2014 World Cup: Group A

Four years later, after Spain defeated Holland 1-0 to lift their first FIFA World Cup trophy in 2010, they would be looking to defend their reigning title against 31 other teams in the world. During those four years, past legends have gotten older, some have passed on, new stars have been born, and this World Cup preview will be touching on which teams will pull out from the group stages and which teams will not. This World Cup will take place in Brazil and the home country heroes are stronger and deeper than ever and will want to win the World Cup. They have defeated Spain in the Confederations Cup but can they win the World Cup? They will first have the conquer the group stage to get where they want to be.



Brazil
Predicted Group Finish: 1st
Manager: Luis Felipe Scolari
Number/Name/DOB/International Caps/Club

1 GK Jefferson 2 January 1983 (aged 31) 9  Botafogo 2 DF Dani Alves 6 May 1983 (aged 31) 75  Barcelona 3 DF Thiago Silva (c) 22 September 1984 (aged 29) 46  Paris Saint-Germain 4 DF David Luiz 22 April 1987 (aged 27) 36  Chelsea 5 MF Fernandinho 4 May 1985 (aged 29) 7  Manchester City 6 DF Marcelo 12 May 1988 (aged 26) 31  Real Madrid 7 FW Hulk 25 July 1986 (aged 27) 35  Zenit Saint Petersburg 8 MF Paulinho 25 July 1988 (aged 25) 26  Tottenham Hotspur 9 FW Fred 3 October 1983 (aged 30) 34  Fluminense 10 FW Neymar 5 February 1992 (aged 22) 49  Barcelona 11 MF Oscar 9 September 1991 (aged 22) 31  Chelsea 12 GK Júlio César 3 September 1979 (aged 34) 80  Toronto FC 13 DF Dante 18 October 1983 (aged 30) 12  Bayern Munich 14 DF Maxwell 27 August 1981 (aged 32) 9  Paris Saint-Germain 15 DF Henrique 14 October 1986 (aged 27) 5  Napoli 16 MF Ramires 24 March 1987 (aged 27) 42  Chelsea 17 MF Luiz Gustavo 23 July 1987 (aged 26) 19  VfL Wolfsburg 18 MF Hernanes 29 May 1985 (aged 29) 24  Internazionale 19 MF Willian 9 August 1988 (aged 25) 7  Chelsea 20 FW Bernard 8 September 1992 (aged 21) 11  Shakhtar Donetsk 21 FW Jô 20 March 1987 (aged 27) 17  Atlético Mineiro 22 GK Victor 21 January 1983 (aged 31) 6  Atlético Mineiro 23 DF Maicon 26 July 1981 (aged 32) 72  Roma Aside from Neymar, this may not be greatest Brazilian team in terms of household names such as a Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka etc. but this is one of the more well rounded Brazil teams I've seen in recent memory. They have a strong backline with Thiago Silva and David Luiz, attacking full backs in Dani Alves and Marcelo, a solid midfield featuring the likes of Oscar, Luis Gustavo, Hernanes, Willian and Ramires, Bernard and the aforementioned Neymar. While their strike department is lacking, Fred when healthy has proven to be an effective poacher and if Jo can play the way he did in the Confederations Cup, Brazil should be fine. Key Player: Neymar

His first season at Barcelona was solid if not spectactular, certainly not as good of a season as Madrid's Gareth Bale. Even his own teammates Alexis Sanchez and Pedro Rodriguez have had arguably better seasons than this young Brazilian. This World Cup will be especially important for him as he is the most recognizable figure and will have all to prove if he can live up to the hype.

Player to Watch: Bernard

This diminutive 5'4 Brazilian has quietly rose the ranks as one of the top young players in the world. Bernard has made a name for himself at Brazilian club Aletico Minero lifting the Copa Libertadores along with his former teammate Ronaldinho before moving to Shakhtar in 2013. At 21 years old, Bernard is tipped for big things and may been a transfer target this summer because of the crisis in Ukraine. 

