UTA @ PHO: A team-high 22 by Jared Dudley and a motivated Marcin Gortat (12 PTS, 14 REB, 2 BLK) led the Suns to a second straight win. They also held Utah to 40% shooting; Gordon Hayward, who I’ve been touting recently, went 0-for-5 in just 15:40 — those occasional stinkers are very frustrating to fantasy owners and Jazz fans. Goran Dragic (17 PTS, 5 AST) was the best guard on the court, and the Phoenix bench got contributions from Michael Beasley (11 PTS, 3 REB, 3 BLK, 3 AST in 18:38) and P.J. Tucker (10 PTS, 4 REB in 15:21) in the surprisingly easy victory.
MEM @ DEN: The window to buy low on Andre Iguodala just slammed shut. Iggy came back to life with 20 PTS, 7 AST, 4 REB, 5 STL and 2 BLK. Andre Miller helped quite a bit, scoring all 18 of his points in the second half. Rudy Gay (21) led the Grizzlies, who have dropped three straight. Zach Randolph was very quiet (10 PTS, 5 REB) so I’m assuming Kenneth Faried (8 PTS, 10 REB) also played Manimal-like defense.
December 15 Games
GSW @ ATL: There’s only time for quick-hit previews this morning because of other commitments. The Warriors finally lost last night, they are exhausted from the long Eastern trip and the Hawks are soaring. Use Josh Smith, Al Horford and company with confidence.
CLE @ NYK: Kyrie and Varejao are banged up, they played last night and the Knicks can afford to rest Carmelo Anthony (ankle) without putting their unbeaten home record in jeopardy. Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler can pick up the slack if Melo sits, and Jason Kidd will hit some threes.
ORL @ CHA: This is the third game in four nights for the Magic, a perfect opportunity for Charlotte to end a 10-game losing streak. Use Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson; even Bismack Biyombo could have a big game. It’s hardly a marquee matchup, but the fantasy stats still count.
Don’t look now but Wolves just started an all white lineup and won.
Sorry to you sensitive types, but it IS news.