CHA @ BOS: On a nice roll since returning Kevin Garnett to center, the Celtics should romp. Assuming they are well ahead, the Boston reserves might get extra minutes, making Jared Sullinger and Jeff Green interesting spot starts. Charlotte’s big men are terrible, and Kemba Walker figures to have a long night against Rajon Rondo.
ATL @ CHI: Every Bulls fan must be wondering why the team is playing better on the road than at home. In particular, getting blown out by the likes of the Suns and Bobcats at the United Center in the last two weeks is both puzzling and embarrassing. The Hawks are also in the midst of a slump, losing five of six. My guess is, Chicago will turn up the defensive pressure and win a fairly low-scoring game, with Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer leading the way. You still have to use Josh Smith and Al Horford, but the guard situation is not fantasy-friendly, with Devin Harris cutting into the minutes of Jeff Teague and Louis Williams.
LAC @ MEM: Game of the night (reality division) as it’s a rematch of a fantastic 7-game playoff series. Rudy Gay (personal) will not be available and Quincy Pondexter (knee) is out, so Memphis may have to use Wayne Ellington more than usual. The Clippers are reasonably healthy but got blown out in their last two road games. Expect a tight defensive battle and lower your fantasy expectations for the likes of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.
MIN @ DAL: On the theory that the exhausted Wolves will offer only token opposition, I am loading up on Dallas players in my daily leagues. One of these nights, Dirk Nowitzki will go off, and Chris Kaman is a decent play against Nikola Pekovic, who seems to be wearing down. Normally, I’m not a huge Darren Collison fan, but he’s also worth using in what my crystal ball says will be a lopsided victory.
OKC @ PHO: Both these teams are banged up. Jared Dudley (hand) is iffy for the Suns, and Oklahoma City could be without Ibaka and Sefolosha again. If none of them can suit up, Luis Scola is likely to be the go-to guy for Phoenix. Although KD and Westbrook might not be at their superstar levels in this back-to-back, they should play long enough and well enough to win.
MIA @ UTA: Off a ridiculously easy win in Sacramento, with a career-high 34 from Mario Chalmers, the Heat will be in a better mood. Going up against Al Jefferson is a tough assignment for Chris Bosh, so I’m looking for a triple-double (or thereabouts) from LeBron James and a strong all-around game by Dwyane Wade. Utah can never be underestimated at home; this might be fun to watch. It’s just a 2-game week for the Jazz, so even Big Al and Paul Millsap aren’t great plays in weekly-lineup leagues.
CLE @ SAC: It’s the resistable force meeting the movable object. The Kings have lost four in a row, the Cavs have dropped seven of nine. Cleveland is tired from getting trounced in L.A., but Kyrie Irving might run wild against the Sacramento guards. One enormous mismatch — if he’s in the mood to exploit it — is DeMarcus Cousins against Tyler Zeller. DMC is capable of 30 points and 20 rebounds, or two technicals and a tantrum. With Tyreke Evans back in the starting lineup, there will be fewer touches for Isaiah Thomas.
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