Saturday Dose: Dose: Rajon Rondo's Kingdom
Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins are making noise on a Friday night, and it’s all about what they were able to do on the court. With 11 games across the board including Kobe Bryant’s return to action as well as LeBron James performing at Madison Square Garden, there is plenty to break down in the Saturday Dose.
Atlanta @ Boston: Celtics 106, Hawks 93
Studs: Al Horford, Jae Crowder, Amir Johnson, Isaiah Thomas
Duds: Paul Millsap, Jeff Teague, Evan Turner
When Amir Johnson goes for 19 points, eight rebounds, three steals, three blocks and even hits a triple, odds are his team is going to win…some people still don’t believe in Jae Crowder (13 points, eight rebounds, four steals, one block), but he now has 28 steals in just eight games this year. Jared Sullinger (10 points, 10 rebounds, one steal, one block, 24 minutes) continues to make the most of his limited run, and Isaiah Thomas (23 points, five rebounds, 10 dimes, two steals, four triples) again delivered as a member of the starting lineup without Avery Bradley (strained left calf) available. Marcus Smart (five points, 2-of-10 FGs) and Evan Turner (five points, five rebounds, four dimes, 2-of-11 FGs) each disappointed, and it’s going to be hard for either to have sustainable production while both are healthy.
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This was the first game of the season in which Paul Millsap (14 points, eight rebounds, six turnovers ) really disappointed, and his play is a big reason why the Hawks lost this one since he’s been carrying Atlanta all season. Kent Bazemore (12 points, 13 shots) and Jeff Teague (six points, four rebounds, three assists) each really laid an egg as well, but it’s worth noting Teague is dealing with a tender left ankle that he complained significantly about after the game. If he misses time, Dennis Schroder would be the obvious beneficiary…Al Horford (13 points, six rebounds, eight assists, one steal, two blocks) was the only one who produced a stat line worth a second glance for the Hawks.
Los Angeles (L) @ Dallas: Mavericks 90, Lakers 82
Studs: Jordan Clarkson, Zaza Pachulia
Duds: Metta World Peace, Dirk Nowitzki, Wesley Matthews
Kobe Bryant (back) was not limited in his return, and he had one of his better performances with 19 points (7-of-15 FGs, thee triples), five rebounds and three assists, but he did still turn the ball over six times…Julius Randle (six points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, 2-of-9 shooting) was pressing in what was a homecoming game for him in Dallas, but D’Angelo Russell (nine points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, one turnover, two 3-pointers, 24 minutes) continues to improve and looked more comfortable on the floor. Previously channeling his inner-Ron Artest, Metta World Peace came back to Earth with an 0-of-9 performance in his return to a familiar bench role.
After going off against the Clippers, both Dirk Nowitzki (nine points, five rebounds, 4-of-13 shooting) and Wes Matthews (eight points, 2-of-11 shooting) struggled mightily against the Lakers, and inconsistency is going to be a theme for this team in the early going. Dallas’ biggest star of the game was none other than Zaza Pachulia (18 points, 16 rebounds), and you should be starting big men who take on a Lakers frontline frequently incapable of stopping their opposition.
Chandler Parsons (nine points, three rebounds, 4-of-6 FGs) continues to be on a minutes limit (18), and hasn’t looked right at any point this season so far. If you believe in his long-term health, now is the time to buy low…I don’t have him anywhere. Dwight Powell (10 points, 12 rebounds, one steal, 22 minutes) just keeps on producing, and it’s a crime if he is still floating on the waiver wire in your league.
Minnesota @ Indiana: Pacers 107, Timberwolves 103
Studs: Zach LaVine, Paul George, Monta Ellis
Duds: Karl-Anthony Towns, George Hill
For a game with 210 combined points, this was an incredibly boring box score. Karl-Anthony Towns’ streak of double-double’s was snapped with just 12 points, nine boards and no blocks in 27 minutes, and although Andrew Wiggins had 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting, he had just one three and no defensive stats once again. Zach LaVine made the most of another start with Ricky Rubio (hamstring) out again, rewarding DFS owners with 26 points, six rebounds, four dimes, four triples and a steal with just two turnovers on 50 percent shooting. For the Gorgui Dieng crowd: He played 11.5 minutes. Yeah.
The Pacers got another superhero performance from Paul George (29 points, nine rebounds, four triples, 8-of-17 FGs, 9-of-10 FTs), and PG-13 is really rewarding those who rolled the dice on his health early this season. C.J. Miles exited with a forehead contusion in this one, but he was cleared of a concussion and finished with eight points on a miserable 3-of-10 shooting. Monta Ellis (24 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals, one block, 11-of-17 FGs) now has two 20-plus point games in his last four after not having a single all season prior, so don’t wait much longer if you’re going to try and buy low. George Hill (six points, four assists, two steals, two triples) has just 13 points on 3-of-15 shooting over his last two games.
