Dose: Gold Mine
Friday night was a tough night for nagging injuries in the fantasy world as several notable superstars were not in action including Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Zach Randolph, Tony Parker, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kyrie Irving, and DeMarcus Cousins. However, despite the growing DNP list, the fantasy world was still hot thanks to some big time performances including Kenneth Faried’s 20/20 line and James Harden’s all-around gem. Let’s get right to the action.
Kenny owns the paint
The Nuggets downed the Wolves on Friday thanks to Kenneth Faried’s monster line of 26 points and 25 rebounds. He split his rebounds virtually down the middle on the offense and defensive end, and was an efficient 11-15 from the field. This was by far Faried’s best game of the season and will hopefully inspire some self-confidence and confidence in his coaches. He’s now had back-to-back strong performances so hopefully this is a run that continues. If not, the sell-high window may never be hotter.
Ty Lawson also had a good game for Denver, putting up 16 points and 11 dimes. In defeat, Thaddeus Young, Andrew Wiggins, and Gorgui Dieng all had strong performances for Minnesota. Young scored 23 points with six boards while Wiggins chipped in 22 points, five boards, and two blocks. Dieng notched a double-double of 14 points, 13 boards, and four blocks.
Blazers backcourt shines
With both LaMarcus Aldridge and Chris Kaman nursing injuries, the frontcourt was in a tough spot on Friday. Fortunately, the backcourt was just fine as Damian Lillard and Wesley Matthews lit up the Sixers. Lillard finished with 28 points, nine assists, five boards, and three triples with Matthews poured in 25 points with seven triples. These two guys simply did whatever they wanted and did all their damage in about 30 minutes. Joel Freeland was outstanding with six points and 17 rebounds but this line came without Aldridge or Chris Kaman in the lineup so this is likely an aberration.
No Durant, no problem
With Kevin Durant still gimpy, Russell Westbrook took over once again, pouring in 29 points with five assists and two steals. He did turn the ball over six times but that was his only blemish as he shot the ball well from the field and the charity stripe. Serge Ibaka was also solid, hitting three triples on his way to 13 points, 14 boards, and four blocks. The Hornets were terrible in defeat as the starting line-up shot 11-42 from the field.
Pistons finally get on the same page
The Pistons have been dreadful this season but may have found some chemistry on Friday. Seven players scored in double figures as the squad bested the Pacers to snap a four-game skid. Greg Monroe, now a full-time starter, looked especially great, putting up 19 points, 15 boards, and three steals. Frontcourt mate Andre Drummond scored 20 points to go along with six rebounds and three steals. Brandon Jennings notched a double-double of 14 points and 10 assists. Overall it was a really good game from all three relevant fantasy players and hopefully this is the start of a productive and consistent run.
Davis has a block party
Anthony Davis took down the Spurs on Friday, putting on a show with 22 points, 12 boards, two steals, and five blocks. With no Tony Parker or Kawhi Leonard in the lineup, the Pelicans took advantage. In addition to Davis, Ryan Anderson got in on the action as well, scoring 22 points and pulling down seven rebounds. Cory Joseph drew the start with Parker out and had 20 points on 8-9 shooting with five assists. This was a fluky line and even though Parker is banged up, Joseph really isn’t worth consideration. Tim Duncan had an efficient 20 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks in defeat.
Harden and Smith take over for Houston
In an overtime thriller the Rockets outlasted the Grizzlies on Friday thanks to the efforts of James Harden and Josh Smith. Smith, making his Rockets debut, came off the bench but was a key cog down the stretch, finishing with 21 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in over 31 minutes of action. It’s a great sign for Smith owners and he may actually improve down in Texas. Meanwhile, Harden did his usual thing, lighting up the fantasy world to the tune of 32 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists, and three blocks. Throw in his great percentages and two triples and you have a stellar fantasy line. In defeat, Marc Gasol was very solid, putting up 29 points, eight boards, four assists, two blocks, and one three-pointer.
Cavaliers press on without Irving
With Kyrie Irving on the mend, LeBron James and Kevin Love carried the load. James piled in 29 points, five rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks while Kevin Love tallied 22 points and seven boards. Love was curiously benched during the fourth quarter, possibly due to his defensive performance. It’s nothing to be alarmed about and he should be fine going forward. Dion Waiters saw some extra run and put up 17 points while Tristan Thompson continued to look comfortable at center, grabbing 13 boards while scoring nine points. With Anderson Varejao done for the season, Thompson should be owned in all leagues.
Jack and Plumlee lead Nets
With Deron Williams still gimpy, Jarrett Jack took over for Brooklyn, finishing with 27 points, seven boards, five assists and three steals. Williams came off the bench but could not stay in the game which allowed Jack the opportunity to take over. Williams could continue to struggle for a bit so Jack is still worth owning for the time being. Even though Brook Lopez is back in action, he’s still being eased back into the offense and Mason Plumlee is taking full advantage. He put up another sweet line of 14 points, 12 boards and one block on Friday and has been on a tear as of late. He’s scored in double figures nine straight games and is averaging 17 points and nearly 11 rebounds during that stretch.
Rondo looking good in Dallas
The Mavericks took care of the Lakers on Friday thanks to an all-around team effort highlighted by Rajon Rondo’s game-high 21 points. He added eight boards, seven assists, and one triple on 10-17 shooting. This was his best game with Dallas thus far and he should continue to show improvement as he acclimates himself to his new surroundings.
Morris brothers go off
Both Markieff Morris and Marcus Morris had good games for the Suns on Friday. Markieff finished with 17 points and three steals while Marcus was even better, ending up with 20 points, nine boards, five assists, and six triples. Markieff is the brother to own and even though Marcus is prone to some big lines, Markieff’s starting role makes him the more consistent and quality fantasy option. Alex Len was also solid for Phoenix, finishing with 10 points, 11 boards, and five blocks. Len is actually quietly on a run and is definitely worth consideration for blocks and boards.
