ATLANTA HAWKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of why we gave Joe Johnson so much damn money. He does lead us in points, but will we make it deep in the playoffs….of course not. ( same as last years resolution)

BOSTON CELTICS

We the Boston Celtics resolve to let Rondo shoot nothing but threes for an entire game, just to see what happens….

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

I, Paul Silas resolve to survive the entire season.

CHICAGO BULLS

I, Derrick Rose resolve to continue dominating basketball, postgame interviews  and my acne.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

We resolve to continue to be a horrible team until Dan Gilbert can finally complete the cloning of LeBron James, let the clone grow to 18 years of age, then draft him with the #1 pick in the 2030 Draft.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

I, Lamar Odom will drive to Galveston Beach each off day so I can look at the ocean and remember what once was.

DETROIT PISTONS

We the Pistons resolve to find some food for Austin Daye, and to have Ben Gordons arms chopped off!

DENVER NUGGETS

We the Nuggets resolve to be extremely grateful that Coach Karl is back and healthy!

GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS

I, Coach Mark Jackson resolve to stop yelling “Hands down, man down” to everyone on the team, every possession.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

We the Houston Rockets resolve to continue pitting Chase Budinger, and Chandler Parsons against each other until they are forced to fight to the death.

INDIANA PACERS

We resolve to let Physcho T run into the stands at least once this season.

L.A. CLIPPERS

We resolve to keep our racist ass owner away from Chris Paul, and keep Chris thinking that Frankie Muniz is indeed the owner of the team.

L.A. LAKERS

We resolve to plant testosterone tablets in Pau Gasol’s drinks throughout the season.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

We resolve to get Tony Allen as far away from our team as possible.

MIAMI HEAT

We resolve to win the Finals, not for LeBron but for original man: Juwan Howard.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of signing of Mike Dunleavy Jr.!

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

I, Kevin Love resolve to rebound every ball, on every shot, from every basketball game in the world.

NEW JERSEY NETS

We resolve to play in Brooklyn until Brooklyn realizes that the Nets play in Brooklyn, then we haul ass to Russia! #NYETS

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

We the NBA speak for the Hornets, and the Hornets have nothing to say!

NEW YORK KNICKS

I, Carmelo Anthony resolve to remember that I, Carmelo am the only option, and I need to shoot every single time!

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

We resolve to do whatever we can to keep Russell Westbrook from becoming Stephon Marbury and eventually eating Vaseline on Twitter!

ORLANDO MAGIC

I, Dwight Howard resolve to ask, demand, then say pretty please for a trade.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

We resolve to hire Michael Vick as soon as the NFL season is over. He will suit up and be in the starting lineup, just for the player introductions, but he wont play any minutes.

PHOENIX SUNS

I, Steve Nash resolve to never leave the Suns, and continue playing until they can find a point guard better then I.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

We resolve to burn some Sage in the Rose Garden, because our team is definitely cursed!

SACRAMENTO KINGS

We resolve to remind all those fans that fought to keep the team in Sacramento that the team is still in Sacramento

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

We resolve to casually ignore the age of our Big 3, but encourage fans to purchase DeJuan Blair Bears from the gift shop

TORONTO RAPTORS

We resolve to call the NBA everyday, and send flowers so that they remember there is a team in Toronto.

UTAH JAZZ

We resolve to remind the Jazz players that the sign that said “Team of Misfit Players” was not funny.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

We resolve to let John Wall do whatever he wants to and to continue letting Glbert Arenas in the locker room so he can shit in Rashard Lewis’s shoes.

hoto by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

Derrick Rose scored 36 points( 3 points less than his 39 in the opener), Carlos Boozer finally made it to the United Center adding 17 points and 16 boards, and the top-seeded Bulls bested the Pacers 96-90 on Monday night in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.

The Bulls dominated the boards, outrebounding Indiana 57-33, and came away with the win even though they shot just 38.6 percent and had trouble hanging onto the ball finishing with 22 turnovers.

