Monday Previews
BRK @ PHI: Playing much better defense lately, the Nets are more talented and better-rested than the 76ers, who are in a tailspin. Deron Williams is scorching hot, and Brook Lopez can dominate the Philadelphia bigs. Don’t expect a high score, as Brooklyn is content to grind out another win. Bench players like Andray Blatche and Mirza Teletovic could get extra run if it’s a blowout.
OKC @ SAS: Game of the night and one of the most eagerly-anticipated of the season so far. San Antonio has a slim lead in the West, but without Tony Parker (ankle) they will need a superb effort from everyone else to prevent the Thunder from moving into a tie. Russell Westbrook will be a nightmare for Cory Joseph and/or Patrick Mills to guard. I like WB better than Kevin Durant this evening, as the Spurs will focus their defense on slowing KD down. If Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili can generate enough offense, this could be a thriller.
DET @ UTA: Finally, the Jazz are back home after a truly disastrous 0-4 trip East knocked them right out of the last playoff spot. With or without Paul Millsap (knee) they will take out their frustrations on the hapless Pistons. Al Jefferson is a must-start, Derrick Favors is Plan B if Millsap misses another game and Enes Kanter has been strong off the bench. Mo Williams should come around soon; turnovers have been a problem in three starts since he returned from a thumb injury.
DEN @ PHO: Winners of eight in a row including three on the road, the Nuggets have Ty Lawson in peak form and a host of other offensive weapons. The hardest thing to predict is who else will get hot. It could be Danilo Gallinari, or Andre Iguodala, and sometimes Kenneth Faried is a Manimal at both ends of the floor. Phoenix has no true C until Jermaine O’Neal (personal) returns. Luis Scola will start in the middle, flanked by a Morris twin on each side. Goran Dragic could have a huge night, and Jared Dudley came to life last game, but it’s hard to imagine an upset.
NYK @ GSW: This would be easier to preview if we knew who was going to play. Carmelo Anthony (knee) made the trip but if he sits out again, Kenyon Martin and Chris Copeland will get extra minutes and Steve Novak is a decent play. For the Warriors, David Lee (knee) is the question mark, with Carl Landry the starter if D-Lee misses another game. Stephen Curry is a sure thing, though the Knicks will have a new defensive scheme to hold him under 50 points this time.