LAC @ PHI: Not the softest back-to-back for the Clippers but it’s definitely a good time to visit Philadelphia, while Thaddeus Young (hamstring) is out. Jeremy Pargo is an intriguing pickup in deeper leagues; his debut went very well on a night that Nick Young wasn’t very Swaggy. Doug Collins raved about Pargo’s play and might even use Jrue Holiday at SG beside him. CP3 and company should get the job done, but this won’t be high-scoring.
BRK @ IND: After that great beginning under P.J. Carlesimo, the good ship Nets has sprung a few leaks recently. They scored 83 points in a home loss and just 74 on the road last week. They were uninspired again yesterday and things get no easier tonight. David West could have a field day, as PF is a revolving door of mediocrity for Brooklyn. Paul George is another stud, but don’t sleep on Lance Stephenson, who has quietly scored in double figures in six of his last seven, with a smattering of threes, rebounds, assists and steals.
BOS @ CHA: You have a back-to-back, at home against one of the best teams in the league, then on the road vs. one of the worst. Which one do you get psyched up for? The Celtics will probably take care of business, but after that intense 63-minute game, there is a risk of fatigue, letdown and the Bobcats having more desire. There are several games I like better, both in the competitive sense and for fantasy plays.
NOH @ DET: After losing in Toronto last night, the Hornets will find this difficult. Something has gotten into the Pistons, who lost Andre Drummond (back) but rediscovered Charlie Villanueva. The frustrating CV31 has always had more talent than consistency or desire, but he’s exploded for 39 points, 21 rebounds and nine 3-pointers in back-to-back wins. Greg Monroe is a beast, and I’m a huge fan of Jose Calderon — the point guard and the man. The situation remains a tossup at SG, where Brandon Knight starts and Rodney Stuckey is on standby. Don’t expect Eric Gordon to suit up two nights in a row.
SAS @ CHI: The rodeo road trip is a lot more difficult without two of your three best players. The Spurs won a laugher last night, but will be battling fatigue and a tougher defense this evening. It would be an emotional boost if Duncan returns, but don’t count on that happening. Joakim Noah is gamely playing through plantar fasciitis, which limits him in both scoring and shot-blocking. Taj Gibson will continue to see extra minutes, but it’s Luol Deng’s team until Derrick Rose is back.
WAS @ MIL: In the last few weeks, since John Wall returned, the Wizards have ambushed several of the league’s best teams on their home court. The next step toward respectability is doing it on the road, where they are 3-21 and have dropped six straight. For the Bucks, Larry Sanders (back) is a game-time decision; even if he does play, Samuel Dalembert deserves minutes after three straight double-doubles featuring ten blocks.
ATL @ DAL: With no West coast games, this 8:30 EST start is the nightcap. Rumors are swirling around Josh Smith with the trade deadline ten days away; the entire team seems distracted over a 7-12 stretch that has really hurt their playoff seeding. Al Horford is more consistent than Smoove, and Jeff Teague is capable of big games, but I like Dallas at home. Shawn Marion is hot, O.J. Mayo can fill it up and sooner or later, Dirk Nowitzki will find his best stroke. Though six games under .500 and 4.5 back of the eighth playoff spot, the Mavs aren’t giving up, they have a sense of urgency.