“It’s always good to win in this league,” Rose said. “It’s very hard to win. But the way that we’re winning, we’re just trying to sharpen up things especially on the defensive end so that we can control the game more instead of us having to play crazy at the end of the game.”

The Pacers hung in even though they lost Darren Collison to a sprained left ankle going for a layup late in the first half, and coach Frank Vogel is “very” concerned his point guard might miss the rest of the series. Vogel said he’s not sure that will happen; he had not talked to team medical personnel.

Danny Granger led Indiana with 19 points, but Tyler Hansbrough wasn’t so physco, finishing with just six points on 2-of-12 shooting after scoring 22 points in the opener.

The Pacers have not won a playoff game since Game 3 of their first-round series with New Jersey in 2006.

Game 3 is Thursday at Indiana, 7:00 p.m. ET, NBA TV/ Bulls lead series 2-0

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

After a dismal first three and a half quarters the Bulls waited until the last three minutes of the game to go on a 16 – 1 run. They lead the first round series 1-0 after a 104-99 win.

Soon-to-be MVP Derrick Rose scored 39 points, had 6 boards, and 6 dimes. Rose shot 21 of the Bulls 32 free throws. If that isn’t the superstar treatment then I’m not sure what to call it.

Pacers forward Danny Granger led Indiana with 24 points, and Tyler Hansbrough shook off a mighty elbow from Kurt Thomas to finish with 22. The Pacers were concerned late in the third quarter when Hansbrough was elbowed by Thomas as he was trying to rebound a miss by Rose. Hansbrough stayed down for several minutes and, still woozy, had to take a seat in the tunnel. He eventually walked to the locker room on his own power. He returned with 5:33 remaining, and it looked as if he might lead the Pacers to a win. With the Pacers leading by 10, Deng hit two free throws with 3:28 remaining to start the comeback. Noah followed with a tip-in and dunk to make it a four-point game, and the Bulls were on their way

Luol Deng added 18 points and Korver finished with 13, no shot bigger then his dagger giving the Bulls the first lead of the game with 48 seconds left. Carlos Boozer, who played the majority of the game in foul trouble finished with 12 points, and was schooled continually by Hansbrough.

Derrick Rose made 19 free throws against the Pacers, the most in a playoff game since Allen Iverson made 19 in 2002.  The Bulls have won 19 consecutive games when opening a postseason series at home, the 2nd longest in postseason history. Only the Lakers, who won 20 from 1982-88 in their showtime days had a longer streak. The Bulls streak goes back to MJ’s days in 1992.

Game 2 is Monday in Chicago, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT.

#1 Chicago Bulls vs. #8 Indiana Pacers

The Bulls shocked many in the NBA, finishing with the best record in the East. Just as shocking was the Indiana Pacers making the Playoffs. Chicago won three of the four games against Indiana this season, and shouldn’t have to much trouble eliminating the Pacers from the Playoffs.

We didn’t even expect the Pacers to make the Playoffs, so winning two games in this series isn’t that big of a stretch. Look for Chicago to display the defense that got them the #1 record, coupled with soon-to-be-MVP Derrick Rose doing everything. Chicago will go as far as Derrick Rose can carry them. We wait to see how long Rose can do everything every game.

#2 Miami Heat vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers

The Miami Heat had numerous ups and downs throughout the season, but one constant remained strong; Lebron James. If the race for MVP was about the best player in the league then LeBron James would be weeks from his third straight MVP award. However James plays with another player who will receive MVP votes, Dwyane Wade, and their chemistry will ultimately tell the tale of the Heats success.

Aside from James, Wade and Chris Bosh, the Heat are mostly role players(Mario Chalmers, James Jones, Ilgauskas, Old-Ass Juan Howard). Role players that will desperately be needed to play at peak levels in order for the Heat to begin to fulfill their quest for six titles. Against the 76ers those role players sadly won’t be that necessary. The Heat won all 3 games against the Heat by a 10 point average.

Philadelphia hasn’t been to the Playoffs in ages, and sadly they won’t be around long in these playoffs. The 76ers athleticism will make for exciting basketball but it wont translate into victories.

