Last night might have been an utter low for the New York Knickerbockers. Haha, yup they get a full name scolding like your mom used to do. Got shellacked by the Lakers by 31, in another horrific TNT Overtime fail. It’s funny that the Lakers were involved in another redonkulous blowout this month: One because the first was also on TNT OT when the Clippers beat them by, I dunno a million (?), and second because I had the following remarks on Xavier Henry, whom I call Wheels, three-ish week ago after that Clips blowout: “I dunno, I just have a weird feeling he is going to be fantasy-relevant even in shallower leagues in a few weeks because D’Antoni likes him. And why not give him minutes again on this team?” And that’s me quoting me! It’s been a little up-and-down, and Wheels is a bit of a ThrANOF, but 8-11 (3-4 3PTM 3-5 FT) 22/3/0/2/1 last night. Only 23 minutes (and oddly enough 23:20 exactly in the past two games), but mid-20 minutes seems about right the rest of the way. He can easily score mid-teens, get a couple swipes, and nab a trey for you. Jodie Meeks-lite, if you will. I think even in 12-teamers he’s worth a look right now for the remainder of the week with three games left on the slate that all are pretty saucy (@MIL, @MIN, PHX). And another 4-gamer next week with good matchups. I just picked him up myself as I hope to slip by the Slippery Squirrels in my RCL playoffs. Need more points and only up one in steals. Go JB HUMAN! Here’s what else I saw last night in NBA action:
Greivis Vasquez – After a brutal start, salvaged a solid stream day! 16/4/4/0/0 with four treys and 4-4 FT. A lot of effing 4s. Shot 4-13 overall, but I think was 1-8 in the first half. Thank you Mr. Streamboat!
Amir Johnson – Feels like every game he’s a rainbow threat. 12/9/2/1/2 shooting a very efficient 6-9. “You…” Rubs bed sheet. “You Amir to me…”
Jonas Valanciunas – Semi-was-turning it around, but we all know how much I’ve flipped-flopped. Could not look more done last night. Feeling pretty good after my flopping.
Jarrett Jack – As the immortal Will Smith would say, “Welcome to Earff!” “But wait, JB, didn’t you say he was a must-own?” Shut up! 13/5/5/2/1 is still pretty good. Plus shot 6-9. I’m happy with that.
Anderson Varejao – Did go 11/8, but only 23 minutes, no blocks, I just don’t see it. A lot of drop Sideshow Bob questions, and I’m all for it. PS, what’s he doing taking a three?! Was probably a heave or something, but he’s now 1-39 behind the arc in his career. HAHA.
Tristan Thompson – We’ve had our fun debating him which has run its course, but 15/13/0/0/1 shooting efficient 3-4 FG and 9-10 FT is usable. 10+ boards in three of five. Nothing to go nuts about, but he’s a rich-man’s Reggie Evans. Which isn’t saying too much, but Gus Ayonin’!
Robin Lopez – 20/13 with two swats. But couldn’t even help the Blazers beat the Magic. Still a scrub.
Will Barton – Whoa, productive 16 minutes good sir! I imagine that’s how a hoity-toity British woman from the 18th Century would compliment a love making session. 7/9/4/1/1 with no TOs. Obviously nothing much to do fantasy-wise, but I like him if he ever found a consistent role somewhere. He’s a little funky to watch, but racks up stats.
Tobias Harris – I don’t care if I’m the sixth man! 33 minutes 25/11 with a swat. Shot 10-15 (2-3 3PTM 3-4 FT) to shore up some %s. Hey, if you’re going to be a big bust, might as well show up now!
Jose Calderon – Needs to get elbowed in the face more often! Was a little iffy coming into last night after a Mason Plumlee elbow the game prior, but racked it up with 6 treys, shooting 7-10 22/4/8/0/0 and no TOs. Ratio-fixer!
Dirk Nowitzki – Went nuts helping the Mavs to a huge win, going 32/10/6/4/1 with two treys, one being a pivotal one to bring it to OT. Hurt ya with the 6 TOs, but 8-8 FT is mighty guten.
Russell Westbrook – Almost didn’t come back into the game after hitting the 31-32 minute threshold they’re trying to keep him at, but they let him come out late in OT even though it didn’t matter. Just something to be aware of. Typical RW game, trip-dub threat 23/7/8/3/0 but with 8 TOs.
Kevin Durant – Nothing is more annoying than going against a KD team this week, and being way behind because the Thunder have already played twice. Ugh.
Tim Hardaway Jr. – Seems to ebb and flow, and right now looking like back into a flow. 17 Pts with two treys, but I mostly want to mention him because the Knicks are a big piece of toast and might just bench Raymond Felton and/or J.R. Smith late in the year. An idea for Roto players.
Los Angeles Lakers/Doh-Toni – Dude, so friggin frustrating. The TNT guys were going gaga because the Lakers bench had like, a zillion points. Well then maybe start these guys then! Instead Wesley Johnson disappears per usual, and Jordan Hill – looking like on a run the past few games – goes back to 14 minutes. I really think the Lakers are the worst for fantasy right now. Yes, even over the Bucks. Hill even shot 4-4! Ughhhhh.
Chris Kaman – Should’ve been starting all year. Or at least a 25ish minute role. 23 minutes for 13/9/3/0/1 and had a few sick plays. I know, it’s Kaman, but they were nice. I ranked him high and got Doh-toni-ed!
Ryan Kelly – Should be starting as well, but got the minutes at 34 and rocked out with his Who out for 9/4/8/2/0 with three treys. RKelly can’t proclaim he’s rocking out with his Who out too often, pretty sure at least one RKelly did something like that…
Jodie Meeks – Another 4 steals. 14 over the past three. Steals and treys from Meeks, maybe the only thing you can count on for the entire Lakers squad… Like death and taxes.
Next Game: LAC @ NOP. Oh man, I’m gonna be worn out after highlights for this one! Who gets the better alley, Anthony Davis or DeAndre Jordan? Make your bets!
