DAL @ BRK: Losers of three in a row that they absolutely ‘had to’ win, the Mavericks need a miracle now to make the playoffs. Deron Williams and Brook Lopez match up very well against their Dallas counterparts, and Joe Johnson might be back after missing three starts with a sore heel. Dirk Nowitzki was stifled by Memphis after three huge efforts and is a must-start, but his teammates seem to be fading.
DET @ NOH: Hardly a marquee matchup. The Hornets got skunked by 45 on Wednesday, their second loss in as many nights, while Eric Gordon rested his knee and Anthony Davis sat out with a sore shoulder. Gordon will start, and if the Unibrow is back, they can win. Detroit is no powerhouse, though Brandon Knight is coming off a career-high 32 points and Greg Monroe is capable of big things.
SAC @ SAS: Complacency, overconfidence, an emotional letdown — however you describe it, the Spurs were unprepared for their first home game after nine straight on the road the previous three weeks. They will be far more businesslike tonight. The Kings were sensational in Florida, taking the Heat to double-OT then burying the Magic with 125 points the following night. This could be a high-scoring, entertaining source of fantasy goodies, with Tony Parker and Tim Duncan the safest plays.
ATL @ PHO: “I’m in a good rhythm,” understates Al Horford. He is in a zone few players ever experience, averaging 26. 2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.8 blocks on 67.4% shooting in five games since the break. Josh Smith is also heating up, and Jeff Teague has been excellent on this road trip. That’s too much firepower for the Suns, if the Hawks maintain their intensity. Goran Dragic is a must-start, and Jermaine O’Neal hasn’t looked this good for three or four years.
CHA @ UTA: Caught flat-footed by Atlanta on Wednesday, the Jazz will make amends tonight. Paul Millsap (ankle, new baby) is questionable, making Derrick Favors a tremendous spot start and improving the value of Enes Kanter. All are better than any Charlotte big man. It’s at guard where the Bobcats have an edge; Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson are solid fantasy performers, win or lose.
OKC @ DEN: The nightcap is a dandy. They will need sharp pencils at the scorer’s table. Back in January, these teams met twice in five days. The Thunder won by 20 at home, then the Nuggets took a 121-118 overtime decision in Denver. It would help if Danilo Gallinari (thigh) returns, as Wilson Chandler would make the second unit even more potent. Ty Lawson is averaging 23.3 PTS and 8.4 AST in February — can he stay that hot against the talented Russell Westbrook?
Being betrayed by your officer in charge is worse than english cooking.
Wow, thanks for the freeroll Sheridan. I’m going to Disney Land!