kareem-abdul-jabbar-magic-johnsonChicago 93, LA Lakers 108: Pau Gasol made a triumphant return for the champs, scoring 24 points and taking 13 rebounds in victory. Kobe scored 21, and in the process passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the 2nd leading scorer in franchise history. Kobe should overtake Jerry West for first in February, maybe March.

Phoenix 103, New Orleans 110: There’s the real Suns’ we know! Losing to an inferior team missing its best player. Phoenix is thin upfront, and the Hornets took advantage, collecting 25 offensive rebounds and winning the board battle 56-38. How does Peja, a guy with no jumping ability, secure 13 boards? The Hornets also made 13 three-pointers (Peja hit seven). New Orleans rookie Marcus Thornton, who played locally at LSU, is making use of his newfound playing time – he scored 19, the fourth straight game he was in double figures.

ray-allen-got-marriedUtah 90, San Antonio 83: Our pick to come out of the West is hobbled by injuries once again. Tony Parker (ankle) sat out, and Manu Ginobili (groin) too, as the Spurs dropped to 4-6. We’re not worried just yet – the Spurs opened last season 5-5 and still won the division. And plus, it isn’t like the team’s going to do something as foolish as “Fire Pop.”The Jazz – who got 21 from Deron Williams and 20 from Paul Millsap – hadn’t won in San Antonio since 1999 (20 games).

Andrew Bogut: Brandon Jennings has worked wonders without sharpshooter Michael Redd; now he’ll have to do so without center Andrew Bogut, who will be on the shelf 2-4 weeks due to a leg injury. Bogut is averaging a career-best 16 ppg.