You know those days when everything just flows perfectly? You’re driving to work and exit the freeway because there’s too much traffic. For you East Coast folk, a freeway is a toll way except that it’s….free. Anyways, while traversing the local streets, you notice that all the lights turn green and you don’t have to stop once until you reach the office. What a feeling. Well, I had one of those days yesterday. I work from home so it wasn’t the scenario I described above. Rather, it went a little something like this. I was scrolling through Twitter when the Player’s Tribune account tweeted out an article from last year: Sharpen the Arrow by Jamal Murray. In the description was the quote, “I grew up in a kung fu house. It wasn’t until I got older that I discovered that most families didn’t talk about the Shaolin Temple.” I’ve always loved kung fu and that’s a freaking unique story. Then I received a notification that Garrett Temple scored 34 points.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 34 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4/7 | 14/17 | 2/2 |
Garrett Temple. Shaolin Temple. My mind took me to The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, which took me back to my youth and put a smile on my face. Then that got me to think about Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), which made me look like the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. The Universe is a beautiful place sometimes. So, how did your day go? As for Temple, he’s not fantasy relevant. At least not on a consistent basis. He averages around seven shots per game and 25 minutes. He plays for the Kings, so he can get 15 minutes one game or 40 minutes, which he got last night. He can shoot the 3 and chip in across-the-board stats. He’s scored double figures in 16 out of the 43 games he’s played and hoisted up at least 10 shots in eight games. If you can predict when those games happen, then you deserve your own 976 number.
Here’s what else I saw last night:
Want the best tools and projections to help dominate your league? Check out the Stocktonator, the byproduct of Rudy and machine making love. Click HERE for a FREE 3-day trial.
Cavs lose again. That’s six L’s in the past seven games. Check out the pod for my thoughts on them going forward.
Kevin Love:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0/1 | 4/8 | 2/2 |
If you’ve ever been in Love, you know it’s not all peaches and cream. It hurts at times. Over the past two weeks, Love has been a Top 75 player. We know about all the drama, but it’s January. The Cavs will figure things out and everything will be hunky dory at the end of the season.
LeBron James:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 28 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2/6 | 10/23 | 6/10 |
LeBron is an amazing basketball player, but he’s a freaking weirdo for congratulating himself on Instagram. Anyways, he’s been bad the past few weeks. Like, Top 80 bad. There’s a reason why the LeBrons haven’t been winning, but all will be good when LeJuggernaught comes out to play.
Isaiah Thomas:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0/2 | 3/9 | 8/9 |
Not doing much besides scoring. He’s played eight games since returning from injury. It’s going to take time for him to get back into the groove and gain chemistry with his teammates.
Dwayne Wade:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6/8 | 0 |
Played 18 minutes. Averaging a little over 21 minutes a game but getting 10 shots per. Me thinks the LeBrons are managing him for now. Could start getting more minutes down the stretch.
LaMarcus Aldridge:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 30 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0/1 | 12/18 | 6/7 |
A usage whore without Kawhi. Not a laughing matter.
With Pau Gasol sitting, Davis Bertans got the start and played 30 minutes.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2/1 | 4/9 | 3/3 |
A big man that can shoot the 3. With Spurs Siestas, Bertans will get the occasional start. Normally, you can expect around 20 minutes a game, but with inconsistent usage.
With no Kawhi, Kyle Anderson got the start and played 34 minutes.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5/10 | 0 |
Is huge on the glass and will get his block and 211 on. Won’t get enough shots. Glass ceiling?
Dejounte Murray:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 8/15 | 3/4 |
Played 30 minutes. Damn, hope y’all picked him up. He’s always been known as one of the better rebounding guards, but the seven steals and 15 shot attempts! Patty Mills played 20 minutes, while Tony Parker played 18 minutes. They obviously cap his ceiling, but everyone should be sliding into the DM.
With Kristaps Porzingis sitting, Michael Beasley got the start and played 35 minutes.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/1 | 8/15 | 5/5 |
The minutes are inconsistent with Beasley, but he actually feels safe to own. Doesn’t matter how much run he gets, Beasley is going to chuck up shots. Because that’s what he do.
Courtney Lee:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2/6 | 8/13 | 2/4 |
Played 38 minutes. There was some concern that Lee would experience a big usage drop with the return of Tim Hardaway Jr., but he’s scored double figures in five straight games and consistently been getting over 10 shots per game.
Tim Hardaway Jr.:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1/6 | 4/12 | 2/2 |
Only one Hardaway last night. The struggle shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, as he was matched up against Kevin Durant. He’s going to get his shots and deliver those Hardaways.
Willie Hernangomez:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3/4 | 2/2 |
Holy shit balls! 18 minutes of run. No Porzingis and no O’Quinn last night. That’s the only way Willie can be freed. When there is literally no one else to play.
Steph Curry:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 32 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8/15 | 9/19 | 6/6 |
When people yawn over a 32/6/7 game, that’s when you know you are one of the best players in the league.
Kevin Durant:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 4 | 14 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2/5 | 4/10 | 4/4 |
When you get bored during a game and try to do new things like match the points scored with number of dimes, that’s when you know you are one of the best players in the league. His nightly lines are ridonkulous. Yawn.
David West:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5/6 | 2/2 |
Per 36, West is at 18.9 points, 9.2 boards, 4.8 dimes, 1.7 steals, and 3.1 blocks!!! Too bad he only plays around 15 minutes per game.
Spencer Dinwiddie:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3/6 | 4/9 | 2/2 |
Played 29 minutes and garnered a 21.4 usage rate. Should continue to get around 30 minutes of run, but the shot attempts may come down. The assist numbers could increase, though, which should keep his value elevated.
