Corey Maggette has something for ‘Melo

Five matchups to watch on tonight’s NBA schedule…

Philadelphia @ Miami: Elton Brand vs. Michael Beasley
Beasley’s numbers have improved each game as his minutes have increased, culminating in a 25-point, 9-rebound showing in 40-plus minutes against the Bobcats over the weekend. This will be his toughest test to date, however, in terms of the opposing team and the individual matchup with Brand.

San Antonio @ Minnesota: Tim Duncan vs. Al Jefferson
The Spurs need a win ASAP, and this is their best bet to get one. Jefferson has been carrying the Wolves at 19.7 points and 11.7 boards per night, but he’s got a pissed-off Duncan on his hands tonight. You should also see Kevin Love get his first dose of Duncan for a few possessions.

Denver @ Golden State: Carmelo Anthony vs. Corey Maggette
‘Melo says he’s trying to drop 44 tonight in honor of Barack Obama becoming America’s 44th president. Corey Maggette will try to drop 44 because he’s Corey Maggette.

Detroit @ Toronto: Allen Iverson vs. ‘Sheed, Rip & Tayshaun
The underrated element of the Iverson/Billups trade is how the Pistons vets will take to having their long-standing clique broken up and include A.I. into the mix. Everyone involved is a veteran and wants a championship more than anything else (especially Iverson), but the initial few games will be a getting-used-to process.

L.A. Clippers @ L.A. Lakers: Marcus Camby & Chris Kaman vs. Andrew Bynum & Pau Gasol
It says here that Bynum and Gasol are the best big-man combo in the League, but except for the five minutes that Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge shared Portland’s frontcourt, they have yet to really put that claim on the line. Camby posted a solid stat line of five points, nine boards and three blocks in just 27 minutes in his Clippers’ debut against the Jazz, but he was also on the court when Paul Millsap completely dominated L.A.’s bigs during Utah’s decisive fourth-quarter run. Bynum has struggled in the Lakers’ first few games, while Kaman and Gasol are both averaging double-doubles.