OKC @ DAL: What a heartbreaking loss for the Mavericks, now mired in 11th place, four full games out of a playoff spot with only 16 to play. Kevin Durant (31 PTS, 9 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK) had 19 in the decisive fourth quarter and Russell Westbrook (35 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST) was terrific all night. Serge Ibaka (18 PTS, 16 REB, 3 BLK) was also a huge factor. Dallas was led as usual by Dirk Nowitzki (23 PTS, 7 REB) and Vince Carter (18 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL) though nobody could stop KD when it mattered most.
ATL @ BRK: That was a missed opportunity for the Nets, who could have moved into a tie for the Atlantic Division lead with a victory. Instead, they are now just one game ahead of the Hawks, who seemed far more inspired. Al Horford (22 PTS, 11 REB, 2 AST, 4 STL) and Josh Smith (21 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK) were excellent, and though Jeff Teague came off the bench again, he played a strong 37 minutes — 11 PTS, 15 AST, 5 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK. For Brooklyn, Deron Williams (18 PTS, 8 AST, 3 REB, 3 STL) and Reggie Evans (14 PTS, 22 REB) played well. However, when you shoot 42% and let the opponents hit 52%, it’s hard to win.
SAC @ LAL: This time Kobe Bryant (ankle) didn’t even make a brief appearance, but he wasn’t needed. My DraftStreet picks of Antawn Jamison (27 PTS, 9 REB) and Metta World Peace (22 PTS, 4 REB) turned out well and Dwight Howard (12 PTS, 17 REB, 5 BLK) dominated the paint. Steve Nash (19 PTS, 12 AST, 4 REB) also rose to the challenge. With DeMarcus Cousins (quad bruise) out, Patrick Patterson (22 PTS, 5 REB) had his best game since joining the Kings and Isaiah Thomas (26 PTS, 6 AST) was sharp, but they couldn’t outfinish the determined Lakers.
Monday Previews
WAS @ CHA: Who cares about this meaningless game? Fantasy owners of players on both teams. The return of Bradley Beal is huge for the Wizards, though Martell Webster won’t be scoring 34 again with Beal getting more touches. In deep leagues, Bobcats’ PF Josh McRoberts has become useful and their recent pickup Jannero Pargo had 18 points in 21 minutes last game.
POR @ PHI: Yesterday in his Week 21 Fantasy Planner, our Joel Gibson warned that this 5-game week for the Trail Blazers is not all good news. All are on the road, where they have dropped 12 of their last 14, and several players are battling injuries. The Sixers barely lost to scorching-hot Miami and beat the Pacers last week. Spencer Hawes had the game of his life on Saturday and Jrue Holiday seems rejuvenated, but LaMarcus Aldridge is on a mission to lead his team into the playoffs.
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