Friday Previews
NYK @ TOR: This is a good old-fashioned home-and-home that the Knicks would very much like to sweep. Toronto has nothing to play for, and coach Dwane Casey is committed to developing his two promising rookies. Jonas Valanciunas is a good fantasy play against Kenyon Martin, an aging PF who is filling in at C for Tyson Chandler (neck). High-flying dunk champion Terrence Ross is getting a longer look off the bench at both wing spots. A likely scoring duel between Carmelo Anthony vs. Rudy Gay will be fun to watch. Kyle Lowry played better last game; how he fares against Raymond Felton could decide the outcome.
OKC @ ORL: Uh-oh. The Magic won’t know what hit them as the Thunder will be really upset about losing two games in a row. You can still take a chance on veteran Orlando players like Jameer Nelson and Arron Afflalo, but Nikola Vucevic might still be under the weather and promising rookie Maurice Harkless is slightly overmatched against Kevin Durant. I’m also avoiding Tobias Harris, more of a finesse PF, against Serge Ibaka.
MIL @ IND: In the East, we know who will be in the playoffs, but seeding is up for grabs. The Pacers can solidify their one-game advantage for second spot with a win, while the Bucks are stuck in eighth, trying to escape a first-round matchup against the Heat. That seems unlikely, with Ersan Ilyasova (back) having missed two games and Monta Ellis playing through a sore wrist. Indiana will be without David West (back) which means another start for Tyler Hansbrough and a few extra shots for Paul George.
DET @ MIA: One of these nights, Miami will lose because of a slow start and an inspired opponent. They came from 17 down to beat Boston on Monday and erased a 27-point deficit against Cleveland on Wednesday. Consecutive win #25 should be easier, as the Pistons need an overhaul. Greg Monroe is the only Detroit player worth using, though Will Bynum could benefit if there’s lengthy garbage time. You probably know who to start for the Heat; just be aware that the Big Three will get as much rest as possible after the long, tough road trip, so it’s unlikely that anyone will need to notch a triple-double.
POR @ ATL: Given how much the Blazers rely on just five men (two of whom are playing hurt) and that this is their fourth road game in five nights, the rested Hawks should dominate. Al Horford is always great, Josh Smith is intermittently great and the faster Jeff Teague plays, the better the team’s result. At the moment, Atlanta is headed for a first-round battle with the Nets, but home-court advantage is still up for grabs. That should be sufficient motivation.