The Orlando Magic made it two narrow wins in a row against the NBA’s elite, with a one-point victory over the Pacers. The Cavaliers prevailed over the Grizzlies in overtime, while the Nets took advantage of poor first half shooting by the Pelicans. Kevin Durant/OKC was superb and Joakim Noah/CHI was solid as the Thunder and Bulls won. John Wall/WAS did not bring his A-game, but the Wizards used a balanced attack and a good defense to beat the Kings. Finally , in a game with a whiff of Globetrotters about it, the Sixers were blasted off the court in the first half by the Clippers, with Blake Griffin/LAC and DeAndre Jordan/LAC doing major damage. Six evening games are on tap as the NBA moves closer to a break for All-Star festivities. Here is today’s Fantasy Spin.
Fantasy Boom and Bust
TOP GUNS:
Kevin Durant/OKC. What he has done this season, mostly without Russell Westbrook/OKC, is amazing. He might be the best offensive player since Michael Jordan in his prime. 12 of 22 FGA, 13 of 18 FTA, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 3 TO, 41 points.
Blake Griffin/LAL. Survived an injury scare in the first half. Played minimal minutes in the second half due to a blowout. He made the Sixers look like a decent college team as he and the other starters dominated every minute they were on the floor together. 11 of 14 FGA, 4 of 4 FTA, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 TO, 26 points.
Joakim Noah/CHI, DeAndre Jordan/LAC, Mason Plumlee/BKN, Rajon Rondo/BOS, Isaiah Thomas/SAC.
SLEEPERS:
Mason Plumlee/BKN. He was the difference in the game . Arguably the Nets’ best big man. 8 of 10 FGA, 6 of 9 FTA, 13 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, 1 TO, 22 points.
Chris Kaman/LAL. Has more offensive skills than Robert Sacre/LAL and should see the bulk of minutes at pivot until/if Pau Gasol/LAL returns. 13 of 23 FGA, 1 of 4 FTA, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 3 TO, 27 points.
Kirk Hinrich/CHI, Dion Waiters/CLE, Jordan Hill/LAL.
DISAPPOINTMENTS:
Spencer Hawes/PHI. One of the worst games I’ve ever seen an established starting center play. He was clueless, almost shell-shocked, by the Clippers onslaught. 0 of 8 FGA, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 points.
Rudy Gay/SAC. Illness should probably have kept him out. 2 of 11 FGA, 1 of 2 FTA, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 4 TO, 5 points.
Avery Bradley/BOS, Eric Gordon/NOP, John Wall/WAS, James Anderson/PHI.
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