Tuesday

Sonics at Lakers, 7:30 p.m., FSN. Kobe Bryant is out with an injury, but Caron Butler and Lamar Odom still make Los Angeles a feisty opponent. Something about the Lakers brings out the best in Ray Allen, who averaged 25.5 points against them last season.

Wednesday

Denver at Detroit, 4:30 p.m., NBA TV: Carmelo Anthony gets a chance to prove to coach Larry Brown that he should have played more in Olympics.

Thursday

Sacramento at San Antonio, 6:30 p.m., TNT. The Kings have eight new players and still they're the hottest team in the NBA. They'll face their stiffest test in Tim Duncan and the Spurs.

Friday

Cleveland at New York, 4 p.m., ESPN. Expect LeBron James to light up Broadway and the Knicks.