds list the Jazz as 3-point favorites, while the total is set for 202 points.  The number 100 has been magic for these two teams, especially when playing each other – the winner cleared triple-figures in scoring while the loser did not. Minnesota wants to run and work at a higher tempo, while Utah wants to keep it a little slower, choosing instead to run on opportunity and run the offense through Jefferson and Millsap. With an experienced leader in Luke Ridnour, Minnesota won’t be baited into Utah’s desired tempo very easily, though Devin Harris is a skilled veteran in his own right. There is no reason to think the number 100 won’t be magic again this time. Though the Wolves have been more than competitive on the road Utah is always a tough out at home, and the home crowd will likely play a factor in this game.

Final Score Prediction:  Jazz 101, T-Wolves 95

 Dallas Mavericks (23-17) @ Phoenix Suns (17-21), 10:30 p.m. ET

The Mavericks posted a 95-85 home win over New York Tuesday night, but have lost six of their last nine games and go back on the road where Dallas has lost its last four games. The encouraging thing is that Dallas has allowed less than 100 points in each of the last eight games, but has struggled to score on the road – posting 91, 92 and 85 points in the last three roadies. While the Mavs rank fourth in the league in points allowed (91.3 ppg) but a mediocre 18 th in offense (94.1 ppg). Four players score in double figures, led by the inside-outside combo of Dirk Nowitzki (20.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg) and Jason Terry (14.6 ppg, 3.7 apg). Both of them have had solid games against Phoenix, and the Suns will need to contain at least one of them to have a chance at the upset.

Entering Wednesday’s game at Oklahoma City, Phoenix is 3-0 since the All-Star break, rallying from double-digit deficits at home to post wins over Minnesota (104-95), the Clippers (81-78) and Sacramento (96-88) to win five of its last six games overall with a renewed emphasis on defense. In the five recent wins, Phoenix held its opponent to 95 and fewer points. Phoenix is in the middle of a home-heavy stretch of 11 games with 10 at home – Dallas opens a four-game homestand. The Suns have battled to get above .500 at home at 10-9 with a 5-1 run. To combat the Nowitzki-Terry combination, the Suns trot out Marcin Gortat (15.9 ppg, 10.6 rpg) and All-Star Steve Nash (13.8 ppg, 10.9 apg). The Suns still are a mediocre 19 th in the league in defense (96.3 ppg), despite the recent success. It will likely have to put on an effort more consistent with recent games in order to come up with a win – while forcing tempo to make Dallas run.

The latest NBA odds have the Mavs favored by 3.5 points with a total set for 190.5 points. The Suns will have the disadvantage of facing Dallas a night after playing at Oklahoma City, though the tipoff time is 90 minutes later than usual due to TV. Dallas has a day of rest, but Phoenix seems to be playing better than it did when it played Dallas the first three times. Phoenix will find a way to hang in and give itself a chance, especially with Steve Nash taking on his former team. He always seems to get up for this game and has decent outings, but Phoenix lost because of lack of support. Phoenix needs a third scorer outside of Nash and Gortat – and it has gotten Grant Hill and Jared Dudley stepping up in recent games. If that continues, Phoenix will have success, but Dallas has matchup advantages at the No. 3 scorer spot. Dallas has gone 3-0 vs. Phoenix simply due to matchup challenges that the Suns haven’t figured out. The game should be entertaining, but Dallas has enough defense to keep Phoenix at bay. If Dallas gets to 95 points, it should pick up the win – and it’s more likely that will happen than Phoenix getting to 100.

Final Score Prediction: Mavs 98, Suns 90

Oklahoma City Thunder (27-7) @ Philadelphia 76ers (21-14), 7 p.m. ET

Oklahoma City went into the break on one of its characteristic runs, winning their last five games – the most recent a 100-85 win over the Lakers. The Thunder has been formidable on the road with a 12-6 mark and does not lose often when scoring 100 or more points (19-3). OKC ranks behind Denver and Miami in scoring (102.7 ppg), but is a little weak on defense, ranking 20 the in the league (96.2 ppg) – though this is more of an indicator of the up-tempo style to Thunder games. Kevin Durant (27.9 ppg, 8.1 rpg), Russell Westbrook (23.5 ppg, 5.5 apg) and James Harden (16.8 ppg, 3.6 apg) account for about two-thirds of the team’s scoring. As perimeter players, if their shots don’t fall, the OKC offense struggles as there is no consistent backup. Rarely, though, has all three been off the mark. The way these three play, it’s unusual for even two of them to miss regularly, and that may be the only opportunity Philadelphia might have.

Philadelphia is a solid, if not spectacular, 13-6 at home this year, but entered the break in the opposite direction as OKC, having dropping five straight games – four of them against the West and three on the road, though they did pick up an impressive 97-68 win at Detroit last night. While the Sixers have six home losses, they haven’t fared well at home against the West, dropping the last three such games and four of five, the only win a 95-90 decision over the Lakers. That trouble is now heightened with the West’s best team coming to town. If there is a positive, it is that Philly may have an advantage if it can find the missing Elton Brand, who is averaging just 10.1 points per game this year. The challenge for Philly will be defensively, as it owns the league’s top-rated scoring defense (87.5 ppg) and will need its perimeter defenders – Andre Iguodala, Jodie Meeks, Jrue Holliday and Lou Williams – to be at their best to contain Durant, Westbrook and/or Harden. If Philly can take one of the three out of the game, it may have a fighting chance.

