11:08 AM ET  12.17 |         For those of you in the Northeast who just got slammed by those snow storms over the weekend, I have a few words of wisdom for you:          

• - get used to it, she's going to be a doozy this year
• - Cleveland and Buffalo fans respectively: get some Vitamin C and chicken soup into you, you will probably need it.
• - For the rest of you, if the car is stuck and you can't seem to get into work...have no fear, I've come up with a list of must-watch sports this week for your hibernating pleasure.

Mon, Dec 17^th

            Orlando Magic @ Dallas Mavericks (FSN-SW)

             Both teams come into tonight's game sporting similar streaks, just going in opposite directions, with the Magic losing 4 out of their last 5 games, and the Mavs winning 4 out of their last 5 games. It will be interesting to see if the Magic can rebound after hitting their first big slump of the season. Dwight Horward continues his tear through the league, but if the Magic can't play defense against the red-hot Mavs it won't mean anything at all.

            Phoenix Suns @ San Antonio Spurs (NBATV)

            Ah yes, another installment of Suns vs. Spurs. For the first time since last years exciting Western Conference semifinals match up these two teams will square off in what is undoubtedly a preview of this years playoffs. Phoenix is in a mini-slump and will look to break out of it against the Parker-less Spurs. Manu Ginobili has been picking up the slack for the injured Parker, and will need to keep it up in order for the Spurs to keep rolling. Look for the Spurs to try and slow down the attack of Phoenix, hoping to frustrate them defensively and get to the line offensively.

Tues, Dec 18^th

            Anaheim Ducks @ San Jose Sharks (FSN-W)

            After San Jose's thrilling shoot-out victory of the Ducks last night, a rematch two nights later is perfect. Nabokov and Giguere were both lights out last night, and look to continue their strong play. Throw in the fact that Doug Weight and Scotty Niedermayer should be rounding into form and you've got yourself a darn good hockey game, I just hope you can stay up late enough to watch it.

Wed, Dec 19^th

            Detroit Pistons @ Boston Celtics (ESPN)

            The beasts of the East square off in what could be a playoff preview Wednesday night on ESPN. Boston boasts the best record in the NBA and has won 9 games in a row after a 90-77 dismantling of the Raptors on Sunday.       Detroit seems to have found its game again, and is back to playing the type of defense that won them championships. Boston's defense isn't bad either; the best in the league actually...should be a slobber-knocker of a game.

            Phoenix Suns @ Dallas Mavericks (ESPN)

            I just can't get enough of these Western Conference showdowns. In ESPN's second game of the double-header we get Nash vs. Nowitzki round 177. Not much to say here that you don't know already, so sit down, relax, and enjoy. Oh and after watching the previous game, I would like to introduce you to the 3-point basket.

Thurs, Dec 20^th

            Pittsburgh Steelers @ St. Louis Rams (NFL Network)

            This one will be interesting to watch if only to see how Pittsburgh responds after being manhandled by Jacksonville yesterday. The Jaguars went into Heinz field yesterday and put up over 200 yards rushing on the Steeler defense, the best in football. You just don't do that against Mike Tomlin's team, and he can't be too happy about it. Steven Jackson is healthy again, and will look to do what Fred Taylor yesterday. I don't think the Steelers will let him, but we will see.

Fri, Dec 21^st

            Chicago Bulls @ Boston Celtics (ESPN)

            A match up of two teams that aren't where they are supposed to be right now in the standings. Chicago had high expectations coming into the season and have stumbled to a slow start. Boston wasn't supposed to be this good, and have the best record in the NBA. Plus, Garnett versus Big Ben Wallace...nuff' said.

Sun, Dec 23^rd

            Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints (FOX)

            New Orleans is playing for their playoff lives when they host the Eagles Sunday afternoon. The home crowd will look to give their team a boost, with New Orleans needing to win out in order to have a shot at the post-season. With a lot of playoff berths looking like they're sewn up, it would be nice to have some sort of race in order to make these last few weeks meaningful. If the Saints win, then we just may have one.

            Washington Redskins @ Minnesota Vikings (NBC)

            Minnesota is another team that is fighting for an NFC wild-card spot, and they host a Washington team that is feeling pretty good about themselves after smacking around the Giants last night. Minnesota was left for dead a few weeks into the season, but now have come roaring back on the heels of strong play by Adrian Peterson, Tarvaris Jackson, and their defense. Washington isn't out of the playoff picture yet either, and need to win out and get some help in order to make the post-season. This is easily the best game of Week 16, and a no-brainer for NBC to pull from the afternoon slate and into primetime.

           

            There you have it sports fans, your essential guide for the week. So put down those snow shovels, grab a mug of hot cocoa, and park your rear on the coach. And if little Timmy wants you to play with him in the snow, tell him to screw off, Daddy's watching the basketball game.