#3 Boston Celtics vs. #7 New York Knicks

The Boston Celtics limp into the Playoffs for the second year in a row. Last year they went 3-7 down the stretch, but displayed visually the concept of ‘turning it on’, making it to the Finals and losing to the Lakers in seven games. Are the Celtics capable of pulling this off again this year? Of course they are capable and the New York Knicks make for the perfect first round matchup. The age-old battle of offense vs. defense.

New York knew they would be in the Playoffs when they signed Amare’ Stoudemire in the off-season. The addition of Carmelo Anthony adds even more fuel to the Knicks bandwagon. The Knicks will be a formidable foe, but they lost all three times to the Celtics in games decided in the last three minutes. Closing out games was the Knicks achilles during the season. Will it carry over into the Playoffs? Knicks and Celtics play their lasts game of the season against each other on April 13th.

#4 Orlando Magic vs. #5 Atlanta Hawks

Easily the lowest rated series of this years Playoffs, pits the Magic against the Hawks who they sweep out the Playoffs last year. We wouldn’t be surprised if the same thing happens this year. Atlanta may arrive in these Playoffs with more passion then they have shown since the All-Star break, but the outcome of the series still favors Dwight Howard, and the Magic.

SCHEDULE UPDATE:

No. 1 Chicago vs. No. 8 Indiana — Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN

No. 2 Miami vs. No. 7 Philadelphia — Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

No. 3 Boston vs. No. 6 New York — Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on TNT

No. 4 Orlando vs. No. 5 Atlanta — Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN

With the start of a new year, teams make their own resolutions.  Here is a team by team look at those resolutions.

ATLANTA HAWKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of why we gave Joe Johnson so much damn money. He does lead us in points, but will we make it deep in the playoffs….of course not.

BOSTON CELTICS

We the Boston Celtics resolve to play at least one game with both O’Neal’s on the court at the same time. I, the Boston Celtics  fan resolve to relax and enjoy each game because if anyone gets injured the world will not end.

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

I, Michael Jordan resolve to stop wearing all my rings on one necklace to every Bobcats meeting.

CHICAGO BULLS

We resolve to kept nurturing Derrick Rose, and to keep Carlos Boozer and his weird beard away from him.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

We resolve to simply exist before the NBA goes through with contraction and makes us a NBDL team. I, the Cavs fan will save up and buy the Fathead of Daniel Gibson for no reason whatsoever.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

I, Rick Carlisle resolve to stop making faces like Jim Carrey, and to let jason Terry do whatever he wants in the 4th quarter.

DETROIT PISTONS

I, Tayshaun Prince resolve to ask Joe Dumars nicely if I can be traded, then pray its not to Toronto.

DENVER NUGGETS

We resolve to trade Carmelo to the highest bidder, then struggle until we draft anthoer Carmelo and repeat the same process.

GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS

We resolve to never sign a legitimate big man so we can never truly play defense.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

I, the Houston Rockets fan resolve to lower our expectations until Michael Jordan goes and plays baseball for two years.

INDIANA PACERS

We resolve to sleep through the rest of this year, and promptly wake up during the lottery selection this summer.

L.A. CLIPPERS

I, Donald Sterling resolve to continue being concerned about only money, and as long as Blake Griffin makes me money he stays….for cheap of course.

L.A. LAKERS

We resolve to work all year so we actually play a competitive game on Christmas. We also resolve to never let Kobe and Nike convince us that Lime green sneakers are cool.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

We resolve to save our money, to pay for the shipping of all the equipment to our new home in Seattle.

MIAMI HEAT

I, Miami Heat fan resolve to show up to games on time, especially once the playoffs start. At least we will make it seem that basketball games are more fun then the beach, or clubs full of young hispanic women.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

We resolve to continue doing whatever it was we did to beat the Lakers. *Brandon Jennings didn’t play

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

I, Kevin Love resolve to rebound every ball, on every shot, from every basketball game in the world.

NEW JERSEY NETS

We resolve to never put an ad across from Madison Square Garden again. Unless of course, if we get Carmelo Anthony then we get to play in the Garden.

