MIL @ DEN: It looks like a misprint in the box score. Samuel Dalembert scored 35 points on 17-21 shooting, and grabbed 12 rebounds. Partly because Larry Sanders (12 PTS, 7 REB, 5 BLK in 23 minutes) injured his back in a fall, Dalembert got a season-high 27 minutes and JaVale McGee (8 PTS, 5 REB, 4 BLK in 18 minutes) didn’t try that hard to stop him. It didn’t affect the outcome, as Denver rallied from a 15-point deficit, turned it on in the second half at both ends of the floor and finished with a 19-4 flourish. Ty Lawson (22 PTS, 7 AST) and Danilo Gallinari (22 PTS, 6 REB, 2 BLK) got plenty of help from Corey Brewer (20 PTS, 4 REB, 2 STL) and Wilson Chandler (7 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK) off the bench.
February 6 Game Previews
BOS @ TOR: It’s ridiculous to say the Celtics are better without Rajon Rondo (knee surgery) but accurate to say every other Boston player is trying harder during a four-game win streak. Paul Pierce is now a point-forward for Boston, and the bench is contributing. For Toronto, the Rudy Gay era has begun, DeMar DeRozan is no longer being covered by opponents’ best wing defenders, and Andrea Bargnani (elbow) is expected to return in a sharpshooting role off the bench, until he’s in game shape.
NYK @ WAS: Don’t take the Wizards lightly. That’s advice to other NBA teams and all fantasy owners. John Wall has improved everyone’s confidence, Emeka Okafor remains a well-kept secret and Martell Webster gets better every month. Nene is a bit harder to figure; his chronic foot pain means occasional bad nights. They might not win against Carmelo Anthony, red-hot Tyson Chandler and a stellar Knicks’ bench featuring J.R. Smith and Amare Stoudemire, but Washington won’t roll over.
CHA @ CLE: The Cavaliers have been resting at home since Kyrie Irving led them to a shocking upset over the Thunder. Sophomore Tristan Thompson has emerged as a consistent PF and newcomer Marreese Speights is taking much of the load from rookie C Tyler Zeller. They are solid favorites over Charlotte, though the return of Byron Mullens can only help the Bobcats. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (concussion) will probably miss another game, and Kemba Walker will need his very best against Kyrie.
IND @ PHI: Not the most attractive game for daily league play, as Indiana has dropped seven of its last nine on the road and must be exhausted after two wins in the last two nights. Meanwhile, the Sixers contemplate life without Thaddeus Young, who suffered a severe hamstring strain that will keep him out for at least three weeks. Lavoy Allen will get extra minutes and rookie Arnett Moultrie could see more action, but Philly will rely more than ever on Jrue Holiday, Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner.
LAC @ ORL: From a fantasy perspective, whether Blake Griffin (ankle) starts is an enormous question. In real life, the Clippers can win without him. The Magic have lost ten in a row, their four highest scorers are injured and depth was never their strength. Jameer Nelson (forearm contusion) might return, but Arron Afflalo (calf) is doubtful and J.J. Redick (shoulder) is questionable. For L.A., Jamal Crawford has scored 51 points in the last two games, despite a broken nose.