Utah @ Orlando: Magic 102, Jazz 93
Studs: Tobias Harris, Nikola Vucevic
Duds: Derrick Favors, Alec Burks
No Rudy Gobert (ankle), no Rodney Hood (foot), big problem for Utah.
After a stat-stuffing effort on Thursday, Derrick Favors (five points, seven rebounds, three steals, one block, 19.5 minutes) was nowhere to be found and apparently still in MIA, crushing DFS owners in the process. Alec Burks moved into the starting lineup without Hood available, but he had more shots attempted (13) than points scored (11). It was that kind of night for the Jazz.
Tobias Harris (19 points, 13 rebounds, three steals, one block, three triples) now has two-straight double-double’s and three consecutive games with double-digit rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic (16 points, nine rebounds, five dimes, one steal, one block, 8-of-14 FGs) is not showing any signs of rust after missing time with a knee injury. With Victor Oladipo (concussion) sitting out another contest, Aaron Gordon (10 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, four blocks) got 27.5 minutes of run and was plenty productive in the process.
Cleveland @ New York: Cavs 90, Knicks 84
Studs: LeBron James
Duds: Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Robin Lopez
When one team shoots 42.3% from the field and the other 36.7%, it’s never a surprise when neither cracks 100 points.
Carmelo Anthony (26 points, five rebounds, four assists, four triples) was a man on fire in the first half before jumping in a bucket of ice during the final 24 minutes, and he didn’t get any help from his supporting cast. Kristaps Porzingis (11 points, seven rebounds), Arron Afflalo (14 pints, four dimes) and Jose Calderon (10 points, three steals) were the only other Knicks to score in double figures.
The Cavs outscored New York 24-12 in the final frame in order to steal a win, and Cleveland can thank LeBron James (31 points, three rebounds, six assists, two steals, one block) for Friday’s victory. Kevin Love (seven points, 11 rebounds, 2-of-10 FGs) went MIA in a fairly favorable matchup, but Mo Williams (20 points, 7-of-13 FGs) has been keeping it rolling in the absence of Kyrie Irving.
New Orleans @ Toronto: Raptors 100, Pelicans 81
Studs: Eric Gordon, Jrue Holiday, Jonas Valanciunas, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry
Duds: Ryan Anderson, Ish Smith
Without Anthony Davis (hip), the Pelicans are always going to be shorthanded. Throw in the fact that Tyreke Evans (knee surgery) still hasn’t debuted and Jrue Holiday (leg)—who actually had a nice game with 19 points, three dimes, two steals and two triples in 21 minutes—remains on a minutes limit, and that’s not a formula that’s going to equate to success for New Orleans very often. Eric Gordon (30 points, four triples, 11-of-22 FGs) was the only one to have a good game outside of Holiday, while Ryan Anderson (five points, six rebounds, 2-of-9 shooting) and Ish Smith (six points, four dimes, two blocks, 1-of-9 FGs) each delivered an absolute dud. Alonzo Gee (scoreless in 24.5 minutes) replaced Luke Babbitt (four points, 17 minutes) in the starting lineup for this one, as well.
In a game where Kyle Lowry (20 points, six rebounds, five dimes, four steals, one block, four triples) and DeMar DeRozan (15 points, six rebounds, 11 assists) both put up big numbers, the focal point was Jonas Valanciunas and his 20 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in a tidy 28 minutes of action. Toronto got DeMarre Carroll (11 points, five rebounds, one steal, one block, one triple) back from a bout with plantar fasciitis, but Cory Joseph (nine points, three boards, two dimes, one steal, one block, one 3-pointer) remained productive in just under 29.5 minutes of action and is worth a look if you need guard help on your roster.
Charlotte @ Chicago: Bulls 102, Hornets 97
Studs: Nicolas Batum, Kemba Walker, Pau Gasol, Jimmy Butler
Duds: Nikola Mirotic, Jeremy Lin, Al Jefferson
Joakim Noah (knee) continued to come off the bench for Chicago, but he delivered what was easily his best game of the season with 18 rebounds (seven offensive) and six assists in just 23 minutes of action. And although Pau Gasol (19 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks) also ate against a frontline that serves it up on a silver platter, Nikola Mirotic came up starving with just three points, seven boards and three assists in his 22.5 minutes. Mirotic’s preseason hype served to artificially inflate his ADP, but he’s not someone I’m anxious to trade away off of my roster. It was nice to see Jimmy Butler, who had combined for just 18 points on 21 shots in his previous two games, bounce back with a very solid effort of 27 points, five rebounds, four dimes, a steal and a block on 8-of-16 shooting.
