IND @ CLE: Even without David West (back) that was easy. Tyler Hansbrough (18 PTS, 11 REB) made the most of a rare start at PF, and Gerald Green (20 PTS, 6 REB) got more minutes than he’s seen in two months. Garbage time skewed the stats for both teams; Tristan Thompson (20 PTS, 11 REB) and C.J. Miles (21 PTS, 2 REB) were the lone bright spots for Cleveland, as Dion Waiters (4 PTS in 12 minutes) left early with knee soreness.
DEN @ CHI: It’s a shame someone had to lose. Joakim Noah (14 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST, 7 BLK) had a tip-in — with less than two seconds left in overtime — called goaltending after video review. That turned a one-point win into a one-point loss. Wilson Chandler (35 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL) was superb as the Nuggets’ bench outscored Chicago’s 71-17, but Nate Robinson (34 PTS, 7 AST) and the other Bulls’ starters played huge minutes in a tremendous effort. That’s 12 wins in a row for Denver, but the streak is likely to end tonight.
GSW @ NOH: The Hornets were tired from a road game and a long flight, while Golden State is locked in a battle for playoff position, so the outcome was no surprise. Stephen Curry (30 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST) and David Lee (20 PTS, 11 REB) made sure the Warriors would win. For New Orleans, Ryan Anderson (21 PTS, 9 REB) and Anthony Davis (16 PTS, 7 REB) were respectable in the losing cause.
DAL @ ATL: It ain’t over till it’s over. Yogi Berra said it, and the Mavericks believe. Darren Collison (24 PTS, 5 AST in 30 bench minutes) and Dirk Nowitzki (22 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST) led a 127-point attack as Dallas shot 57% and hit 13 3-pointers. Chris Kaman (14 PTS, 7 REB) was a pleasant surprise after playing just 4:32 the night before. It was not what you would call a defensive clinic. Atlanta shot 56% and scored 113, with Jeff Teague (19 PTS, 7 AST, 2 REB, 2 STL) leading seven players in double figures.
MIN @ MEM: As expected, the Timberwolves were careful with their veterans returning from injury as they played a back-to-back. Ricky Rubio (2 PTS in 21 minutes) left early with a groin strain and no Minnesota player scored more than 12 points. Mike Conley (20 PTS, 6 AST, 2 STL) and Marc Gasol (16 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 4 BLK) led the Grizzlies to an easy win, with Tayshaun Prince (12 PTS, 4 AST) grabbing a season-high 14 rebounds.