Croatia
Predicted Group Finish: 2nd

Manager: Niko Kovac

Number/Name/DOB/International Caps/Club

1	GK	Stipe Pletikosa	8 January 1979 (aged 35)	111	Rostov
2	DF	Šime Vrsaljko	10 January 1992 (aged 22)	7	Genoa
3	DF	Danijel Pranjić	2 December 1981 (aged 32)	49	Panathinaikos
4	MF	Ivan Perišić	2 February 1989 (aged 25)	29	VfL Wolfsburg
5	DF	Vedran Ćorluka	5 February 1986 (aged 28)	72	Lokomotiv Moscow
6	DF	Dejan Lovren	5 July 1989 (aged 24)	24	Southampton
7	MF	Ivan Rakitić	10 March 1988 (aged 26)	62	Sevilla
8	MF	Ognjen Vukojević	20 December 1983 (aged 30)	55	Dynamo Kyiv
9	FW	Nikica Jelavić	27 August 1985 (aged 28)	34	Hull City
10	MF	Luka Modrić	9 September 1985 (aged 28)	75	Real Madrid
11	DF	Darijo Srna (c)	1 May 1982 (aged 32)	113	Shakhtar Donetsk
12	GK	Oliver Zelenika	14 May 1993 (aged 21)	0	Lokomotiva
13	DF	Gordon Schildenfeld	18 March 1985 (aged 29)	21	Panathinaikos
14	MF	Marcelo Brozović	16 October 1992 (aged 21)	1	Dinamo Zagreb
15	MF	Ivan Močinić	30 April 1993 (aged 21)	0	Rijeka
16	FW	Ante Rebić	21 September 1993 (aged 20)	5	Fiorentina
17	FW	Mario Mandžukić	21 May 1986 (aged 28)	50	Bayern Munich
18	FW	Ivica Olić	14 September 1979 (aged 34)	92	VfL Wolfsburg
19	MF	Sammir	23 April 1987 (aged 27)	6	Getafe
20	MF	Mateo Kovačić	6 May 1994 (aged 20)	10	Internazionale
21	DF	Domagoj Vida	29 April 1989 (aged 25)	24	Dynamo Kyiv
22	FW	Eduardo	25 February 1983 (aged 31)	64	Shakhtar Donetsk
23	GK	Danijel Subašić	27 October 1984 (aged 29)	6	AS Monaco

This can very well can be the golden age for Croatia as talent is prevalent with the likes of Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic, Dejan Lovren, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Rakitic. Croatia presents a great balance of talent at each position in their squad with arguably more talented strikers than Brazil. Experience in the World Cup is lacking as they did not reach the cup in 2010 but with this much talent, expect Croatia to make some noise as a dark horse.

Key Player: Luka Modric

Luka Modric shown flashes in his first season at Real Madrid, but his second season made a case that he might be the best playmaking midfielder in the world right now. Luka Modric can pick a pass from the smallest opening and has the ability to play either deep in the midfield or behind the striker. His technique and field awareness are extraordinary and if Croatia are to make it out this group stage, he would have to be the reason.

Player to Watch: Ivan Rakitic

Sevilla surprised many when they won the Europa League beating Benfica. The best player on that team was Ivan Rakitic, whom had a number of bigger clubs watching him for a while now but stayed in Seville and brought them home Europa League gold. Rakitic who has a similar game to his compatriot Luka Modric is expected to continue his great form into Croatia as he could be a player on the move after the World Cup is over.