According to the latest NBA odds, the Thunder is 3.5-point road favorites, while the total is set for 190 points. It doesn’t help the 76ers’ confidence to have their past struggles at home against the other West teams before seeing the best of the conference. Philly has managed for the most part to keep tempo slowed down at home to give it a chance to win, but other than the Lakers, every team out West has had more firepower. This certainly doesn’t seem to be any different this time around either. The Sixers will have to focus even more on defense to have much of a chance to slow down the Thunder – it will take very good rebounding and forcing some turnovers. OKC is more vulnerable on the road than at home, but that doesn’t mean much. The Thunder should begin the second half much like it started the first – victorious.

Final Score Prediction: Thunder 96, 76ers 90

Philadelphia 76ers (20-13) @ Houston Rockets (19-14), 8 p.m. ET

The Sixers are on a four-game losing streak after Tuesday’s game at Memphis, and wrap up a pre-All-Star break stretch of six in seven games on the road. Most recently, Philly fell at Minnesota, 92-91, to stretch the current skid to three games and 2-5 in the last seven games. The Sixers now own the league’s stingiest scoring defense (87.3 ppg), but has been inconsistent on offense, ranking in the middle of the pack in scoring (94.8 ppg). Six players average double-figure scoring, led by backup guard Lou Williams (15.9 ppg). The team does shoot a very respectable 37 percent from the 3-point line. That may be one of the factors to help Philly be successful against the Rockets.

The Rockets, meanwhile, have won three of their last four games following a 97-93 home win over Memphis Monday night in the fourth game of an overall six-game homestand (the stand wraps vs. Toronto after the All-Star break). Houston has won six of its last eight at home and six of nine overall to squeeze into third place in the highly competitive Southwest Division. Houston ranks seventh in the league in scoring (97.7 ppg) but a pedestrian 19 th in scoring defense (96.2 ppg). Only three Rockets score in double figures – Kevin Martin (18.1 ppg), Luis Scola (15.0 ppg) and Kyle Lowry (15.7 ppg), and the team has a bit of trouble with turnovers, committing 15 per game, which affects the team’s offensive efficiency. If the turnover number Is down, Houston has the ability to score on just about anyone.

The NBA odds list the Rockets as 4-point favorites, while the total sits at 186 points. This game should be a very even matchup. Philly has a strong defense and very efficient, if not spectacular offense (averaging just 10 turnovers per game despite its average scoring rate), while Houston has one of the better offenses but struggles with turnovers and has difficulty stopping opponents. Houston will want to push the tempo, while Philadelphia will want to grind the game down to a half-court affair. However, with Scola inside posing a challenge to Samuel Dalembert with his offensive superiority, Philly will have to be efficient on the perimeter and defending Martin and Lowry on the outside. The goal for Houston should be to pass the 95-point mark, while Philly will want to keep the tempo below 95 points to have a chance. Minnesota scored 111 against Houston Friday night, then was held to 92 at home by Philly. Philly should be able to keep the score down and thus just might have enough balance to challenge Houston defensively. It will be close, but Philly could pull off a key road win before heading into the break.

Final Score Prediction: 76ers 96, Rockets 94

New Orleans Hornets @ Houston Rockets, 8 p.m. EST

The Hornets parlayed all of the talk surrounding the eventual trade of Chris Paul into a quick 2-0 start with wins at Phoenix and vs. Boston. But since then, the Hornets have lost 10 of 11 (entering Wednesday’s home game vs. Memphis) and four straight. However, the team is more competitive on the road so far (2-4) than at home (1-6, entering MEM game). This is one of the youngest teams in the league (no one is 30) and with the work of power forward Emeka Okafor and center Chris Kaman (1.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game combined), New Orleans is one of the better defensive teams in the league, ranking third in total rebounds and seventh in scoring defense. The shortcoming has come on offense, where Eric Gordon (the big piece in the Chris Paul-to-the-Clippers deal) has played in just two games so far. He scored 42 points in those two contests, but nagging injuries have kept him out of each of the last seven games since a 22-point night vs. Philadelphia.

While the Hornets have lost four straight, the Rockets enter this game with four straight wins and five in six games after a 97-80 win over Detroit Tuesday night. The Rockets are one of the best offensive teams in the league, ranking 10^th in scoring at 97 points per game. However, Houston has struggled defensively, ranking in the bottom 10 in scoring defense (98 ppg).  The team has three players scoring in double figures and led by Kevin Martin, Kyle Lowry and Luis Scola. This group will want to run and run again, which should challenge the Hornets’ defensive effort.

It is said that defense wins championships, but since this is not a championship game, the Rockets seem ornets have lost four straivgfhtto have the firepower at home to overwhelm New Orleans. The X-factor might be Gordon; if he is able to go, his offensive prowess will add a weapon and make the hornets more competitive. But if Houston dictates the tempo as it should, New Orleans will have difficulty keeping up.

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