CLE @ OKC: For a guy with a sore shoulder, Russell Westbrook looked pretty good — 27 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Kevin Durant added 26 and Serge Ibaka blocked seven shots. The Cavs have apparently soured on C.J. Miles (DNP-CD) which was good news for Daniel Gibson (16 PTS off the bench) but Boobie was -24 and Kevin Martin +25, so the Cleveland second unit is still a problem.
November 11 Games
UTA @ TOR: Without their leader Kyle Lowry (ankle) the Raptors aren’t much of a threat. Lowry is doubtful, as he has yet to practice, but a decision will be made at shootaround, so at least he’s getting closer to a return.
Jose Calderon is doing fine at PG (14 PTS and 11 AST last game) while getting Andrea Bargnani more involved, but the reserves are floundering. Journeyman Alan Anderson is the new starting SF (Landry Fields has a sore hand but seemed about to lose the job for ineffective play anyway) and Linas Kleiza looked lost in his first game back from a personal leave.
The Jazz are no cinch, as Mo Williams (adductor) may miss another game, leaving Jamaal Tinsley at the point. Big Al Jefferson is likely to show a few new moves to rookie Jonas Valanciunas, who is also being ‘initiated’ by NBA referees with quick whistles.
MIL @ PHI: If one of the ‘real’ NBA reporters could explain why Scott Skiles hates Drew Gooden, I’d be grateful. The only Milwaukee big man having a good season is Larry Sanders, yet Gooden (who was great last year) has yet to see the court. The Sixers have barely missed Andrew Bynum (knee), playing terrific team defense and scoring enough to win four of six games. Jrue Holiday is averaging five more points and five more assists per game than he did last year.
OKC @ DET: The Pistons are at home and rested, the Thunder played last night. That might make this closer than it would be in other circumstances. Detroit lost by ‘only’ 11 in OKC on Friday and are desperate for their first win of the season. Not saying it will happen, just that they will put up a fight. Andre Drummond had his best game as a pro the last time they met, if you’re looking for a hunch play in our FanDuel tournament.