Nate was absolutely great in his return after a long run on the bench. (NBAE via Getty Images/Scott Cunningham)

Game watch:
4 games: ATL, CHI, LAL, MEM, MIA, NJ, NO, ORL, POR, UTA, WAS
3 games: BOS, CHA, CLE, DAL, DEN, DET, GS, HOU, IND, LAC, MIL, MIN, OKC, PHI, PHO, SAC, SA, TOR
2 games: NY

Waiver wire watch:

• Omri Casspi: playing like a stud lately, deserves a spot in most leagues
• Matt Barnes: starting nowadays, doing well with it
• Rasual Butler: good for threes
• Roger Mason: “showing signs,” as Marv Albert would say
  
• C.J. Watson: had a clunker on Saturday, but maintaining solid play
• Quentin Richardson: three-point machine, though inconsistent
• Martell Webster: two consecutive solid lines
• Ersan Ilyasova: dropped in many leagues, but still contributes on most nights

Injury watch:

• Rajon Rondo (hamstring): should be back Wednesday
• Paul Pierce (knee): ditto
• Carmelo Anthony (knee): sounds bad right now, should be on benches
• Steve Blake (pneumonia): out about a week
• Troy Murphy (ankle): day-to-day
• Tyler Hansbrough (ear infection): ditto
• Jeff Foster (back): ditto
• Chauncey Billups (groin): probably out today, monitor his status
• Kevin Garnett (knee): could miss another 10 days or so
• LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle): probably out Monday, risky start this week
• Ron Artest (concussion): will be evaluated before today’s game
• Glen Davis (ankle): probable today
• Will Bynum (ankle): unlikely Tuesday
• Vince Carter (ankle): says it’s not serious, should play Tuesday
• Willie Green (ankle): day-to-day
• Rodney Stuckey (ankle): should be fine this week

Stock watch:

↑ Nate Robinson: came back with a vengeance after 15 straight DNPs

↑ Chris Kaman: after a slow start to December, playing like a beast nowadays

↑ Manu Ginobili: seems to have found his rhythm

↑ O.J. Mayo: a bit up-and-down, but great overall numbers lately

↑ John Salmons: bench role seems to help his consistency

↓ Dirk Nowtizki: had a forgettable week, but will bounce back soon

↓ Gilbert Arenas: situation doesn’t bode well

↓ Devin Harris: seems set to have a down season

↓ Jason Richardson: really struggling with everything right now

↓ Carlos Boozer: has cooled off considerably