Mexico
Predicted Group Finish: 4th
Manager: Miguel Herrera

Number/Name/DOB/International Caps/Club

1 GK José de Jesús Corona 26 January 1981 (aged 33) 34  Cruz Azul 2 DF Francisco Javier Rodríguez 20 October 1981 (aged 32) 95  América 3 DF Carlos Salcido 2 April 1980 (aged 34) 122  UANL 4 DF Rafael Márquez (c) 13 February 1979 (aged 35) 120  León 5 DF Diego Reyes 19 September 1992 (aged 21) 14  Porto 6 MF Héctor Herrera 19 April 1990 (aged 24) 13  Porto 7 DF Miguel Layún 25 June 1988 (aged 25) 15  América 8 MF Marco Fabián 21 July 1989 (aged 24) 15  Cruz Azul 9 FW Raúl Jiménez 5 May 1991 (aged 23) 25  América 10 FW Giovani dos Santos 11 May 1989 (aged 25) 76  Villarreal 11 FW Alan Pulido 8 March 1991 (aged 23) 6  UANL 12 GK Alfredo Talavera 18 September 1982 (aged 31) 14  Toluca 13 GK Guillermo Ochoa 13 July 1985 (aged 28) 59  Ajaccio 14 FW Javier Hernández 1 June 1988 (aged 26) 62  Manchester United 15 DF Héctor Moreno 17 January 1988 (aged 26) 53  Espanyol 16 DF Miguel Ángel Ponce 12 April 1989 (aged 25) 8  Toluca 17 MF Isaác Brizuela 28 August 1990 (aged 23) 7  Toluca 18 DF Andrés Guardado 28 September 1986 (aged 27) 104  Bayer Leverkusen 19 FW Oribe Peralta 12 January 1984 (aged 30) 33  Santos Laguna 20 MF Javier Aquino 11 February 1990 (aged 24) 22  Villarreal 21 MF Carlos Peña 29 March 1990 (aged 24) 16  León 22 DF Paul Aguilar 6 March 1986 (aged 28) 30  América 23 MF José Juan Vázquez 14 March 1988 (aged 26) 5  León

Mexico has had three different managers in the year of 2013 as it was an underachieving year for them. However the reigning Olympic winners look set to once again challenge Brazil an the like with returning members Chicharito Hernandez, Giovanni Dos Santos and Oribe Peralta. Mexico will be heavy underdogs this World Cup and will have a mountain to climb to make it out of this group stage.

Key Player: Javier (Chicharito) Hernandez

Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, Javier Chicharito Hernandez has found playing time limited as Moyes has preferred other options such as Rooney, Welbeck and Van Persie. However when he has played he still shown that killer instinct to sniff out goal opportunities and make that perfect run. Chicharito is a player that is not known for creating himself but if Mexico can provide him the service, they can count on Chicharito making the most out of it.

Player to Watch: Diego Reyes

This will be the 21 year old's first World Cup and has shown flashes of his perceived enormous potential during his time at Mexican club; America and FC Porto during his first season. Diego Reyes is versatile with the ability to play center-back and the midfield and can show Mexico fans what is to come in the future.

Cameroon
Predicted Group Finish: 3rd

Manager: Volker Finke

Number/Name/DOB/International Caps/Club

1	GK	Loïc Feudjou	14 April 1992 (aged 22)	2	Coton Sport
2	DF	Benoît Assou-Ekotto	24 March 1984 (aged 30)	22	Queens Park Rangers
3	DF	Nicolas N'Koulou	27 March 1990 (aged 24)	48	Marseille
4	DF	Cédric Djeugoué	28 August 1992 (aged 21)	3	Coton Sport
5	DF	Dany Nounkeu	11 April 1986 (aged 28)	16	Beşiktaş
6	MF	Alex Song	9 September 1987 (aged 26)	47	Barcelona
7	MF	Landry N'Guémo	28 November 1985 (aged 28)	40	Bordeaux
8	FW	Benjamin Moukandjo	12 November 1988 (aged 25)	17	Nancy
9	FW	Samuel Eto'o (c)	10 March 1981 (aged 33)	117	Chelsea
10	FW	Vincent Aboubakar	22 January 1992 (aged 22)	24	Lorient
11	MF	Jean Makoun	29 May 1983 (aged 31)	66	Rennes
12	DF	Henri Bedimo	4 June 1984 (aged 30)	31	Lyon
13	FW	Maxim Choupo-Moting	23 March 1989 (aged 25)	26	Mainz 05
14	DF	Aurélien Chedjou	20 June 1985 (aged 28)	31	Galatasaray
15	FW	Pierre Webó	20 January 1982 (aged 32)	56	Fenerbahçe
16	GK	Charles Itandje	2 November 1982 (aged 31)	9	Konyaspor
17	MF	Stéphane Mbia	20 May 1986 (aged 28)	49	Sevilla
18	MF	Eyong Enoh	23 March 1986 (aged 28)	38	Antalyaspor
19	FW	Fabrice Olinga	12 May 1996 (aged 18)	8	Zulte Waregem
20	MF	Edgar Salli	17 August 1992 (aged 21)	8	Lens
21	MF	Joël Matip	8 August 1991 (aged 22)	23	Schalke 04
22	DF	Allan Nyom	10 May 1988 (aged 26)	10	Granada
23	GK	Sammy N'Djock	25 February 1990 (aged 24)	3	Fethiyespor

