Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Dallas Mavericks Wednesday Feb. 18

This is the first game between these two teams this season. Can Lebron James and company match up with one of the best starting line-ups in the league? Dallas’ goal for the second half of the season is to make the playoffs. So far, they are in good shape, with a record of 33-19. The Mavericks will have to start playing some defense if they want to advance further into the playoffs. This will be a very exciting game for them against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The question surrounding this game is: who will guard Lebron James? James should have a big game against Dallas’s horrendous defense. However, the Cavs’ defense hasn’t really shut down anyone this season. They are a young team that has gotten a lift from a very young superstar. Not many people thought James would be playing this good. He averages 20.8 points per game and shouldn’t have a problem raising that average. He will get a good shot on Wednesday night. Look for him to score 25 points or more. This should be a very exciting, high-scoring game. With its offense, I look for Dallas to put up just a few more points. I think point guard Steve Nash and power forward Dirk Nowitzki will be too much for James and company to handle. Prediction: Mavs 113Cavaliers 101

Sacramento Kings at Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday, Feb. 19 This is my game of the week. These two teams have split the season series at 1-1. Last time these two teams met was on Dec 5, 2003, when the Timberwolves handed the Kings their first home loss, defeating them 112-109. The Kings will definitely be looking to get some revenge in this one. Both teams lead their divisions and have the best records in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves have to be one of the most surprising teams this year, led by the big three (Kevin Garnett, Sam Cassell, and Latrell Sprewell). If they keep playing the way at this pace, they might finally get out of the first round of the playoffs. Its about time KG finally has a supporting cast. The Timberwolves are also getting healthy at the right time. Troy Hudson has just come back from an injury and Wally Szczerbiak should be back real soon. The Sacramento Kings are the highest scoring team in the league, averaging 104.7 points a game. One of the main reasons is the play of Predraq Stojakavic. Stojakavic has averaged 25.1 points per game this season. This game should be very entertaining and should have a thrilling finish. I think it will come down to the last possession. I look for KG to have big game with another double-double with Stojakavic scoring his fair share of points. I think KG and the Wolves will be looking forward to protecting their home court and will prevail in the last minute of this close game. Prediction:Wolves 107Kings 103