MIN @ MEM: Two of the new guys are contributing for Memphis. Tayshaun Prince (18 PTS) made all eight of his shots and Austin Daye (16 PTS in 24:39 hit two 3-pointers to lead the second unit. Marc Gasol (9 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST, 3 STL) contained Nikola Pekovic (8 PTS, 6 REB) as expected, and Zach Randolph (16 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL) was solid. Ricky Rubio (17 PTS, 4 AST) and Luke Ridnour (17 PTS, 4 AST, 4 REB) were OK in the losing cause, they just need some help up front.
NOH @ TOR: That’s five very good games in a row for Rudy Gay (20 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL) as a Raptor, and he’s crept into the top ten on Chris Sheridan’s MVP Rankings. Backup guard John Lucas (19 PTS, 5-of-5 from downtown Etobicoke) provided a huge spark in 19 bench minutes and rookie Jonas Valanciunas had his second straight double-double (11 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK) as Andrea Bargnani sat out with the flu. Greivis Vasquez (17 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST) and Robin Lopez (19 PTS, 4 REB) were the best Hornet-Pelicans, but Eric Gordon looked like he’s rather be somewhere else.
SAS @ BRK: We didn’t think Tim Duncan (knee) or Manu Ginobili (hamstring) would play, so it’s no surprise that Tony Parker (29 PTS, 11 AST) dominated another game. The slumping Nets allowed the Spurs to shoot 59% and were outscored by 31 in the second half, when they managed just 29 points. Deron Williams (15 PTS, 3 AST, -25) was no match for Parker; Brook Lopez (18 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK) had the best fantasy line in an embarrassing defeat.
OKC @ PHO: Scoring just 69 points on your home floor is pretty embarrassing, too. The Suns are truly horrible. One player scored more than eight points — Markieff Morris had eight of his 12 in garbage time. The Thunder could have won by fifty or more, but they showed some mercy. We warned you that Kevin Durant (18 PTS, 7 REB) and Russell Westbrook (24 PTS, 6 AST, 4 STL) wouldn’t be needed for more than 30 minutes; they will be well-rested on Tuesday after two straight blowout wins.
HOU @ SAC: The wee man took over in crunch time. Isaiah Thomas (23 PTS, 6 AST, 2 STL) had 17 in the decisive fourth quarter to lead his Kings to their second home win in as many nights. John Salmons (23 PTS, 6 AST) came to life after averaging less than five points over his previous 11 games, and DeMarcus Cousins (20 PTS, 7 REB) didn’t pick a single fight with an opponent, referee, broadcaster or cheerleader, but he was in foul trouble. James Harden (30 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST) was outstanding and Omer Asik (17 PTS, 12 REB, 3 BLK) is having a fabulous February. Jeremy Lin (12 PTS, 6 AST) fouled out in the fourth, failing to stop Thomas; the defense of Toney Douglas (hip) was missed.
February 11 Game Previews
MIN @ CLE: It’s been a horrible year for Timberwolves fans, including me. Losing Kevin Love twice, the aborted Brandon Roy comeback, a slow start for Ricky Rubio, Chase Budinger blowing a knee and now Andrei Kirilenko (calf) is hurt. They got clobbered in Memphis last night and will be fatigued. The Cavaliers are in a much better frame of mind. Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson are must-starts, Alonzo Gee was hot last game and in deeper leagues, Wayne Ellington is worth picking up after three straight games with 23 minutes or more, especially if you need 3-pointers.