Beast of the Night: Andrea Bargnani posted 36 points, six boards, two assists, two steals, a block and four three-pointers in his mighty comeback from a calf injury. He shot 48 percent (10-21) from the floor, 100 percent (12-12) from the free-throw line and had two turnovers. Bargnani is having himself a solid all-around season with no real signs of a letdown in sight.
Lines for Discussion:
Carmelo Anthony: 0-7 FG (0%), 1-1 FT (100%), 1 Pt, 11 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 TO; And you thought his recent shooting woes were bad. This will likely be Melo’s worst game of the season, though his season has been a disappointment so far. For a guy who was drafted in the first or second round, his top 35 value so far this season isn’t cutting it.
Kemba Walker: 7-17 FG (41%), 6-6 FT (100%), 2 threes, 22 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Blk, 4 TO; With D.J. Augustin sidelined for a while, Walker’s stock will rise in the coming days. Owners should at least attempt to sell high while they can.
Chris Bosh: 10-16 FG (63%), 14-14 FT (100%), 1 three, 35 Pts, 7 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Blk, 2 TO; Bosh is now a top 20 fantasy basketball stud this season. His value will drop once Dwyane Wade returns, but he’s been a delight for his owners so far this season.
Marcin Gortat: 9-16 FG (56%), 3-5 FT 60%), 21 Pts, 12 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Blk; Gortat is clearly over his thumb injury and has double-doubled in nine straight games now. He should have no trouble finishing the season with top 30 value.
O.J. Mayo: 8-15 FG (53%), 2-2 FT (100%), 2 threes, 20 Pts, 2 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 TO; Mayo is on a nice little streak right now but his ceiling remains low. It will be even lower once Zach Randolph returns.
Waiver-Wire Watch:
Samardo Samuels: 15 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 TO; Just monitor him for now.
Leandro Barbosa: 19 Pts, 3 threes, 2 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 1 TO; Don’t be hesitant to ride him while he’s hot.
James Johnson: 18 Pts, 10 Reb, 1 Stl, 2 TO; He’s worth picking up in normal-sized leagues.
Linas Kleiza: 5 Pts, 1 three, 10 Reb, 1 Stl, 2 TO; He’s not worth picking up unless you’re in a deeper league at this point.
Hakim Warrick: 17 Pts, 1 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 TO; He’s capable of getting hot for streaks of games, but he’s not too dynamic stats-wise.
Marcus Camby: 3 Pts, 22 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl, 5 Blk, 4 TO; A vintage Camby line, but it’s fool’s gold.
Injuries:
D.J. White (knee): day-to-day
D.J. Augustin (toe): will miss at least another three games
Luol Deng (wrist/hand): torn ligament makes him week-to-week
Arron Afflalo (groin): out tonight
Rudy Fernandez (Achilles): didn’t practice yesterday; monitor his status
Chris Paul (hamstring): practiced yesterday; monitor his status
Dwyane Wade (ankle): traveling with the team for tonight’s game; monitor his status
Martell Webster (back): will have his back tested Thursday; monitor his status
Baron Davis (back): day-to-day
Josh Howard (quad): probable tonight
Carmelo Anthony (wrist): probable tonight
Grant Hill (eye): probable for Friday
For Tonight:
Check the statuses of CP3 and Wade.
Monitor Stephen Curry‘s progress, as the Warriors host the Blazers.
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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