LAL @ SAC: That wasn’t easy, but the Lakers kept pace with the Jazz. Kobe Bryant (19 PTS, 14 AST, 9 REB, 2 STL) was only 5-for-18, and Steve Nash (hip) lasted just two minutes, but Dwight Howard (24 PTS, 15 REB, 5 BLK) wouldn’t be denied. Steve Blake hit five 3-pointers in 32 minutes off the bench. Tyreke Evans (21 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST) and DeMarcus Cousins (19 PTS, 11 REB) kept the Kings in the game.
LAC @ HOU: It’s strange how often teams are inspired to play great when their best player is out. James Harden (foot) watched in street clothes as the Rockets played excellent team defense and completely took command in the third quarter. Chandler Parsons (15 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST) was +20 on the night, and Greg Smith (9 PTS, 8 REB) became the starting PF, making himan interesting FA pickup in many formats. Chris Paul (19 PTS, 7 AST, 5 REB) led the tired Clippers, who shot 39.7% and scored just 31 in the entire second half.
BRK @ UTA: My advice yesterday was to use every Utah player you own, and hope for a blowout. Randy Foye (26 PTS, 2 AST) hit eight triples as the Jazz piled up 116 points. Mo Williams (20 PTS, 4 AST, 3 REB) and Al Jefferson (20 PTS, 7 REB, 2 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK) were also stellar, but the Nets made a game of it. Deron Williams (21 PTS, 11 AST) and Brook Lopez (27 PTS, 7 REB, 4 BLK) led the way, with C.J. Watson (22 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL) adding three triples off the bench.
IND @ PHO: The return of Goran Dragic (21 PTS, 9 AST, 4 REB) after being benched for two games — for no apparent reason other than tanking — made the Suns far more respectable. Jermaine O’Neal (13 PTS, 5 REB) tested his sore calf for 18 minutes and seemed OK. The Pacers had to work harder than expected; all five starters scored at least 14 points. Paul George (25 PTS, 4 AST, 4 REB, 4 STL, 2 BLK) had the juiciest fantasy line.
POR @ GSW: Though rookie Meyers Leonard (22 PTS, 10 REB) played well, the Blazers have no chance without LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle) and they are not going to the postseason. Stephen Curry (39 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB) hit seven 3-pointers to lead this romp, with Carl Landry (25 PTS, 10 REB) extremely sharp off the bench. The Warriors shot 54%, held Portland to 38% and have just about clinched a playoff spot.