LAL @ ORL: The return of Dwight Howard to Orlando overshadows this game. He’s playing well enough to put on a great show against Nikola Vucevic and both should be in every lineup. Jameer Nelson might be pumped to face D-12 and the fans will be crazy, but most of the Magic roster has turned over since the big trade; Tobias Harris even wears Howard’s number. Kobe Bryant has carried the Lakers this far — they now control their own playoff destiny — and will make sure they come away with a much-needed win.
ATL @ MIA: When you win 18 in a row, you become a target. Like every opponent, the Hawks would love to end Miami’s streak. Al Horford will need to be absolutely great for that to happen, as Josh Smith is unlikely to outplay LeBron James. The Heat have won all three previous meetings and Dwyane Wade is on a roll. Atlanta theoretically has a slight edge at PG, though Jeff Teague is coming off a poor effort and Mario Chalmers just had one of his best games.
DAL @ MIL: The absence of Larry Sanders (knee) makes Samuel Dalembert a solid fantasy play tonight. Ersan Ilyasova (knee) might return, but the Bucks rely mostly on Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis anyway. Dallas can’t afford any more losses and may be without Shawn Marion (calf) for a third game. O.J. Mayo has a tender ankle, so it’s up to Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter to keep the playoff dream alive. Brandan Wright, without much fanfare, has become an important part of the Mavs’ rotation in the last four games.
SAS @ MIN: It was a long flight after a tough game, so don’t expect the Spurs to be at their best. They should be able to handle what’s left of the Timberwolves, but Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio are worth using and J.J. Barea comes off the bench shooting. It’s never easy to predict who will put up numbers for San Antonio given their depth; Gary Neal is a possibility tonight and Boris Diaw could be a big factor if Tim Duncan is rested.
MEM @ POR: The Grizzlies are consistently very good and Zach Randolph (ankle) is expected to return, but the Blazers are desperate. Both previous games in this series were in Memphis, where they split low-scoring affairs. The pace might be faster tonight if Portland isn’t too banged up. LaMarcus Aldridge rolled his ankle on Sunday and Damian Lillard hurt his shoulder, though both finished the game. J.J. Hickson has a very tough challenge against Marc Gasol. Home court is a slight advantage and a team with its back to the wall is always dangerous.