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

We the NBA speak for the Hornets, and the Hornets have nothing to say.

NEW YORK KNICKS

I, Spike Lee resolve to continue wearing clothes too big for me to games, and my Landry Fields jersey, even if he gets traded.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

We resolve to take out as many loans as possible to keep Russell Westbrook away from Los Angeles.

ORLANDO MAGIC

I, Dwight Howard will work on my three point shooting so I can fit in better with the team.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

We resolve to hire Michael Vick as soon as the NFL season is over. He will suit up and be in the starting lineup, just for the player introductions, but he wont play any minutes.

PHOENIX SUNS

I, Marcin Gortat, will continue to plead with my teammates to play defense, even if they speak another language.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

I, Trail Blazers fan will take a class in physical therapy so I can be more hands on with the players.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

We, the Maloof Brothers resolve to finish construction on our secret basketball stadium in Las Vegas. We also must sit Tyreke Evans down and ask that he not hit 50 footers to win games and instead keep piling on the loses.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

We resolve to casually ignore the age of our Big 3, but encourage fans to purchase DeJuan Blair Bears from the gift shop

TORONTO RAPTORS

We resolve to call the NBA everyday, and send flowers so that they remember there is a team in Toronto.

UTAH JAZZ

We resolve to continue research into age-defying potions that can make it possible for Jerry Sloan to coach the Jazz forever.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

We resolve to finally change our name back to the Bullets, and once again lose out on front page reports to real bullets.

(AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

The Boston Celtics were in Cleveland for opening night of the King-less Cavaliers.  Playing its first game in seven years without THE DECISION MAKER, the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the OLD Celtics 95-87. J.J. Hickson scored 21 points, Daniel Gibson added 16 — all in the second half –.  Rajon Rondo lead the Celtics in scoring with 18.  If Rondo leads in scoring, it means one thing, the Celtics are tired.  Since Cleveland beat the Celtics and they beat the Heat is Cleveland the best tema in the East?  I’m joking.

New Jersey Nets gave Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov a win in his first game as their owner with a 101-98 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The Nets outscored the Pistons 13-3 in the final 1:40 to give Avery Johnson a win in his first game as coach — coming much quicker than last season, when they set an NBA record by losing their first 18 games and not getting that first W till December 4th.  Brook Lopez led the Nets with 25 points and nine boards, and Devin Harrisvadded 22 points and nine dimes. Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey and Charlie Villanueva each had 14 points.

Atlanta Hawks 119 – Memphis Grizzlies 104: The last time the Grizzlies won on opening night was when they were in Vancouver, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics at home, 94-88 on Oct. 31, 2000. … Memphis went 8-0 in the preseason … Atlanta has won eight of its last nine regular-season games against Memphis and is 20-10 all-time against the Grizzlies.

Durant scored 30 points, Russell Westbrook had 28 points and 10 boards and Oklahoma City beat their young Eastern Conference equivalent Chicago Bulls, 106-95 in the season opener for both teams. Derrick Rose scored 28 points to lead the Bulls but sat for a long stretch due to foul trouble.  A late 11-0 run for the Thunder sealed the deal.  Joakim Noah finished with 18 points and 19 boards.

(Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

After losing on opening night in Boston the Miami Heat got just what the Dr.(J) ordered the Philadelphia 76ers. The Big Three got help from the bench in the Heat’s 97-87 victory over the 76ers on Philadelphia’s opening night. Dwyane Wade was much better scoring 30 points while LeBron James finished with 16 points, 7 dimes, and 6 boards.  James did have 9 turnovers, retaking the T.O. lead again from Steve Nash.  James Jones scored 20 off the bench for Miami connecting on 6 of 9 threes.  If the 76ers plan on winning Andre Iguodala will have to score waaaaayyyy more then 10 points in 39 minutes.

