SAS @ POR: The Blazers are banged up, but Nicolas Batum (11 PTS, 8 AST) played 38 minutes without a recurrence of his back spasms, and Damian Lillard, questionable with a sore ankle, was brilliant. The rookie had a career-high 29 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in 40+ minutes to lead the way. Though Wesley Matthews (hip) missed just the second game of his career, LaMarcus Aldridge (22 PTS, 6 REB, 3 STL, 2 BLK) and Lillard were not going to be denied.
The Spurs were clearly tired after a hard-fought loss in Utah the night before; Tony Parker (21 PTS, 5 AST) and Tim Duncan (16 PTS, 6 REB, 2 BLK) didn’t get enough help. Gary Neal has now missed 15 of his last 19 shots, and Danny Green (5 PTS in 28:40) was uninspired. For once, the deep bench didn’t pick them up. Expect a huge effort tomorrow night against Boston to avoid a 3-game losing streak. It’s possible Kawhi Leonard (quad/knee) could return for that one after missing 15 games.
December 14 Games
DAL @ TOR: Missing their #1 PG Kyle Lowry (triceps) and their #1 PF Andrea Bargnani (elbow), the Raptors will have Jose Calderon at the point and Ed Davis is getting his first extended run as a starter. Davis and Jonas Valanciunas were bright spots in Toronto’s latest loss, and Amir Johnson, back from his suspension, will see plenty of minutes backing up both. They are home underdogs against the Mavericks, who rely on O.J. Mayo for scoring, Chris Kaman up front and Shawn Marion for a bit of everything. The spot play for Dallas is Vince Carter, whose long tenure in Toronto — and acrimonious departure — makes him a target of the fans whenever he returns. Never one to avoid the spotlight, VC often responds with a huge performance.
LAL @ WAS: As bad as the Lakers are going, they could find a way to blow this. The mood in the locker room can’t be good, the players are tired, the new coach is doing no better than the old coach. Kobe wishes they were playing the Washington Generals. Instead, it’s the Wizards, who are going with two combo guards and no true PG. Jordan Crawford and rookie Bradley Beal have been playing well together, though you have to wonder how either can stop Bryant, or even slow him down. Emeka Okafor had one good night in Houston (his hometown) but is no match for big Dwight. L.A. ‘should’ win, but they ‘should’ be a lot better than 9-14.
GSW @ ORL: It’s very hard to pick against the Warriors, who are having a sensational Eastern road trip. Their fifth straight win was in Miami, and Orlando doesn’t figure to be nearly as tough. David Lee and Stephen Curry are playing like all-stars. Klay Thompson had 27 against the Heat and there are now three bench players making regular contributions. Jarrett Jack backs up at both guard spots, Carl Landry plays significant minutes at PF and rookie Draymond Green, while not a household name yet, is a defensive stopper. However, the Magic did beat them — in California — just 11 days ago. Arron Afflalo and Glen Davis each scored 24 in that upset, with J.J. Redick adding 22 off the bench.