Well, took a couple weeks off for Christmas break and time with family. By family, I mean in-laws, so it was more survival, but did feel as if the time was well spent not writing and pretty much ignoring the NBA. Back into it now, and weird, almost sinister doings are afoot.
Suns: A lot to unpack down in the desert. Let’s just list players and their minutes, shall we?
- Bradley Beal bench, 28 minutes
- Tyus Jones: 19, same as Monte Morris (doh!)
- Ryan Dunn: starts, 27 minutes
- Grayson Allen: slashed to 14
- Three headed Suns Monster: Jusef Nurkic, Mason Plumlee, Oso Ighodaro all between 12 and 16 minutes
Gotta keep watching to see if these changes stick. The Suns actually won this game, so I suspect it will stay the same. Apologies for my Jones and Allen recommendations.
Magic: With all their good players injured, Cole Anthony and Tristan da Silva both played 36 minutes and will be the beneficiaries here. Jonathan Isaac also played 25 and when he does that the defensive stats are nice and juicy. At center, Wendell Carter and Goga Bitazde are in an equal playing time share. If one is having a particularly strong game, they get more minutes, but it shifts back the next game.
Bulls: Lonzo Ball is trending up. He’s closing close games over Josh Giddey because he actually can play some defense. He had 3 steals and 4 assists against San Antonio last night, and is often good for a three pointer or three. It’s my favorite story in the NBA this year, so I went ahead and grabbed him just for the good vibes. If you are sitting on Kevin Porter, you could change your vibes instantly by switching to Lonzo. Do it. I approve.
Some little notes now. Forgive me, I’m just getting back into the swing.
Kings: DeAaron Fox is down, Keon Ellis played 239 minutes last night. That’s hyperbole. It’s a humorous device. But the point stands.
Heat: Jimmy Butler is on a funny suspension, so he’s down and I don’t expect him to play another minute for Miami. Haywood Highsmith is the starter for now, but I keep thinking Jaime Jacquez is the long term play here.
Wolves: Point guard switch; Mike Conley to the bench and Donte DiVincenzo to the starting five. Act accordingly, this seems permanent.
Mavs: Derek Lively 32 minutes, Daniel Gafford 7. Finally. Jason Kidd had a a resolution finally to play the younger better player more minutes and as long as Lively stays healthy it’s game on here. After a quick Google, it does seem like Gafford will miss time with a sprained ankle. Kyrie Irving has a bulging disc in his back, or he’s just jealous that Luka Doncic is resting too, so he’s out a couple weeks. They’re predictably on a slide, so I’ll keep you posted on rotation changes as they look for something to stop the bleeding.
Lakers: Dorian Finney-Smith is playing 26 minutes and will continue to be a key player off the Lakers bench. Max Christie is also starting and worth monitoring at least. He and Dalton Knecht are battling for that spot. Hopefully, they don’t play HORSE because that wouldn’t be fair. Knecht is bombing out there, yo. Anyway, that’s too much writing on some guys that are low end bench options, but at least they’re better than Cam Reddish!
Ah, that felt good. Scratched my writing itch. Until next time…
I am at a loss as to how to handle Middleton. Thought second unit might actually be ok for him. No trade market for him – I have tried.
In first place so I can be patient. Best on the WW: Hield, Pope, Cason. Hold or drop to stream? Team below for context:
Jokic, Allen, Duren, Goga
Jalen Will, N Powell, OG, Dray, TDJ, Middleton,
Booker, Maxey, FVV, Giddy,
IR: Ayo
I”m moving on from Middleton. Seems cooked. Maybe buddy will get it back?