No game escapes our scrutiny. Every morning, we look at what happened on the court, from a fantasy perspective. Then we guess what might happen next, and who we think might do well. We are sometimes spectacularly wrong, but predictions are hard, especially about the future.
The vast majority of you are in at least one Rotisserie or Head-to-Head league. I’m in a few too many, each different and enjoyable. Compared to long experience at those traditional formats, I’m a novice at daily and weekly leagues. Can’t wait for FanDuel basketball to start, and we have a special tournament there for Sheridan Hoops readers on October 31. It’s a one-day league. Pick your best possible lineup of nine players (without exceeding the $60,000 salary cap) and whoever scores the most fantasy points wins. For more details, click through to Page 4 of this article.
October 20 Games
DAL @ ATL: Let’s not rush to judgement on the Mavs, who are still getting used to the idea of playing without Dirk Nowitzki. The all-new backcourt of Darren Collison (6 PTS) and O.J. Mayo (9) didn’t shoot well, and Elton Brand had to line up at center, because Chris Kaman (calf) was unavailable. Brand shot 1-8 before fouling out in just over 20 minutes; Brandan Wright (9 PTS, 2 BLK) was his backup. Rookie Jae Crowder, who may not even be his listed 6’6”, started at PF, scored 15 points and made 4 steals — a specialty at Marquette.
The Hawks didn’t ride their starters hard; Jeff Teague had the day off so new SG Devin Harris played the point and Al Horford left early with a sore right calf. Their bench was outstanding, particularly rookie PF Mike Scott (17 PTS on 6-6 shooting in 21 minutes) and Ivan Johnson (13 PTS, 7 REB in 20 minutes.) However, Zaza Pachulia didn’t play and Anthony Tolliver, who can stretch the floor, is very much in the frontcourt mix.
SAS @ MIA: If you haven’t watched Nando De Colo play, he’s a lot like Manu Ginobili, with great court sense and fabulous no-look passes. Coincidentally, they both were 1-7 from the floor yesterday. Ginobili is a wily veteran who will be ready when the bell rings; De Colo is a rookie trying to make the team. He will, but in typical Spurs fashion, may not play much his first season. Danny Green (17) and Tim Duncan (15) were the leading scorers for San Antonio; Tony Parker played just 8:40 as Gary Neal (12 points) got some extra run at PG.
Even with LeBron James resting, the Heat prevailed. Ray Allen started at SF in a very small lineup, but it was the second unit, led by a lively Rashard Lewis (15 PTS, 3 3PTM) and an apparently healthy Mike Miller (4-5 from deep) who won the game.
Oops. As one old NBA fan to another, thanks for catching the brain cramp.
I’m sure Chris Sheridan, the former AP writer extraordinaire, would agree; take time to read your copy before hitting the send button.
Lakers coach is Mike Brown; not Mike Scott
Lakers and KIngs played Fri. night in Vegas; tonight they are at the Staples Center.