CLE @ IND: It didn’t take long for Kyrie to have an impact. Now he has to play 24 hours later, on the road. The edge goes to the rested Pacers at home, though anything is possible. Indiana is trying to feed Paul George, and David West is quietly having a great season. The biggest problem has been inconsistency and a lack of confidence from Roy Hibbert, who is now working with a sports psychologist.
CHI @ PHI: Off that tough loss at home last night, it doesn’t get easier for the Bulls. Philadelphia plays tenacious defense and they have Jrue Holiday. The Sixers big men aren’t exactly a strength, but if Noah and Boozer are fatigued, Thaddeus Young could have a big night and even Spencer Hawes might put two good games together.
LAC @ CHA: Last night was the main obstacle. Even tired, the Clippers should win an eighth straight game, as they are better than Charlotte at every position. Kemba Walker has improved dramatically, but the sophomore is no CP3. The young frontcourt of Byron Mullens and Bismack Biyombo could have a very long night. Once again, I’m expecting big things from the L.A. bench; Eric Bledsoe has been very sharp when he gets extra minutes.
GSW @ MIA: All good things must end, even the Warriors’ winning streak. They were a lousy 11-22 on the road last season, making their 8-4 mark this year all the more impressive. However, the Heat is very tough at home, and they have too many weapons. Golden State has nobody who can guard LeBron James or Dwyane Wade, both of whom are strong plays on Draft Street tonight. As great as Stephen Curry and David Lee have been on this long road trip, this is by far their toughest test.
DEN @ MIN: It’s a back-to-back and the finale of a 5-game road trip for Denver, so a letdown is possible. The T-Wolves are on the verge of getting Ricky Rubio back, which will hurt the fantasy value of Luke Ridnour and Alexey Shved, but their main man is always Kevin Love. In a frank interview on Yahoo yesterday, Love told Adrian Wojnarowski that he has been hurt by management and implied that he will leave the organization when he has the leverage. Until then, instead of sulking, he seems motivated to prove his greatness.
SAC @ MIL: The backcourt advantage is all Milwaukee’s, as Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis are a formidable duo. The Kings are using journeyman Francisco Garcia (who does hit threes and block shots) in place of Tyreke Evans, who has missed five of the last six games with a sore knee. Their PG tandem of Aaron Brooks and Isaiah Thomas is in big trouble. DeMarcus Cousins will be the most talented big man on the court; you just never know about his focus.