Highlight Performances:
Dwight Howard, ORL – For those in leagues with Free Throws Made, let’s all give thanks to Warriors coach Mark Jackson for hacking D12 so much that Howard set an NBA record with 39 free throws, of which he hit 21. Howard shot 12-of-21 from the field, totaling 45 points, and also had 23 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. That is one huge fantasy line! Given the Magic only had two games on their schedule this week, I pity those who decided to bench Howard.
Greg Monroe, DET – While paling in comparison to Howard, Monroe’s fantasy production against the Bucks was fantastic, busting out for 32 points on 12-of-16 shooting with 8 free throws made, as well as 16 rebounds and 2 steals. After a productive final two months last season, I projected Monroe as the #32 player for my 8-CAT league. Since a slow start, Monroe’s production has increased the past few games. His average of .45 blocks, however, is still disappointing.
Performances to Forget:
Amar’e Stoudemire, NYK – After New York played an emotional, physical game Wednesday night vs. the division-leading 76ers, it was no surprise the Knicks got their doors blown off in Memphis. According to TNT, STAT had the third-longest active steak of consecutive games with double digit scoring in the NBA snapped, putting up a paltry 6 points on 1-of-7 from the field. Ugh. Question for Mike D’Antoni: how does Iman Shumpert take 20 shots and Amar’e only 7?
Players to Watch:
Zaza Pachulia, ATL – Now that Al Horford is officially listed as missing the next three to four months – effectively ending his season – there is sure to be a rush to pick up Zaza., I love watching the big man bang and tick off his opponents, but those rushing to the free agent wire need to temper their expectations. Zaza should put up a respectable 11 points, 7 rebounds and 1 steal while chipping in free throws and blocks. He will not make up for the huge loss for Horford owners.
Injuries:
Carmelo Anthony, NYK – ankle, day to day
Kwame Brown, GSW – pectoral muscle, 3-4 months
Derrick Rose, CHI – toe/foot, day to day
Ty Lawson, DEN – foot, day to day
Andray Blatche, WAS – shoulder, day to day
Al Horford, ATL – pectoral muscle, 3 – 4 months
Spencer Hawes, PHI – back strain, day to day
Marcus Thornton, SAC – thigh, day to day
Mehmet Okur, NJ – back, day to day
Michael Beasley, MIN – mid-foot sprain, indefinitely
Dorell Wright, GSW – knee, day to day
Marc Kravitz, based in Philadelphia, provides Quality Assurance Mystery Shopper services to Restaurants throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. He is a Mixed Martial Arts fanatic and Fantasy Basketball junkie. In Fantasy Hoops, “Krewtime” has finished “in the money” in 85% of the leagues he has participated in. Follow Marc’s fantasy advice on Twitter @Marc_Kravitz