DEN @ POR: The banged-up Blazers gave everything they had. Six players scored in double digits, with Damial Lillard (26) and LaMarcus Aldridge (22) the most productive. Denver was just one point better. Ty Lawson (30 PTS, 6 AST, 2 STL) continued his brilliant recent play, and Andre Iguodala (29 PTS, 8 AST, 7 REB, 5 STL) had by far his best offensive night of the season. There is weirdness in the Yahoo box score for this game (it’s incomplete) and a few recently-traded players “appeared” for both their old and new teams. We can all learn a lesson from their technical glitches — just because you see something on the internet doesn’t make it a fact.
February 28 Game Previews
LAC @ IND: Odd that the best game of the night is not part of the TNT doubleheader. The immovable object that is the Pacers’ defense takes on the irresistible force of the Clippers’ attack. Roy Hibbert (suspension) will not play, making Ian Mahinmi a fine spot start, but Indiana may go small. It would help if Danny Granger finds his shooting stroke. Proud papa Jamal Crawford will be back for L.A. and Blake Griffin vs. David West will be fun to watch. Chris Paul vs. George Hill is obviously an edge for the visitors but the key to the game is Paul George; if he comes up big, Indiana can make it 11 wins in 13 tries.
PHI @ CHI: When will Derrick Rose be back? What about Andrew Bynum? Sorry, I’m ignorant and apathetic — don’t know and don’t care. Both these teams are struggling without those important pieces, and there’s more gossip than hard news about their recoveries, mixed in with some apparently deliberate misinformation. Joakim Noah should destroy Spencer Hawes, and with Taj Gibson (ankle) unavailable, Carlos Boozer is a must-start. Oft-injured Kirk Hinrich is momentarily healthy but will have his hands full with Jrue Holiday. I’ll take the Bulls and the under, while watching the other game.
MIN @ LAL: It’s a ‘junk stat’ but the Lakers have won 23 of the last 24 meetings between these teams. Tonight should be more of the same, as the T-Wolves are shorthanded and have nothing to play for. Don’t use Andrei Kirilenko (calf) who is questionable at best. Beware of Nikola Pekovic, who is exhausted from carrying his teammates and must battle Dwight Howard. Minnesota has nobody who can guard Kobe Bryant, and he can sniff the playoffs — they are just 2.5 games back of Houston and three behind Utah. Antawn Jamison and Metta World Peace are potentially good plays tonight, as Earl Clark is not 100%, with leg and hand injuries.