November 9 Games
MIL @ WAS: We have been trashing the Bucks’ frontcourt, particularly the apathetic Samuel Dalembert and a strangely meek Ersan Ilyasova, but a game in the nation’s capital could be the tonic they need. Kevin Seraphin has been the best big man for the Wizards — it’s certainly not Emeka Okafor — and we could see more of Martell Webster at SF, as Trevor Ariza has been disappointing. Ultimately it’s the guard play that should decide this game, and that’s were Milwaukee shines; big nights from Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings are quite likely. Keep an eye on rookie John Henson, whose training camp was ruined by a knee sprain.
DAL @ NYK: It’s the battle of the backups, as both teams have injuries to key players. The new guard combo (Darren Collison and O.J. Mayo) has helped the Mavs get off to a 4-1 start without Dirk Nowitzki, while the Knicks are playing small-ball in the absence of Amare Stoudemire. They have been using Carmelo Anthony at PF, Ronnie Brewer at SF and Jason Kidd at SG; Melo will need a huge game tonight if they are to remain unbeaten. Rookie Jae Crowder will get another start for Dallas in place of Shawn Marion (knee) whose return date is uncertain.
BRK @ ORL: The Nets don’t expect to have Gerald Wallace (ankle) in the lineup. The Magic may again be without PG Jameer Nelson (hamstring), but E’Twaun Moore has looked good filling in. Both teams got thumped in their most recent game; Glen Davis and Nikola Vucevic were actually benched. Just as we were writing off Kris Humphries, he put up a double-double in a blowout loss to the Heat. That could continue at least until Crash returns.
MIA @ ATL: For all the talk about Miami’s big three, and all their scoring prowess, it’s the stifling team defense that has propelled them to a 4-1 start, so don’t load up on Hawks in your daily leagues. Last game, Atlanta used Zaza Pachulia at C, Al Horford at PF and Josh Smith at SF in a huge front line, but they may want more speed tonight. Sixth men Louis Williams and Ray Allen will be important factors; the Heat’s depth is much improved.
PHI @ BOS: A pair of .500 clubs square off with some lineup questions. Philly is using Lavoy Allen at C, an opportunity for Kevin Garnett to shine. They will probably be without Jason Richardson (ankle) again, with Dorell Wright becoming a starter. The Celtics got very little from Courtney Lee in their latest, but Jason Terry stepped it up off the bench. At PF, the trend has been for Jared Sullinger to start and Brandon Bass to finish; I may have been wrong about Jeff Green being a cinch for Comeback Player of the Year, as his preseason was better than any of his four real games so far.
IND @ MIN: No Danny Granger, no Kevin Love. The Pacers have had more trouble making the adjustment; Sam Young is simply not a starting SF in the NBA and coach Vogel prefers Gerald Green to come off the bench. The matchup at C between Roy Hibbert and Nikola Pekovic favors the Wolves, as Hibbert is shooting a lousy 42.6% through five games. At PF however, David West might take Derrick Williams to school. Luke Ridnour had his best game of the young season on Wednesday (19 PTS) and while Brandon Roy scored just three points, he’s contributing rebounds and assists while adjusting to his limitations.