LAC @ UTA: The game of the night, by default. The Jazz are 6-0 at home and just 3-9 on the road. Mo Williams vs. Chris Paul is a bit of a mismatch if CP3 is in his best gear and Blake Griffin has the edge on Paul Millsap despite averaging just 12 points over his last three games. Of course, Al Jefferson poses some problems for DeAndre Jordan, and Clippers’ starting SG Chauncey Billups is slowly getting back into game shape after a serious injury. Jamal Crawford has been one of the league’s best sixth men all season, while Gordon Hayward has begun to thrive in that role for Utah. Marvin Williams (concussion) and Derrick Favors (foot) may both be held out for another game. Fortunately, I don’t have to call a winner. Make sure almost everyone you own from both teams is in your lineup, and hope for overtime.
TOR @ DEN: This is a much-anticipated matchup for Italian basketball fans. Danilo Gallinari has scored in double figures in 10 of his last 11 games, while Andrea Bargnani has been wildly inconsistent. The low point (2-of-19 shooting at home) came 48 hours after the high point (34 points in a road game) then he scored 21, missed a game with a sore ankle and returned with a 4-point stinkeroo. Toronto fans and some media members are fed up; a Bargnani trade to the Lakers for Pau Gasol might make a lot of folks very happy. I’d be more excited about the Ty Lawson battle with Kyle Lowry if they were playing better lately; either (or both) could break out. Rookie Jonas Valanciunas might fare well against Kosta Koufos, but Toronto has no answer for Kenneth Faried if the Manimal is inspired, and I’ll take Andre Iguodala over DeMar DeRozan anywhere, anytime.
ORL @ GSW: Everyone on the Magic was downplaying how emotional they were for last night’s upset. I’m not buying that; there will be a letdown tonight for sure. Who knows how Jameer Nelson will feel after that heroic effort on a bad wheel? I’ll take Stephen Curry, rested and at home. David Lee is nobody’s idea of an NBA center defensively, but fantasy owners love him for consistent double-doubles and solid percentages. If you stuck with Klay Thompson through his earlier shooting slump, congratulations and continue to enjoy the rewards of patience. The Warriors owe much of their surprising success to Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry, who are productive in real life and fantasy despite coming off the bench. I’ll be keying on Golden State in my FanDuel leagues tonight on the theory that Orlando left all its energy at the Staples Center.
The Spin is here by 9:00 EST, every day. Follow us on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates and roster advice from Jeff Nichols, whose Saturday column took a detailed look at Week 5, followed by his must-read Week 6 Preview on Sunday. My FanDuel Diary offers advice and selections for daily leagues.