AROUND the NBA:

[vfromlmf]

Unfortunately it looks like MEM will be holding out most of their roster tonight and will be playing a bunch of guys you've never heard of. This is going to be a very difficult game to lose even with Klay out and a healthy dose of point-Flagg. I'm hoping Kidd pulls some vets aside for a little conversation. There could be a MLE-type contract for Middleton next year if he plays his cards right tonight. And we need to see if Bagley can stretch the floor. Maybe try some double-bigs with Powell at PF. It would help if Christie extends his shooting slump and Naji works on making plays for others. We know what his floater looks like. What else can Naji do? I'd like to see PJW handle the ball on the perimeter. BWill's season-high for 3pt attempts is 7. That's not enough. This team is only getting up 31 attempts per game. I'm looking for 40+ attempts tonight.

Gafford is going to be a problem though ... unless he tweaks that ankle again, in which case he should sit.

Nembhard better not see the floor. Not a fan of his positive +/-.