Chris Paul had 17 points and 16 dimes, and the New Orleans Hornets gave Monty Williams a victory in his NBA head coaching debut, 95-91 over the Milwaukee Bucks. Trevor Ariza had 11 points in his Hornets debut, including a dunk set up by Belinelli to put the Hornets up 90-84 late in the game. Still, it was the old foundation that remained — Paul and West — which led the way. West scored the Hornets’ first 10 points of the second half, finishing with 22.  Paul’s 16 assists set a franchise record for assists in a season opener, eclipsing the 14 Muggsy Bogues had on Nov. 6, 1992 against Washington.  The Bucks got a solid effort from Brandon Jennings 15 points, 10 dimes, Andrew Bogut 15 points, 15 boards and Carlos Delfino lead the Bucks with 19 points.

Carl Landry and Fransisco Garcia combined for 44 points.  Thats right two guys you barely know scored 44 points and lead the Sacramento Kings to a 117-116 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their home opener.  For the first time in seven years the Kings are 1-0. Minnesota got one double-double from Kevin Love, but Wolves head coach Kurt Rambis played him only 24 minutes electing to go with Anthony Tolliver(who died last season after that Stoudemire dunk).

(AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

Jason Kidd went old-school dishing out 18 dimes in the Dallas Mavericks 101-86 win over the Charlotte Bobcats.  Dirk Nowitzki lead all scores with 28, and Jason Terry contributed 22 points.  Tyrus Thomas scored 22 points and Gerald Wallace had 16 for the Bobcats, who’ve never beaten the Mavericks in 13 meetings. Michael Jordan will not be pleased.

Tim Duncan had 23 points, 12 boards and 4 blocks, Manu Ginobili scored 22 points and Parker had 20, leading the Spurs to a 122-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Roy Hibbert led Indiana with 28 points and Danny Granger had 26. Darren Collison scored 19 points in his debut for the Pacers. The Spurs had this game won in the first 5 minutes…they could have just ended it then.

The Utah Jazz got 6 points out of Al Jefferson and 3-10 shooting from Deron Williams.  Without reading the next line an outcome should have already been formulated.  Carmelo Anthony scored 23 points, Arron Afflalo added 22 and the Nuggets opened the season with a 110-88 win over the Utah Jazz. The Nuggets were elimanted by the Jazz last year, but both teams looked entirely different from last season.  The Nuggets having head coach George Karl back on the sideline was the majority of the difference. “It’s an honor and a privilege to try to be a special team in this league,” Karl said. “To coach one is my privilege. to play on one is your privilege.” Also Shelden Williams had 8 points and 16 boards.

The Los Angeles Clippers are a cursed franchise.  There is no getting past the curse it seems as the Clippers welcomed the (other cursed team) Portland Trail Blazers on opening night. Brandon Roy  scored 22 points(10 boards) and the Portland Trail Blazers spoiled the NBA debut of Blake Griffin with a 98-88 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Griffin got off to an insane start scoring seven straight points, he finished with 22 points and 14 boards.  LaMarcus Aldridge added 19 points and 10 boards for the Blazers, who gave Nate McMillan his 200th victory as coach. Nicolas Batum scored 15 points, Andre Miller 14 and former Clippers center Marcus Camby had 11 points and 14 boards.

The Houston Rockets played a back-to-back game.  That means NO Yao Ming.  No Yao, no defense. Monta Ellis matched his career high with 46 points, Stephen Curry added 25 points and 11 assists, and the Golden State Warriors won Keith Smart’s coaching debut by beating the Houston Rockets 131-128. Luis Scola had 36 points and 16 rebounds, while Kevin Martin added 28 points for the Rockets.  David Lee had 17 points and 15 rebounds, and Dorell Wright scored 15 points to help the Warriors to their first season-opening win since 2005. They also snapped a nine-game losing streak to the Rockets dating to 2007.  Chuck Hayes, had 16 points, eight boards and six dimes.

For a team that has struggled since they went to the Finals in 2000, it appears the a change is right over the horizon.  Danny Granger has proven he is ready for stardom, and will be the most consistent thing the Pacers will have this season.