Cameroon was disappointing in the 2010 World Cup as they finished their group stage without a win and a quick exit out of South Africa. This Cameroon team will feature most of the same players from the last World Cup with a few new additions. What they had in talent and athletic ability in 2010, they lack in team cohesion and chemistry, will this Cameroon team learn from their South Africa struggles and get out of this group stage?

Key Player: Alex Song

You can make a case that Samuel Eto'o is the best player in Cameroon but he is getting on there in age, Alex Song is currently the most important player Cameroon has in their disposal. Yes, his career has been ruined by Barcelona, but he is a midfielder that can pick out a pass, run the whole field and make a tackle. Song may need this World Cup more than ever to revive his career and prove he is the same player that came from Arsenal.

Player to Watch: Fabrice Olinga

What were you doing at 18 years old? Were you playing in a World cup? Assuming that answer is no, Fabrice Olinga is a position many 18 year dr olds dream of, he is the youngest player to play in the World Cup and has a chance to be a future star for his parent club Malaga team that has saw many of their star players leave over the past season. He holds the record of youngest ever goalscorer in La Liga and has the speed and eye for a goal that has gotten many comparisons to his teammate and idol Samuel Eto'o. Will he be able to handle the pressure of playing in the World Cup?

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Crampin' Aint Easy

Much has been made of the controversy surrounding the Spurs Game 1 victory over the Miami Heat when LeBron James left the game in the 4th quarter due to leg cramping. Athletes, analysts and fans alike were criticizing LeBron James for bailing out on his team, not b. Using Kobe as a comparison shooting free throws with a ruptured achilles and walking off under his own power. I know I am in the minority with this, but LeBron James was justifyable leaving the game with cramps. Cramps are a for painful heat injury to have, they may not have the lasting effects of a torn ligament or achilles but cramps immobilzies that affected muscle and the athlete LeBron is allowed to go that long playing through cramps. 

   

So you ask, where is my credible source? Well the credible source is myself, I use to deal with hip cramps and trust they are the worst, do you know how it feels to run with hip cramps. It feels like a thousand hammers banging at your side, it was too much pain I had to call out of games, workouts, appointments, get-togethers, reunions you name it. LeBron is totally justified for leaving the game and being carted off by trainer and James Jones, whom has had the most camera time he's had the most camera time all playoffs.

Now here are the keys to the game.

Key Matchup: Tony Parker vs. Norris Cole

My initial key matchup was LeBron  James vs. Kawhi Leonard but guarding LeBron for San Antonio will be more of a committee between him and Boris Diaw, and that if there is anybody with the amount of quickness that Tony Parker has, it is Norris Cole. Norris Cole might not go toe to toe with Tony Parker on the offensive end, but can be the deciding factor between San Antonio going 2-0 in the series and Miami making it 1-1. Norris Cole known for being a pest defensively, will be expected to get more minutes than Mario Chalmers and do not be surprised if the former Cleveland State point guard makes the start. Tony Parker's ankle did not bother him in Game 1, will it hinder his effectiveness in game 2.

