Big rundown of 10 game Wednesday night slate:
(W) WIZARDS VS HEAT
- Bradley Beal: Bradley doing Bradley ish. Helped guide his club to its fifth win of the year against the sputtering Heat. His laser shot sets up his savvy drive so well this year. The 5 turnovers hurt a bit, but he’s the only alpha in the nation’s capital.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 32 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 11-23 | 6-8 |
- Rui Hachimura: Rui with a sloppy and inefficient line that never-the-less could foreshadow future triple-double potential.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 9 | 5 | 1 | – | 3 | 3 | 3-11 | 5-9 |
- Bam Adebayo: Bam did his damn darnedest to keep the Heat in this game. His insistence on not taking any threes makes him the rare and efficient dinosaur that Bam Bam is in this modern world.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | – | 8-15 | 1-2 |
- Tyler Herro: Tyler the entertainer continues to supplant the Dragon as the de facto starting guard in Miami’s offense. Expect this young buck to have his stumbles, bumbles, and fumbles on his way to a career as a 20 ppg guy for a decade to come. Tonight’s line will become routine. All that said, zero playmaking and no stocks leaves this line a bit anemic.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 2 | – | – | – | 1 | 4 | 8-15 | – |
- Jimmy Butler: Jimmy Buckets did his part to keep the game close. Max effort and trips to the charity make Jimmy a model citizen. Jimmy almost messed around in this tooth-and-nail loss to the lowly Wizards. Nine assists and zero turnovers show his unique shine.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 8 | 9 | 1 | – | – | – | 5-11 | 9-11 |
(W) KNICKS VS BULLS
- Elfrid Payton: Solid effort attacking the slimmer Chicago guards and taking it to the rack. After a few duds of late, good to see Elf rally and dominate on 9 for 19 shooting at the rim.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 8 | 4 | – | 1 | 1 | – | 9-19 | 2-2 |
- Julius Randle: Randle has improved his playmaking and free throws. Both are featured by letting him initiate the offense in nearly every possession and draw the double team. This is leading to open looks for the Knicks shooters and boosting Randle’s assist average on the season to a gaudy 6 assists per game.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 27 | 6 | 6 | 2 | – | 3 | 5 | 11-20 | 0-2 |
- Thad Young: One of my all-time favorite fantasy studs is on display this week as the de facto small-ball center at one moment, and facilitator the next. He also is a great glue guy somewhat wasted on a rebuilding young Chicago roster. Pick him up if on the wire in 10 man leagues.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 2 | – | 9-11 | 1-3 |
- Zach LaVine: Zach is a legitimate studly alpha predator on this roster. That said, he came up on their last possession and chose to shoot a pogo stick fader from 25 feet to basically punt the game. Meh. He needs to take a page from DeRozan and forgo the 3-ball for his silky mid range and high elbow drifts. His 0-7 from deep tonight shot the Bulls out of this close one.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 5 | 7 | – | – | 2 | – | 10-21 | 4-4 |
ROCKETS VS (W) THUNDER:
- Victor Oladipo: The only Victor in the Association puts in a decent line. Frankly, the Rockets need more firepower. Dipo’s 8-24 is reminiscent of Kobe and/or Allen Iverson on years when they gunned alone to excess.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 3 | 3 | 2 | – | 3 | 1 | 8-24 | 2-2 |
- Eric Gordon: One other gunner showed up to shoot tonight. Gordon put up a similar line to Dipo and got the Loss.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 3 | 4 | 2 | – | 4 | 3 | 8-15 | 2-2 |
- Theo Maledon: Welcome to the Association, Theo! 6 steals….Meow!!! Hello Mr. Robust. With Oklahoma’s other guards out this week, expect Theo to dribble-drive his way to low percentages and high counting stats and stocks. Grab him if he’s on your wire. I will eat 2 for 12 field goals if it comes with 7 stocks!
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 6 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2-12 | 1-2 |
- Al Horford: Al frankly doesn’t know how to lose. He will always give his diverse and effort filled stat line. Even on a terrible young team, he vaults their potential and I’m sure not all seven of those turnovers were Big Al’s fault.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 6 | 3 | 2 | – | 7 | 2 | 6-10 | 3-3 |
- Darius Bazley: What a tasty treat that Darius gets to study under professor Horford. Teaching him how to dance bachata and how to drop step and bounce pass in and out of trouble. Darius has all the attributes to grow into a starting power forward for many years. Double-double in this W.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 12 | 2 | – | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6-13 | 4-4 |
TIMBERWOLVES VS (W) SPURS: You knew if this thing was close that the Spurs would strangle the wolves like an anaconda.
