Fantasy Spin: Thursday, Feb. 9

Highlight Performance:

Josh Smith, ATL– If there’s one thing Smith is known for, it’s producing monstrous lines across the board. Although he doesn’t do it on a nightly basis and often comes up with duds, when he’s on, he’s one of the best fantasy players in the game. Wednesday Night was a prime example; check out this line: 28 Points (11-17 fg’s), 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. The key with Smith is the fantastic defensive numbers he is able to produce, along with his scoring and rebounding. He also has the ability to hit a few 3’s (2-2) and throw in a few assists. Smith doesn’t put up numbers like this every night, but when he does, it’s quite an experience to be an owner.

Performance to Forget:

Brandon Jennings, MIL– The undrafted phenom has been uncharacteristically quiet his past 3 games, and Wednesday Night was another one of those games. He shot just 3-12 from the field, scoring just 11 points, along with just 3 rebounds and 4 assists. I am unsure of whether Jennings struggles of late are due to injury or some other sort of issue, but it bears keeping an eye on. Meanwhile, journeyman Carlos Delfino dropped 25 points on 6-8 shooting from long range, picking up the slack for the Bucks. He’s a player to watch, especially following the Ilyasova injury.

Player to Watch:

Al Harrington, DEN– Don’t be deceived by who is starting for Denver following the Gallinari’s ankle sprain. Although Julyan Stone is starting for the Nuggets, as well as Chris Anderson, does not mean Harrington is not getting the minutes. Harrington played 33 minutes in their loss to the Mavericks last night, and his value should be on the rise with Gallinari out. Harrington can still score and light it up from 3, so there is some moderate value in that. He is also a decent rebounder, and can give you a handful of assists and defensive numbers. He is a player to watch at this point, because with all the injuries in Denver, Harrington might be able to post some big numbers.

Injuries: 

Kyrie Irving, CLE– Concussion, Day-to-day

Kyle Lowry, HOU– Elbow, Day-to-day

Mario Chalmers, MIA– Hand, Day-to-day

Ersan Ilyasova, MIL– Back, Day-to-day

Keith Bogans, NJ– Ankle, Day-to-day

Jerryd Bayless, TOR– Ankle, Day-to-day