Fantasy Studs
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets: Walker continues to shine with Lance Stephenson on the sidelines. Walker put up 30 points on 10-21 shooting, making 4-8 from deep and 6-7 from the line, adding 7 boards, 6 assists, 2 steals, and a block. It remains to be seen what happens with the Stephenson situation, but Kemba clearly needs to be built around in Charlotte.
Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls: Gasol has been one of the most impactful players in a new uniform this season, and again shined in a Bulls victory. Gasol scored 29 points on 9-16 shooting, going 10-11 from the line while making his only 3, adding 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. His defensive has been outstanding in Chicago’s system, and he remains a heady post presence on a deep roster.
Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets blew out the Grizzlies with a strong defensive showing, with Lawson providing many of the offensive highlights. Lawson scored 25 points on 10-14 shooting, going 3-4 from deep and 2-3 from the line, while adding 11 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. The Nuggets appear to have played themselves out of a playoff spot, and now need to figure out which players are worth keeping along with Lawson as they transition into the next era.
LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trailblazers: The Blazers big man continues to be one of the best in the league, but even he couldn’t take down the red hot Hawks. Aldridge scored 30 points on 14-25 shooting, making both his free throws, while adding 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. Aldridge seems like a lock to making another All-Star squad, and has the Blazers in position for another playoff run.
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers coasted past the Sixers at Staples, with Paul outshining his younger opponents. CP3 scored 24 points on 7-11 shooting, going 3-5 from deep and 7-7 from the line, to go with 12 assists, 12 assists, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals. Paul nearly put up a triple-double in just 30 minutes of action, and continues to be the staple at the point-guard position.
Fantasy Duds
Thaddeus Young, Minnesota Timberwolves: Young has been a disappointment thus far in Minnesota, and the rebuilding Wolves should consider dumping the veteran as the trade deadline approaches. Young scored 7 points on 3-8 shooting, going 1-2 from the line while missing his only 3, and added 2 assists, a rebound, and a blocked shot. Young needs a change of scenery, and looks far from the do-it-all forward we saw last year in Philadelphia.
Paul Pierce, Washington Wizards: Pierce had a rough night against the veteran Spurs, as the Wizards as a whole were unable to keep up with the defending champs. Pierce scored 5 points on 1-5 shooting, going 1-3 from deep and 2-2 from the line, to go with a rebound and an assist. Pierce has shown his age this season as his numbers have dipped, but he was brought in for his veteran presence and to step up come playoff time.
Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizz didn’t show up in their matchup with the Nuggets, with Conley putting up a surprisingly poor showing. Conley scored 8 points on 4-11 shooting, missing his only 3-pointer, while adding 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and a steal. Conley has been one of the more consistent players so far this season, so he was due for a poor outing.
Surprisingly Sleepers
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte Hornets: Kidd-Gilchrist has been strong this season in Charlotte, and like many other Hornets has stepped up with Lance Stephenson out of the lineup. MKG scored 17 points on 7-13 shooting, adding 3-6 from the line, while adding 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block. Kidd-Gilchrist has improved his shooting this season after extensive work in the offseason, and is starting to put his all-around game on display more often in his 3rd NBA season.
Evan Turner, Boston Celtics: Turner has been a fixture in the Celtics starting lineup now that Rajon Rondo is out in Dallas, and against the Bulls put on one of his best performances. Turner scored 29 points on 12-22 shooting, going 4-5 from deep and 1-2 from the free throw line, adding 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and a steal. He did have 7 turnovers in the overtime loss, but put up the kind of numbers we have seen from time to time from the former #2 draft pick.
Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz: Gobert got the start for the Jazz with Enes Kanter out with an injury, and made the most of the added playing time. Gobert scored 13 points on 5-7 shooting, going 3-6 from the line, while adding 11 rebounds, 6 blocks, an assist, and a steal. He needs to be given a larger role as the Jazz determine whether Kanter is worth keeping around, as his restricted free agency could price him out of Utah.
Thabo Sefolosha, Atlanta Hawks: Sefolosha has seen his role greatly diminish as a member of the Hawks, but against the Blazers had one of his most effective games. Sefolosha scored 13 points on 3-4 shooting going 6-6 from the line and making his only 3, adding 12 boards, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Sefolosha has been known as a defensive stopper for the majority of his career, so games like these will be few and far between.
What do you think? Anyone not on a list who should be? Comment below!
THE BASELINE JUMPER 