CHA @ MIN: It’s there for all to see. The Bobcats are 4-3, on a 3-game winning streak, and won a road game. Before we get too excited, consider that Greg Stiemsma (one point in 21:31) started at C for the T-Wolves with Nikola Pekovic (ankle) out, and Malcolm Lee, fifth-string on the healthy depth chart, started at SG (10 PTS in 35:22) so the result was hardly a surprise. Kemba Walker (22) and Ramon Sessions (18) led the way as Ben Gordon (personal) missed another game. Andrei Kirilenko (26 points, 12 reb) keyed a spirited comeback that fell just short.
WAS @ DAL: Another result that appears closer than it was. The Dallas starters outscored their opposite numbers 70-38 and the Wizards didn’t get ‘rolling’ until garbage time. Chris Kaman (23 PTS, 8 REB) looked great at C but Brandan Wright picked up a surprise DNP-CD. Dahntay Jones started at SF, with Jae Crowder scoring 12 points off the bench; Shawn Marion (knee) may return soon to knock one of them right out of the rotation.
IND @ MIL: At first glance, losing by 14 on the road isn’t so bad, but the Bucks were up by 26 at halftime and the Pacers should be ashamed. Tyler Hansbrough (17) and Gerald Green (13) made the final score more respectable in garbage time, as Milwaukee dusted off the likes of Joel Przybilla — still no sign of Drew Gooden, though. It was an ugly loss by a team that may have quit on its coach. The ever-loyal Indiana fans may express their displeasure tonight.
NOH @ HOU: As often happens, I got the game ‘right’ but missed on the players. Anthony Davis (8 PTS, 4 REB, 3 BLK) was relatively quiet, Greivis Vasquez (24 PTS, 9 AST) was brilliant and Al-Farouq Aminu (14 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK) continues to play well, but the Hornets fell short. James Harden scored 30 despite missing 6 of 7 attempts from deep, and Omer Asik had what has already become a typical night: 15 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Jeremy Lin (4 PTS) wasn’t very good and Toney Douglas (12 PTS in 16:36) may be on the verge of a larger role.
CHI @ PHO: It went to overtime, thanks to a spirited fourth-quarter comeback by the Suns, but the Bulls prevailed. Carlos Boozer (28 PTS, 14 REB) was unstoppable, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah added 21 apiece, and while Kirk Hinrich (hip) scored just three points, he had 7 assists and managed to play 27 minutes. Luis Scola led Phoenix with 24 points and 14 boards, but he needs much more help from Michael Beasley (12) and Jared Dudley (5) who have been disappointing to their fantasy owners more often than not.
ATL @ GSW: A nasty flu bug continues to plague the Hawks. Al Horford was unable to answer the bell, and who knows how healthy Josh Smith (16 PTS, 10 REB) was? Louis Williams (18 PTS, 6 AST) had also been under the weather, and the Warriors took advantage. Rookie Harrison Barnes had his best game as a pro, scoring 19 and grabbing 13 rebounds in 40 minutes of action, while David Lee (18 PTS, 10 REB) double-doubled. Atlanta got a solid effort from Ivan Johnson (15 on 7-8 shooting) but he’s no Horford.