UTA @ BRK: It could be a long week for the Jazz. Four games on the road (where they are 4-10) in a pair of back-to-backs and it kicks off in a tough arena. If Brook Lopez cancels out Al Jefferson and defensive stalwart Reggie Evans keeps Paul Millsap in check, the Nets should prevail. I’m using Deron Williams and Joe Johnson for sure, and Gerald Wallace can have big offensive games when he isn’t kept busy guarding superstars.
SAS @ DEN: Talk about brutal back-to-backs. 24 hours after an all-out effort in OKC, the shorthanded Spurs must play a running team at high altitude. Manu is doubtful and everyone else will be tired. One hunch play is DeJuan Blair, who looked good in the fourth quarter last night and had a season-high 19 points against Denver a month ago. Ty Lawson is a must-start, Danilo Gallinari could have a big night and Andre Iguodala is like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates — you never know what you might get. The Nuggets’ second unit, led by Andre Miller and JaVale McGee, could be the difference.
MIN @ MIA: After fading late against Orlando last night, the Wolves must face the rested Heat. Fatigue will be a factor, and Rubio is not expected to play. The big men are pretty good on both teams, but this could be a chance for Dwyane Wade to shine, as Minnesota doesn’t have a guard who can stop him. Miami seems to be on cruise control; they don’t really care about having six losses and don’t want to peak in December. They turn the defensive intensity on and off, which allows inferior opponents to stay in games.
IND @ MIL: Having won nine of their last 13, the Pacers play good team D and rely on Paul George for scoring. David West and George Hill are the other two must-start guys, but Roy Hibbert — expected to play despite a deep thigh bruise — has been killing his fantasy owners with 38.9% shooting, incredibly bad for a 7’2” center. If the big fella gets rolling against Larry Sanders, his team should win. Milwaukee relies heavily on Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis, who may have a huge night against temporary Indiana SG Gerald Green.
BOS @ CHI: It was a defensive war last night for the Bulls and this won’t be much easier. A less-than-healthy Kirk Hinrich and undersized Nate Robinson are no match for Rajon Rondo at the best of times. I also like Celtics reserves Jeff Green and Jason Terry this evening; the Bulls’ injuries have left their second unit somewhat depleted. Courtney Lee is starting again at SG, making him worth owning in 16-team leagues and a potential bargain tonight at just $5,331 on DraftStreet.
PHI @ DAL: The song remains the same. A dangerous team when a healthy Jrue Holiday (sprained foot) is on the floor, the Sixers aren’t much of a threat without him. Coach Doug Collins doesn’t sound as optimistic as his point guard about a return tonight; pay attention to Twitter today for status updates. Evan Turner will handle the ball if Holiday can’t go, and my fellow Nick Young owners will be hoping Swaggy P has another 30-point outburst before returning to his bench role. The Mavs should end a 3-game losing streak; O.J. Mayo and Chris Kaman are solid plays. Since returning from a sprained knee, Shawn Marion has been tremendous, with a double-double in three straight.
NOH @ GSW: It would be ironic if the Road Warriors came out flat in their first home game in 15 days. Don’t count on it, as Stephen Curry and David Lee are on a mission. Coach Mark Jackson may not be the league’s best at X’s and O’s, but he has his team believing in themselves and playing with remarkable consistency. Key reserves Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry play close to starter’s minutes most nights, and should be owned in standard leagues. Use Ryan Anderson, Greivis Vasquez and Anthony Davis, but don’t expect the Hornets to snap their 7-game slide.
CHA @ LAL: The Bobcats have lost 11 in a row while giving up an average of 108.5 points in that span. Kobe Bryant might score 50. Only Kemba Walker vs. Chris Duhon favors the visitors; Dwight Howard will be taking Bismack Biyombo to school. After practicing on Monday, Pau Gasol (knees) might play limited minutes, but Metta World Peace looked great at PF on Sunday. Even Steve Nash (leg fracture) is talking about a Saturday return, so the long-awaited debut of Showtime in Seven Seconds or Less isn’t far away.
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