X-Factor: Air Conditioning

Yes air conditioning or lack thereof has proved to be effective handling the Heat (no pun intended). Is this a conspiracy theory that the Spurs scouted LeBron's cramping issues and did this knowing that Tony Parker reportedly played in these conditions in the European Championship, and Manu played like this during his days in Argentina while Tim Duncan said it felt like the Virgin Islands. Hey, Jason Terry did not think this was a coincidence. Either way, if the Spurs want to win this series, it is best to keep their arena at tropic temperatures.

Prediction: Heat def. Spurs (Series tied 1-1)

 

It is hard to stop LeBron when he is angry, scratch that it is impossible to stop LeBron when he is angry. With "crampgate", LeBron has told reporters, fans and even Johnathan Martin that he will be ready for Game 2. And as a young Celtics fan I was in 2012 I knew all too well that when LeBron says he will put on a show, he will put on a show. Lets not forget that Heat are 12-0 in the last 12 playoff games following a loss and expect a 40 point near triple double night for LeBron James as the Heat will tie this series barring any cramps.

More coverage on the series and the upcoming World Cup 2014, follow Shaysport on Twitter!

Link to Cover 3 podcast

httphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk_cLr60lJE

Realistic Possibilities for the January Transfer Window

Why this guy won't be leaving anytime soon

With the January transfer window just a few days away, it seems almost natural to hear media speculation of the leagues biggest superstars changing clubs until said superstar signs a new contract with the club as if nothing ever happened (ex. Luis Suarez). While it was very possible for Suarez to make a move from Anfield, he even wanted to move himself. Now that Liverpool is within a fighting chance with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, there is no reason he would leave unless a super club like Bayern Munich came calling and even then you might have to pay Cavani money if you want to get him.

Diego Costa is also another superstar who is being pegged to move to (insert your favorite club here) and what is crazy about it is he has not said a word about leaving Atletico Madrid. Although there is every reason for a soccer fan to want Costa on their team, the recently declared Spanish international has scored 23 goals in as many games this season and has clearly replaced Radamel Falcao who transferred to Monaco in the summer. The difference between Costa's situation and Falcao's is his predecessor was not tied with Barcelona for first place in La Liga. Why would Costa want to leave to a team who's 7th place (Manchester United) or to other teams in the Premier League which he has to face major competition at striker. Only realistic option in my opinion is Chelsea with their problems at striker but if there is any chance of Diego Costa leaving it will be in the summer.

Now let's get to the players who have a chance of leaving in the transfer window starting with this guy down here:

Angel Di Maria, Midfielder - Real Madrid / Argentina

Playing for Real Madrid might be one of the toughest things to do in sports. No matter how good you are, you always have a chance of getting replaced, ask Iker Casillas. Angel Di Maria has saw his playing time reduce with the record breaking arrival of Welshman Gareth Bale and in a World Cup year might have to take drastic measures in finding a new club just like Mesut Ozil, Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Callejon before him. Di Maria is an good dribbler and excellent crosser of the ball, he is extremely versatile; can play on both wings as well as centrally which he does for Argentina. Real Madrid would love to keep him and although Di Maria denied rumors of moving to different clubs, a transfer for him would make a lot more sense.

Julio Cesar, Goalkeeper - Queens Park Rangers / Brazil
Moving to QPR might have been the worst career move in Julio Cesar's life. After getting relegated to the Championship, Julio Cesar's only appearances this season have been for Brazil. His club manager Harry Redknapp has given Julio Cesar permission to leave QPR with rumors of him heading back home in Brazil. I can be 99 percent certain that Julio Cesar is leaving January and he has to for Brazil manager Felipao to pick him in the World Cup squad.

Kevin De Bruyne, Midfielder- Chelsea / Belgium
After having a nice early season run for Chelsea, Kevin De Bruyne has been in the doghouse at Stamford Bridge and has been frustrated with his lack of first team appearances and might be on the move January to secure a World Cup place for Belgium. After having a successful loan at Werder Bremen last season, De Bryune might see a move back to the Bundesliga, permanently this time.

