Weekend Wonder: Chris Paul averaged 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 10.0 assists, 4.5 steals, 0.5 blocks and 1.0 threes in two games over the weekend. He shot 50 percent from the field and 100 percent from the free-throw line, and turned the ball over once per game in that stretch. CP3’s scoring and threes made per game are up, though his rebounding and assists are down from their marks last season. If his owners are complaining, they should really get help.
Lines for Discussion:
Zach Randolph (3/16): 9-14 FG (64%), 7-14 FT (50%), 25 Pts, 9 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl; So much for rust. Z-Bo had a quieter 13/9 with a steal and a block on Sunday, but it’s obvious that his owners should feel free to start him right away.
Marcus Thornton (3/16): 13-24 FG (54%), 5-6 FT (83%), 5 threes, 36 Pts, 4 Reb, 4 Ast, 5 Stl, 1 TO; He followed this up with a 24/5/4 line on Sunday, which is a relief for his owners who were worried after his string of mediocre games heading into the weekend. Thornton is the most valuable fantasy asset on that Kings roster.
Joe Johnson (3/16): 12-19 FG (63%), 4-4 FT (100%), 6 threes, 34 Pts, 6 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO; In his six games this month, Johnson is averaging 25.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 3.3 threes, while shooting 54 percent from the floor and 93 percent from the free-throw line. Those are top five numbers in that span of time.
Dorell Wright (3/17): 5-10 FG (50%), 2-2 FT (100%), 1 three, 13 Pts, 10 Reb, 2 Stl, 1 Blk; Since March 11, Wright has averaged top 12 numbers: 16.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.4 steals, 1.0 block and 3.0 threes per game.
Kobe Bryant (3/18): 3-20 FG (15%), 8-9 FT (89%), 1 three, 15 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Stl, 7 TO; This is about as bad as it gets for Kobe. In the last two months, he has hit just 42 percent of his shots from the field while averaging 3.9 turnovers per game, which really dents his fantasy value in leagues that count those categories.
Channing Frye (3/18): 8-14 FG (57%), 1-2 FT (50%), 2 threes, 19 Pts, 8 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk, 1 TO; In his last five games, Frye is averaging 18.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 2.2 blocks and 3.6 threes, while shooting 52 percent from the field and 86 percent from the free-throw line. Not to resurrect a terrible catchphrase or anything, but that’s hot.
Waiver-Wire Watch:
Jerryd Bayless: he averaged 28.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 3.5 steals and 4.0 threes in two games over the weekend
Danny Green: he busted out two big games over the weekend, but his value is inversely related to Manu Ginobili‘s production
Kenneth Faried: his huge 18/16/1/1/1 game on Saturday should’ve grabbed your attention; he’s definitely worth a pickup
Gerald Green: he continues to do much more than just dunk; he’s averaging 18.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.6 threes in his last five games
J.R. Smith: he’s in something of a groove right now and is a decent option if you need some points and threes
Matt Barnes: his last three games have been decent, making Barnes worth a pickup in deeper leagues
Mike Dunleavy: believe it or not, Dunleavy has been a top 12 stud since March 9, as he’s averaging 20.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.4 threes per game in his current run
Isaiah Thomas: he continues to show that he’s no fluke and should really be owned in the majority of leagues by now
Nate Robinson: with Monta Ellis gone and Stephen Curry‘s status a mystery, Robinson is a very solid pickup
Carlos Delfino: he’s been struggling mightily this season, but his last two games have been solid
Injuries:
Jannero Pargo (appendix): targeting a mid-April return
Corey Maggette (back): day-to-day
Metta World Peace (hip): day-to-day
Nikola Pekovic (ankle): day-to-day
Vladimir Radmanovic (back): day-to-day
Craig Brackins (illness): day-to-day
Raja Bell (hip): day-to-day
Shawn Marion (knee): day-to-day
Ersan Ilyasova (illness): day-to-day
Jordan Farmar (groin): expected to play tonight
Baron Davis (hamstring): targeting Tuesday for his return
Toney Douglas (personal): day-to-day
Francisco Garcia (wrist): day-to-day
For Tonight:
Derrick Brown could be a decent spot start for the Bobcats tonight, as they host the Sixers. Also, monitor Spencer Hawes‘ progress.
Throughout the season, be sure to leave your questions, comments, concerns, trade offers, roster problems and more in the comments below.
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