December 9 Games
TOR @ LAC: Once again, the Clippers start at 12:30 their time (3:30 Eastern) — set those daily lineups early! This is one of those apparent “no contest” games, as a 4-16 club that has hit rock bottom visits a playoff contender. Sometimes, the better team is overconfident, other times they pour it on early then let the bench finish up. It’s not a great opportunity either way for fantasy owners.
MIL @ BRK: With Brook Lopez (foot) improving but still doubtful, Andray Blatche should have another big game. Deron Williams is on a roll, with 33 and 23 in his last two, and the Nets are not happy about dropping their last two home games. They figure to take out their frustrations on the Bucks tonight. My intense dislike of Milwaukee coach Scott Skiles is probably shared by most of his players; only Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis really know their roles. Of late, Marquis Daniels has been the starting SF, but against Gerald Wallace, I’m reluctant to predict another big game for him. Larry Sanders has been throwing a block party (28 BLK in 5 games) which should continue until Skiles’ next bright idea.
IND @ OKC: Yes, the Thunder is rolling. Seven straight wins, a 16-4 record and two young superstars at the peak of their powers. The Pacers are missing Danny Granger (knee) and Roy Hibbert is missing his shots (an appalling 38% from a 7’2” C). They don’t have much talent at SG, because Paul George is filling in for Granger. Lance Stephenson is averaging 6.7 PPG in 14 starts, and Gerald Green has been a disappointment off the bench. While David West is having a good year (17.3 PTS and 8.6 REB per game) he’ll be guarded by Serge Ibaka in this one.
DEN @ NYK: You just know Carmelo Anthony (finger) wants to play against his former team. It will take a lot of the load off Felton and Chandler if he can. If Melo misses another game, the Nuggets have a very good chance. They have an extra day of rest and are relatively healthy. Ty Lawson had an awful 1-10 shooting night on Friday; now at 41.3% on the year, his career mark is 48.8, which suggests he’s due to get hot. If anyone sees the ‘real’ Andre Iguodala, please let me know; that guy wearing his jersey the last four games has been terrible.
ORL @ PHO: This is the finale of a 5-game swing out West for the Magic, who surprised everyone by winning the first two but looked tired in Sacramento on Friday. Normally, one would pick the Suns. However, they have allowed 107.7 points per game in their last six losses, their center isn’t trying and they keep shuffling the lineup to no avail. I thought Luis Scola might return to the starting five; he did have 18 PTS and 10 REB in 24 bench minutes yesterday. Markieff Morris has also been playing well during the team-wide slump.
UTA @ LAL: A game-time decision with his sore back, Al Jefferson is crucial to any chance the Jazz might have. If he can’t go, Enes Kanter must try to handle Dwight Howard. There’s still no definitive word on the return of Pau Gasol (knee tendinitis) so Antawn Jamison will start again at PF. Kobe Bryant will continue to be the league’s leading scorer and may even pad his totals. Utah is just 3-9 on the road; they did beat the Lakers a month ago in Salt Lake City in the last game coached by Mike Brown, but the pace will be much faster tonight.
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