Jackson Martinez, Forward - FC Porto / Colombia
Since joining Porto, Jackson Martinez has scored 38 goals in 40 appearances for the Portuguese club. With Porto's elimination for the Champions League and a couple of teams needing strikers, Martinez has a chance to cash in and move to a bigger club. This Colombian is Falcao's strike partner in International play and boasts similar traits, he knows how to sniff out chances and turn them into goals and also is a threat in the air. Borussia Dortmund might be an option here trying to adjust to a future without Robert Lewandowski as well as clubs; Arsenal, Chelsea and Inter among others.

Marc Andre ter Stergen, Goalkeeper - Gladbach / Germany
Some of you might know Marc Andre ter Stergen from this, others might know him as one of the best goalkeepers in the world at just 21 years old. He has been linked to Barcelona forever now, but with Victor Valdes set to leave Barcelona in the summer, the young German international looks certain to head to Camp Nou and be their first choice goalkeeper. Barcelona has also been linked to Thibaut Courtois but there is no chance Jose Mourinho is letting him leave. Barcelona might go for Marc Andre te Stergen in the summer but could land him as early as January.

Ivan Rakitic, Midfielder - Sevilla / Croatia
His name has been circulating through nearly every team in the Premier League and rightfully so as he has been excellent this season for Sevilla creating 7 goals and 6 assists in 15 appearances for the Spanish side. However Sevilla is dealing with a financial crisis and may have to offload players to get out of debt. Sevilla is also sixth in the La Liga a way off from the top four, in order to further progress his career, Rakitic has to move to a bigger club. Because of these reasons, this might be another likely transfer and will provide mutual benefit for both parties. Sevilla sold Alvaro Negredo to Manchester City in the summer, Ivan Rakitic may be on the move as well.

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Christmas Day NBA Preview

Before I get started on this, what is up with the short sleeve shirts? NBA Jerseys suppose to be JERSEYS not v-neck colored T-Shirts with a team logo on them being sold for 109.95. I don't know but that is just me, so while we have this T-shirt festive NBA Christmas there are a load of games to get underway some games are probably not gonna be good as advertised due to injuries(Bulls vs Nets) while others are a showcase of the top western teams (sans Portland) that will most likely be challenging the Heat or Pacers in the NBA Finals. Notice I didn't mention any other Eastern Conference team, notice that. Nonetheless this NBA Christmas T-Shirt Fashion showcase will give you a progress report on how these ten teams are faring. Oh and Merry Christmas.

Chicago Bulls(10-16) vs. Brooklyn Nets(9-18) 12:00 PM EST Barclays Center

This season is not going as advertised for both teams.

Probable Lineups

Bulls

PG: D.J. Augustin SG: Mike Dunleavy SF: Jimmy Butler PF: Carlos Boozer C: Joakim Noah

Key Backups: Kirk Hinrich, Taj Gibson, Tony Snell

Notable Injuries: Derrick Rose (Torn Meniscus), Luol Deng (Achilles)

Nets

PG: Deron Williams SG: Joe Johnson SF: Paul Pierce PF: Kevin Garnett C: Andray Blatche

Key Backups: Jason Terry, Mirza Teletovic, Shaun Livingston, Reggie Evans, Alan Anderson

Notable Injuries: Brook Lopez (Broken Foot)

This playoff rematch was suppose to be better than advertised, unfortunately with a few key injuries it is only fitting this happens to be the first game of the holiday. Chicago will be lucky to have back both Jimmy Butler and Kirk Hinrich as they practiced Tuesday after battling injuries of their own.
The Nets despite losing their leading scorer Brook Lopez for the season is surprisingly in better health than usual with Deron Williams' ankle injuries hopefully behind him as well as Paul Pierce and KG back to a full bill of health. The problem still is the huge decline of Kevin Garnett as he is really looking like a shell of his former self even compared to last year and life would not be made easier going against his former assistant coach Tom Thibodeau and his stifling defense. Paul Pierce had some much needed rest coming off an ejection for a clothesline on Pacers guard George Hill. He will also face a tough task as Jimmy Butler is one of the better perimeter defenders in the NBA. 

