NOH @ LAC: Only two Hornets showed up. Robin Lopez (22 PTS, 9 REB, 2 BLK) outplayed DeAndre Jordan (12 PTS, 5 REB, 5 TO) and Anthony Davis (16 PTS, 5 REB) was OK. Greivis Vasquez did have 10 assists, but 5 PTS and 6 TO won’t get the job done. Even worse was a complete disappearing act by Ryan Anderson, who missed all eight 3-point attempts to finish with just seven points. Blake Griffin (18) led the Clippers to a franchise-record 11th straight win, matching the Buffalo Braves’ streak 38 years ago. Jamal Crawford (17 PTS, 5 AST, 3 STL) had another nice game off the bench.
December 20 Games
OKC @ MIN: Consecutive win #13 might not be automatic for the Thunder, who played hard in Atlanta last night. Superstars Durant and Westbrook will get their numbers, but the supporting cast needs to step up. Minnesota will have Ricky Rubio in a bench role, Andrei Kirilenko to harass KD, and their big guys match up well. If Nikola Pekovic isn’t hampered by that sore back, he can score on Kendrick Perkins, and when Kevin Love is 100%, he can give any defender fits. It’s an early start to a fantastic national TV doubleheader; enjoy.
MIA @ DAL: Who was the tall fellow at Mavs practice yesterday? Why, it’s Dirk Nowitzki, whose surgically-repaired knee could be ready for game action later this week. They could use him tonight, but O.J. Mayo and Chris Kaman will have to carry the team again. Shawn Marion has been on a nice roll; he may be too busy this evening trying to slow down LeBron James to do much scoring. Dwyane Wade scored 24 PTS in 27 minutes on Tuesday and is a must-start. The Heat are just 4-4 on the road, so anything is possible, but I wouldn’t bet against them.
DEN @ POR: Without their best player, the Blazers are in big trouble. LaMarcus Aldridge is out with a sprained ankle and Wesley Matthews (hip) is doubtful; even if Wes drags himself out there, keep him on your bench. That leaves Damian Lillard and J.J. Hickson to run a two-man game, while Nicolas Batum does everything else, as evidenced by his 5×5 line on Sunday. The Nuggets should win handily. Kenneth Faried could go off against rookie Meyers Leonard or whoever plays PF for Portland. Andre Iguodala has put three decent games together and the Denver bench — Andre Miller, Corey Brewer and JaVale McGee — could have a field day.
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