IND @ UTA: Even before the overtime, this was higher-scoring than anticipated. It’s not like Indiana to give up 114 points. Al Jefferson (25 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL) and Paul Millsap (21 PTS, 4 REB, 5 STL) were terrific all night for the Jazz and combined for a dozen points in the extra frame. David West (24 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 3 BLK) and Paul George (23 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST) led the Pacers; George Hill (22 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST, 2 STL) was also sharp, but they are now 1-2 on this trip, with a visit to Denver up next.
January 27 Game Previews
MIA @ BOS: Set your lineups for this 1:00 EST start to a great ABC doubleheader. The Celtics will be desperate to end a six-game slide, and Ray Allen will be greeted with more boos than cheers in his return to Boston, because that’s how fans are.An overly-candid and immodest Chris Bosh (eight All-Star teams, one title) would like you to know that the Heat have four future Hall-of-Famers, but he’s still third in their pecking order.
OKC @ LAL: The 3:30 EST game is a marquee matchup between one excellent team and another with several famous players, who don’t seem to get along particularly well and are mostly unhappy with their coach’s system. The Lakers definitely played better against Utah, but this is a reality check. Kevin Durant is a fantasy god, putting up huge numbers on a ridiculously consistent basis. Although Russell Westbrook has a few more off-nights than KD, his good ones are terrific.
DET @ ORL: Most daily leagues close at 6:00 EST and exclude a quite a few expensive superstars. This game offers a few good plays, with Jameer Nelson and Nikola Vucevic the most likely to succeed for Orlando, and while the Pistons are just 4-16 on the road, Greg Monroe is in a groove. Since returning from his shoulder injury, Glen Davis has had one very good game amid five that were so-so; both his scoring and rebounding will improve. The Pistons’ second unit could be a factor, as the Magic bench is thin since J.J. Redick became a starter.
NOH @ MEM: When the Grizzlies are at their best, they shut down most teams and control the tempo. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph have a decided edge over Robin Lopez and Anthony Davis up front, so Memphis in a low-scoring game is the likely outcome. I’ve added Tony Wroten in deep leagues; the 2012 first-rounder is coming off the bench behind Tony Allen for his first significant minutes as a pro.
ATL @ NYK: The Knicks did not look good in Philadelphia and are vulnerable at home tonight. Atlanta isn’t playing great, though they have won three in a row. The latest was a double-OT win over Boston after erasing a 27-point deficit. Kyle Korver is thriving as the #1 SG, and Devin Harris is now the sixth man, backing up Korver and Jeff Teague. The matchup between Josh Smith and Carmelo Anthony figures to decide this.
PHO @ DAL: A Texas back-to-back is never easy, and the Suns are now 4-18 on the road. It’s a great opportunity for Dallas to win another high-scoring game. Elton Brand has taken over from Chris Kaman as the starting C, with 36-year-old Vince Carter averaging 20 off the bench in his last three. A window of opportunity has opened (again) for Rodrigue Beaubois, whose latest 16-minute stint was electric.
POR @ LAC: In Portland, a see-saw battle went down to the final second. This rematch favors the Clippers, who want revenge and have a much deeper bench. There is no timetable for Chris Paul (kneecap) to return, so Eric Bledsoe (11 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL last night) might be very important for a while. My hunch is DeAndre Jordan, a bargain in daily leagues who might have more desire tonight than a tired J.J. Hickson.
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We welcome Mitch McClure to the Sheridan Hoops fantasy department. Don’t miss his Week 14 Planner this afternoon. Follow us on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates.