MIA@ DEN: Yesterday in this space I said, “…it’s never wise to bet against LBJ,” then did it anyway. LeBron James scored 27 points, dished out a dozen assists, grabbed seven boards and blocked three shots — not a bad line at high altitude in the second of back-to-back games.
Without Dwyane Wade (foot) and after losing Mario Chalmers to a triceps injury midway through the first quarter, the Heat got 18 points from Shane Battier, who hit six of seven 3-point attempts. Mike Miller (12 PTS, 5 REB) got the start for Wade, and Norris Cole (7 PTS) played almost 39 minutes.
It was a horrible night for Ty Lawson, who missed all seven shots and never got to the free-throw line. Andre Iguodala was quiet (10 points, 6 rebounds) and the Nuggets’ two leading scorers came off the bench. Andre Miller (19 PTS, 7 AST, 5 REB) had his best game of the season and JaVale McGee (18 PTS, 6 REB, 4 BLK) was very sharp. Kenneth Faried grabbed a whopping 20 boards — 11 OREB — but shot just 5-for-16 from the floor and 6-for-10 from the line.
November 16 Games
DAL @ IND: Coming off a pair of ugly losses, the Pacers try to regroup at home. It’s not just the absence of Danny Granger (knee) and their inability to replace his versatility. Roy Hibbert is sleepwalking out there; can’t hit a layup (38.6%) or a free throw (40%) and has misplaced his confidence, desire or both. George Hill missed 9 of 10 shots in the latest debacle, as only Tyler Hansbrough and Gerald Green seemed to care. The Mavs have problems of their own; Dahntay Jones started the last game at SF with Shawn Marion (knee) still out, and Brandan Wright got a surprise DNP-CD. I like Darren Collison to be inspired this evening against his former team, and Chris Kaman to take advantage of Hibbert’s slump. O.J. Mayo is having a career year; ride the hot hand.
UTA @ PHI: This is one of those nights where the Sixers will really miss Andrew Bynum (knee) as Lavoy Allen and/or Kwame Brown must try to stop Al Jefferson. Also red-hot for the Jazz is Paul Millsap, who can pound it inside but has impressed with his shooting range all the way out past the 3-point line. Millsap shifts to SF at times when Derrick Favors is on the floor to make Utah even bigger up front. Thaddeus Young will have his hands full; the only matchup I really like for Philly is Jrue Holiday vs. a banged-up Mo Williams.
ORL@ DET: The Pistons just won their first game of the year on the road, now they can make it two in a row. Greg Monroe is a beast, and the Magic has nobody capable of handling him at either end of the floor. Detroit has a lot more depth all of a sudden. Rodney Stuckey (flu) should be back, but in his absence rookie Kyle Singler was very impressive in his first career start. Don’t overlook Corey Maggette, who returned from a calf injury and would have had a nicer line if not for a couple of offensive fouls. For Orlando, Jameer Nelson is expected to return from his assortment of injuries, bumping E’Twaun Moore to sixth man, but Glen Davis has cooled off. Rookie Moe Harkless is one to keep an eye on; he had 10 PTS, 7 REB and 4 BLK in 19 minutes last game.