Fantasy Studs
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers: Paul got the better of Rajon Rondo in their point guard matchup, as the Clippers rolled over the Mavericks at Staples Center. Paul scored 17 points on 5-11 shooting, going 2-4 from deep and 5-5 from the line, adding 13 assists, 2 rebounds, and a steal. He didn’t turn the ball over as the Clippers got a strong showing from their top 6, and closed the gap between themselves and one of the teams they’re neck and neck with in the West.
David West, Indiana Pacers: David West has relied on his veteran presence to provide timely baskets in Indiana, but against the youthful Sixers, West put all of his years of experience on display in dominant fashion. West scored 28 points on 10-18 shooting, including 8-10 from the free throw line, while adding 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocked shots. The Pacers were undone by a last second layup, but it’s good to see West producing as the Pacers continue to fight for a playoff spot.
Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls: Gasol saw the mismatch right from the opening tip against the Bucks, and the Bulls rode the Spaniard to victory on one of the best showings of the season. Gasol finished with 46 points on 17-30 shooting, makng 12-13 free throws, while adding 18 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. Gasol could certainly see himself in the running for most improved player after his departure from LA, and is deserving of an All-Star spot as the Bulls have ascended the Eastern Conference standings.
James Harden, Houston Rockets: Harden once again had a huge game in a Rockets victory, this time going off against the youthful squad from Utah. Harden scored 30 points on 8-14 shooting, making 4-8 3-pointers and 10-11 free throws, to go with 5 assists, 3 rebounds, a steal, and a blocked shot. Harden has emerged as the most devastating shooting guard in the league, and even with the talent around him in Houston, is the unquestioned focal point of the offense.
Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic: The Magic may have been overwhelmed by the Trailblazers, but Vucevic did everything in his power to keep Orlando in this one. Vucevic finished with 34 points on 15-23 shooting, going 4-6 from the line, while adding 16 rebounds and 2 assists. He was the lone bright spot in the Magic loss, and continues to show his worth as a building block in the post Dwight Howard era.
Fantasy Duds
Rajon Rondo, Dallas Mavericks: Rondo has been calling his own number quite a bit as he gets used to his new teammates in Dallas, but against the Clippers Rondo’s cold shooting got the better of him. Rondo scored 2 points on 1-11 shooting, missing all 3 3’s he took, while adding 8 assists, 3 rebounds, and a steal. The Mavs offense relies on ball movement, and with so many potent scorers around him, Rondo will see his fair share of wide open shots he will have to take and make.
Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls: Noah didn’t see much playing time as Pau Gasol went off against the Bucks, but he has no doubt seen his production dip with the influx of talent around him this season. Noah scored 2 points on 1-2 shooting, adding 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and a blocked shot. Noah has done much of the dirty work in the post as Gasol has shined this season, but he has clearly fallen off from last season’s MVP performance.
Thaddeus Young, Minnesota Timberwolves: It feels like Young has routinely found himself saddled with poor performances, but he just hasn’t produced like last season in Minnesota. Young scored just 4 points on 2-8 shooting, missing his only 3, to go with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. With so many young players in Minnesota, Young appears to be an outlier as a young veteran, and would be better served as a piece on a contending team.
Surprising Sleepers
Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte Hornets: Biyombo has been thrust into the starting lineup with Al Jefferson sidelined, and had easily his best game of the season against the lifeless Knicks. Biyombo scored 14 points on 5-7 shooting, going 4-5 from the line, while adding 12 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a blocked shot. Biyombo did most of his damage by grabbing offensive boards for easy buckets, and it’s a shame he can’t play the Knicks every night.
James Johnson, Toronto Raptors: With the return of DeMar DeRozan on the horizon, Johnson took the chance to show his worth in the starting lineup. Johnson scored 15 points on 7-12 shooting, going 1-2 from the line, to go with 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. Johnson has had some of his best games in Toronto over the years, and his return this season should help them build off last season’s tough game 7 loss.
Austin Daye, San Antonio Spurs: Austin Daye got the start in a matchup with the youthful Wolves, and absolutely dominated in handing Minnesota their 15th straight loss. Daye scored 22 points on 8-13 shooting, going 4-8 from deep and 2-2 from the line, while adding 10 rebounds, a steal, and an assist. Daye won’t see many games like this, especially once Kawhi Leonard returns from injury, but the Spurs system allows for bench players to have sporadic scoring nights.
What do you think? Anyone not on a list who should be? Comment below!
THE BASELINE JUMPER 