[Read the full, original post at Dimemag.com.]
Boozer could finally be back on track. (Flickr/Sean Davis)
Beast of the Night: Carlos Boozer pummeled the Spurs with 27 points, 14 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. He shot 60 percent (12-20) from the floor and a perfect 3-3 from the line while turning the ball over just once. The opportunity to buy low on Boozer might be gone.
Notable lines:
LeBron James – 9-17 FG (53%), 6-9 FT (67%), 1 3Ptm, 25 Pts, 7 Reb, 6 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO
Anderson Varejao – 5-7 FG (71%), 2-4 FT (50%), 12 Pts, 13 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 TO
Shaquille O’Neal – 7-13 FG (54%), 14 Pts, 10 Reb, 1 ast, 5 Blk, 3 TO
John Salmons – 6-13 FG (46%), 1-1 FT (100%), 1 3Ptm, 14 Pts, 4 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk
Wesley Matthews – 5-8 FG (63%), 1-3 FT (33%), 1 3Ptm, 12 Pts, 3 Reb, 2 Stl
Antonio McDyess – 2-5 FG (40%), 2-2 FT (100%), 6 Pts, 4 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk
Waiver wire watch:
Taj Gibson – 11 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 Blk
DeJuan Blair – 14 Pts, 9 Reb, 1 Blk
Injuries:
D.J. Augustin (ankle): likely for tonight
Richard Hamilton (ankle): traveling with team, but still wearing protective boot; unlikely for tonight
Tayshaun Prince (back): unlikely tonight
Andris Biedrins (back): unlikely tonight
Chase Budinger (ankle): questionable tonight
Trevor Ariza (flu): unlikely tonight
Andrew Bynum (elbow): avoided serious injury, unlikely for tonight
Pau Gasol (hamstring): practicing now, but not quite ready to play; unlikely for tonight
Daequan Cook (shoulder): unknown timetable for return, doubtful for tonight
Devin Harris (groin): out another 2-4 weeks
Chris Douglas-Roberts (flu): questionable for tonight; Terrence Williams could start in his place
Vince Carter (ankle): unlikely for tonight
Leandro Barbosa (wrist): questionable for tonight
Mike Miller (shoulder): out another week
Kevin Martin (wrist): will decide whether to have surgery on broken left wrist today
Who to watch tonight:
LeBron James, Shane Battier, Terrence Williams, Marc Gasol, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, Anthony Randolph
For next week:
4 games: DAL, GS, HOU, LAC, MIN, NO, OKC, PHI, PHO, POR, TOR, UTA
3 games: ATL, BOS, CHA, CHI, CLE, DEN, DET, LAL, MEM, MIA, NJ, NY, ORL, SA
2 games: IND, MIL, SAC, WAS