CLE @ PHI: Kyrie Irving has a bruised left index finger, but is expected to play. His opposite number Jrue Holiday has been carrying the Sixers, with Jason Richardson adding 20 points in two of his three starts since returning from injury. I have a hunch that Thaddeus Young is due for a big game; he had 14 points, 8 boards and was +24 vs. the Jazz, and the Cavs aren’t nearly as tough at PF, where Tristan Thompson is still maturing.
BRK @ SAC: Here it is, DeMarcus Cousins owners. Boogie’s first chance to put up huge numbers comes against Brook Lopez, whose fantasy value exceeds his defensive prowess. That doesn’t mean the Kings have a chance; Deron Williams can carve up either opposing PG and Joe Johnson is becoming more of a factor each game. Gerald Wallace (ankle) made it through practice yesterday and should return either today or Tuesday. Apart from DMC and sixth man Marcus Thornton, we can’t recommend any Sacramento player, but use all your Nets.
GSW @ OKC: Fresh off a road win against the injury-riddled T-Wolves, the Warriors face a much sterner test tonight. David Lee might do OK, but rookie Harrison Barnes is no match for Kevin Durant (who is?) and the Thunder is just too strong. As a Kevin Martin owner in multiple leagues, I was unhappy with the trade that turned him from #1 option in Houston to sixth man in OKC. A 27-point explosion with six 3-pointers in his latest was welcome after a couple of quiet games.
BOS @ DET: After a win yesterday on cruise control, Boston hits the road but shouldn’t be too tired. KG is rested, Rondo’s ankle sprain wasn’t too severe and the bench is contributing. The new Pistons lineup has rookie Kyle Singler at SG, with Rodney Stuckey backing up both guard spots. Stuckey may not have been 100% the other night after a bout with the flu, so it’s too soon to know if the change will help him or the team. Jeff Nichols looked at the situation in more depth yesterday.
CHI @ POR: Nothing the Bulls did last night suggests they will bounce back 24 hours later against the rested Blazers, whose starting five is terrific. Nicolas Batum is having the breakout campaign many of us have been waiting for, and rookie Damian Lillard is dynamite. The huge minutes they play, along with LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews, could eventually be a concern, as rookie Meyers Leonard is the only decent bench option.
HOU @ LAL: The nightcap will be interesting, with Mike D’Antoni expected on the bench and the Lakers that much more committed to his offensive schemes. Showtime won’t really kick into high gear until injured Steve Nash returns; temporary PG Darius Morris won’t handle the ball as much as Kobe Bryant. The Rockets have surprised a lot of people, being competitive even in their losses with a completely revamped roster. James Harden vs. Mamba will be exciting, and Omer Asik vs. Dwight Howard isn’t as one-sided as their reputations make it sound.
The Fantasy Spin is here seven days a week, by 9:00 a.m. EST. Follow us on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates and some great roster advice from Jeff Nichols, whose weekly preview column is a must-read. My FanDuel Diary now has its own page; check it out for the latest on daily fantasy leagues.