SAC @ DET: Pistons fans are loving this. Fresh off home victories over Milwaukee and Miami, they get to host the Sacramento Clown Show. DeMarcus Cousins could have another triple-double, or do something stupid to warrant another suspension. Coach Smart (no relation to Maxwell) will lie about Tyreke Evans’ health. At least with Aaron Brooks hurt, he’ll use Isaiah Thomas, his best PG. We don’t know if Marcus Thompson (ankle) will appear. Detroit is getting excellent play from the second unit, where Will Bynum has been brilliant filling in for Rodney Stuckey (ankle). Also contributing off the bench, Charlie Villanueva and Andre Drummond are worth using in deeper leagues.
ATL @ NOH: Let’s assume the Hawks are tired from all that running last night in Houston. Let’s hope that Eric Gordon is OK after scoring 24 points in his first game of the year. Let’s predict a very close game, with all the Hornets seemingly revitalized by Gordon’s return. Ryan Anderson looked much better in his latest, Greivis Vasquez is an underrated PG and Anthony Davis provides the defensive presence.
LAC @ DEN: All good things must end, even a 17-game winning streak. The Clippers will need to be at their best against Denver (9-1 at home) as the Nuggets want revenge for a loss in L.A. on Christmas Day. By far the game of the night, this should be entertaining and high-scoring. Fortunately, I don’t have to pick a winner; be sure to start all the usual suspects on both teams and enjoy the show.
PHI @ LAL: Start with Dwight Howard against any combination of Lavoy Allen and Spencer Hawes. Add in Kobe Bryant vs. Jason Richardson and/or Dorell Wright. Doing the math in my head, I figure Jrue Holiday needs a triple-double (say, 45-15-15) just to keep the Sixers in the game. He’s great, but that’s not gonna happen. This contest would have been a lot more fun if Andrew Bynum (knee) was involved, or if Philly still had Vucevic.
The Spin is here by 9:00 EST, every day. My DraftStreet Diary appears later each morning. Follow us on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates and roster advice.