D’Angelo Russell:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 7 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1/4 | 2/6 | 2/2 |
Only played 15 minutes. Patience grasshoppers. It’s only a matter of time.
Allen Crabbe:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2/8 | 5/13 | 0 |
Played 32 minutes. As Russell gets back into the mix, Crabbe should lose some of his legs.
Jarrett Allen:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1/1 | 4/6 | 3/6 |
Played 23 minutes. Why the F is Tyler Zeller still getting 15 minutes of run?! Me thinks the situation rectifies itself soon. Why do I have the sudden urge to take a dump?
Caris LeVert played 19 minutes while Joe Harris played 23 minutes.
LeVert:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0/1 | 2/4 | 2/3 |
Harris:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5/5 | 7/10 | 0 |
Harris is the better shooter, but LeVert has the more well-rounded game. Once Russell gets up to speed, all of Crabbe, LeVert, and Harris should see a downtick in minutes.
Carmelo Anthony:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0/2 | 4/12 | 2/2 |
Puff, puff, puff. The only dimes he passing are….bags so his buddy can get his roll on.
Paul George:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 28 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1/7 | 9/20 | 9/11 |
Paul to Russ, “Who’s this guy that keeps following us around?” Look up third wheel in the urban dictionary. Picture of Melo. Can’t wait to see you in Purple and Gold, Paul.
Russell Westbrook:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 32 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0/4 | 12/27 | 8/11 |
Yawn. You know you’re one of the best players in the league when you score 32 points but don’t mess around and it’s whatever.
Raymond Felton:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2/2 | 6/8 | 0 |
Played 17 minutes. I just want to poke him with my finger and see if he makes the Pillsburry Doughboy sound.
Steven Adams:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 6 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3/12 | 0/2 |
Leading up to last night, Adams had double-dubbed in four straight games. Sooooooo, of course he shoots 3-of-12. He’s been a beast on the boards lately and been getting his block on as well. High FG%, engages in criminal activity, and is getting 11-13 shot attempts per game. The free throw shooting, though. A kangaroo kicking a ball to the basket could probably shoot a higher percentage.
Skal Labissiere:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Got the start at power forward and played 23 minutes. The potential is there for Skal to have a big second half. But….it’s the Kings, so you never know.
Willie Cauley-Stein:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 9/18 | 3/4 |
Has been getting consistent minutes lately. I was worried that the Kings would do Kings things, so I was hesitant to trust in WCS. I have to change my tune. Someone asked me the other day if I’d trade WCS for Kanter and/or Pau. I said sure. No mas.
De’Aaron Fox:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1/1 | 3/6 | 0 |
Played 11 minutes before leaving the game due to injury (abdominal tightness).
It’s time for…..an update on the Trading Places bet between Vivek and Vlade.
Bogdan Bogdanovic:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0/4 | 4/12 | 0 |
Buddy Hield:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3/6 | 5/10 | 0 |
Looks like the American won this round, but it’s a tight race.
Aaron Gordon:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2/7 | 6/17 | 2/3 |
Double-dubs in four of the last five games. The blocks or shall I say lack of continues to baffle me. At least he made up for it with the high turnover rate. Patrons at a buffet would be most appreciative. Fantasy owners? Not so much.
Evan Fournier:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2/10 | 7/17 | 6/6 |
Continues to run pure.
Elfrid Payton:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1/1 | 9/14 | 2/3 |
9-of-14. 9-of-16. 9-of-17. Those are the shooting numbers for Elf the past three games. He’s also been grabbing boards, dishing out dimes, and getting his 211 on. The game before that three-game stretch? 3-of-5. The game before that? 9-of-12. The two games before that? 3-of-8 and 3-of-7. What’s my freaking point? He’s inconsistent.
Al Horford:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3/5 | 5/11 | 0 |
Love and marriage….Love and marriage….I do.
Jayson Tatum:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1/3 | 1/6 | 1/2 |
Played 31 minutes. It’s been mentioned by many that Tatum could be hitting a rookie wall. A definite possibility. I’m thinking it could also be related to the knee issue he had a few weeks ago.
Kyrie Irving:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 33 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4/11 | 13/24 | 3/3 |
Kyrie will have stretches where he kind of chills. 15-17 shot attempts per game, resulting in 20-25 points. But….there are stretches of around five games in which he puts up 24-27 shots a game and scores 30+ points. Well, Kyrie is in one of those stretches right now. Enjoy the ride.
Marcus Smart:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4/10 | 7/13 | 4/4 |
Played 33 minutes. Most of the time when I say that shit happens, it’s usually in a negative connotation. Well, shit happens can also be positive, when the status quo sucks. In this case, Smart’s shooting percentage. Shit happened last night.
Julius Randle:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6/12 | 2/3 |
Got the start at center and played 26 minutes. He can be such a beast when he gets minutes. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Double-dub in two straight games and has the potential to mess around on any given night.
Brandon Ingram:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 7 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0/1 | 2/11 | 3/4 |
Played 33 minutes. Horrible shooting night, but encouraging to see him contributing in the periphery categories. It’s all about the J for Ingram. If he can develop a consistent one, chugga chugga choo chooooo!
Kyle Kuzma:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 28 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5/7 | 10/16 | 3/5 |
Did start at power forward and played 27 minutes. Guess the finger he jammed last game is good to go. His first 20+ game since December 31st. Kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuzma!
Jordan Clarkson:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0/4 | 8/17 | 6/7 |
After playing like Kelly Clarkson for a few games, Jordan has really stepped up the past three. 22, 29, and 33 points, but more importantly, has played 34, 38, and 34 minutes. The microwave is back!