The off-season trade for Darren Collison could move the Pacers in the right direction.  Combined with Roy Hibbert, Tyler Hansbrough, Josh McRoberts and rookie Paul George, the Pacers have something resembling a young core. Throw in about $30 million in expiring contracts, and the Pacers could be in position to actually start rebuilding.

The primary goal for this Pacers team is to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. The team has a thin margin for error and any injury issues similar to last season will make that goal difficult to attain. Even if fully healthy the Pacers will have to play their best to be in the mix for the playoffs since the East has several improved teams that will likely require more wins this season to qualify for post-season play.

Another goal of the team has to be to continue developing the core talent on the roster that has come together over the past couple of years. With tons of cap space coming off the books after this season, understanding which players they can rely on among the young core to carry the team forward in the future is important.

That will also help the front office plan how to use that cap space to add talent in the right spots to keep a young team on the rise in the East.

Trevor Ariza was sent to the New Orleans Hornets and Darren Collison to the Indiana Pacers in a four-team, five-player trade Wednesday. In the trade, the Houston Rockets sent Ariza to the Hornets, who in turn sent Collison and James Posey to the Pacers.The Pacers sent Troy Murphy to the New Jersey Nets. And the Nets sent Courtney Lee to the Rockets.

Breakdown:

Darren Collison leaving the Hornets shows Chris Paul the organization is serious about keeping him. The addition of Ariza betters their core, but will this make CP3 happy? Hornets  also have completed trade of forward Julian Wright to Raptors for guard Marco Bellineli.

I like the Rockets this year. If Yao is healthy of course, then I love the Rockets. By trading Ariza for Courtney Lee, it breaks up the front court log jam and gives them a solid young guard. Essentially they just re-shuffled their overall team depth, which is strong, and cut $5 mill off the payroll. What could Morey be up too? This deal saves the Rockets $28 million on the life of the contract and roughly $10 million (when you factor in luxury tax payments) this season. Rockets also got $6 million trade exception. This team knows how to run a business. SALARY DUMP!

The Pacers wake up from the dead with this move. They have that much needed point guard in Collison, and are set up nicely for the summer of 11′ and 12′. The Pacers did take on the last two years and $13 million of Posey’s contract, but the deal also sliced another $4 million off the team’s overall payroll.

The Nets getting Troy Murphy gives them a ton of height. Not sure how all the Nets pieces will fit together, but Avery Johnson will figure it out. Murphy is also on the last year of his contract, which could make him an important trading chip for the Nets at the 2011 trade deadline.

Both games between the NBA champion Lakers and the Miami Heat, led by their All-Star triumvirate of Chris Bosh, reigning NBA Most Valuable Player presented by Kia Motors LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, will air nationally. The Lakers host the Heat on Christmas Day on ABC (5 p.m. ET), with the Heat hosting in Miami on March 10 on TNT (8 p.m. ET).

One of the league’s most experienced and battle-tested teams matches up against one of its youngest and most explosive squads on Nov. 19, when Boston’s quintet of stars – Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Shaquille O’Neal, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo – hosts reigning scoring champion Kevin Durant, emerging star Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET).

TNT’s Thanksgiving night doubleheader will begin with All-Stars Joe Johnson and Al Horford leading the Hawks against the Washington Wizards and John Wall, the top overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft (8 p.m. ET). The second game features Blake Griffin, last year’s top overall selection, and the Los Angeles Clippers hosting reigning T-Mobile NBA Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans and the Sacramento Kings (10:30 p.m. ET).

In James’ first visit to Cleveland as an opposing player, the Heat takes on Antawn Jamison and the Cavaliers on Dec. 2 (TNT, 8 p.m. ET).

Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey on Houston Sports Radio 610:

In one of the league’s best rivalries, All-Stars Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony lead the Denver Nuggets when hosting the Los Angeles Lakers and All-Stars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol on Friday, Jan. 21 (ESPN, 10:30 p.m. ET).

The Orlando Magic, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard and star guard Jameer Nelson, hosts All-Star Derrick Rose and the new-look Chicago Bulls, including star forward Carlos Boozer, on March 4 (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET).

