Although the Celtics might not be the team everyone in Boston will be focusing on Sunday, for the hardcore NBA fan, they will be when they host the Memphis Grizzlies in what should be a tight match. If you’re in the mood for a beat down, the Toronto Raptors are heading to get slaughtered by the Miami Heat as well. Rajon Rondo, second in the league in assists (9.2), returned to Boston’s lineup Friday after missing eight games with a sprained wrist
Fantasy Spin: Friday, Feb. 3
Highlight Performance: Stephen Curry, GS– Coming off his poor 3-point effort last night, Curry blew up Thursday, scoring 29 points, dishing out 12 assists, grabbing 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. This was a huge night, as he stuffed the stat sheet from all angles, but this is the kind of upside Curry possesses. Other than his troublesome ankle which has given him issues throughout the season, when healthy, Curry has posted huge numbers, especially scoring. Although he posts the occasional dud,
Zagoria: West Virginia’s Jones Will Be a Solid Pro
NEW YORK — Kevin Jones tested the NBA waters after his junior season at West Virginia. After getting feedback from NBA executives, the 6-foot-8, 260-pound Mount Vernon, N.Y., native opted to return for his senior season, and it has turned out to be a wise move. Jones leads the Big East in both scoring (20.9 ppg) and rebounding (11.6 rpg) and is the odds-on favorite to be named Big East Player of the Year. “Not once have I really thought about that,” Jones,
Fantasy Spin: Friday, Jan. 27
Highlight Performance: Paul Pierce, BOS– Although Pierce producing is nothing new, the 13-year veteran produced yet another outstanding night, posting 28 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocked shots. He has been on a tear the last 4 games, and he has been great in both the assists and rebounding categories. With Rondo and Allen both out with injuries, the Celtics should continue to rely on him for production, and therefore his huge production spike may not be
Latest NBA All-Star vote totals
NEW YORK — The NBA has released the latest All-Star balloting results. Here they are: 2012 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING PRESENTED BY SPRINT EASTERN CONFERENCE Forwards: LeBron James (Mia) 972,580; Carmelo Anthony (NYK) 779,945; Amar’e Stoudemire (NYK) 281,617; Kevin Garnett (Bos) 268,980; Chris Bosh (Mia) 209,640;Luol Deng (Chi) 166,671; Paul Pierce (Bos) 145,077; Carlos Boozer (Chi) 101,612; Andrea Bargnani (Tor) 93,456; Hedo Turkoglu (Orl) 80,694. Guards: Derrick Rose (Chi) 1,040,210; Dwyane Wade (Mia) 972,015; Rajon Rondo (Bos) 394,672; Ray Allen (Bos) 274,233; Deron Williams (NJN) 143,941; Jose Calderon (Tor) 84,881; Richard Hamilton (Chi) 64,757; John
Where will Steve Nash play next season?
Steve Nash is on an expiring contract with a bad team. One day, he will join the ring of honor in Phoenix. But he also still has a couple good years left in him, and it would not surprise me in the least if he joined the New York Knicks next season, signing for the mid-level exception. Nash loves New York, lives there in the offseason and even plays in a recreational soccer league in Central Park. I discussed that possibility today with Brad Cesmat
Tonight’s best game: Chicago at Boston
It’s time for the Boston Celtics to snap out of it. When the Celtics host the Chicago Bulls in the first game of ESPN’s Friday doubleheader, they will be trying to avoid a third straight home loss, something they have not done since the tail end of the 2009-10 season, when they were beaten by San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Houston. Optimists in Celtics Nation will point out that Gang Green managed to regroup that season and ended up within a stop
Tonight’s best game: Indiana at Philadelphia
On the NBA’s six-game slate Monday night, the matchup of Spanish point guards Ricky Rubio and Jose Calderon is tempting. But a battle of top-ranked defenses should be the best game as the Pacers take on the 76ers in Philadelphia. Indiana is off to a 6-2 start and right behind Chicago in the Central Division. It will be facing a Philadelphia team off to a 5-2 start, its best since winning the first 10 games of the 2000-01 season – when