Although D.J. Augustin has been solid for the Bulls during the last two games, but at 6'0 183, he is too small to handle the 6'3 210 pound Deron Williams who might be too much to ask Kirk Hinrich to guard coming back from injury. Add to that more depth and home-court advantage, I don't think Jason Kidd wants to be embarrassed in the Barclays Center

Key Matchup: D.J Augustin vs. Deron Williams

Prediction: Nets

Oklahoma City Thunder(22-5) vs. New York Knicks(9-18) 2:30 PM EST Madison Square Garden

This guy will have to step up if New York is to stand a chance.

Probable Lineups

Thunder

PG: Russell Westbrook SG: Thabo Sefolosha SF: Kevin Durant PF: Serge Ibaka C: Kendrick Perkins

Key Backups: Reggie Jackson, Jeremy Lamb, Nick Collison

Notable Injuries: Steven Adams (ankle)

Knicks

PG: Beno Udrih SG: Iman Shumpert SF: Carmelo Anthony* PF:Andrea Bargnani C: Tyson Chandler

Key Backups: J.R. Smith, Tim Hardaway Jr., Cole Aldrich

Notable Injuries: Raymond Felton (Groin), Kenyon Martin (Abdomen), Metta World Peace (Knee), Pablo Prigioni (Broken Toe)

*Game Time Decision (Ankle, may not play)

When Cole Aldrich is labeled as a "key backup" you know you are in trouble. The Knicks injury list is as long as the yellow pages and star player Carmelo Anthony may not play due to popping his ankle against the Orlando Magic on Monday. 

After watching Melo play with a torn labrum in last season's NBA Playoffs I expect him to toughen up and play against OKC, but even a hundred percent Melo won't be enough to stop the 2nd best team in the Western Conference. 

Kevin Durant just keeps getting better as that gap between him and LeBron is getting tighter, Russell Westbrook will cause huge problems for New York's depleted backcourt and Mike Woodson would be crazy if he were to let Beno Udrih get the duties to guard him, but he might not have a choice. Andrea Bargnani hopefully will not make any more mistakes as the Knicks will have to rely on him as he can take Ibaka out of his comfort zone with his shooting range. 

Reggie Jackson and Jeremy Lamb are young athletic guards coming off the bench that would cause more problems for that Knicks defense. This will be an easy win for Oklahoma City in Madison Square Garden.

Key Matchup: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

Prediction: Thunder

Miami Heat (21-6) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (13-15) 5:00 PM EST Staples Center

Kobe Bryant will miss Christmas Day for the first time since 1997.

Probable Lineups

Heat

PG: Mario Chalmers SG: Dwayne Wade SF: LeBron James PF: Shane Battier C: Chris Bosh

Key Backups: Michael Beasley, Norris Cole, Ray Allen, Chris "Birdman" Andersen

Notable Injuries: None

Lakers:

PG: Jordan Farmar SG: Jodie Meeks SF: Wesley Johnson PF: Shawne Williams C: Pau Gasol

Key Backups: Xavier Henry, Nick Young, Chris Kaman, Jordan Hill

Notable Injuries: Kobe Bryant (Knee), Steve Blake (Elbow), Steve Nash (back)

If only Kobe decided to make his comeback for Christmas.Some can argue that the Lakers have been better off without Kobe with coach Mike D'Antoni seemingly to finally have this Los Angeles team to play the way he wants to. 

