Saturday Dose: Dose: My Name Is Jonas
It’s never fun when an injury is the lead item in a Dose, but that’s exactly what we have with the news that Toronto Raptors C Jonas Valanciunas fractured the fourth metacarpal in his left (non-shooting) hand in Friday’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers. There’s more detail below, but it’s a brutal loss for a Raptors team that still needs JV to take the next step.
Around the NBA, the Warriors are the cream of the crop with a 14-0 record, the upward trending Marc Gasol managed his first ever triple-double and Deron Williams’ Revenge Game may even earn him a phone call from old friend Jerry Sloan.
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Philadelphia @ Charlotte: Hornets 113, Sixers 88
Studs: Nerlens Noel
Duds: Jahlil Okafor
Still trusting the process after the 0-13 start, Sixers fans? It’s getting harder to see what Philadelphia is building with each passing loss, and even the loyalists can’t deny the questions at this point. Nerlens Noel, who shifted to the bench so the Sixers could better break up the Noel-Jahlil Okafor pairing, was the only thing worth talking about in this one with his 16 points and nine rebounds in 27 efficient minutes…it wouldn’t be a bad thing if he stayed in the bench role. On the other hand, Okafor really disappointed in a favorable matchup vs. Al Jefferson with just 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists on 4-of-12 shooting. You’re desperate to slop the Sauce if you think Nik Stauskas going for 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting (three triples) is worthy of a bounce back mention.
Nicolas Batum (14 points, three 3-pointers) took a backseat to Big Al, and rightfully so considering how Jefferson dominated with 26 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in just 30.5 minutes of action. Jeremy Lin (nine points, two dimes) slid into the starting lineup with Cody Zeller (ankle) out, but he didn’t do much in his 29.5 minutes of a blowout victory. Kemba Walker (20 points, seven dimes, three steals, two triples, 7-of-12 FGs) and Marvin Williams (11 points, nine rebounds, one steal, two blocks, two 3-pointers) continue to play well for a Hornets team that needs to squeeze every ounce of production from them, and Jeremy Lamb (13 points, two triples, 30 minutes) is going to have a very real role all season long.
Brooklyn @ Boston: Celtics 120, Nets 95
Studs: Jae Crowder, Isaiah Thomas, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Duds: Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez, Jarrett Jack, Jared Sullinger
How did this terrible Brooklyn Nets team even come close to taking down the undefeated Golden State Warriors?
The Nets gave up a whopping 43 points in the second quarter of this one, and the game was over from that point on. Thaddeus Young (14 points, 10 boards, two steals) did most of his damage in the first half, while Joe Johnson (3 points, 1-of-5 FGs, 18.5 minutes) and Jarrett Jack (11 points, five dimes, seven turnovers) both took the night off. Brook Lopez was decent if we stretch the definition (14 points, seven rebounds), but really the only player worth highlighting is again rookie Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who used garbage time to turn in a productive 13 points, 11 rebounds and three steals (five turnovers).
Jae Crowder (19 points, five rebounds, three steals, three triples) continues to show why Boston paid him this summer, and it’s a shame he wasn’t drafted in 100% of fantasy formats. Isaiah Thomas (18 points, nine dimes, four triples) is still a member of the starting five alongside Marcus Smart, but Avery Bradley (21 points, 10-of-13 FGs) may find himself paired with Thomas going forward after Smart left Friday’s game with a bruised left knee. The only real disappointment from Boston’s side came from Jared Sullinger, who finished with just eight points, four rebounds and three assists in a lousy 19.5 minutes of playing time…do not even think about dropping him.
San Antonio @ New Orleans: Pelicans 104, Spurs 90
Studs: Ish Smith, LaMarcus Aldridge, Ryan Anderson, Anthony Davis
Duds: Tim Duncan, Eric Gordon
What a big win for a New Orleans team that needed one desperately.