Nicolas Batum is in a nice groove right now, and the good times kept on rolling Friday with 28 points, eight rebounds, two steals and five triples on 10-of-17 from the floor. Despite another subpar shooting effort from Kemba Walker (5-of-18 FGs), the UConn product did manage to fill up the box score (13 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals, two blocks)…baby steps in what has been a really disappointing season for those expecting Walker to take the next step. Jeremy Lamb (15 points, nine rebounds, two 3-pointers) stepped up again in 32 minutes, and I think he’s a player who should be owned in all 12-team formats…I’ve been on Lamb for a while …the talent is real, and now the confidence is there.
Al Jefferson has made just seven of his last 28 shots (19 points) from the floor over the last three games, and I am wondering if something is bothering Big Al that we don’t know about considering his previous production this season…it wouldn’t be the first time—or last—he’s played at less than 100 percent.
Philadelphia @ Oklahoma City: Thunder 102, Sixers 85
Studs: Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka
Duds: Jahlil Okafor
No Durant, All Westbrook: 21 points, 17 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, two triples. Who cares about the six turnovers? Westbrook is a one-man machine, and he’s going to put up huge numbers until Kevin Durant (hamstring) returns…in place of KD, Anthony Morrow (12 points, two triples, 21 minutes) drew the start, but it was Dion Waiters (14 points, 29 minutes) who saw more time and more opportunity than he traditionally would. It would be nice to see Serge Ibaka do more than he has on offensively, but you drafted him for his defense and the big man had seven blocks on Friday.
Nerlens Noel (wrists) got back on the court in a tough matchup, but an inefficient double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, 4-of-12 FGs) isn’t what a top-30 draft pick looks like… he’s going to need to improve his game outside of the paint in a big way. T.J. McConnell (10 points, three assists) was totally overmatched by Westbrook just as he said he’d be, but the entire Sixers team stood no chance. Jahlil Okafor, who came into this game pretty hot, managed just six points, six rebounds and three blocks on a pathetic 3-of-18 from the field.
For deep-leaguers, Christian Wood (15 points, eight rebounds, one steal, two blocks, 19 minutes) is a name to keep an eye on as Brett Brown really seems to like him and Wood could prove to be an intriguing developmental project. Anybody can become relevant in Philly’s volatile scheme.
Portland @ Memphis: Grizzlies 101, Blazers 100
Studs: Al-Farouq Aminu, Marc Gasol
Duds: Damian Lillard
If there is such a thing as a must-win game just 10 contests into the season, this was it for the now 4-6 Grizzlies…Marc Gasol is looking a lot more like himself over the last week, and he left no doubts about his abilities with 31 points, four rebounds and five assists (no turnovers) on 11-of-18 shooting (including a triple) and a perfect 8-of-8 from the charity stripe. Zach Randolph was inefficient from the field (6-of-16), but he did provide some welcomed versatility with 15 points, eight rebounds, three dimes and two steals. With Brandan Wright (knee) looking at an indefinite absence, Gasol (41 minutes) is going to be locked into major minutes with JaMychal Green (six points, four rebounds, 18 minutes) behind him.
Playing without Meyers Leonard (shoulder) Mason Plumlee (five points, seven rebounds, two steals, one block) started alongside Chris Kaman (eight points, four boards, 23.5 minutes), and it was Moe Harkless (10 points, 22.5 minutes) who saw the most run of any sub in front of Ed Davis (seven points, eight rebounds, three blocks). Leonard’s absence really just means the Blazers need more from Damian Lillard (22 points, seven assists, 5-of-15 FGs) who struggled on Friday after having most of his thumbnail removed following Thursday’s contest…Portland will also need C.J. McCollum (26 points, six rebounds, two blocks, eight turnovers, 10-of-10 FTs) and Al-Farouq Aminu (16 points, eight rebounds, one steal, three blocks, two 3-pointers) to step up, as well.
Houston @ Denver: Nuggets 107, Rockets 98
Studs: James Harden, Terrence Jones, Danilo Gallinari, Will Barton
Duds: Marcus Thornton, Ty Lawson, Emmanuel Mudiay
Ty Lawson’s Denver return (zero points, seven assists, 34 minutes) was anything but a revenge game, and Kevin McHale has to be searching for answers with a 4-5 team without a clear direction. Dwight Howard (12 points, 10 rebounds, six turnovers) is expected to sit out of Saturday’s game, and that means Clint Capela (four points, one steal, 13 minutes) is going to be a popular DFS play…Considering the role Capela would enjoy if Dwight Howard were to get injured, I think CC has enough upside to warrant a roster spot in 12-team formats, but not at the cost of immediate production you need.
