IND @ POR: Now that was a typical Blazers’ win. All five starters in double figures, Damian Lillard (20 PTS, 8 AST) shaking off a sore hammy and LaMarcus Aldridge (27 PTS, 6 REB) leading the way. J.J. Hickson (14 PTS, 13 REB, 3 AST) had no trouble with Roy Hibbert (9 PTS, 7 REB) and while the Pacers have the big defensive reputation, Portland held them to just 32 points in the first half. Paul George (22 PTS, 7 REB) and David West (21 PTS, 5 REB) finished with respectable numbers in the lopsided defeat.
January 24 Game Previews
NYK @ BOS: Easily the game of the night, though neither team is in anything resembling a good groove. It’s Round 2 of the squabble between trash-talking Kevin Garnett and Carmelo Anthony, who will no doubt be hearing worse from the Boston fans than from KG. At home, I like Rajon Rondo to assert himself and it’s time Paul Pierce (32% over the last five games) relocated his shot. If Melo keeps his cool, Tyson Chandler pounds the boards and the bench (J.R. Smith and Amare Stoudemire) contributes, the Knicks have a very good chance.
TOR @ ORL: It’s the Florida back-to-back for the Raptors, who may not have much left in the tank after that gritty effort in Miami. Defense could be an afterthought, as the Orlando has allowed 106 points per game while losing 14 of 16. Toronto has beaten them three times already this season, so let’s predict the Magic will be inspired to avoid a season sweep. Glen Davis has had one big game and four disappointments since returning — perhaps prematurely — from a shoulder injury, but he matches up well with Ed Davis. Now the starting SG, J.J. Redick can score on anyone. Nikola Vucevic has cooled off a bit since Big Baby returned and may be due to heat up again.
LAC @ PHO: This is a reality check for the Suns, who won easily in Sacramento but can’t match the Clippers in talent or depth. Don’t expect Chris Paul (bruised kneecap) to play, but Eric Bledsoe is quite capable of directing traffic and Blake Griffin is too much to handle for most opponents. Then L.A. unleashes its bench, where Jamal Crawford shoots, Lamar Odom plays point-forward and Matt Barnes does everything with intensity. Oldtimer Grant Hill should get a warm welcome in his return to Phoenix, where he spent five years.
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