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

CLE @ ATL: Here we have a team that’s 1-9 on the road and missing its best player, against a red-hot, rested club that’s won six in a row. Al Horford might not dominate Anderson Varejao, but Josh Smith will have a lot of room and can put up another multi-faceted fantasy line for his owners, who endured a somewhat disappointing first month. Cleveland still has Jeremy Pargo starting at PG for Kyrie irving (hand) which could be good news for Jeff Teague, and Louis Williams is capable of going off against the Cavs’ second unit.

UTA @ OKC: The Jazz figure to be in big trouble with Jamaal Tinsley going up against Russell Westbrook, and even if Mo Williams (a game-time decision with a sore foot) is able to play, guarding WB is a very difficult assignment. Utah also has Marvin Williams on Kevin Durant; both Thunder stars will fill the box score as long as they are on the floor. Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins will be trying to keep Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson in check, while Kevin Martin has been pretty quiet the last three games and seems due for a big scoring night.

MIL @ MIN: This could be the most productive game yet for Kevin Love. At home, with a day of rest, against a team full of underachieving big men? Gotta be excited about his prospects, and Nikola Pekovic should also take advantage. Andrei Kirilenko (back spasms) sat out Wednesday’s game and is questionable tonight. Milwaukee’s big edge is in the backcourt, where Brandon Jennings is too quick for Luke Ridnour, and Monta Ellis will be facing the likes of Malcolm Lee and Alexey Shved.

DET @ MEM: For the time being, the Pistons are dangerous at home against easier opponents. However, a 1-8 road record does not inspire confidence, especially when visiting the Grizzlies. Greg Monroe is Detroit’s best player, but Marc Gasol is no slouch. While PG Brandon Knight has improved dramatically in his sophomore season, Mike Conley is even better. Memphis also has Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph playing extremely well, so the outcome seems predictable enough.

IND @ SAC: It certainly wasn’t pretty, but the Pacers did beat the Lakers on Tuesday in L.A., so they ‘should’ be that much better than the Kings. However, Roy Hibbert hasn’t been playing well, making DeMarcus Cousins a major threat. Tyreke Evans has been excellent for five games now, helping repay his fantasy owners for their patience by contributing in every category. Indiana does have an edge at PG with George Hill going up against Aaron Brooks, and David West has been superb in his last four, missing a triple-double by two assists last game. Visiting teams often benefit from the Sacramento defense, or lack thereof, so there are a few good daily league options here and you should start everyone you own in traditional leagues.

DEN @ LAL: Even a flu-ridden Kobe Bryant can score 40 points on any given night. With Pau Gasol mired in a slump and Steve Nash still healing, the Lakers better hope Denver is tired from last night’s track meet and Kobe is feeling better. Gasol said recently that he’s slowed by tendinitis in both knees. I think that’s the reason for his minutes and numbers being the worst of his career; the system of new coach Mike D’Antoni is not to blame. Antawn Jamison has taken on a larger role lately, though he followed up two great games with a stinker (just 1-for-7 in 22:42) last time.

The Spin is here by 9:00 EST, every day. Follow us on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates and roster advice from Jeff Nichols, whose weekend columns review the current week and preview of the next. For the latest in daily league tips, see my FanDuel Diary.