CLE @ PHI: We liked Jrue Holiday (14 PTS, 9 AST) in yesterday’s preview and Kyrie Irving (9 PTS, 5 TO) is clearly affected by his sore left hand. Evan Turner had a big night for the Sixers, with 20 points, 6 rebounds and a career-high 9 assists. Jason Richardson added 12 points and 9 boards, but my hunch Thaddeus Young was quiet, as Spencer Hawes (14 PTS, 9 REB, 4 BLK) was the best Philly big man. For the Cavs, Anderson Varejao (14 PTS, 15 REB) and Tristan Thompson (14 PTS, 13 REB) both double-doubled; it was poor guard play (Dion Waiters was 2-13) and a thin bench that did them in.
BRK @ SAC: As expected, DeMarcus Cousins scored 29 points in a losing cause. Tyreke Evans (21 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK) woke from his slumber but the Kings are an absolute mess. New starting PG Aaron Brooks played just 18:00, scored four points and failed to register an assist, while new starting SF John Salmons (2 PTS, 5 REB in 27:45) was almost invisible. It’s not as if the second unit became great with the demotions of Isaiah Thomas and James Johnson; they were outscored 52-26 by the Nets reserves. Andray Blatche hadd 22 points on 11-12 shooting in 20 minutes and C.J. Watson (13 PTS) went 3-4 from deep. Gerald Wallace played 24:30 without re-injuring his ankle; Deron Williams had a double-double (14 PTS, 12 AST, 5 REB) despite a few more scrapes and bruises.
GSW @ OKC: The Warriors never gave up, but were never really in it. David Lee and Stephen Curry were good to own, but Klay Thompson is in a slump (4 PTS; just 23 in his last three games) and Festus Ezeli is overmatched. For the Thunder, Russell Westbrook had his best game of the year, Kevin Durant had his first career triple-double (25 PTS, 13 REB, 10 AST) and Kevin Martin is in a groove (23 PTS, five 3-pointers) as the sixth man.
CHI @ POR: The rested Blazers had six players in double figures; Ronnie Price scored ten off the bench and was +18. Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews led the way with 21 apiece, Damian Lillard had a relatively quiet 16 and LaMarcus Aldridge (18 PTS, 13 REB) was solid up front. For the Bulls, Carlos Boozer disappeared (4 points in 22 minutes) and you have to give LMA some credit. Nate Robinson (18 PTS in 19:06) sparked a late rally that fell short.
November 19 Games
IND @ WAS: The only winless team in the Association hosts another of its underachievers in a game you couldn’t pay me to watch. Superior talent at four positions makes the Pacers seem ‘certain’ to win (Jordan Crawford deserves the edge over Lance Stephenson) but I still can’t use any of them with confidence. The theory that makes the most sense is that the players have stopped trying for coach Frank Vogel. If the Wizards spring the upset, I will not be shocked.
GSW @ DAL: Last night in Oklahoma City, Carl Landry and Jarrett Jack helped spark a comeback attempt, and rookie Draymond Green played 25 minutes. It’s a shame Andrew Bogut isn’t healthy, as only the big hole in the middle prevents the Warriors from being pretty good. Dallas should be able to find Chris Kaman in close and O.J. Mayo everywhere else; they are deserving favorites.