Josh Smith is a good real-life player, but an even better Fantasy Contributor.
Highlight Performances:
Josh Smith, ATL– Most people know Josh Smith for two reasons; he is outstanding in the Slam Dunk contest, and he is a beast in fantasy basketball. The key to Smith is that he posts numbers across the board on a nightly basis, specifically on the defensive end. His line Saturday night was as follows: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 6 blocks, and even a 3 pointer. Although his rebounding numbers were a bit down from his season average (8.9), he posted without question his best performance of the season. Smith simply produces in every single category, and for that he will continue to be regarded as a top-20 fantasy player by anybody who understands the true production he accumulates.
Danilo Gallinari, DEN– The Nuggets are a deep team, but with Nene Hilario out another game, the Nuggets have been somewhat depleted underneath the basket. Gallinari has seen a heavy amount of minutes the last two games (over 39 in each) and as long as Nene is out, this type of playing time should only continue. The former Knick from Italy scored 31 points along with 5 rebounds Saturday Night, and his scoring and 3-point numbers should remain strong for the time being.
Performances to Forget:
Toney Douglas, NYK– Douglas had already lost his starting job to rookie Iman Shumpert, but following his early departure due to a shoulder injury, playing time may be tough to find when he does return. Mike Bibby performed quite efficiently in his absence, hitting all 4 shots from long range, especially in crunch time situations. With the return of Baron Davis looming in the future, as well as the emergence of Shumpert, Douglas is simply looking like a massive bust this season, and can be cut in most formats with little risk.
Boris Diaw, CHA– The versatile forward from France has been remarkably inconsistent all year long, and Saturday night was another example why. After scoring 27 points just a few nights ago, Diaw shot 1-8 from the field for just 2 points. He has been up and down all season long, and may start losing playing time with the emergence of the 7-footer Byron Mullens. Diaw will have nights where he puts up monstrous lines, but frustrated owners should sell-high if the window is still open.
Players to Watch:
David Lee, GS– Owners who have seemingly been disappointed with Lee this season are in for better days. The former Knick posted his 3rd straight double-double, and has cleaning the boards up well with Andris Biedrins out with a sprained ankle. Owners who may have panicked and entertained him on the market need to pull back, as Lee seems to be rounding in to form quickly.
Ian Mahinmi, DAL– If your in a 12 or 14 team league with deep rosters, any player you can find production from counts. With Brendan Haywood continuing to struggle from the field, the near 7-footer out of Rouen, France has produced moderately well, posting 13 points and 7 rebounds in the Mavericks victory over the Hornets. If he can continue to steal minutes from Haywood, Mahinmi may have some serious value down the stretch.
Injuries:
Marvin Williams, ATL– Ankle, Day-to-day
D.J. White, CHA– Ankle, Day-to-day
Nene Hilario, DEN– Heel, Day-to-day
Charlie Villanueva, DET– Ankle, Out Indefinitely
Jon Brockman, MIL– Bruised Eye, Out for Season
Beno Udrih, MIL– Shoulder, Day-to-day
Jason Smith, NO– Personal, Day-to-day
Eric Maynor, OKC– Knee, Out Indefinitely
Spencer Hawes, PHI– Back, Questionable for Monday