Anthony Davis’ (shoulder) showed no signs of rust in his return, and he dominated the Spurs with 20 points, 18 rebounds and two blocks in 39 minutes. Despite AD’s return, Ryan Anderson kept charging with another 30 points, seven rebounds and six triples…Ryno is now averaging 30.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.0 triples over his last two contests. Jrue Holiday (nine points, seven dimes) drew the start at point guard and played half the game, but it was Ish Smith (17 points, four rebounds, 13 assists) who received all the attention off the bench. With Tyreke Evans (knee) due back as early as next week, this is a good time to sell high on your waiver wire gem.
In a disappointing loss for San Antonio, LaMarcus Aldridge shook off a left ankle injury and paced the Spurs with 20 points and 11 rebounds, but after the game said he was and would see how he felt before committing to playing on Saturday. How high is the expectation bar set for Kawhi Leonard? When 22 points, five rebounds, a steal, a block and three triples is seen as an okay game, you know Kawhi lives on Superstar Island. After strong performances in their last game, both Tony Parker (10 points, five rebounds, five assists) and Tim Duncan (six points, two assists, one steal, one block) struggled to do the same on Friday. Let me answer all of the Danny Green questions once and for all: I think you can do better.
Detroit @ Minnesota: Pistons 96, Timberwolves 86
Studs: Andre Drummond, Marcus Morris, Aron Baynes, Karl-Anthony Towns
Duds: Gorgui Dieng, Ricky Rubio
Even when Andre Drummond is limited by foul trouble, he’s able to put up a massive (21 points, 11 rebounds, one steal, one block, 10-of-13 FGs) double-double…absurd doesn’t even do Drummond justice anymore, and “the other AD” is going to carry many teams to fantasy championships this season. Marcus Morris (16 points, 11 rebounds, one steal, one block) is playing well in a bigger role than his previous teams were willing to give him and Reggie Jackson’s 18 points, five rebounds and five dimes (8-of-15 FGs, no turnovers) is what we like to see from the new franchise point guard. It was also a big night for the Pistons’ bench, as Stanley Johnson (15 points, three triples, 24.5 minutes) and Aron Baynes (six points, 11 rebounds, two steals, two blocks, 19 minutes) each played an important role in the victory.
Even with Nemanja Bjelica (knee) out of the lineup, Gorgui Dieng (eight points, four rebounds, two steals) saw all of 20 minutes in the loss, and six different players had more on-court time than GD on Friday night. The starting frontline of Tayshaun Prince (old) and Kevin Garnett (older) went scoreless, but Karl-Anthony Towns (18 points, seven rebounds, three dimes, three steals, two blocks, 8-of-10 FGs) looks like he’s just about matchup-proof less than 15 games into his NBA career…the Timberwolves have a transcendent start to build around, and that Andrew Wiggins guy (21 points, five rebounds, three assists) is pretty decent, as well.
New York @ Oklahoma City: Knicks 93, Thunder 90
Studs: Russell Westbrook
Duds: Kristaps Porzingis, Serge Ibaka
Kevin Durant (hamstring) could be back as early as Sunday, and the Thunder can’t get him back soon enough.
Russell Westbrook (34 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, four steals, 11-of-29 FGs) didn’t get a lot of help in the loss, and he wasn’t in peak form despite gaudy numbers. With Dion Waiters (16 points, three steals, 6-of-15 FGs) and Enes Kanter (11 points, 13 rebounds, nothing else) the only other player in double-digit scoring, it’s not hard to figure out why OKC only managed to score 90 points. It’s games like Friday’s where the Thunder needs Serge Ibaka (eight points, 4-of-13 FGs) to be more than a defensive presence, and he didn’t even record a steal or a block in his 29.5 minutes.
The Knicks certainly didn’t do anything to light up the scoreboard, but New York was able to come away with a big road win. Carmelo Anthony (25 points, five rebounds, one steal, one block) played his usual game, but rookie Kristaps Porzingis (seven points, six rebounds) struggled in a tough matchup and New York didn’t have a single other player score more than 15 points. Getting a little bit from everyone on the roster—including five points and five steals from Langston Galloway—Derek Fisher’s squad was able to move above .500.
