LAL @ PHO: We were wrong about the Lakers having enough left. Shorthanded and tired from the previous day’s exertion, they shot a puny 33% and faded badly in the second half of a ‘must-win’ game against a soft opponent. Steve Nash (19 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST) and Dwight Howard (16 PTS, 11 REB) got no help at all. Goran Dragic (12 PTS, 10 AST, 4 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK) and Wes Johnson (14 PTS, 9 REB, 2 STL) were the best the Suns’ starters, but their bench outscored L.A.’s 52-17 and pulled away in the second half.
NYK @ UTA: On some level, the Jazz must not want to make the playoffs. How they could cough up that game against an exhausted Knicks team missing Tyson Chandler (neck, knee) and Carmelo Anthony (knee) is a complete mystery. Al Jefferson (10 PTS, 11 REB) and Paul Millsap (12 PTS, 5 REB) were very disappointing; Gordon Hayward (17 PTS, 3 AST, 4 BLK) was the only Utah player to meet expectations. Credit Raymond Felton (19 PTS, 4 AST) and J.R. Smith (20 PTS, 5 REB) for the upset, with some help from Kenyon Martin (9 PTS, 9 REB) up front.
Tuesday Previews
ORL @ IND: Around here, we were mocking the Magic in preseason. While they aren’t very good on the road (3-17 in their last 20) and don’t have a ‘closer’, the outlook is much brighter now. They are playing with enthusiasm, rookie Maurice Harkless keeps improving and Tobias Harris was a shrewd addition. The Pacers will probably win, even if West takes another night off.
POR @ MIL: This five-game road trip started with a crushing one-point loss, and the Blazers have some very tired, injured players. J.J. Hickson was extremely quiet last night, possibly being rested for this matchup with Larry Sanders. Both Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum have high pain thresholds, but they are shutdown risks once Portland gives up the playoff chase. Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings are must-starts; Ersan Ilyasova (back) is doubtful.
DEN @ OKC: The home team has won all three previous meetings and that seems likely to continue. Extended to OT last night, and after a long flight, it might be hard for the Nuggets to stop Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Also playing well for OKC is Serge Ibaka. With the extra day of rest, home court advantage and the incentive of catching the Spurs for the #1 playoff seed, the Thunder should prevail in a wide-open affair.
LAC @ SAC: Visiting Sacramento is a lot of fun for opposing teams. The Kings are undisciplined and the scores are often high. Tonight, with DeMarcus Cousins (thigh) and Tyreke Evans (foot) both questionable, look for Isaiah Thomas and Patrick Patterson to put up numbers, but the Clippers should win with ease. Be aware that Chris Paul and Blake Griffin might not have to play big minutes. With Eric Bledsoe (calf) sidelined, both Jamal Crawford and Chauncey Billups could see some time at point guard.