POR @ MIA: The road-weary Blazers lost in Orlando; how can they beat Miami? Nicolas Batum will probably be on LeBron James, while Wesley Matthews has to chase Dwyane Wade. Portland will need gigantic games from LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard to have a ghost of a chance at an upset, but the rookie PG is coming off a miserable performance (1-for-16) that suggests he could be tiring under the heavy workload.
HOU @ GSW: “See you next Tuesday,” Andrew Bogut warned the Rockets last Tuesday, after Houston tied the NBA record for three-pointers and ran up 140 points. Tonight is all about revenge, and James Harden missed practice on Monday with a sore knee. Stephen Curry and David Lee will be fired up, and with Jarrett Jack (shoulder) still iffy, Curry could play huge minutes. If Harden sits out, Carlos Delfino will start at SG for Houston.
SAC @ MEM: Last weekend was great for the Kings and their fans; two high-scoring wins also paid fantasy dividends. Tonight is a reality check for a 5-21 road team that has very little discipline. There was a ‘bad chemistry’ reaction to the recent Grizzlies trades, with Zach Randolph the most volatile element. Things are improving; Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye are fitting in and Memphis has won two straight.
OKC @ UTA: While this is certain to be more of a test for the Thunder than the Suns were in those last two mismatches, the Jazz simply aren’t good enough. Kevin Martin missed Sunday’s game with the flu, so don’t count on him too much, but Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are extremely well-rested. Many people expect either Paul Millsap or Al Jefferson to be traded, and Utah has a big hole at PG. Gordon Hayward (shoulder) is getting closer to a return but sounds doubtful tonight.
PHO @ LAL: Just what the Lakers need — a home game against a weak opponent. Phoenix is notoriously bad on the road, and after a brief flurry under new coach Lindsey Hunter, the Suns have lost five of six, looking worse all the time. This should be easy for Kobe Bryant and company; Steve Nash and Earl Clark are solid plays and Dwight Howard has shown steady improvement over his last three games.