Houston @ Memphis: Grizzlies 96, Rockets 84
Studs: Trevor Ariza, Dwight Howard, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley
Duds: Jeff Green, Terrence Jones
Houston still has a problem without Kevin McHale, but at least they’ve got some fun fantasy players on the roster. Trevor Ariza (19 points, four rebounds, three steals, triples, one block) continues to trend in the right direction, and Dwight Howard (12 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks) made the most of his 35.5 minutes…with the Rockets playing a back-to-back on Saturday, expect Clint Capela to draw the start vs. New York in D12’s place…Howard has been really good this season, and he only appears to be getting better right now. Even though he still produced the stats, Memphis smothered James Harden (22 points, six rebounds, five dimes, six turnovers, two steals, two blocks) like he was a barbeque sandwich, and Terrence Jones (10 points, four rebounds, one steal, 4-of-12 FGs) failed to take advantage of Zach Randolph (knee soreness) being a surprise pregame scratch. Absolutely do not bail on the TJ experiment under any current circumstance, but I would’ve already pressed eject on the Ty Lawson (16 minutes off the bench on Friday) gamble.
With Randolph out of the lineup, Jeff Green—who has been playing well—was a popular DFS target, but he posted a real dud with just seven points, six rebounds, two steals and a block on 2-of-9 from the field. JaMychal Green (five points, five rebounds) drew the start in Z-Bo’s place, but he played just 23 minutes. That meant it was all up to Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, and the veteran leaders had no problem roaring loudly for the entire Grizz team. Conley went for 26 big points (three triples), five dimes and three steals, but it was Gasol’s first career triple-double (16 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, four steals) that was the difference in this one. Gasol’s arrow has been pointed upward since November’s arrival.
Utah @ Dallas: Mavs 102, Jazz 93
Studs: Gordon Hayward, Zaza Pachulia, Deron Williams
Duds: Wesley Matthews, Chandler Parsons
Deron Williams hit the bass line, jumped in his hot tub time machine and never looked back against his former team. With easily his best performance as a member of the Mavericks (23 points, six boards, eight assists, three steals, four 3-pointers), Dallas has to be hopeful that this is the spark D-Will needs to finally get on track. It was another strong night for the old guys with Zaza Pachulia (15 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals) and Dirk Nowitzki (19 points, four boards, one steal, three blocks, three ripples) doing way more than anyone thought either would, while Chandler Parsons (nine points) and Wesley Matthews (seven points, 0-of-8 3-pointers) are still trying to find their footing…both will be volatile assets until the season’s second half.
This is a tough loss for the Jazz considering Gordon Hayward (22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, two triples), Derrick Favors (18 points, seven boards) and Rudy Gobert (eight points, 12 rebounds, two steals, one block) combined to shoot 19-of-32 from the field, but Rodney Hood (13 points) and Alec Burks (15 points, five rebounds) making just 9-of-28 attempts did Utah no favors. The good news is that both Burks (30.5) and Hood (36) minutes played 30-plus minutes…that’s a trend we want to see continue.
Phoenix @ Denver: Suns 114, Nuggets 107
Studs: Brandon Knight
Duds: Tyson Chandler, Kenneth Faried, Nikola Jokic
Brandon Knight’s shining star is burning brightly in the desert, and if there were any doubts about his future in this league, they’ve been emphatically extinguished with his play this season. Knight went off for 38 points, 11 rebounds six assists, two steals and a block (six 3-pointers!) on 11-of-20 shooting, while Eric Mini-LeBron Bledsoe added a tidy 22 points, two triples, three dimes, two steals and a block on 9-of-17 from the floor. Tyson Chandler (two points, four rebounds, four fouls) was a complete non-factor, but Knight made sure it didn’t even matter.
