MIN @ POR: Kevin Love with a sore hand is still pretty good (24 PTS, 14 REB, 3 STL) and Nikola Pekovic (18 PTS, 10 REB) looked better in his second game nack from an ankle injury, but the Minnesota guards were run out of the gym. Damian Lillard was brilliant (again) with 28 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds and a block; the best stat was zero turnovers. SG Wesley Matthews exploded for a season-high 30, with 4 STL for good measure. Between them, the Blazers’ backcourt hit nine 3-pointers and shot 23-for-34; it was timely, as LaMarcus Aldridge (13) fouled out
November 24 Games
LAC @ ATL: The Hawks won fairly easily last night and should be feeling pretty good about themselves. The Clippers lost a frustrating game in Brooklyn. Whether they can bounce back is the question; I’d guess they will be fairly intense. Atlanta needs more from Josh Smith, who has scored 20 points only once in ten games. If he can keep Blake Griffin somewhat under control, that would help.
OKC @ PHI: After an all-out effort in Boston fell short, the Thunder face another strong defensive team 24 hours later. Rested and at home, the Sixers have a great opportunity. Jrue Holiday, enjoying a breakout season, will need his very best against Westbrook, but the team lacks scoring punch and is especially thin up front. If Serge Ibaka (17 PTS, 13 REB, 2 BLK last night) can repeat that effort, OKC can take a close, low-scoring affair.
CHA @ WAS: The best chance yet for the Wizards to get a W. Charlotte gave all they had at home last night and fatigue is likely to be a factor, along with disappointment. For Washington, Nene is expected to play (on a limit of about 20 minutes) and Kevin Seraphin matches up well against the Bobcats frontcourt. A good game by PG Shaun Livingston, who took over from A.J. Price recently, might get the job done.
UTA @ SAC: This is an old-fashioned home-and-home, the Kings presumably motivated for the spilt, but you never know. A repeat of last night’s sloppy game seems likely; it’s guesswork to highlight any individuals. Tyreke Evans has been much better lately with the ball in his hands, but DeMarcus Cousins has yet to hit his best stride.