LA B3TZ

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota

The Los Angeles Clippers lead the Pacific division by 4 1/2 games, but they are a shell of the team that went undefeated in the month of December.  Injuries to Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups have left the team without a true point guard to run the show and that has hindered the production of Blake "The Barbarian" Griffin.  The Minnesota Timberwolves conversely have lost 9 of their last 10 games without Kevin Love in the line up and I don't anticipate things getting much better.  The Clippers need to get healthy if they want to be a contender for the Western conference title, but not to beat the Timberwolves.  LA will win big tonight.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix

The Los Angeles Lakers are on a 3 game winning streak thanks to the unselfish play of Kobe Bryant.  Kobe has more assists in that 3 game span than any 3 game span in his career.  That doesn't mean this trend will continue, but it is an interesting stat.  Tonight Steve Nash will make his first visit to Phoenix since being traded and I expect Nash will get a warm reception.  The Lakers played last night however so I don't know how well he is going to play.  You know how I feel about back to back games and Steve is getting old.  Look for a close game.