Portland 92, Seattle 88: Brandon Roy’s career high in rebounds … outstanding balance … Travis Outlaw pumps in 19 off the bench … all anyone cares about is Greg Oden’s mohawk. Early reviews are negative, but the guess here is that he bet on Rudy Gay in the dunk contest. Brutal game for Seattle’s Robert Swift, a 2004 lottery pick who has been plagued by injuries … and left with a sprained right knee last night.

San Antonio 100, Minnesota 99: Ordinarily, the talk would be of Tony Parker’s return from an ankle injury after three weeks on the shelf … except Manu pumped in 44 points, including a smooth game-winner with six seconds left. His last four games (all wins): 34, 46, 18, 44.

Houston 112, Miami 100: Guess they’ve got no choice now but to hang that “Rafer or bust” sign on the back of the bandwagon, since they went and traded Mike James (the third time they sign him – strictly for comedic value – will he last two weeks?). Skip to My Lou had 16 points and 11 assists and the Rockets have won 10 in a row.