Weekend Wonder: LeBron James had a monstrous weekend, averaging 38.5 points, 3 threes, 7 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.5 steals, 1.5 blocks and 2.5 turnovers in two games. He shot 57 percent from the field and 60 percent from the free throw line. His value has dipped just a smidgen from last season, but James’ fantasy value is obvious.

Noteworthy Lines:
Samuel Dalembert (12/11) – 3-8 FG (38%), 1-2 FT (50%), 7 Pts, 14 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 TO; Since the return of A.I., Dalembert has averaged 10.7 points, 13.3 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 2.7 blocks.

Chris Duhon (12/11) – 7-11 FG (64%), 2-2 FT (100%), 6 3ptm, 22 Pts, 2 Reb, 9 Ast, 1 Stl; This was his second strong outing in December and he might be getting closer to having sustainable value.

Mike Dunleavy (12/12) – 5-7 FG (71%), 10-10 FT (100%), 4 3ptm, 24 Pts, 2 Reb, 5 Ast, 3 Stl, 2 TO; His playing-time limit has been lifted to 24 per game, though he notched nearly 27 minutes in this one. With Danny Granger out and more minutes in hand, Dunleavy, who’s already playing efficiently, could see a nice boost in value in the next few weeks.

Gilbert Arenas (12/12) – 8-20 FG (40%), 4-7 FT (57%), 2 3ptm, 22 Pts, 10 Reb, 11 Ast, 2 Stl, 4 TO; A fine triple-double from Arenas, who remains a strong fantasy start in most leagues. His shooting percentages and turnovers weigh down his value, but his other stats are dandy.

Richard Hamilton (12/12) – 6-15 FG (40%), 5-7 FT (71%), 1 3ptm, 18 Pts, 2 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Stl, 3 TO; He was a bit of a surprise start and finished with a very decent line in 36:30 of work. Watch how Hamilton’s return affects Ben Gordon and Will Bynum.

J.R. Smith (12/12) – 0-8 FG (0%), 2-2 FT (100%), 2 Pts, 1 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 TO; The bottom has finally fallen out from under his value and he is a prime buy-low candidate right now.

Andrew Bynum (12/12) – 5-9 FG (56%), 3-3 FT (100%), 13 Pts, 4 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 3 TO; He hasn’t had a double-double since Nov. 17, the game before the return of Pau Gasol, who had two consecutive 20-rebound games this past weekend. He’ll only get better from here and is also a good buy-low target.

Al Jefferson (12/12) – 12-19 FG (63%), 2-4 FT (50%), 26 Pts, 11 Reb, 2 Ast; That’s six straight double-doubles. Jefferson looks close to being in prime shape and his strong play is happening with Kevin Love back in the lineup, which is especially encouraging.

Trevor Ariza (12/13) – 0-9 FG (0%), 1-2 FT (50%), 1 Pts, 2 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 4 TO; A forgettable game that ended early for Ariza after he tried to take a swipe at DeMar DeRozan. A suspension is almost certain, so consider other options this week if you own him.

Waiver Wire Appeal:
Brandon Rush – getting 30+ minutes with Granger out, should improve production soon

Tyler Hansbrough – also benefitting from Granger’s absence, playing very well

Erick Dampier – being scooped up quickly after two monster double-doubles

C.J. Watson – still getting plenty of run, even with Anthony Morrow back

Mickael Pietrus – does well when he gets 25+ minutes

Dorell Wright – good for threes

Omri Casspi – continues to impress

Jarrett Jack – will get many minutes and opportunities with Jose Calderon sidelined

Injuries:
Calderon (hip): will miss upcoming two-game roadtrip

Allen Iverson (knee, shin): out of shape, better left on benches for now

Kobe Bryant (finger): playing through a broken index finger on his shooting hand, could take six weeks to heal

Tayshaun Prince (back): unlikely Tuesday

Ben Gordon (ankle): likely to return Tuesday

Will Bynum (ankle): questionable Tuesday

Ryan Gomes (knee, ankle): questionable tonight

Marreese Speights (knee): practicing again

Willie Green (knee): probable tonight, could see extra minutes if Iverson sits

Leandro Barbosa (ankle): could return around Christmas

Andrei Kirilenko (back): expected to return tonight

For Tonight:
Expect J.R. Smith to bust out a strong line as the Nuggets host the Thunder.

Arenas takes on Baron Davis in L.A. in a battle of frailty.

Dwight Howard should put the hurt on Roy Hibbert and the rest of the Pacers’ frontline after getting just one field-goal attempt against the Suns on Friday.

Throughout the season, be sure to leave your questions, comments, concerns, trade offers, roster problems and more in the comments below.

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