Spurs “B Team” Scares Heat; Win $1,000 Cash Tonight

November 30 Games

PHI @ CHA: As the Sixers adapt to life without Andrew Bynum, their best player is clearly Jrue Holiday. With career highs in everything that matters, he should continue to excel against Kemba Walker. Also emerging with greater responsibility is Evan Turner, whose last six games have been productive and consistent after a slow start. Thaddeus Young is also on a roll, with 20+ in two of his last three games. There’s still a big hole in the middle, where Lavoy Allen and Spencer Hawes do not inspire fear among opposing centers. For Charlotte, rookie Jeffery Taylor has been a pleasant surprise, but Gerald Henderson could return soon to ruin his fantasy value. That might also cut into the big scoring numbers of Ben Gordon and Ramon Sessions; sell high on both.

WAS @ NYC: OK, the Wizards won a game. Let’s not get too excited about them on the road against a vastly superior team. Carmelo Anthony will get whatever he wants, Tyson Chandler is a must-start and Raymond Felton should have a good night. Jason Kidd (back) is out indefinitely, so J.R. Smith becomes even more important, though he was mysteriously quiet in the last two games. Pablo Prigioni will get extra minutes, and Steve Novak, 5-of-7 from 3-point range on Wednesday, could stay hot. For Washington, Jordan Crawford is the best fantasy play and when Nene doesn’t appear, or has his minutes limited, Kevin Seraphin can put up some useful numbers.

PHO @ TOR: This is a chance for the lowly Raptors to end a six-game losing streak, though they may again be without Andrea Bargnani (ankle). If rookie Jonas Valanciunas is intense and unhappy Sun Marcin Gortat continues to appear disinterested, that will help. Kyle Lowry wasn’t nearly as good in Texas as he’s been at home. I’m expecting a more aggressive effort, but slightly concerned that he’s playing hurt. There’s word that Toronto will sign free agent Mickael Pietrus to shore up their giant hole at SF; nothing is official yet. He would have to pass a physical (he’s failed one before with a knee problem) and is only a flyer in very deep leagues until this is confirmed.

BRK @ ORL: Brook Lopez will miss at least a couple of games with a sprained right foot, giving understudy Andray Blatche a chance at a starring role. Harder workouts and some positive lifestyle changes have paid off for Blatche, whose $4,100 salary at FanDuel tonight is quite the bargain. Deron Williams is having a fine season and should give Jameer Nelson fits. Arron Afflalo has been fairly consistent for the Magic, and if Nikola Vucevic plays well against Blatche, this could be close.

POR @ BOS: A two-game suspension for Rajon Rondo — lighter than many observers predicted — makes this a tossup. Damian Lillard could have a huge game with Leandro Barbosa trying to guard him. Jeff Green (knee) is doubtful, so you can expect Paul Pierce to play big minutes with the ball in his hands. As a Wesley Matthews owner in multiple leagues, I’m concerned. Playing with a thumb injury is courageous in real life; it was a red flag in fantasy when he shot 20% on Wednesday. There will be a furious battle up front, with LaMarcus Aldridge and J.J. Hickson taking on Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass. Never bet against KG in situations like this; rising to an occasion is part of his legendary skill set.