HOU @ GSW: It wasn’t pretty. Neither team shot 40% and only Chandler Parsons (26 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST) was on target for the Rockets, as James Harden (20 PTS, 11 AST, 6 REB, 3 STL) missed 14 of 17 FG attempts, but they won. Stephen Curry (24 PTS, 8 AST, 5 REB) led the Warriors and Klay Thompson (22 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 2 BLK) hit four 3-pointers, but David Lee (16 PTS, 5 REB) played only 25:29 as he needed treatment for a bruised knee before returning to the floor.
POR @ SAS: We predicted a high-scoring battle and gave the Blazers a chance. Never expected Damian Lillard (35 PTS, 9 AST, 3 REB, 2 STL) to dominate the Spurs, or any team to score 136 on 62% shooting in San Antonio. LaMarcus Aldridge (26 PTS, 5 REB) and J.J. Hickson (23 PTS, 11 REB) also enjoyed big nights, and Eric Maynor (20 PTS, 6 AST, 2 STL in 23:21) is the first good bench player Portland has had all year. Tim Duncan (18 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST) and Manu Ginobili (16 PTS, 3 AST) simply didn’t have enough help.
Saturday Previews
BRK @ ATL: Off a ridiculously easy win at home, the Nets will theoretically be less tired than the Hawks, who lost an overtime heartbreaker in Boston. As with any game where both teams are playing back-to-back, it’s about stamina and resilience as much as talent.
UTA @ NYK: Never the greatest road team, the Jazz lost a heartbreaker in Chicago last night and are clinging to just a half-game lead over the Lakers for eighth place. That makes them desperate, and their chances improve if Carmelo Anthony (knee) misses another game. Utah has lost three on the road this week by a total of five points.
CHA @ WAS: The Wizards made a mandatory appearance in Brooklyn last night but were awful. Meanwhile, the Bobcats got blown out at home by Oklahoma City. This one ‘features’ two tired teams with nothing to play for. Predictions are impossible.
NOH @ MEM: Still without Z-Bo, the Grizz got the job done in Cleveland and they are always tough at home. An upset is not impossible, as these Hornets did win in Memphis on January 27 when Mike Conley got hurt.
MIN @ DEN: The way the Nuggets play at home — winners of 12 straight — combined with how Minnesota is devastated by injuries makes this an easy call. Denver will romp, but it’s hard to predict who might put up the big numbers. In daily salary cap leagues, their bench players are the best bargains.
HOU @ PHO: Somehow, the Rockets won a very important game last night while shooting 36.5%; now they must regroup quickly and avoid overconfidence against a weaker opponent. The Suns made wholesale lineup changes last night and the new group is still learning how to play together. Luis Scola concedes height, weight and youth to Omer Asik.
MIL @ GSW: The Bucks haven’t played since Wednesday, giving them fresher legs for this, but they have just about clinched a playoff spot, so tonight’s outcome isn’t life-or-death. The Warriors, who could slip into seventh place with another loss, are far more desperate. It will be interesting to watch Larry Sanders against former Milwaukee star Andrew Bogut.
Wow, thanks for the freeroll Sheridan. I’m going to Disney Land!