JARRETT ALLEN VS. TRISTAN THOMPSON – how many UT C’s are there in the league?! It seems like every other game, Jarrett faces a fellow Longhorn alum. Tristan is having a resurgent season (tryna finesse some team for another big payday next summer), so keeping up with the energetic pivot will be a load. I’m gonna continue to roll them bones on 7’s for Allen and the way he’s been edging out his opponent, until it comes up snake-eyes.
TAUREAN PRINCE VS. KEVIN LOVE – The whipping boy of this year’s team takes on tough assignments, his 40% of his 3’s and gets no love from the fans. Well, he’ll get all the Love he can handle tonight! #rimshot Kevin is healthy and playing like he’s in his prime. As usual, the key for TP will be staying within his strengths. Pick and pop would be an effective tool tonight, but take your open 3’s, don’t put it on the deck unless you have a clear path and hustle for fast break opportunities.
JOE HARRIS VS. CEDI OSMAN – We miss out on a homecoming of sorts for Irving, but Harris cut his teeth here as well, and will be motivated to shine. Cedi is an offensively skilled perimeter player, but unless he focuses on posting up and/or baseline cuts, I favor our guy.
GARRETT TEMPLE VS. DARIUS GARLAND – He’s no Pippen, but the 33yo veteran Temple can lock up savvy shooters. The rookie Darius came to the league with Lillard comps, although the early returns are that that is not realistic. It’s no cakewalk, but I look for the vet to keep the rook in his back pocket.
SPENCER DINWIDDIE VS. COLLIN SEXTON – Coming out of the SEC under the tutelage of Avery Johnson, the hype on Collin was that he’d be a lockdown defender. That scouting report must have been upside-down. He’s an efficient 3-point shooter, but defensively, he’s been a nightmare thus far in his career. Spencer has done an excellent job deputizing as not only a starter, but THE go-to guy. He doesn’t need to force the action, but without any real resistance on the perimeter or shot-blocking threat at the rim, it might look like a layup drill.
Our bench should wax theirs, but I’m not counting my chickens. I'd just like to speak to these folks directly for a minute. Theo: do less. Just run the show and tread water while our starters get a breather. No flashy plays, no ISO-fest, just run our sets and defend smartly. David and Iman: I need you in Theo’s ear if he gets off-mission. I also need you to heat up the ball on the perimeter, and jump passing lanes. DJ: let it all hang out, brother! You’re better when you’re goofy and relaxed. Bitter, brooding DJ is not my friend.
Kenny, this is a first-time head coach with an inefficient young team. Go exploit them.
PREDICTION: NETS 111, CAVALIERS 106
