ATL @ MIN: Tough guy Nikola Pekovic was questionable with a sore hip; he answered with 25 points and a career-high 18 rebounds. Andrei Kirilenko (21 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST) and his countryman Alexey Shved (15 PTS, 7 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK) were also stellar as the Love-less Timberwolves held off a determined Atlanta rally. Josh Smith (21 PTS, 13 REB, 7 AST, 2 BLK) was tremendous in the losing cause, and Al Horford (19 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL) played very well, but it was a terrible night for Jeff Teague, who scored just five points (again) and picked up five fouls in just 22 minutes. Louis Williams (21 PTS, 8 REB) seems locked into a starting job, but when Devin Harris (foot) returns, Teague may feel some pressure. Ricky Rubio watch: zero shots, four points in 18 minutes, but eight assists and four steals. He will improve; be patient.
January 9 Games
PHI @ TOR: After getting waxed at home last night, the Sixers had to get on a plane and go through customs; they will be very tired this evening. Jrue Holiday figures to have his way with Jose Calderon, so I’m guessing we see more of Kyle Lowry. The rested, homestanding Raptors have been getting a big lift from Alan Anderson off the bench, but they start Mickael Pietrus for some reason. Likewise, big-but-unskilled Aaron Gray starts ahead of Amir Johnson at C. Look for Toronto to control the second and fourth quarters, when their better players are on the floor.
UTA @ CHA: Without Mo Williams (thumb surgery) and Marvin Williams (knee) the Jazz will rely heavily on Gordon Hayward and their big men. Al Jefferson has a lot of moves that Bismack Biyombo has never seen, and Tyrus Thomas will have to deal with Paul Millsap. However, the Bobcats snapped that 18-game losing streak with two wins in their last three games, and Kemba Walker is having a fine season. They also get scoring off the bench from Ben Gordon and Ramon Sessions. I won’t be shocked if they win.
ATL @ CLE: There’s been a lot of misinformation about the injury to Anderson Varejao, who didn’t return to practice on Tuesday after all. Without him, the Cavs have no choice but to continue using rookie Tyler Zeller at C, and skinny 21-year-old Tristan Thompson at PF. The Hawks lost in Minnesota last night and may not be able to stop Kyrie Irving, but they can win if J-Smoove and Horford take over the frontcourt.
PHO @ BOS: Back-to-back on the road is definitely not the best situation for the Suns. Boston gets Rajon Rondo back from a 1-game suspension and in his absence, Avery Bradley was superb. In an emotional win over the Knicks on Monday, Kevin Garnett successfully baited Carmelo Anthony into losing his cool. KG won’t have to be that intense tonight, as this looks like a completely lopsided matchup.
MIL @ CHI: After winning at home last night, the Bucks face a much sterner test. Carlos Boozer has had five straight double-doubles, torching the Heat in Miami for 27 & 12 and dropping 31 on the Magic. Especially if young Mr. Sanders is kept busy by Joakim Noah, Boozer could have another big game. Milwaukee does have a big edge in the backcourt, as Kirk Hinrich is rarely 100% healthy and Richard Hamilton is still bothered by a sore foot.