MIN @ SAS: This was no contest and no surprise, as the T-Wolves are shorthanded and in a funk on a very difficult road trip. Tony Parker (20 PTS, 6 AST) led a balanced Spurs attack, as 12 players shared in the scoring. Tim Duncan (12 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 7 BLK) put up those juicy numbers in less than 30 minutes. Manu Ginobili (12 PTS, 5 REB) left with a strained hamstring after just 12:29 and his status for Wednesday is questionable. Stephen Jackson is the best fill-in candidate if Manu misses any substantial time.
CLE @ LAL: The timely return of Dwight Howard (22 PTS, 14 REB) helped end the Lakers losing streak. Kobe Bryant (23 PTS, 6 AST) played only 28 minutes as for once, the scoring was well-distributed. Earl Clark (13 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST) made another impressive start and Antawn Jamison (16 PTS, 4 REB, 2 STL) is playing very well off the bench. When Pau Gasol (concussion) returns, they will actually have some depth. Kyrie Irving (15 PTS, 7 AST, 3 STL) led the Cavs, who were down by 17 in the first quarter and waved the white flag early, using 13 players.
GSW @ DEN: You can’t commit 18 turnovers in Denver (seven in the fourth quarter) and expect to win. Stephen Curry (29 PTS, 7 AST) hit seven 3-pointers, David Lee (23 PTS, 13 REB, 6 AST) was pretty good and rookie Harrison Barnes (21 PTS, 6 REB) set a new career-high in the losing cause. Danilo Gallinari (21 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST) led the Nuggets, who welcomed back a surprisingly effective Wilson Chandler (14 PTS, 6 REB, 3 STL in 21 minutes) from a hip injury to make a very strong bench that much deeper.
OKC @ POR: The low score was unexpected, but the Thunder played fantastic defense. LaMarcus Aldridge (33 PTS, 11 REB, 2 BLK) was the only productive Blazer, as Nick Collison couldn’t contain him and Serge Ibaka missed the game with a chest contusion. Apart from LMA, Portland shot 16-for-60, a brutal 26.7% from the floor. Nicolas Batum managed 21 points against Kevin Durant (33 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST, 2 BLK) and Damian Lillard (9 PTS, 9 AST) was blanketed by Russell Westbrook (18 PTS, 9 AST, 8 REB). Rarely-used sophomore DeAndre Liggins (11 PTS, 9 REB) looked good in a start at SG for Thabo Sefolosha (neck).
January 14 Games
ORL @ WAS: The Wizards are obviously better with John Wall, though he’s still not in ‘game shape’ and owners shouldn’t expect miracles. Bradley Beal has never played with such a good point guard, so his arrow is pointing up, and when Jordan Crawford (ankle) returns, he can focus on what he does best — scoring. Nene might have a good night against Orlando rookie Andrew Nicholson in this tossup. I like Nikola Vucevic and Arron Afflalo quite a bit and am considering J.J. Redick in daily contests. If Glen Davis (shoulder) was dropped in your league, scoop him up now. Big Baby is healing fast.