ATL @ BRK: In his return from a team-imposed suspension, Josh Smith (12 PTS, 9 REB) was unspectacular and Al Horford (hamstring, calf) didn’t play, but the Hawks made Brooklyn work for a narrow win. Jeff Teague (21 PTS, 10 AST) had another strong game, Devin Harris added 17 and that could be the backcourt for a while, as Lou Williams suffered a knee injury. Deron Williams (24 PTS, 7 REB) led the Nets, with Brook Lopez (20 PTS) and Reggie Evans (20 REB) strong up front. Gerald Wallace missed five of six shots, but was healthy enough to play 29 minutes as the starting SF.
GSW @ SAS: That was a great effort by Jarrett Jack (20 PTS, 10 AST) in a start for Stephen Curry (ankle) but the Warriors’ second unit is depleted. Tim Duncan (24 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK) and Tony Parker (25 PTS, 8 AST) were outstanding for the Spurs, and Tiago Splitter (19 PTS, 9 REB) keeps improving. David Lee (22 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST) and Klay Thompson (21) kept Golden State in the game, but they couldn’t close the gap in crunch time.
SAC @ MEM: Even with Zach Randolph (back) sitting out, that was ridiculously easy. Marreese Speights (10 PTS, 9 REB) filled in at PF, and all five Grizzlies starters scored in double figures. Marc Gasol (18 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK) was a match for DeMarcus Cousins (22 PTS, 12 REB) and the rest of the Kings combined for 47 points. A dull game in real life and a disappointment to fantasy owners.
WAS @ DEN: There must be some mistake. John Wall (14 PTS, 12 AST in 26 minutes off the bench) and Bradley Beal (23 PTS, 4 AST, 3 REB) led the underdog Wizards to just their second road win of the year. The ‘homecoming’ of Nene (7 PTS) fizzled, but Kevin Seraphin (18 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL) picked him up. For the Nuggets, it was only their second loss at home, despite 29 points by Ty Lawson. Overconfidence was probably one factor; a quiet night from Andre Iguodala (2 PTS on 0-4 shooting) was another.
January 19 Game Previews
SAS @ ATL: The Spurs arrive off a confident win at home last night while the Hawks lost a dogfight in Brooklyn. Likely without Horford again and with Sweet Lou possibly out for a while, the remaining Atlanta players will need to dig deep. It’s hard to use anyone with confidence.
GSW @ NOH: Such a promising season for Warriors fans and Steph Curry owners is now in doubt, until we learn the severity of his latest injury. His teammates gave everything they had last night, and must face a fully-rested Hornets team that is playing its best ball of the season. Greivis Vasquez, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson are all worth starting; the real surprise has been Al-Farouq Aminu, who has been very effective (especially with REB and STL) since returning to the starting lineup.