- Naz Reid: Nasty Naz puts up a decent line in this start.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 11 | 3 | 2 | – | 1 | 2 | 3-7 | – |
- Malik Beasley: Malik put up an efficient 12 for 18 from the field tonight. 18 field goal attempts with only 1 free throw shows a lot of set shooting.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 29 | 6 | 1 | 1 | – | – | 4 | 12-18 | 1-1 |
- DeMar DeRozan: D.D. does this daily, so much so that this seems like a pretty darn good game, but not super stand out. Kudos D.D. I love how he can nightly attack as a number one option and do so at volume while keeping his efficiency so sterling.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 30 | 8 | 6 | – | – | 2 | – | 10-19 | 10-11 |
- Jakob Poeltl: Got the start with Aldridge out and made the most of his 34 minutes. dominant 9 for 10 finishing.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | – | 9-10 | 1-3 |
- Dejounte Murray: Robust line from this lanky beast mode. Solid double-double with messing around potential.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 11 | 6 | 2 | – | 1 | 3 | 6-16 | – |
(W) 76’ERS VS HORNETS: As long as Philly is healthy, they are looking like a well-oiled machine and now sit at 16-6.
- Ben Simmons: Big Ben did his thing and led his horses to water.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 6 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 5 | – | 7-12 | 1-2 |
- Joel Embiid: Continues to pound and resound. Robust double-double from the Cameroon king. A complete line here tonight in the win.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 34 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 11-18 | 9-10 |
- Tobias Harris: Solid line from Tobias here tonight. He is refined in his consistent approach. 9 points from the charity are a recipe for success.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 6 | 4 | – | – | 1 | 1 | 8-15 | 9-9 |
- LaMelo Ball: Despite the loss, Ball and Hayward are a spectacle in transition. It’s like two mirror d0-it-alls back and forth up the floor in jaw-dropping plays to their wings and rim runners. Ball is definitely in the convo for R.O.Y. and just may be better than Lonzo today.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 7 | 3 | 2 | – | 6 | 3 | 8-16 | 3-3 |
- Gordon Hayward: Hayward is playing at such a high level. This 5 tool stud can do it all. Did his part tonight despite the loss. Good on ya, Gordo.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 6 | 9 | – | – | 2 | 2 | 9-19 | 2-2 |
- Miles Bridges: This high flyer is slowly being given more leash by coach Borrego. Getting the start tonight he played with energy and force in 32 minutes. 4 strong first half slam dunks set the tone for Charlotte’s attack. Pick him up in 12 man leagues if he is still on the wire.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 8 | 3 | – | 1 | 3 | 2 | 7-11 | – |
PACERS VS (W) BUCKS: The Bucks have so many weapons. They are now playing like a well oiled machine, sitting now at 13-8 and blowing out the Pacers.
- Domontas Sabonis: Sabonis continues to deliver on the counting stats. On his way to another All-Star bid.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 33 | 12 | 6 | – | – | 2 | 3 | 14-25 | 2-2 |
- T.J. McConnell: T.J. continues to be an under-the-radar stud for assists and steals. A night after his 7th game with 3 or more steals, tonight he achieves 12 assists as the main facilitator in Indy. Great streaming point guard.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 6 | 2 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 3 | – | 3-5 | – |
- Giannis Antetekoumpo: Our first Triple-Double of the Night to the ABCD! Note the 7-8 from the line as well as 7-8 from the field. Well, he may not win D.P.O.Y. this year, but unlike Myles Turner, the Greek Freek plays offense. M.V.P. candidate yet again.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 14 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 4 | – | 7-8 | 7-8 |
- Bobby Portis: “Amn!” Bobby is ballin in his role in Cream City. Stocks and scoring in 17 minutes for the win.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 1 | – | 4 | 7-13 | – |
- Bryn Forbes: 15 shot attempts shows Bud’s confidence in this Spartan shooter. Could be a stellar streamer for those needing late-week 3PT and PTS.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 3 | 1 | – | – | – | 4 | 8-15 | – |
(W) MAVS VS HAWKS: AKA Battle of the Wonder Kids. Spoilers, Luka won.
