MIA @ NOH: Now that their amazing win streak is over, the Heat can relax. All that matters is being ready for the playoffs. LeBron James could use some rest, Dwyane Wade isn’t 100% and they have the league’s best record by a full two games. Don’t be shocked if they aren’t sky high for this. The Hornets have shocked a few good teams lately, and Anthony Davis is finishing strong in a rookie season that fell short of expectations.
HOU @ MEM: This isn’t life-or-death for the Rockets, whose main motivation is catching Golden State for sixth place. Memphis has lost two in a row and might be more fired up this evening. Zach Randolph must play better than he did in New York, and who knows what’s going on with Marc Gasol? After being declared out indefinitely with an abdominal tear, he missed only two games. Mike Conley is the safest start and even with James Harden involved, a low score would be no surprise.
LAC @ SAS: Both teams might be “sandbagging” just a little tonight. Their eyes are on a much larger prize and there’s no need to reach playoff-level intensity just yet. Chris Paul has the edge on Tony Parker, who is still getting up to speed from his ankle sprain and also has a sore finger. It bears repeating that coach Popovich has his own agenda and random benchings of Spurs stars are commonplace in the final weeks of the season.
BRK @ DEN: Back home, where they are excellent, the Nuggets will probably be without Ty Lawson (heel) after he was ineffective on Wednesday. Andre Miller would get the start against Deron Williams. The Nets looked terrific in Portland the other night, with Brook Lopez and Reggie Evans particularly strong. Denver’s depth is their main advantage; JaVale McGee and Wilson Chandler are potential spot starts.
UTA @ POR: A loss to the Nets really damaged Portland’s playoff bid and they must recover tonight or the dream is effectively over. The Jazz got a morale boost last night when the Lakers lost, and can move into an eighth-place tie with a win. If the game was in Utah, I’d say it would be no contest. Enes Kanter (shoulder) is out, making Derrick Favors more important, but it’s really up to Al Jefferson and Gordon Hayward to set the tone. LaMarcus Aldridge is battling through an ankle sprain; all the Blazers are sore and tired.