Friday Previews
ATL @ BOS: While Kevin Garnett (ankle) is out, Jeff Green is making the most of his extra minutes and responsibility. Whether he can handle Josh Smith is a big question, and Al Horford might be completely unstoppable. Jeff Teague is also playing well for the Hawks, but there is always a danger of key players being rested at this time of year. Paul Pierce might will his shorthanded team to victory.
WAS@ ORL: Don’t ignore this game. Meaningless in the real world, it’s a potential fantasy goldmine. Both PG are must-starts as John Wall is on fire and Jameer Nelson is the only veteran for the Magic. Emeka Okafor might have a good night vs. rookie Kyle O’Quinn, and if you picked up Tobias Harris as a free agent when he was traded to Orlando, congratulations. Rookie Maurice Harkless is worth using and in very deep leagues, consider DeQuan Jones.
PHI @ CLE: On a roll despite having little to play for, the Sixers have been getting superb play from Spencer Hawes and Jrue Holiday. The biggest surprise has been Damien Wilkins earning the job as starting SG, then keeping it. For Cleveland, the best fantasy play is Wayne Ellington, which tells you how weak they are without their three best players. Tristan Thompson simply can’t be worse than he was last game and might bounce back.
CHA @ NYK: After a lengthy slump, the Knicks have turned things around with six straight wins, and they should have no trouble tonight. As always, Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson are the only Bobcats you can start with confidence. Don’t get too excited about Carmelo Anthony or J.R. Smith this evening; either or both could use some rest if the game is in hand.
TOR @ DET: An interesting hunch play tonight is Jose Calderon against his former team, and Greg Monroe might have a huge game, as Amir Johnson (ankle) is iffy and Jonas Valanciunas is still learning. Kyle Lowry has a tender knee, and Rudy Gay could suffer back spasms again at any time. We might also see Andre Drummond for limited minutes; the Pistons’ talented rookie missed 22 games with a tailbone fracture and is a great stretch-drive pickup in many formats.
OKC @ MIN: The highest-scoring team in the league visits a team that just gave up 70 points in one half. If the T-Wolves keep the score respectable, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will play more minutes. Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pekovic are solid starts, and don’t sleep on Chase Budinger, whose minutes and production are steadily increasing as he gains fitness and confidence after knee surgery cost him four months.