It’s that time of year in fantasy hoops. When a player gets injured, there’s a risk of them being shut down entirely. I happened to be at the game where Kyrie Irving got hurt, and after he shot two free throws — using only his ‘wrong’ hand — stood to applaud his exit without knowing that a sprained left shoulder will keep him out for the next month, if not the rest of the year. Irving is developing a reputation as injury-prone, but a broken finger can happen to anyone and this was a fluke after a hard fall. If he falls in next year’s drafts, great.
This is only the beginning of the NBA silly season, which really becomes a factor in April. Teams that have no shot at the playoffs may start playing their kids ahead of tired veterans. Teams getting ready for the playoffs will randomly bench their stars to get some valuable rest. We offer advice every morning, while Twitter and frequent-update sites like Rotoworld are the best ways to stay on top of changes, but surprises (and disappointments) are inevitable.
Don’t forget to enter the Sheridan Hoops Freeroll, which doesn’t close until 7:00 on Friday but is open already. There’s no entry fee and $300 in cash prizes, including a hundred bucks to the winner.
Monday Results
BRK @ PHI: So much for the Sixers’ tailspin. Spencer Hawes (24 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST, 2 BLK) was superb and five teammates scored in double figures as they surprised the Nets. Deron Williams (27 PTS, 13 AST, 6 REB) stayed hot but Brook Lopez (19 PTS, 6 REB) was no match for Hawes. Joe Johnson (20 PTS, 6 AST, 2 REB) made eight of 11 shots and hit three 3-pointers in the losing cause. Jrue Holiday (15 PTS, 11 AST) and Thaddeus Young (16 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST) double-doubled for Philadelphia and Damien Wilkins (13 PTS, 2 AST, 2 BLK) has some temporary deep-league value.
OKC @ SAS: There is individual defense and team defense. After giving up 32 points in the first quarter, San Antonio used both to take command in the second and never relinquished the lead. Russell Westbrook (25 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL) and Kevin Durant (26 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK) had to work very hard for every shot and combined for nine turnovers. Tiago Splitter (21 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST) led six Spurs in double figures, while Kawhi Leonard (17 PTS, 4 REB, 3 STL) excelled at both ends of the floor. Danny Green (16 PTS, 4 AST, 3 STL) was also a two-way star, knocking down four 3-pointers.
DET @ UTA: Even without Paul Millsap (knee) that was easy. We told you that Mo Williams (20 PTS, 6 AST) would come around soon, and Al Jefferson (16 PTS, 10 REB) played a solid 31 minutes before the Jazz second unit took over. Enes Kanter (14 PTS, 8 REB in 20 minutes) and Marvin Williams (14 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL) were particularly sharp. The Pistons lost Brandon Knight to an ankle sprain after 3:32 and he will miss some time. Rodney Stuckey (15 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL) moves back into the starting lineup and Will Bynum (12 PTS in 19 minutes) will become more prominent off the bench.