A chance to win a 12th consecutive game was not as important to the Spurs as getting a night of scheduled rest for Tony Parker and Tim Duncan. With rookies Cory Joseph at PG and Kawhi Leonard at PF, they lost to the Blazers by 40 points. Even D-League callup Eric Dawson played 31 minutes off the bench for San Antonio in one of those games that should be completely ignored by astute fantasy owners. It did mark the first start at PG for Jamal Crawford (20 PTS, 8 AST) but demoted Raymond Felton didn’t sulk, scoring 16 in just 21 minutes.
What Else Happened?
In Miami, the Kings took an early lead but the Heat have too many weapons. Dwyane Wade had 30, Mario Chalmers hit six 3-pointers and Chris Bosh not only double-doubled (20 & 10) but played outstanding defense on DeMarcus Cousins. Sacramento PG Isaiah Thomas (at left) scored 20 of his 24 points in the third quarter, including five triples, and Tyreke Evans played well (21 PTS, 10 AST, 7 REB) but the Miami bench made the difference. Udonis Haslem, who has been playing with a cracked rib, looked like he’s starting to feel better, with 10 & 7 in an energetic 25 minutes.
I was wrong about Brandon Knight hitting the rookie wall. He’s just a little inconsistent; owners will have to accept the occasional dud. He led the Pistons with 24 last night, while Greg Monroe added 19 PTS and 11 REB, only to lose a close one in Cleveland. It was the Antawn Jamison show for the Cavs, with a 32-point outburst (he’s quietly averaging 22 in February) and ten rebounds. Kyrie Irving did the rest — another 25 PTS, 8 AST, 5 REB, 2 STL and 2 BLK for the Rookie of the Year frontrunner.
Indiana needed overtime to defeat New Orleans, as Roy Hibbert led the way with 30 points, 13 boards and three blocks. For the Hornets, the PG timeshare continued, though Jarrett Jack had 19 & 10 off the bench while playing 12 more minutes than starter Greivis Vasquez. Trevor Ariza had a very nice line and Chris Kaman, still likely to be traded, added 17 points.
Already undermanned in the middle, the 76ers were without Elton Brand (thumb) and started a rusty Andres Nocioni at PF. The Grizzlies prevailed at home in a low-scoring affair. It’s another one of those box scores that we shouldn’t try to interpret. Both teams can play better.
Wednesday Wisdom
This is it, Head-to-Head owners. There will be just four NBA games on Thursday to finish this ridiculous abbreviated “week,” so you need to compile some stats in the 13 contests tonight.
Atlanta at the Knicks will get plenty of attention. Jeremy Lin and Carmelo Anthony are still trying to develop some chemistry, and J.R. Smith is settling into his role off the bench. The Hawks are short-handed as Joe Johnson is out with knee tendinitis and may miss the All-Star game. His teammate Josh Smith would be a deserving replacement. Marvin Williams is expected to return after missing one game for a funeral. Like Tracy McGrady, he’s been whining for more minutes and we can only wait to see how coach Larry Drew responds.
The Celtics must play in Oklahoma City without Rajon Rondo (final game of his suspension) and Brandon Bass (knee) and with Jermaine O’Neal (wrist) and Chris Wilcox (adductor) far from 100%. Kevin Garnett has also been absent due to a family matter and we can’t guarantee he will play. It all sounds like a big win for the rested, homestanding Thunder. James Harden (ankle) and Nick Collison (quad) are a bit dinged up, nothing too serious. Given the complete lack of healthy big bodies for Boston, you have to like Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins tonight.
The Pacers visit Charlotte, where the Bobcats will be trying to get some revenge for a humiliating 35-point defeat last Sunday in Indianapolis. D.J. Augustin is back at PG, meaning Kemba Walker now comes off the bench to play both guard spots. Corey Maggette, with six starts now under his belt, could be ready for a big game. The biggest concern is talented young Bismack Biyombo giving away a few inches and a lot of experience to Mr. Hibbert.
For their third road game in as many nights, the Hornets will be in Cleveland. The Cavs are coming off an emotional win, New Orleans a draining OT loss. While not the most meaningful game, it’s an opportunity for fantasy owners to pick up a useful free agent for a spot start, like Alonzo Gee or Daniel Gibson.
Detroit is in Toronto and the Raptors haven’t played since last Friday. That rest could be good news for Jerryd Bayless, who was limited to less than five minutes in his return from his latest sprained ankle. Linas Kleiza is listed as questionable; perhaps he’ll sit out one more to get that knee right for the second half. It’s not widely known that Amir Johnson was playing through an array of injuries earlier this year. He’s looked a lot healthier of late and played 38 minutes last start, grabbing 15 rebounds.
The Kings are in Washington DC to face a better-rested opponent. In their first home game since Feb. 10, I like the Wizards to show some life. You can count on John Wall and Nick Young to contribute, JaVale McGee is worth using and Jordan Crawford is the main bench scorer.
The Nets host the Magic, with Brook Lopez back in the starting lineup, just in time to get the Dwight Howard assignment. Deron Williams has been terrific recently, MarShon Brooks is on a roll and Kris Humphries has 50 REB in his last four games. For Orlando, watch for Jason Richardson to return after missing a couple of starts.
Minnesota might start Brad Miller at C with Nikola Pekovic resting a mild ankle sprain. That sounds like an opportunity for the Jazz big men, so I’ll tab Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap for big nights. Raja Bell (adductor) is a “game-time decision” but I expect Josh Howard to get another start in his place.
In Houston, expect the Rockets to prevail over the tired, injury-riddled Sixers. Keep an eye on Patrick Patterson, who is getting more minutes all the time as the main alternative to Samuel Dalembert.
The Bucks make the short trip to Chicago, where Derrick Rose is back. C.J. Watson missed Monday’s game with a nasty headache, but should return as the primary backup guard, bumping John Lucas and Mike James to the far end of the bench. Milwaukee continues to struggle without Andrew Bogut and now Drew Gooden is hurt too. Ersan Ilyasova is the best choice for REB, and Larry Sanders is worth an add in deeper leagues.
The Lakers are in Dallas for an exciting matchup. With Delonte West hurt and Rodrigue Beaubois on bereavement leave, Dominique Jones is getting some run for the Mavs.
Denver is hobbled as they visit the Clippers. Ty Lawson sprained his ankle, Rudy Fernandez has a sore back, Danilo Gallinari (ankle) remains out and we don’t know exactly when Nene will return. This is actually good news for owners of Arron Afflalo, Andre Miller and Al Harrington, with Corey Brewer a decent play in certain formats.
The Warriors must travel to Phoenix, where they haven’t won in seven years. Will Ekpe Udoh get another start at center? If so, how will he fare against mighty Marcin Gortat? Boy, it’s a lot easier to ask questions than provide answers.
Good luck with your team(s) and we’ll see you here tomorrow. Follow me on the Twitter, where advice is free — and worth every penny.
Kent: What is Lin’s trade value right now?
I have plenty of blocks and am thinking of moving Ibaka straight up for Lin. Is that too much to give up for Lin?
In a keeper league, that would be a bad trade, as Ibaka’s upside is tremendous. For this season, if you need a PG and don’t care about the BLK, it could work out fine for you. I consider Lin two notches below the “sure thing” stars at his position and just behind the second tier, ranking him above many other starters. His only downside (in some formats) is turnovers.
For sure. There may be games when Smith gets more minutes than Landry Fields. Watson’s more of a stash in a 16-team league.
Given that Rose is back and Watson has a possible concussion or post-concussion issue, I am thinking JR Smith is a better add than Watson to fill an open guard slot. Agreed?