DEN @ HOU: Off a fairly easy win at home last night, the Nuggets may have momentum. Of course, the Rockets and James Harden are off to a surprisingly great start that could continue. My prediction is a high-scoring affair with decent numbers for everyone. There are several good options for daily league plays, including Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik.
TOR @ DAL: After getting waxed last night in Oklahoma and losing their heart and soul to a sprained ankle, the Raptors will be exhausted. Until Lowry returns, Jose Calderon starts at PG with John Lucas III coming off the bench. The Mavs have their own injury issues, but an extra day of rest and the spectacular recent play of O.J. Mayo make them an easy pick tonight.
PHI @ NOH: Stud rookie Anthony Davis is still sidelined with a mild concussion and his coach Monty Williams, a dinosaur for even thinking it, is a complete idiot for complaining in public that the NBA won’t let him risk the player’s health. Ryan Anderson is expected to start at PF. Sixers SG Jason Richardson (ankle) is also upset with the league about cameramen being too close to the court; Dorell Wright will start in his place and Nick Young will get extra run.
LAL @ UTA: Steve Nash (hairline fracture of the fibula) is out and Steve Blake is in. The Lakers are not yet the juggernaut many predicted, but they did trounce Detroit last game and may be ready for this sterner test. We know Kobe Bryant is still sore — he skipped practice yesterday — so Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol will need to be at their best. With very little recognition, Mo Williams has been great for Utah.
DET @ SAC: It’s a tough Western road trip for the Pistons. Not that Sacramento is a powerhouse — far from it — but the Kings are at home, rested and coming off a morale-boosting victory. The battle up front between Monroe and DeMarcus Cousins is the focal point, but I’m giving this one a pass.
CLE @ GSW: After getting rave reviews for his play against Chris Paul on Monday, Kyrie Irving leads his team into another winnable road game. Anderson Varejao has been great, with 15 or more rebounds in three of the Cavs’ four games. It looked like rookie Tyler Zeller might be on the verge of cutting into the minutes of struggling PF Tristan Thompson, but Zeller took a nasty elbow to the head in L.A. and may sit this one out.
SAS @ LAC: This should be fun. The unbeaten Spurs try to stay that way, the .500 Clippers will be primed to stop them. As ever, we can only guess what lineup surprises Gregg Popovich will spring, but it’s safe to say Tony Parker and Tim Duncan will be the keys. Blake Griffin continues to play with a tender elbow that has to be be affecting his rebounding and scoring numbers.