CLE @ MIL: Repeating my prediction from 24 hours ago, the Cavaliers need Anderson Varejao (bruised knee) to have any real chance of winning. Milwaukee will be feeling pretty good about themselves after winning in Boston. Fear the deer.
MEM @ HOU: It will be interesting to see if Memphis, which loves to win low-scoring games, will run with the Rockets. James Harden is a master at drawing fouls, and he’s hitting those 10+ FT per game at a 91% rate in December. I normally love to use Houston players in daily leagues, but am cautious tonight because the Grizzlies are so stingy defensively.
CHA @ DEN: Mismatch of the night, as the exhausted Bobcats play in high altitude against a rested (and superior) opponent. The Nuggets got ambushed in Portland on Wednesday because they couldn’t make a single 3-pointer in 22 attempts. They will bounce back in a big way at home.
LAL @ GWS: Gradually, the Lakers are getting healthy. Pau Gasol is back, and Steve Nash is expecting to debut on Christmas Day. Tonight, they should be relying on Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard, as the Warriors don’t have anyone who can stop a giant center. It will be entertaining, for sure. Use the stars on both teams and enjoy.
Congratulations to “kemgolfer” for being picking the best 8-man team among 647 entries in the Sheridan Hoops Freeroll last night to win the $100 first prize. My team was in the hunt all night and finished a respectable 11th, to earn a $5 consolation prize. More details and my Saturday selections will appear in the Draft Street Diary later this morning.
The Spin is here by 9:00 EST, every day, recapping the previous night’s action and examining tonight’s games. Jeff Nichols returns on Sunday afternoon with a Week 9 Preview. Follow us on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates and roster advice.