Memphis Grizzlies at Charlotte Bobcats (-5, 201.5)

When you think Carolina basketball, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Is it Michael Jordan? How about the North Carolina Tar Heels? Maybe you’re reminded of the Hornets of old?

The Charlotte Bobcats have never had an NBA all-star since the team’s inception in 2004. Gerald Wallace, the last original Bobcat, has had to suffer through plenty of awful Bobcat teams but manages to put up big numbers year in and year out.

So far, Wallace is averaging 18.3 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. His attitude combined with his athleticism makes Wallace the team’s most spectacular player.

"I've been doing this a long, long time. He's as good a teammate as I've ever coached,” coach Larry Brown told reporters about Wallace. “And he's figured it out. He rebounds every ball. He treats every shot like a missed shot. He doesn't take possessions off. He's improved his outside shot and his free throws. He doesn't gamble as much defensively. There's not one part of his game in which I haven't seen great growth."

Wallace has benefitted from new teammates Stephen Jackson and Flip Murray and has his squad sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference. He sets the tone defensively for the Cats, which allow a league-best 93 points per game.

The Grizzlies may be playing better basketball but like the old saying goes: Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships.

Although Charlotte is still far from a championship run, they do have the players and tools set in place to win.

Pick: Bobcats


Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls (-8.5, 201)

The Minnesota Timberwolves are the cellar dwellers of the Western Conference. They have yet to reach double digits in the win column and have had to deal with major injuries to core players.

One would presume that head coach Kurt Rambis must have regrets about taking over such a young team. The truth is, Rambis takes pleasure in the fact that he sees his players working hard despite all the losses.

"This was a good decision for me," Rambis told reporters. "I enjoy these guys. I get along with all the players. I like the fact that they're still working hard to try and improve. That's all I can ask of them."

The Wolves have had to sacrifice short-term results to grow their nucleus and build for the future. They respect their coach and they play for their coach. The same can’t be said for Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro, who has been on the hot seat for quite some time now.

Not many people thought Del Negro would survive into 2010. This game just might be the nail in the coffin.

Pick: Timberwolves