For any non-Kobe obsesser, you have to love this team, its full of former NBA rejects and underachievers forming a squad that is just only three games away from playoff contention (over .500 before Kobe came back). Jodie Meeks, Xavier Henry and Nick Young can flat out score and if Lakers are to keep this game close they will have to provide most of the perimeter scoring. While declining Pau Gasol is still the best player on this team and needs to play that way. Jordan Farmar comes back for Christmas after nursing a torn hamstring but will be used in limited minutes. 

Wesley Johnson should be starting solely for the purpose of guarding LeBron, Dwayne Wade rested against the Atlanta Hawks and should be fully fit for Christmas. Chris Bosh will of course be a big factor as well. Heat will win this one although I have the Lakers making this game closer than we think.

Key Matchup: Chris Bosh vs. Pau Gasol

Prediction: Heat

Houston Rockets (18-11) vs. San Antonio Spurs (22-6) 8:00 PM EST AT&T Center

Is The Beard going to play?

Probable Lineups

Rockets

PG: Jeremy Lin SG: James Harden* SF: Chandler Parsons PF: Terrance Jones C: Dwight Howard

Key Backups: Aaron Brooks, Francisco Garcia, Omri Casspi

Notable Injuries: Omer Asik (thigh), Patrick Beverley (hand), Greg Smith (knee)

*Game Time Decision (ankle)

Spurs

PG: Tony Parker SG: Danny Green SF: Kawhi Leonard PF: Boris Diaw C: Tim Duncan

Key Backups: Manu Ginobili, Tiago Splitter, Marco Belinelli, Patty Mills

Notable Injuries: None

The state of Texas is not big enough for the two of them and this can be a possible Western Conference Final preview. Ankle injuries are spreading around like a disease and James Harden is hoping to play battling with one. James Harden would make a huge difference but his ankle will limit one of his biggest strengths and that is his dribble penetration.

 Have no fear Houston Jeremy Lin can provide that coming off a 20 point game against Dallas. All eyes will be on Dwight Howard if James Harden is limited and how would he perform against the NBA Finals runner ups with everyone watching? 

A clean bill of health for San Antonio and a plethora of three point shooters would be too much for Houston to handle. The key match-up will come down to utility men Chandler Parsons and Kawhi Leonard and what extra work would these two up and coming players will provide for their respective teams.

Key Match-up Chandler Parsons vs. Kawhi Leonard

Prediction: Spurs

Los Angeles Clippers (20-9) vs. Golden State Warriors (16-13) 10:30 PM EST ORACLE Arena

Who will win this brawl?

Probable Lineups

Clippers

PG: Chris Paul SG: Jamal Crawford SF: Jared Dudley PF: Blake Griffin C: DeAndre Jordan

Key Backups: Darren Collison, Matt Barnes, Willie Green

Notable Injuries: J.J. Redick (wrist)

Warriors

PG: Stephen Curry SG: Klay Thompson SF: Andre Igoudala PF: David Lee C: Andrew Bogut

Key Backups: Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green, Marresse Speights, Toney Douglas

Notable Injuries: Jermaine O'Neal (wrist)

Last time these two teams fought, Chris Paul put the team on his back and scored 42 points while also dishing 15 assists in a 126-115 win. 

Now these two teams meet in Oakland at the ORACLE Arena and the crazed Golden State crowd will not allow the Clips to steal one on the road. Oh and let me introduce you if you have not met them already, meet the Splash Brothers; Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson both of whom combined for 175 threes so far and is possibly the best shooting backcourt in NBA history. 

Clippers will be missing their hit-man J.J Redick for this three point shooting party and with Jamal Crawford starting at the two guard makes them thinner in the second team. 

The match-up of David Lee and Blake Griffin is interesting and don't be surprised if a flagrant foul or two is called. How much will defensive anchors DeAndre Jordan and Andrew Bogut affect this game. 

So many intriguing match-ups in this game but ultimately it comes down to Chris Paul and Steph Curry. The Warriors are one of the strongest home teams at 9-4 and will have a chip on their shoulder for what I feel would be the game of Christmas. 

Key Match-up Chris Paul vs. Steph Curry

Prediction: Warriors