The Kerfuffle at the Key

As referenced by our eagle-eyed readers in the comments section, Danny Fortson has been suspended for two games.

It would have been nice to have Da Fort against the Suns, but, in all honesty, I don't think the Sonics will miss him too much. While I still believe he's going to be a key member of the team come playoff time, Collison's improvement and the up-tempo game the Suns always play add up to a night when Fort isn't that important for Seattle. Just in case you're wondering, I'm still picking the Sonics to cover the spread.

Game Night: Sundown

"I shall crush your beloved Sonics, Nussbaum, and then YOU!"

One night after a classic fight with the Kings, the Sonics travel to Phoenix to battle the Suns. At 9.5 point favorites, this is a chance for ALL of us to make some good money. Phoenix is below .500 against the spread at home, and the Sonics cover almost 60% of the time on the road.

Money business aside, this should be a great game. Two teams who want to prove their worth with everyone healthy. In their previous matchup, the Suns' starters all went for double figures, while the bench contributed all of 7 points. Nick Collison has come on since that time (he only played 2 minutes in December against the Suns), so even if Fortson gets suspended, Collison will help pick up the slack.

Good Sign: Karl Malone has retired! Let the celebration begin!
Bad Sing: Nash v Ridnour is not a matchup I relish.

Spread: Suns by 9.5
Predication: Suns 115 - Sonics 110
Record Against the Spread: 14-9

Game Night: Kings of the Road

"Play nice, or I'll throw my headband and cry!"

Great quote in the PI today from Jerome James, referring to how often opponents get angry with Reggie Evans and his brand of defense/rebounding.

"It happens all the time," Sonics center Jerome James said. "Hell, we get pissed off at Reggie in practice."

Great stuff. Well, the Kings have all sorts of reasons to be angry at the Sonics, not the least of which is Evans, who angered Sacto's Brad Miller to no end in the Seattle win last week.

Peja and C-Webb will be in the lineup, as will Ray Allen, so we've got some bona fide superstars on all sides tonight. We can argue the merits of Webber v Lewis on the all-star team until we're hoarse, and there's no doubt that Webber is the better player, but, hey, since when did the 12 best players make it to the All-Star team anyway?

I'm looking for plenty of points, a mouthy white center, some filthy passing, and the requisite matador defense from both teams. Should be a good time.

Good Sign: The Kings could be so angry over all their perceived insults that they'll forget about playing the game.
Bad Sign: You'd suspect that Sacto will try their damndest to avoid a season sweep from Seattle. Oh yeah, Adelman always freaks me out. He's so aryan-looking, I half-expect him to descend from a zeppelin before the start of each game.

Spread: Sonics by 4
Prediction: Kings 108 - Sonics 102
My Picks This Season: 14-8