Saturday Previews
PHO @ WAS: All signs point to another Wizards victory as the Suns are even more tired — this is their third road game in four nights. Neither team has much to play for, which can lead to sloppy defense. Start anyone you own for Washington and hope for the best; be cautious with Phoenix players.
CHA @ BOS: The Celtics are rested, at home and should easily ‘avenge’ their loss in Charlotte last week, when Paul Pierce didn’t play and his teammates didn’t care. There’s no reason to overextend The Truth or Kevin Garnett in what figures to be an easy win; lesser lights like Jeff Green are worth considering.
IND @ PHI: There’s a fairly good chance that the Pacers will win, but it’s no sure thing. They have been slightly disappointing in March, compared to their fabulous February. Meanwhile, although the 76ers have lost six of their last seven, they gave the Heat quite a scare on Wednesday and have been resting at home ever since. Thaddeus Young and Jrue Holiday are must-starts.
CLE @ SAS: This is an easy one for the Spurs, going up against a weaker team, missing its one superstar, that made only a token effort in Dallas last night. The news on Tony Parker (ankle) is pretty good; he’s expected to return ahead of his four-week timetable. The hot hand(s) tonight? Your guess is as good as mine; maybe Tiago Splitter and Cory Joseph. For as long as he’s needed, Tim Duncan will dominate.
DET @ POR: Still looking for their first win in March, the Pistons won’t find it in Portland. The Blazers are mentally and physically tough. Their starters play huge minutes, and right through injuries that would sideline many other players. Damian Lillard and J.J. Hickson are the healthiest, but LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum showed talent and courage on Thursday. Because of the ankle injury to Brandon Knight, both Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum gained fantasy value for Detroit.
MEM @ UTA: It’s a little joke by the schedule maker but the Grizzlies aren’t laughing. Four games in five nights, all on the road against teams in the playoff hunt. Last night’s loss was at high altitude. How much is left in the tank? Maybe Paul Millsap will be better tonight for the Jazz; his return from a sore knee on Wednesday was not encouraging. I’m leaning toward avoiding this game in daily leagues as points may be hard to come by.