TheSpread.com

Feeling Pretty Good

Fresh off a 4-1 western road swing, the Orlando Magic are feeling pretty good about themselves as they head into a game with the Indiana Pacers. They felt similarly one year ago - right before their fast start hit a major skid.

Orlando (16-4) looks for its seventh win in eight games as it returns home to face the Pacers on Friday night in a matchup of the top scoring clubs in the Eastern Conference.

Opposite Directions

Before this season began, the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls were both expected to contend for the Central Division crown and Eastern Conference supremacy.

Only one of them is making it happen.

The Central-leading Pistons look to extend their season-high winning steak to six games and avenge an earlier loss to the last-place Bulls when they meet Friday at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Heat Skidding

The Miami Heat hoped Dwyane Wade's return would mark the 2006 NBA champions' return to glory. So far, it hasn't gotten them very far.

Wade and the Heat look to snap a three-game losing streak on Thursday when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers.

Starting to Show Life

The Atlanta Hawks have been in rebuilding mode for nine years, but they're finally starting to show some life. It seems the Minnesota Timberwolves might have a long wait ahead of them, as well.

In the midst of a three-game homestand, the Hawks look to win their fourth straight against the lowly Timberwolves when the teams conclude their season series Thursday night.

Nuggets Head to Dallas

One of the many signature performances of Allen Iverson's remarkable career wasn't enough to get Denver a win on Wednesday.

One night later, the Nuggets are hoping that Iverson can help them end their struggles in Dallas when they visit the Mavericks.