- Luka Doncic: Luka almost messed around. Still threw up juicy across-the-board stuff for the win as Mavs get a must needed win.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 27 | 8 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 8-20 | 10-10 |
- Kristaps Porzingis: Unicorn back in effect to dazzle and dunk and double-double for the win.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 11 | 2 | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | 10-20 | 3-3 |
- John Collins: Rebounds and scores with the best of ’em. 16 for 21 field goals with zero free throws is an amazing feat.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 35 | 12 | 1 | – | – | 2 | 3 | 16-21 | – |
- Kevin Huerter: Huerter shows off his knack for setting up his teammates tonight with a solid double-double.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 5 | 10 | 2 | – | 2 | 4 | 8-15 | 1-1 |
- Trae Young: Young wasn’t able to rally his troops for this win.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 4 | 9 | 1 | – | 4 | 3 | 8-18 | 2-3 |
(W) CLIPPERS VS CAVS: Clips continue to cruise, as they best the Cavs to move to 17-6.
- Paul George: PG13 was scorching tonight, connecting on 8 3PT and 13 for 20 overall. Makes it look easy. No defense, but alas they won.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 36 | 4 | 6 | – | – | – | 8 | 13-20 | 2-3 |
- Kawhi Leonard: The Klaw makes winning plays. Repeat. Not many stocks in this game.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 6 | 3 | 1 | – | 4 | 3 | 9-14 | 3-4 |
- Ivica Zubac: Double-Double for the young center.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | – | 3-8 | 4-4 |
- Jarrett Allen: The promising 7-foot, 22-year-old shows his upside for future triple-doubles with tonight’s well-rounded line in 26 minutes.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 7 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 2 | – | – | 3-8 | 1-1 |
- Collin Sexton: Solid line tonight from Sexton.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 27 | 1 | 5 | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | 10-21 | 4-4 |
- Darius Garland: Ditto for the second-year guard, showing steady growth. 35 minutes in the start tonight.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 4 | 2 | – | – | 2 | 1 | 11-18 | – |
SUNS VS (W) PELICANS: Zion and Ingram were too much for the Suns to match tonight. NoLA now moves to 8-12.
- Deandre Ayton: Solid double-double from Mr. Bahamas. Would be nice to see more attempts at the line.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 11 | 2 | – | 1 | 1 | – | 6-9 | 1-1 |
- Devin Booker: Booker did his thing tonight. Without stocks nor much playmaking, it wasn’t enough.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 4 | 2 | – | – | 3 | – | 9-20 | 7-8 |
- Brandon Ingram: The stony assassin continues to wreak havoc on his opponents. Highly skilled and calm, his 6 assists with zero turnovers on 17 attempts and 7 of 7 from the charity is crafted expertise.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 4 | 6 | – | 2 | – | 2 | 7-17 | 7-7 |
- Zion Williamson: Cannot stop this kid going to the rack. 28 and 7 on 12 for 14 is nuts. 270 pounds of high-flying nuts in your face.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 28 | 7 | 6 | 1 | – | – | 1 | 12-14 | 3-4 |
CELTICS VS (W) KINGS: Kings pulled up the upset in this close contest to move to 10-11 on the season.
- Jaylen Brown: Decent line from Brown. Now with Tatum back he can share the load offensively.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 3 | 4 | – | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7-18 | 5-6 |
- Jayson Tatum: Almost messed around. He brings such a diverse array of skills to the starting unit and is the go-t0 guy in crunch time.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 27 | 9 | 10 | 2 | – | 4 | 2 | 11-26 | 3-3 |
- Harrison Barnes: HB is having a great start to the season. He is playing aggressively and focused. Black Falcon! 9 for 10 charity work.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 5 | 6 | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7-17 | 9-10 |
- De’Aaron Fox: Dude has another gear than everyone else around him. Gets careless in his derring-do.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 1 | 11 | 2 | – | 3 | 2 | 9-17 | 6-6 |
- Tyrese Haliburton: In the discussion for R.O.Y. This kid is playing like a 5th-year pro. Does it all and with efficiency and savvy. Scary to think about where this kid’s game will be in 2022 and beyond.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 3 | 4 | 2 | – | 1 | 5 | 8-15 | – |