After a career game, Nikola Jokic was thrown right into the starting lineup. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the best matchup for him, and we need a bigger sample size before we can accurately assess the picture. Despite just six points, four rebounds and a steal in 18 minutes, Jokic is still worth a roster spot with Joffrey Lauvergne (back) and Jusuf Nurkic (knee surgery) still dealing with injuries. Despite a double-double for Danilo Gallinari (15 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks), the Italian Stallion shot just 4-of-14 from the floor in an inefficient showing. It was also a bad performance from Kenneth Faried (four points, seven rebounds, three turnovers), and the Morehead State product has now recorded double-digit rebounds just once over his last seven games.
Emmanuel Mudiay’s ability to get his own offense (26 points, 10-of-16 FGs) was understated coming into the league, but his penchant for turning the ball over (five assists, six turnovers) was not…Will Barton (14 points, four rebounds, two dimes, two steals, no turnovers) is every bit of a primetime player, and there is no reason to sell high on a player who is going to be relevant all season long. Mike Malone is a fan, and so am I.
Los Angeles (C) @ Portland: Blazers 102, Clippers 91
Studs: Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, Ed Davis, Damian Lillard, Mason Plumlee
Duds: Chris Paul
This is not a good look for the Clippers, and Doc Rivers’ crew has now lost six of its last eight games. If it’s not panic time now, that moment is rapidly approaching.
Blake Griffin’s versatility (21 points, seven rebounds, seven assists) has really elevated him to a new plane this season, and if Griffin put up any defensive stats whatsoever he’d enter my first-round conversation…Griffin did briefly leave this game after tweaking his knee on a non-contact play, but he was fine and there appears to be no cause for concern moving forward. DeAndre Jordan (12 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks, 5-of-6 FGs) performed well, as did Jamal Crawford with 20 points and five triples in just 27 minutes. Despite the return of J.J. Redick and Lance Stephenson to the Clippers’ starting five, the results—nine points on 14 shots—left everything to be desired. Chris Paul also struggled (11 points, eight dimes, 4-of-12 FGs) after a big night on Thursday, and calling the Clippers a current work in progress would be putting it kindly.
Portland’s Friday box score as filled with fun, and the Ed Davis fan club (17 points, 15 rebounds, 7-of-8 FGs, 30.5 minutes) has to enter the weekend feeling good. Damian Lillard (27 points, seven dimes, four triples) put the game away when it mattered like true closers do, and both Mason Plumlee (18 points, 10 rebounds, two steals) as well as Al-Farouq Aminu (10 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one steal, two blocks, two triples) gave the Blazers an extra boost.
Chicago @ Golden State: Warriors 106, Bulls 94
Studs: Nikola Mirotic, Pau Gasol, Jimmy Butler, Harrison Barnes
Duds: Draymond Green
Three Bulls in the studs section means the Warriors finally lost their first game of the season, right? Nope. This is an all-time great team…get used to it.
Despite having more turnovers (seven) than assists (four), Stephen Curry still poured in 27 points to go along with three triples, five boards and four steals. Harrison Barnes came up big down the stretch with 20 points, nine rebounds and a steal (three triples), and his production was especially welcome with how the Warriors had to fight for this game. Green has been on an incendiary pace, but he slowed down slightly on the second night of a back-to-back with nine points, nine boards and five dimes without a triple, steal or block. Klay Thompson (15 points, two triples, one block) has not been the same player he was last season, and I’m not convinced his back injury is the only reason behind it.
Chicago finally got a good game from Nikola Mirotic (18 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, one steal), and now we need to see several more strung together once again. If you’ve stuck with Mirotic for this long, don’t jump ship now…Chicago needs him in order to fulfill and exceed their potential. Pau Gasol (14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block) played a supporting role to lead man Jimmy Butler (28 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals, two triples), and it’s an incredibly impressive performance from Buckets considering he was also spent time guarding Curry at the opposite end of the floor.
Toronto @ Los Angeles (L): Raptors 102, Lakers 91
Studs: Kyle Lowry, Julius Randle
Duds: Kobe Bryant
Terrible news for the Raptors, as starting center Jonas Valanciunas fractured the fourth metacarpal on his left (non-shooting) hand and will now be out indefinitely. Bismack Biyombo is likely to be the newest member of the starting five, but I’d expect Toronto to play small when possible, using guys like Terrence Ross (thumb-eight points, 14 minutes) and Cory Joseph more often with DeMarre Carroll at power forward. More wear and tear on Luis Scola’s body isn’t the answer, but Patrick Double-P Patterson should now see a bigger role. Those with Valanciunas on the roster have to prepare to be without the big man for an extended period of time.
