BOS @ NOH: A tremendous effort by the shorthanded Celtics against the mighty Heat came up two points short on Monday. Emotionally, a “bounce” is inevitable from that sky-high intensity on national TV to a routine road game against a weak team. Kevin Garnett (flu, adductor) might return to help keep them focused, Paul Pierce is a must-start and while Jeff Green won’t score 43 again, his confidence must be soaring. I’m expecting the Hornets to make a game of it, with Greivis Vasquez and Anthony Davis well worth starting and Ryan Anderson always a threat.
OKC @ MEM: Last night, the Thunder gave up 72 points in the paint because Denver gets a lot of dunks and layups off the break. Tonight, OKC faces the potent duo of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, who dominate inside the old-fashioned way. The Grizzlies keep the score down and grind out victories, including their last eight at home. It seems crazy to predict a second straight loss for any team led by Durant and Westbrook, but something special is brewing in Memphis.
GSW @ SAS: How long has it been since the Warriors won in San Antonio? Tim Duncan was still in college. They are a neat, tidy 0-29 in the 16-year drought. You can spin that either way; it ‘proves’ they have no chance, or they are way overdue. Tony Parker (ankle) is getting close to a return, just not tonight. It will be up to Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard to outscore Stephen Curry and David Lee.
WAS @ PHO: With so many other great matchups tonight, few people will be paying attention to this game. John Wall is averaging 24 points and 10 assists over his last five, and the Wizards’ big men (Emeka Okafor and Nene) match up well against Jermaine O’Neal and Markieff Morris. Though completely meaningless, it might be a high-scoring affair, with juicy fantasy stats that should not be overlooked.
PHI @ LAC: With the entire season a disaster and confirmation that Andrew Bynum needs surgery on both knees, the Sixers could have stopped competing. Instead, they went 3-1 at home last week, losing only to the scorching Heat, who they very nearly upset. I doubt that effort will translate to the road, where they have lost 13 straight. The Clippers will be furious with themselves for letting one slip away last night, and CP3 will be up for his battle with Jrue Holiday. Chauncey Billups (groin) is out, so the sharpshooting Mr. Crawford figures to play big minutes again