ATL @ BRK: This is a very interesting rematch. On Wednesday in Atlanta, with Josh Smith suspended for “conduct detrimental” (a run-in with coach Larry Drew) the remaining Hawks were inspired, as Jeff Teague set a furious pace and Zaza Pachulia was superb. Tonight, J-Smoove should return, but you have to expect the Nets to extract some revenge. In particular, Deron Williams can raise his game, and Gerald Wallace might return to the starting five.
SAC @ MEM: Just the tonic for the slumping Grizzlies, as the Kings are vulnerable to good defensive teams, especially on the road. Zach Randolph (back) missed practice yesterday; both Marreese Speights and Darrell Arthur would get extra minutes if Z-Bo sits this one out. Look for Marc Gasol to focus on DeMarcus Cousins at both ends of the floor, while Tony Allen will attempt to slow down Tyreke Evans. That leaves Mike Conley as a good play and my hunch-ometer is pointing directly at Rudy Gay.
GSW @ SAS: The Jarrett Jack era has begun, as Stephen Curry has re-injured that chronically sore right ankle. How long it lasts, we don’t know yet, but Jack should be added in all leagues where he remains available. The last time the Warriors won in San Antonio (27 visits ago), Tim Duncan was in college. Tonight, he will be all over David Lee. I’ll be keying on Tony Parker in my DraftStreet leagues and considering Spurs bench players like Boris Diaw and Gary Neal, as this could be lopsided.
WAS @ DEN: There’s no question that the Wizards are better with John Wall in the lineup. However, they are 1-16 on the road, while Denver is 13-1 at home. Those are mighty big numbers to bet against. The Nuggets got waxed by the Thunder in a back-to-back on Wednesday and will be fired up to put that one behind them. Nene might have extra incentive against his former team, but Kenneth Faried will try to slow him down. Rookie Bradley Beal is also in a groove, though he’ll get the Andre Iguodala treatment tonight. As usual, depth is a tremendous advantage for George Karl’s team, and Wilson Chandler has looked good since returning.
OKC @ DAL: Former UCLA teammates Russell Westbrook and Darren Collison are both must-starts this evening. Last time they met (three weeks ago in Oklahoma) DC won the individual battle 32-16, but WB won the war by coming to life in OT. Kevin Durant had 40 that night and will again give Shawn Marion fits. If Dallas is going to win, they need Dirk Nowitzki to score more than 20 for the first time all season. It’s the second half of a very interesting ESPN doubleheader; enjoy.
The Fantasy Spin is here by 9:00 Eastern, every morning, and my DraftStreet Diary is published a bit later, with daily league advice. Follow me on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates, retweets of breaking news and more.