It was the return of Terrence Jones (23 points, seven rebounds, four blocks, three triples, 21 minutes) on Friday, and under no circumstance should he be on any waiver wires…TJ has the skillset to make fantasy owners say uhhhhhh nah nah nah nah, and he’s got a clear path to both production and minutes so long as he can stay healthy. James Harden (28 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals, two blocks) put in a really nice effort, but the Rockets lost Patrick Beverley to a sprained left ankle and he was spotted leaving the arena on crutches in a walking boot. It’s 2015, so Jason Terry is not an option for your fantasy team. Marcus Thornton (four points, 2-of-8 shooting, 18 minutes) was benched for Montrezl Harris (five points, 13 minutes) in what appeared to be a matchup move, and Jones could easily slide back into the starting five with McHale appearing ready to make some changes.
Emmanuel Mudiay (two points, 11 assists, nine turnovers, two steals, two blocks) was likely pressing a little too hard to make a point in this one, but that is certainly understandable considering the matchup and context of this game…veteran teammates Kenneth Faried (14 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks) and Danilo Gallinari (27 points, 10-of-10 FTs) did the heavy lifting, but it was another Will Barton game, and nights like Friday’s career-high 26-point effort (five rebounds, two steals, four triples) highlight why he’s a fantasy asset.
Brooklyn @ Sacramento: Kings 111, Nets 109
Studs: Brook Lopez, Jarrett Jack, DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, Thaddeus Young
Duds: Willie Cauley-Stein
Rajon Rondo (23 points, 10 rebounds, 14 assists, two steals, two triples) now has three triple-double’s in his last four games, and it’s pretty laughable to look back at some of the previous suggestions that he was washed up. With Rudy Gay out due to an illness, Sacramento needed all they could get from Rondo to squeak out the win, but it was King Cousins’ valiant effort (40 points, 13 rebounds, two triples) that proved to be the difference.
Brook Lopez (17 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks) has been quietly productive all season, but there was nothing silent about his emphatic performance in the two-point loss….In addition to Jarrett Jack (21 points, 12 assists), Thaddeus Young (16 points, nine rebounds, two steals, 8-of-13 FGs) turned in a solid performance, and he’s shown signs of turning the corner over his last three, averaging 15.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks on 22-of-39 from the field. Bojan Bogdanovic followed up his big 22-point night with 14 points in 34 minutes on Friday, so it looks like the opportunity is going to be there for BB right now.
Injury Report (Teams that played on 11/13)
Atlanta Hawks
Jeff Teague (sore left ankle): Day-to-day.
Boston Celtics
Avery Bradley (strained left calf): Day-to-day. Bradley is hopeful to return as soon as Sunday.
Charlotte Hornets
Cody Zeller (strained left ankle): Day-to-day.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Richard Jefferson (right foot): Day-to-day.
Denver Nuggets
Joffrey Lauvergne (back): Day-to-day.
Houston Rockets
Patrick Beverley (sprained left ankle): Beverley is expected to be reevaluated on Saturday.
Indiana Pacers
Myles Turner (left thumb chip fracture): Expected to miss at least four weeks.
Rodney Stuckey (sprained right ankle, foot): Day-to-day. Stuckey has missed two consecutive games.
Memphis Grizzlies
Brandan Wright (right knee): Wright is dealing with something that is “not just tendinitis,” and he’s expected to be out for an extended period of time. That leaves the Grizz dangerously thin behind Marc Gasol with just Jarnell Stokes and JaMychal Green as options.
Jordan Adams (right knee soreness): Day-to-day.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Ricky Rubio (mild left hamstring strain): Day-to-day. Rubio has now missed two straight games despite being listed as “probable” leading into each.
New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Davis (hip): Day-to-day. The Pelicans are expected to be cautious with AD’s injury, but it is not a serious concern.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Kevin Durant (left hamstring strain): Durant is expected to miss about another week of action.
Orlando Magic
C.J. Watson (calf): Day-to-day.
Victor Oladipo (concussion): Day-to-day.
Jason Smith (knee): Day-to-day.
Philadelphia 76ers
Richaun Holmes (hamstring): The rookie is expected to miss the next 8-10 days in action. In Sixers language, that’s about two months.
Robert Covington (right MCL sprain): Covington is expected to return on Monday, but the Sixers will likely limit him after he aggravated the injury upon originally getting back on the floor in early November.
Portland Trail Blazers
Meyers Leonard (dislocated left shoulder): Out indefinitely. Ed Davis, Al-Farouq Aminu and Moe Harkless will have to step up.
Sacramento Kings
Rudy Gay (illness): Day-to-day.
Darren Collison (left hamstring strain): Day-to-day.
Toronto Raptors
Terrence Ross (left thumb): Out indefinitely.
Utah Jazz
Rudy Gobert (sprained left ankle): Day-to-day, has missed last two games.
Rodney Hood (right foot soreness): Day-to-day.
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