Wednesday Previews
ORL @ CHA: It’s tempting to zip through these 14 previews by calling some of them “WC” games, as in “who cares?” However, every game counts when you’re involved in Head-to-Head playoffs and this one is a possible gold mine. Orlando has lost 29 of 33 games, but they have been quite respectable against some excellent teams despite going 1-9 over their last ten, facing the Heat, Pacers and Thunder twice each in that span. I like Jameer Nelson. Maurice Harkless and Tobias Harris quite a lot tonight and will consider E’Twaun Moore and Kyle O’Quinn in daily leagues. As usual, Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson are must-starts for the Bobcats, but their other players are inconsistent and it’s guesswork trying to predict the hot hand.
ATL @ TOR: There is a possibility that Rudy Gay (back) will be shut down, but he wants to play and has been at practice. With or without their expensive star, the Raptors have nothing to play for and the Hawks, who can clinch a playoff spot with a victory, are jockeying for fifth or sixth seed. Amir Johnson should be back in the starting five after being benched for matchup reasons in back-to-back losses vs. the Knicks. Atlanta might be missing Devin Harris (foot) again, making Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver more important, but this will come down to Al Horford and Josh Smith. If they are inspired, Toronto can’t stop them.
MIL @ PHI: Don’t judge the 76ers on their poor effort Monday. That was a back-to-back at the end of a week-long trip out West. Look at their three wins and near-upset of the Heat on the last homestand. I’m bullish on Jrue Holiday and Spencer Hawes tonight and will start Thaddeus Young with confidence. Milwaukee’s main motivation is to try to catch Boston for seventh place, avoiding a first-round matchup with Miami. Monta Ellis and Ersan Ilyasova were their best players on Sunday, Larry Sanders matches up well with Hawes and while Brandon Jennings sometimes disappears, he’s always a double-double threat.
BOS @ CLE: We don’t have many details on the injury to KG, but his teammates will be tired in this back-to-back and an upset is far from impossible. Although Shaun Livingston and Wayne Ellington may not ever be household names, they are the Cleveland backcourt and they almost upset the Heat last week. Tristan Thompson is capable of a double-double at PF and even Tyler Zeller might have a big game, as Boston is very thin up front. The Cavs are well rested, at home, and loose. Don’t be surprised if they win.
MEM @ NYK: After a nationally-televised road victory, the Knicks return home to face another tough defensive team. Memphis is not saying much about the injury to Marc Gasol; assume that Darrell Arthur will get another starts at C with Ed Davis prominent off the bench at both the 4 and the 5. The Grizzlies need more from Zach Randolph than he gave them on Monday, and Mike Conley is also vitally important. This one figures to be low-scoring; Melo and J.R. are the best bets for points, but don’t expect high shooting percentages.
LAC @ NOH: The Hornets are officially giant-killers — they knocked off the Celtics and Grizzlies before snapping Denver’s winning streak — and the Clippers are in the middle of four road games in five nights. You have to start CP3, but don’t be shocked if his minutes are limited. If Greivis Vasquez (ankle) sits out again, can backup Brian Roberts do it again? Ryan Anderson has scored over 20 points in three of his last four and Robin Lopez, having a career year, matches up well with DeAndre Jordan.