Like most opposing point guards do, Kyle Lowry (24 points, five boards, five dimes, three steals, seven triples) torched the Lakers on Friday, with contributions from DeMar DeRozan (18 points) and DeMarre Carroll (13 points, seven rebounds, two steals, two triples), as well. Lowry has been on absolute fire of late, and the summer of slim appears to have put him in a position he’s simply never enjoyed prior.
The third quarter again haunted the Lakers, and there were signs of progress despite another loss. Kobe Bryant (10 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals, 5-of-13 FGs) was the fourth-leading scorer on his team in a winnable game, and D’Angelo Russell (17 points, five rebounds, one steal, one block, three triples, 33.5 minutes) had arguably his best game as a pro…only Kobe played more minutes on Friday. Julius Randle’s (18 points, 12 rebounds, one block, 6-of-9 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs) upside was on display all night long and Roy Hibbert (eight points, eight rebounds, three dimes, one steal, one block, 3-of-5 FGs) is the steady presence in the middle the Lakers had been looking for long before Hibbert’s arrival.
Injury Report (Teams that played on 11/20, does not include players considered out indefinitely)
Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart (bruised left knee): Smart sustained the injury on Friday, and he didn’t return to the game. He’ll likely be reevaluated on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s rematch vs. the Nets.
Charlotte Hornets
Cody Zeller (ankle): Day-to-day.
P.J. Hairston (right quad contusion): Targeting Thanksgiving week.
Chicago Bulls
Aaron Brooks (hamstring): Targeting Nov. 24 vs. Portland.
Derrick Rose (sprained left ankle): Day-to-day.
Denver Nuggets
Joffrey Lauvergne (back): Lauvergne hasn’t played since November 1, but he’s targeting Thanksgiving week for his return.
Houston Rockets
Patrick Beverley (left ankle sprain): Day-to-day.
Los Angeles Clippers
Pablo Prigioni (illness): Day-to-day.
Paul Pierce (rest): Pierce rested vs. Portland on Friday.
Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Randolph (sore knee): Randolph was a surprise scratch on Friday, and he’s considered day-to-day for the time being.
Brandan Wright (right knee soreness): Technically Wright is day-to-day, but he’s trending toward out indefinitely.
Jordan Adams (right knee soreness): See Wright, Brandan.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Nemanja Bjelica (left knee contusion): There is not yet word on how long Bjelica is expected to miss. For now, we’re considering him day-to-day.
New Orleans Pelicans
Tyreke Evans (right knee surgery): Alvin Gentry confirmed on Friday that Evans could return as early as next week. Regardless of whatever limitations he’ll face initially, Tyreke should be rostered in all formats.
New York Knicks
Lou Amundson (head): Day-to-day.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Kevin Durant (left hamstring strain): Durant could return as early as Sunday’s game vs. Dallas.
Philadelphia 76ers
Richaun Holmes (hamstring): Holmes should be able to return next week.
Portland Trail Blazers
Meyers Leonard (left shoulder dislocation): Leonard says he’s game-to-game, but that’s sort of tough to believe given his injury and the lack of details surrounding it.
San Antonio Spurs
LaMarcus Aldridge (left ankle): LMA is questionable for Saturday’s contest vs. Memphis after admitting his ankle was sore after Friday’s loss. David West and Boris Diaw are next in line.
Manu Ginobili (hip): The veteran is expected to return on Saturday after a couple of games off.
Toronto Raptors
Jonas Valanciunas (fractured fourth metacarpal in left hand): Valanciunas suffered the injury in Friday’s game vs. the Lakers, and a timetable for return will be provided after further evaluation. In the interim, the Raptors will likely start Bismack Biyombo but opt to play with a smaller lineup more often.
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