Two of the league’s most potent offenses go head-to-head when the Steve Nash-led Phoenix Suns, which led the league in scoring last year, host the Denver Nuggets and their high-octane offense, powered by All-Stars Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, on Thursday, March 10 (TNT, 10:30 p.m. ET).

In its 27th year of NBA coverage, TNT will televise 52 regular-season games, including 44 as part of Thursday night doubleheaders and a doubleheader on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. TNT will also exclusively televise NBA All-Star 2011 festivities in Los Angeles Feb. 18-20, culminating with the NBA’s 60th All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 20.

ESPN will televise 75 regular-season games, which include 27 games on Wednesdays and 35 on Fridays. ESPN telecasts are also available via ESPN3.com, with nearly all on ESPN Mobile TV. ESPN Deportes (ESPN’s Spanish-language U.S. sports network) will also televise 22 regular-season games and, for the first time, select games will be available on ESPN3D. The ABC national television schedule consists of 13 exclusive regular-season broadcasts and tips off with a doubleheader on Christmas Day.

The NBA on ABC and ESPN presents flexible scheduling throughout the regular season in order to provide the most compelling matchups to a national audience.

NBA TV tips off its 96-game regular season schedule on Saturday, Oct. 30, when the Rockets welcome the Nuggets at 8:30 p.m. ET. For the third consecutive year, NBA TV will feature Fan Night on Tuesdays throughout the season, debuting Nov. 2. On Fan Night, NBA fans are given the opportunity to vote for the games they want to see televised nationally on NBA TV on that particular night.

Heres the link to all the National TV games, no sign of Toronto on the list.

The Madison Square Garden Theater was ready for draft night as early as 4 am, when fans begin to line up to assure they had a seat when the $15 tickets went on sale at 11 am. Fans from across the country were in attendance to cheer for their respective teams, and boo Commissioner David Stern every time he walked out to the podium. The Chicago Bulls stole some of the early shine by proposing the trade of Kirk Hinrich to the Wizards. Not to be outdone by the Bulls, the Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen decided to part ways with GM Kevin Pritchard on draft night, but let him still make draft decisions….?  The 2010 NBA Draft went pretty much as expected early, with the exception of the Utah Jazz stealing Gordon Hayward from the Pacers. The University of Kentucky set a record with 5 first round selections.

Here is a break-down of pick #1-#15:

First pick, Washington Wizards: John Wall, 6-4, 195, Kentucky, point guard.: The lock No. 1 pick, Wall has been called the most electrifying player in this year’s draft. A product of the John Calipari one-and-done mold, Wall averaged 16 points, six boards and four dimes. Wall brings the Wizards superior speed, athleticism, and late-game shot making, plus a relief from the circus of last year.

Second pick, Philadelphia 76ers: Evan Turner, 6-7, 205, Ohio State, guard. There was nothing Turner didn’t do for Ohio State, and he’s the most dynamic player in the draft. He averaged 20 points, 9 boards, and 6 dimes last season. With a good game around the basket and a solid midrange shot, Turner only needs to work on his outside shooting and ball handling. He shot 36% from three-point range and turned the ball over 4.4 times per game. Doug Collins new head coach of the 76ers gets another chance to coach a future superstar as he did in Chicago with MJ.

Third pick, New Jersey Nets: Derrick Favors, 6-10, 246, Georgia Tech, forward. A rare athlete who can explode from the floor, he’s also got a massive 7-4 wingspan. Though raw, he has shown signs of being a dominant force on both ends. He needs to add weight, improve his conditioning/shooting/ball handling and learn to play against double-teams, but he should become a special player.

Fourth pick, Minnesota Timberwoves: Wesley Johnson, 6-7, 205, Syracuse, forward. A lottery-level talent that is NBA-ready, he’s an explosive athlete who has a good mid-range game and can finish at the rim. He’s a good teammate and an underrated passer, but last season’s Big East Player of the Year needs to add weight and be more aggressive when his jumper isn’t falling. Wesley was also best-dressed.

