POR @ DEN: The Nuggets, 14-2 at home, have added Wilson Chandler to an already-strong second unit. That depth should make the difference tonight. LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum will get their numbers, but J.J. Hickson might be wearing down and Damian Lillard faces the talented tag-team of Ty Lawson and Andre Miller. The Blazers haven’t won in Denver since 2007 and are 2-22 there since 1999. It could be argued they are overdue, but not by me.
IND @ CHA: The home team is tired after losing in Boston last night and the visitors are not only rested, they are more talented. It won’t be a high-scoring game, as the Pacers will shut down anything the Bobcats try. David West and Paul George are always must-starts and Roy Hibbert is worth using. Even Gerald Green is a decent spot start, as Lance Stephenson has a toe injury. Another possible fantasy angle is D.J. Augustin against his former team; George Hill can slide over to SG in a ‘small’ configuration.
TOR @ BRK: So far so good for the Nets under P.J. Carlesimo, with Deron Williams practicing less and playing much better. They are catching Toronto at a good time, with Jose Calderon (calf) and Amir Johnson (both ankles) at less than 100%. Brook Lopez is a great play for Brooklyn and Ed Davis is probably the safest Raptor to use. Both SG are capable of big numbers, with Joe Johnson averaging 20 points in six January games and DeMar DeRozan coming off a 23-point effort. Gerald Wallace (ribs) is questionable for the Nets; Keith Bogans is the likely starter if Crash can’t go.
MIL @ LAL: In his must-read Monday column, Chris Bernucca warns against overrating the Lakers after one win. Here in the fantasy corner we care about total scores and individual performances, so this game could be a goldmine no matter who wins. Dwight Howard looked good (apart from 7 TO) in his return and if his shoulder is OK, will take Larry Sanders to school. Kobe Bryant should have his way with Monta Ellis, who is not having the greatest January (scoring down, turnovers up) so far. While both PG are must starts, I prefer the speed of Brandon Jennings to the savvy of Steve Nash.
The Spin is here by 9:00 EST, seven days a week. My DraftStreet Diary appears later each morning. Follow us on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates.