January 29 Game Previews
DAL @ POR: The Mavericks tend to play high-scoring games, and that’s always fine with the Blazers. The only two losses for Dallas in the last two weeks were close ones to the Thunder and Spurs. Portland is in ninth place, 1.5 games out of the playoffs, with both the Mavs and Lakers looming large in the rear-view mirror. Damian Lillard could have a very good night against Darren Collison, and J.J. Hickson is better than Elton Brand or any other C he will face. Ride the entire starting five in fantasy until they drop; that’s what coach Terry Stotts does in real life.
GSW @ CLE: Back-to-back road games in the ‘wrong’ time zone for Golden State, and the likelihood that Steph Curry won’t play, means an upset chance for Cleveland. No matter how Bogut’s ankle feels, he figures to be rested as a precaution. Jarrett Jack will have to deal with sizzling-hot Kyrie Irving all night, and the addition of Marreese Speights has helped the Cavs’ frontcourt depth already.
MIL @ DET: Much depends on how Brandon Jennings plays against Brandon Knight, who is coming off a career-high 31-point outburst. The other crucial matchup is Larry Sanders vs. Greg Monroe. The Pistons have beaten the Bucks twice already this season, and are only four games behind Boston for the final playoff spot. These aren’t the most glamorous teams, but it could be an intense battle and I can’t pick a winner.
NOH @ LAL: It’s been a new Kobe Bryant the last two games, passing up contested shots to make his teammates better. Steve Nash and Metta World Peace are getting open looks and hitting threes. Pau Gasol is still the PF to own, even if Earl Clark continues to start. If Dwight Howard’s shoulder feels OK and he’s in the mood, he can destroy Robin Lopez. It sounds like a Lakers romp, but the Hornets just finished winning in Memphis, and Ryan Anderson is in a good groove. Greivis Vasquez must escape a shooting slump (3-for-22 in his last two) for them to seriously threaten.
The Fantasy Spin is here by 9:00 EST every morning, and the DraftStreet Diary offers daily league advice. Don’t miss the the Weekly Fantasy Planner by Mitch McClure every Sunday. Follow us on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates.