WAS @ CLE: As expected, Kyrie Irving was better than A.J. Price. Kyrie poured in 29 points and got tremendous help from Anderson Varejao. The big Brazilian had a near triple-double, with 9 points, a surprising 9 assists and 23 rebounds — 11 OREB — though he won’t be playing against Emeka Okafor and Earl Barron every night.
Sophomore PF Tristan Thompson had a double-double (12 & 10) with 5 assists, in part because Trevor Booker had an awful game; when 4 TO and 4 PF are your biggest numbers in the box score, you’re in trouble.
In the battle of rookie SG, Round 1 went to Dion Waiters (17 PTS, +13) over Bradley Beal (8 PTS, -16) and Beal gave way to Jordan Crawford when the Wizards tried to rally. Price fired away nine times from 3-point range and made only two; he’ll continue to start at PG until John Wall returns, but don’t be surprised if Crawford gets some of those minutes too. Martell Webster (9 PTS, 3 REB, 2 STL) continued to play well and is a streaming candidate in deep leagues.
October 31 Games
DEN@ PHI: This is a timely homecoming for Andre Igoudala, who will experience the unique brotherly love of Philly fans. I’m using the pumped-up Iggy on all my FanDuel teams. Danilo Gallinari is a game-time decision; if he can’t go, Wilson Chandler and Corey Brewer might get extra minutes. The PG matchup of Ty Lawson vs. Jrue Holiday will be interesting, and with Andrew Bynum still not ready, Lavoy Allen will start at C for the Sixers, but I like Spencer Hawes to contribute more off the bench.
IND @ TOR: It didn’t take long for Danny Granger to shut it down. He’s getting the dreaded second opinion on that troublesome left knee. We told you yesterday to grab Gerald Green, who becomes a starter until further notice. As a big Jonas Valanciunas fan, I’m looking forward to his battle with Roy Hibbert. For Toronto, Andrea Bargnani isn’t feeling well; he was sent home from practice with flu-like symptoms. If he does play, he might not be 100%. Whether the Pacers use D.J. Augustin, George Hill or both at PG, Kyle Lowry could have a big game.
HOU @ DET: The distractions of the massive James Harden trade make the Rockets a perfect first opponent for the Pistons. Harden, who can’t be thrilled to be joining such a weak team, might take a while to adjust to his new circumstances and his new teammates. With Patrick Patterson “iffy” and rookie PF Terrence Jones likely to start, Houston has Omer Asik and not much else up front, so Greg Monroe could have a nice night. Nervous fantasy owners of Jeremy Lin are hoping he’ll produce and stay healthy.
SAS @ NOH: Manu Ginobili (back) will not play, so Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard might get extra run, with Stephen Jackson more relevant. Eric Gordon (knee) could come off the bench; we have no way to estimate his soundness, fitness or readiness. Three other Hornets have a chance to make a fantasy splash. Everyone is watching rookie PF Anthony Davis, but PG Greivis Vasquez flies under the radar and 3-point bomber Ryan Anderson is a contender for sixth man of the year if he stays in that role.
Mullens is younger than Kaman, less of an injury risk. Asik > Favors this year. These are very close calls. Not my specialty.
H2H avg-based pts league (asts = 2, pts/reb/blk/stl = 1, TOs = -1). For the long-term:
1. Kaman or Mullens?
2. Favors or Asik?