CLE @ MIA: The Florida doubleheader is always a tough trip; a tired group of Cavaliers will be no match for Miami tonight. Ray Allen was on the floor with the Big Three at the end of Wednesday’s win, which will be bad news for Mario Chalmers owners if it continues. Dwyane Wade was having migraine issues at practice yesterday, but has a way of answering the bell at less than 100%.
CHI @ MIL: Was John Henson a complete surprise? Not really; I drafted him back on October 2. Can he do it again? It was a ‘perfect storm’ of Ersan Ilyasova’s miserable start, Larry Sanders getting ejected and the Heat playing small that led to Henson’s 18-rebound, 17-point performance. He probably won’t get 27 minutes every night, but here’s hoping. Monta Ellis is the most consistent Buck and Brandon Jennings is capable of huge nights; they match up well against the depleted Bulls’ backcourt, but Chicago’s big men could dominate.
LAL @ DAL: Off the difficult loss in Memphis last night, against a rested rival at home, the Lakers are in big trouble. New coach Mike D’Antoni isn’t a miracle worker, and Darius Morris isn’t his idea of a starting PG. Darren Collison has a decided edge in that spot. The Mavericks aren’t very good up front without Dirk Nowitzki, but it remains to be seen if L.A. can exploit that weakness. Elton Brand lost his starting PF job to Troy Murphy last game; both — along with Chris Kaman — will be important tonight.
MIN @ GSW: This is a test of stamina for a few Timberwolves who returned recently from injuries. Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic will be tired, but they are critical to their team’s chances . It’s a back-to-back for the Warriors too, with home-court advantage often a tonic for fatigue. Stephen Curry should bounce back, which means Jarrett Jack will find it hard to repeat his 17-point effort.
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