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Lowry has been much, much better than advertised. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

Weekend Wonder: Kyle Lowry averaged 29.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 3.0 threes in two games over the weekend. He shot 49 percent from the field and 92 percent from the free-throw line in that stretch. For the season, Lowry has maintained top three fantasy value, far exceeding even the loftiest expectations. Don’t be too surprised if he finished the 2011-12 NBA season with top 15 overall value.

Lines for Discussion:
Samuel Dalembert (1/13): 9-11 FG (82%), 3-4 FT (75%), 21 Pts, 16 Reb, 1 Stl, 4 Blk, 1 TO; since starting for the Rockets, Dalembert has averaged 8.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, while shooting 61 percent from the floor and 88 percent from the free-throw line — top 20 digits

MarShon Brooks (1/13): 8-15 FG (53%), 2-3 FT (67%), 2 threes, 20 Pts, 5 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 TO; owners should feel good about starting Brooks while he’s hot

Ricky Rubio (1/14): 7-15 FG (47%), 2-2 FT (100%), 2 threes, 18 Pts, 4 Reb, 12 Ast, 5 Stl, 4 TO; he’s finally starting

JaVale McGee (1/14): 11-13 FG (85%), 1-4 FT (25%), 23 Pts, 18 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl, 5 Blk, 2 TO; he leads the league with 3.2 blocks per game and is returning top 30 value so far this season

Boris Diaw (1/14): 3-4 FG (75%), 2-2 FT (100%), 1 three, 9 Pts, 4 Reb, 3 Ast, 4 TO; he lost his starting gig but is still worth stashing for now

Jeff Teague (1/14): 7-15 FG (47%), 5-6 FT (83%), 1 three, 20 Pts, 3 Reb, 10 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 Blk, 6 TO; he’s averaging 2.1 steals per game, which makes his inconsistency easier to swallow

Joe Johnson (1/14): 8-20 FG (40%), 6-7 FT (86%), 3 threes, 25 Pts, 5 Reb, 3 Ast; he’s averaging 18.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, a steal and 1.9 threes per game in January

Kobe Bryant (1/14): 14-28 FG (50%), 12-14 FT (86%), 2 threes, 42 Pts, 7 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 TO; that’s four straight games with 40+ points for Kobe

David Lee (1/15): 10-12 FG (83%), 4-5 FT (80%), 24 Pts, 6 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Blk, 2 TO; this snapped a six-game streak of double-doubles for Lee, who’s averaging top 45 numbers so far this season

Marcin Gortat (1/15): 11-20 FG (55%), 2-4 FT (50%), 24 Pts, 15 Reb, 1 Blk, 2 TO; Since Jan. 4, Gortat has averaged 18.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, while shooting 66 percent from the field and 50 percent from the free-throw line — top 12 numbers

Waiver-Wire Watch (four stars = must add; one star = keep an eye on him):
Jodie Meeks: he’s a roller coaster, but if you need threes, Meeks is worth a look (**)

Jonas Jerebko: he’s unreliable at this point but could be worth stashing if you have room (*)

Byron Mullens: the dude’s been on fire lately and should be scooped up if you need a reliable center who scores and shoots well (****)

Leandro Barbosa: he’s hit double-digit points in his last five games (***)

Kawhi Leonard: he continues to start and is worth a gamble so long as Manu Ginobili’s out (***)

Tiago Splitter: while far from reliable, Splitter is showing signs of promise lately, especially if you need a big man who block a shot or two per game (*)

Ronnie Price: his big game Friday should alert owners that Price is the right guy to own whenever Steve Nash sits out (*)

Rudy Fernandez: he got hurt last night but has been a great all-around asset lately (***)

Ivan Johnson: he’s picking up steam and is worth a look if you need some points and boards (**)

Jason Smith: he notched 15/10 along with a steal and three blocks Saturday, and is worth monitoring for now (*)

Injuries:
Russell Westbrook (ankle): rolled his left ankle Saturday but returned; monitor his status

Courtney Lee (calf): could return tonight

Andrew Bogut (concussion): practiced Sunday and should be fine for tonight

Tracy McGrady (back): hopes to play tonight

Chris Wilcox (calf): will miss another 2-3 games

DJ White (personal): back with the team

Chris Paul (hamstring): MRI came back negative; could play tonight

Steve Blake (ribs): out 2-4 weeks

Mike Miller (hernia): could return Tuesday

Beno Udrih (shoulder): game-time decision tonight

Carmelo Anthony (ankle): day-to-day

Andrea Bargnani (calf): day-to-day

Andray Blatche (shoulder): his shoulder will require extensive rehab; day-to-day

Brian Cook (ankle): day-to-day

Reggie Jackson (knee): hoping to play tonight

Mo Williams (foot): day-to-day

Evan Turner (quad): day-to-day

James Johnson (ankle): day-to-day

Dwyane Wade (ankle): no timetable for his return; day-to-day

Shawne Williams (foot, leg): day-to-day

Steve Nash (back, quad): monitor his status

DeSagana Diop (knee): will be available for Tuesday’s game

Derrick Favors (ankle): didn’t finish Sunday’s game; day-to-day

Josh Howard (quad): day-to-day

Rudy Fernandez (Achilles): day-to-day

Damien Wilkins (personal): day-to-day

Will Bynum (foot): day-to-day

Chauncey Billups (back): expected to play tonight

Gary Neal (quad): left Sunday’s game early; day-to-day

Malcolm Thomas (illness): day-to-day

Corey Maggette (hamstring): still can’t run or jump; no timetable for his return

Richard Hamilton (groin): could be ready by the end of the week

Charlie Villanueva (ankle): day-to-day

Baron Davis (back): might return to practice next week

Quentin Richardson (ankle): will be available tonight

Jason Richardson (knee): probably out tonight

Marcus Camby (ankle): out tonight

For Tonight:
Expect another big game from Kobe, who will look to exact vengeance against the visiting Mavs.

If Melo can’t go for the Knicks tonight, Bill Walker could get another start, but he would only be a candidate for a spot start in deeper leagues.

[See another version of this post on DimeMag.com]