Saturday Previews
TOR @ NYK: Given that the Knicks won in Toronto last night and are in a tight battle for playoff seedings, you have to think they will sweep this home-and-home. You’ll have to ask the Raptors’ coach why he prefers Landry Fields to Amir Johnson against New York; it’s utterly senseless to limit your best player to 17 minutes. Melo, K-Mart and company should have little trouble on their home court.
IND @ CHI: The Bulls played great against Denver on Monday, losing on a controversial call at the end of overtime. They were not as good in a loss to the Blazers on Thursday and are poised to bounce back tonight. It’s a back-to-back for Indiana, but last night was more like a vacation than work. Roy Hibbert blocked seven shots against the Bucks; he might have a bit more trouble with Joakim Noah. It’s possible that Kirk Hinrich will improve off a poor game Thursday in his return from a foot injury; Chicago needs him until Derrick Rose (knee) finally decides to play.
DET @ CHA: How often do the Bobcats look like the logical choice? Detroit had to play in Miami last night. Tired and still missing Andre Drummond (back) and Brandon Knight (ankle), the Pistons are decided underdogs. Gerald Henderson and Kemba Walker are must-starts for Charlotte and Byron Mullens came to life in his latest. Young Mr. Monroe can dominate the paint if he didn’t leave all his energy in Florida.
BOS @ MEM: This isn’t the easiest trip for the Celtics, who faced an inspired team in Dallas last night and another difficult matchup here. The Grizzlies will be furious with themselves after dropping a winnable game in New Orleans last night. Look elsewhere for points, as this will be a physical, half-court battle and both teams are content to win 80-79.
SAC @ DEN: The long-term health of Ty Lawson (heel) is more important than any 14-game win streak, so Andre Miller might get another start and will definitely play huge minutes. Corey Brewer was a one-man wrecking crew off the bench on Thursday with 29 points, five steals and five 3-pointers. Stay with the hot hand. For the Kings, DeMarcus Cousins is always dangerous (sometimes literally) and on Thursday, both Isaiah Thomas and Tyreke Evans were in the zone.
WAS @ GSW: Off a rare road victory in Phoenix, the Wizards somehow made it two in a row last night in L.A. and it would be a near-miracle for a team that is still only 7-26 away from home to make it three wins in four nights. hold on to the #6 seed in the playoffs. Kevin Seraphin is a hunch play, as Emeka Okafor is ill and Nene is beset by an assortment of aches and pains. Stick with the usual Warriors’ sharpshooters in this must-win game.
BRK @ LAC: About to embark on four road games in five nights, the Clippers want to leave home on a high note. Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams will be a great battle but Blake Griffin should be able to assert himself and Jamal Crawford will come out firing off the bench. Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson are also good plays. Way back in November, Brooklyn won the first meeting at home with tight defense, but they are scoring in bunches lately.