Highlight Performance:
Deron Williams, New Jersey Nets – The talk of Williams typically encompasses either his displeasure of being a Net or his possible future with Dwight Howard. Whatever his motivation last night, D-Will put up a stellar fantasy line, scoring 35 points on an efficient 11–for-18 from the field, six 3-pointers and 7 free throws made, not to mention dishing out 14 assists while turning the rock over only two times. In our 9-CAT league in which Assist/Turnover Ratio is huge, I had Williams projected #4 overall. He’s been far from a top fantasy player thus far. Let’s see if there’s a follow-up to last night’s performance.
Performance to Forget:
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings – Since the firing of head coach Paul Westphal, Cousins had been on a tear (including 21 points and 19 rebounds Wednesday night versus Toronto). He was dreadful against the Rockets last night. As if his line of 4 points on 1–for-7 shooting and 4 rebounds wasn’t bad enough, he was abused by the typically offensive-challenged Samuel Dalembert who went off for 21 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Players to Watch:
Isaiah Thomas, Sacramento Kings – Should Marcus Thornton or Tyreke Evans sustain a long-term injury Thomas has shown he can fill it up and dish it out. While Marcus Thornton has missed the past four games Thomas has come off the bench behind Jimmer Fredette. Thomas had 20 points on 6–for-12 shooting, 3 three pointers, 5 free throws made and 6 assists on Wednesday night, and followed that up last night with 13 points and 5 assists.
Injuries:
Andray Blatche, WAS – shoulder, day to day
Al Horford, ATL – shoulder, 3 – 4 months
Marcus Thornton, SAC – thigh, day to day
Michael Beasley, MIN – mid-foot sprain, indefinitely
Dorell Wright, GSW – knee, day to day
Carmelo Anthony, NYK – sprained ankle, day to day
Stephen Curry, GSW – sprained ankle, day to day
Richard Hamilton, CHI – groin, day to day
Jason Kidd, DAL – back, day to day
Courtney Lee, HOU – calf, day to day
Andrea Bargnani, TOR – calf strain, day to day
Marcus Camby, POR – ankle, day to day
Andrew Bogut, MIL – concussion, day to day
Grant Hill, PHX – knee, day to day
Steve Nash, PHX – back, day to day
Jason Richardson, ORL – knee, day to day
Metta World Peace, LAL – Achilles, sore back, day to day
Dwyane Wade, MIA – ankle, 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