There were two very good games on Thursday and we’ll preview a dozen more on tonight’s NBA schedule, but in addition to updates that will help you manage Roto and Head-to-Head teams, the big fantasy news tonight will happen at DraftStreet.
Everyone should join the Sheridan Hoops Freeroll, where there’s no cost, no obligation and you could win $100 cash or one of 14 consolation prizes. There’s also one final chance to qualify for a $50,000 grand prize in the DSBBC tournament. Details for both events are on Page 3.
Thursday Results
OKC @ NYK: Even without Carmelo Anthony (knee), the Knicks made this quite a battle. A season high from J.R. Smith (36 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL) included six 3-pointers and Amare Stoudemire (16 PTS, 8 REB, 2 BLK) battled tight defensive pressure all night. They shot only 41% as a team and were held to 22% in the final quarter. For the visitors, Kevin Durant (34 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST) was terrific and Russell Westbrook (21 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL) is still pretty good even when he misses 14 shots and rolls an ankle. Kevin Martin (16 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL) played 32 minutes for the Thunder and Serge Ibaka (12 PTS, 9 REB) blocked five shots.
LAC @ DEN: It was a superb first half (49-all) as the Clippers slowed down Denver’s trademark fast-break attack. In the third quarter, L.A. began to run out of gas and Ty Lawson (21 PTS, 11 AST, 6 REB) took over. Kenneth Faried (11 PTS, 10 REB, 4 BLK) played strong D, while Danilo Gallinari (20 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB) was an offensive force and three bench players reached double figures. Jamal Crawford (ankle) was unavailable, so Matt Barnes (19 PTS, 3 AST) played 36 minutes off the bench but Chris Paul (16 PTS, 10 AST, 4 REB) and Blake Griffin (17 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST) were not quite as spectacular as usual.
Friday Previews
OKC @ CHA: Sooner or later the woeful Bobcats will surprise someone. Tonight seems unlikely. Ben Gordon is worth a pickup in some formats and is a decent start, as Ramon Sessions (knee) is out for at least a couple of weeks. Byron Mullens is playing on a tender knee, so Josh McRoberts has a pulse in deeper leagues. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is trying to finish strong in his rookie year. The Thunder stars will probably do just enough to win; I’m looking elsewhere in the Freeroll.
IND @ ORL: Don’t expect a miracle from the Magic, but don’t overlook them. Jameer Nelson is healthy again, Arron Afflalo is a versatile asset and the kids are alright, especially newcomer Tobias Harris, who comes off the bench with a green light. However, the Pacers have experience and talent on their side, and might be grumpy after blowing a big lead at home on Wednesday. At their best, they shut down opponents with tremendous team defense while David West and Paul George do the scoring.