CLE @ MEM: The Cavaliers have Jeremy Pargo doing his best to fill in for injured Kyrie Irving (hand) and Anderson Varejao is enjoying a fine season, but that won’t be enough to beat Memphis. I’m hoping Cleveland keeps trying as hard as they did in almost upsetting the Heat, and plan to use as many Grizzlies as I can afford in my FanDuel contests. We can start calling a double-double a “Z-Bo” any time; Zach Randolph has achieved that mark in all 11 games this year. Mike Conley is shooting a career-high 49.2% and averaging more than two steals per game.
CHA @ OKC: The surprising Bobcats are no longer the complete pushover they were last season. They are also no threat to a great team like the Thunder. Vastly-improved Kemba Walker will be no match for Russell Westbrook, and Charlotte, like most teams, has nobody to stop Kevin Durant. I’ve begun to add Jeffery Taylor in deep leagues; the rookie has scored in double digits four straight games and will keep his starting SG job by working hard defensively. This could be the night that Kevin Martin emerges from a two-game mini-slump (3-for-19) because Ben Gordon and Ramon Sessions simply can’t guard a 6’7” scorer.
MIL @ CHI: If you thought my rant here about Scott Skiles the other day was over the top, you should see what I’m saying on league message boards, using more colorful adjectives. The man couldn’t coach a dog to pee on a fire hydrant. He loves to keep all his players guessing about their roles, so his rotations make no sense. Somehow, the Bucks sit atop the weak Central, but if Brandon Jennings (ankle sprain) can’t play tonight, the Bulls should move into first. Carlos Boozer matches up very well against the mediocre Milwaukee big men. Monta Ellis is the only Buck you can use with confidence, though if Jennings is a no-go, Beno Udrih could be a decent spot start.
DEN @ UTA: Normally, I’d be cautious about a team that played last night meeting a rested rival on the road, but the Nuggets were on cruise control and fatigue shouldn’t be a huge factor. The Jazz are unbeaten in Salt Lake City; and Al Jefferson figures to be a handful for Kosta Koufos, so the game could go either way. Mo Williams has an injured foot, so Jamaal Tinsley may start again at PG, with Earl Watson coming off the bench. Paul Millsap owners are unhappy; his minutes and scoring are down in the last four games as Ty Corbin keeps tinkering with his lineup.
NOH @ LAC: Yikes, the Hornets face another vastly superior team 24 hours after getting blown out in Denver. There’s no definitive word on Anthony Davis (left foot/ankle) but he could be out at least another week, if not two. Before you go overboard on Chris Paul and Blake Griffin in daily leagues, consider that garbage time could come very early in this game. It could actually be a big night for Eric Bledsoe if CP3 gets to take it easy.
The Spin is here by 9:00 EST, every morning. Follow us on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates and roster advice from Jeff Nichols, whose Saturday column really helps you prepare for the upcoming week. My FanDuel Diary always has the latest on daily fantasy leagues.