November 15 Games
BOS @ BRK: What NBA fans lack in quantity tonight, we gain in quality. Rajon Rondo won’t be 100% on that sore ankle, if he does play. That suggests a big night for Deron Williams, whose new backcourt partner Joe Johnson has also been rounding into form. I’d be all over the Nets if Gerald Wallace (ankle) could play, but he’s doubtful again, and Keith Bogans starting against Paul Pierce could be a problem. In the middle, Brook Lopez is fantasy-friendly; you can use him and his opponent most nights.
NYK @ SAS: Unbeaten, untied and untested, the Knicks will be confident, but the Spurs are 7-1, play very well at home and will be psyched to send a message. My hunch is a low-scoring defensive battle. San Antonio has a big edge in depth and can focus it on stopping J.R. Smith, who has been tearing it up, averaging 18 per game as Robin to Carmelo Anthony’s Batman. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan will be critical; Manu Ginobili is off to a slow start with back spasms and other ailments.
MIA@ DEN: The Heat lost in L.A. last night and must cope with high altitude and fatigue this evening. While it’s never wise to bet against LBJ, he’s only human, and the Nuggets have a couple of excellent defenders in Kenneth Faried and Andre Iguodala. Rested and at home, they are the pick, with Ty Lawson capable of a big night, as a fast pace will work to Denver’s advantage.