If you’re reading this, you are probably still alive in one or more leagues. I’m in two Head-to-Head finals — so far, so good in both — and still trying to improve on third place in our Elimination Roto league with just seven days remaining in the season. LAL @ GSW: Although Kobe Bryant (shin) didn’t play, he looks close to a return on either Friday or Sunday. Andrew Bynum (31 PTS, 9 REB) and Pau Gasol (22 PTS, 11 REB,
An overnight windstorm knocked out our internet access (and many of our TV channels) for 36 hours. Man, it was like the Dark Ages. I feel bad about there being no Tuesday Spin; this one is both late and abbreviated. Catching Up Among the things I missed was Monday’s triple-OT classic: Dirk Nowitzki’s 40 and Al Jefferson with 28 and 26 among many great fantasy lines. Can’t believe the Thunder were held to 25 points in a half, by anybody. The Clippers are
You may already be a champion. If so, congratulations! Many fantasy leagues are finished, opting to avoid the zaniness that is part of every NBA season as it winds down, and figures to be worse than ever this year. Other leagues are just beginning the final “week” of their playoffs, which is actually 10 days. If you’re still playing, best of luck. You can expect stars to sit for no reason, injured guys to be shut down and unexpected big
Two down, one to go for the Celtics in this back-to-back-to-back. The amazing Kevin Garnett (21 & 12) led all scorers and Brandon Bass (18 & 11) played well again — his third double-double in four games — despite a sore knee that could use some rest. Though Deron Williams had 12 points and 14 assists in the losing cause, Kris Humphries was held to 6 PTS and 10 REB by the Boston big men. Nets rookie PF-C Jerome Williams had 12
Not only did Dwight Howard (back) miss another game, he’s out for the rest of the regular season. Glen Davis (16 PTS, 9 REB) will maintain his increased value, but Big Baby was the lone hard worker for the Magic in a terrible effort. Ryan Anderson missed 10 of 12 shots (0-for-8 from deep) and his rebounding is off, too. Garbage time came early, so Atlanta bench players like Jannero Pargo (17) and Marvin Williams (16) padded their stats. Friday the
Although Derrick Rose was able to start, he went 1-13 in 25 minutes and couldn’t finish. C.J. Watson, far from 100% healthy himself, played most of the fourth quarter and the overtime, scoring 16 points and adding 8 assists to spark the Bulls’ victory. LeBron James had 30, Dwyane Wade 21 and Chris Bosh 20 for the Heat, who moved Udonis Haslem into the starting lineup, sending Ronny Turiaf to the bench. As the Miami subs were outscored 47-7 by
Who needs Kobe Bryant? Not the Lakers, if last night’s impressive road win means anything. You have to start with Andrew Bynum grabbing 30 rebounds, which has happened exactly twice in 12 years. He added 16 points but was unhappy with his 7-20 shooting. Metta World Peace had 26 points, easily a season high, and Pau Gasol (21 & 11) played well. It was a rare off-night for the Spurs: Danny Green scored 22, but Tony Parker went just 2-12
I had a feeling that Richard Hamilton was due. Though still limited to 20 minutes, Rip scored 20 points, had 5 assists and 4 rebounds to make up for the absence of Derrick Rose (ankle) as he and Luol Deng (19 PTS, 10 REB) led the Bulls to a tough win. Carmelo Anthony had 29 for the Knicks, with Tyson Chandler (10 PTS, 15 REB, 3 BLK) playing well, but the point guard spot remains a problem. Baron Davis (8