Fifth pick, Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins, 6-11, 270, Kentucky, power forward/center. A top-five talent, with excellent athleticism, offensive and defensive skills, he’s a nightmare matchup. Many tend to be critical of his maturity, but, he was one of the best players in the country last season (15.1 points, 9.8 boards).

Sixth pick, Golden State Warriors: Ekpe Udoh, 6-10, 240, Baylor, forward. Udoh was one of the reasons Baylor emerged in the Elite 8 to face off with eventual-champion Duke. His ability to run the floor in a fast-paced offensive possession or hit a midrange shot in the half-court game led to 13 points, 9.8 boards and 3.7 blocks. He needs to improve his overall offensive game, ball-handling and add some weight.

Seventh pick, Detroit Pistons: Greg Monroe, 6-11, 253, Georgetown, forward. A huge upside–some call him a less-athletic Lamar Odom. Monroe can play with his back to the basket or face up. He averaged 16.1 points and 9.6 boards last season, and also dished 12 assists against Providence, the most by a center in Big East Conference history. Needs to prove he can dominate a game, and develop a more consistent jump shot.

Eighth pick, Clippers: Al-Farouq Aminu, 6-9, 215, Wake Forest, power forward. One of the best athletes in the draft; he uses his explosive first step to get to the bucket. He became a double-double player last season (15.8, 10.7), but is turnover prone (3.2 per game last season) and lacks ball-handling skills, relying too often on his athleticism. Still, a fine pick for an up-tempo team.

Ninth pick, Utah Jazz: Gordon Hayward, 6-8, 207, Butler, forward. He led the Bulldogs on their magical run to the NCAA title game and has a high basketball IQ, an outstanding touch (84% from free-throw line) and sneaky athleticism. He lacks post moves and will need to improve his defense in the NBA. Some question his lack of aggressiveness.

10th pick, Indiana Pacers: Paul George, 6-8, 210, Fresno State, forward. A great athlete who has deep range on his jump shot, rebounds well and can run the floor, NBA teams covet players with his size and skill set. Needs to improve his ball-handling and learn to not settle for the outside shot, but he’s an enticing player.

11th pick, New Orleans Hornets: Cole Aldrich, 6-11, 245, Kansas, center. A throwback-style big man that has good footwork and an awkward-but-efficient shooting touch, he’s also a strong shot blocker (averaged 3.5 last season) and cleans the glass well (10.5 boards his last two seasons). While not terribly athletic and fairly calm, a la Tim Duncan, Aldrich possesses strong fundamentals and better-than-average vision for his size.

12th pick, Memphis Grizzlies: Xavier Henry, 6-6, 220, Kansas, shooting guard. The smoothest player in the draft, he moves effortlessly and is a natural scorer who is deadly from outside (40%). He can slash if he needs to and finish at the rim, but he often relies on his left hand too much and can settle for outside shots. At times, he looks passive; at others, fiercely competitive.

13th pick, Toronto Raptors: Ed Davis, 6-10, 225, North Carolina, forward. After being overshadowed by Tyler Hansbrough, Davis had a breakout freshman year (13.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 blocks) and showcased his potential as one of the top talents. Long, athletic, with several post moves and speed to run the floor, the main knock against him is his lack of strength  he also needs a reliable jump shot  but his upside is huge.

14th pick, Houston Rockets: Patrick Patterson, 6-9, 235, Kentucky, forward. One of the more NBA-ready forwards in the draft, he made significant improvements to his game in his junior season, including becoming an outside threat (35% from behind the arc) and a defensive presence (1.3 blocks per game). His intelligence, maturity and ability to learn should help him on the next level, though he’s still undersized to be a power forward, which is exactly what Houston loves.

15th pick, Milwaukee Bucks: Larry Sanders, 6-11, 235, VCU, forward. One of the most athletic players in this draft, Sanders had a breakout season as a sophomore, when he averaged 2.7 blocks per game. As a junior, he averaged 14.4 points, 9.1 boards and 2.6 blocks. He still has some developing to do, but his combination of size and speed give him plenty of potential.