Durant is very hot right now. (NBAE via Getty Images/Layne Murdoch)

[Read the full, original post at Dimemag.com]

Weekend Wonder: Kevin Durant ended January with a loud bang, averaging 37.5 points, 7.5 boards, 3 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks and 1.5 threes in his last two games of the month. He also shot a white-hot 70 percent from the field and 94.1 percent from the line in those games. Durant hasn’t scored fewer than 25 points since Dec. 19.

Noteworthy Lines:
Allen Iverson (1/29) – 10-18 FG (56%), 1-1 FT (100%), 2 3ptm, 23 Pts, 2 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Slt, 1 Blk, 3 TO

Joakim Noah (1/29) – 5-11 FG (46%), 3-3 FT (100%), 13 Pts, 18 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Blk, 3 TO

J.R. Smith (1/29) – 6-15 FG (40%), 1-2 FT (50%), 5 3ptm, 18 Pts, 3 Reb, 2 Stl, 2 TO

Paul Millsap (1/29) – 11-17 FG (65%), 10-11 FT (91%), 32 Pts, 14 Reb, 7 Ast, 2 TO

Marc Gasol (1/30) – 10-16 FG (63%), 5-6 FT (83%), 25 Pts, 16 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Stl, 2 Blk, 2 TO

Mike Miller (1/30) – 9-15 FG (60%), 7 3ptm, 25 Pts, 9 Reb, 8 Ast, 1 Stl, 4 TO

Andre Miller (1/30) – 22-31 FG (71%), 7-8 FT (88%), 1 3ptm, 52 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 TO

Kevin Martin (1/30) – 11-25 FG (44%), 4-4 FT (100%), 5 3ptm, 31 Pts, 2 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 4 TO

Andrew Bynum (1/31) – 7-13 FG (54%), 5-7 FT (71%), 19 Pts, 11 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO

Chris Bosh (1/31) – 12-21 FG (57%), 2-2 FT (100%), 26 Pts, 15 Reb, 7 Ast, 2 Blk, 1 TO

Waiver Wire Appeal:
Marcus Thornton, Andray Blatche, Rudy Fernandez, Nicolas Batum, George Hill, Darren Collison, Nazr Mohammed

Injuries:
Carmelo Anthony (ankle): still day-to-day, but should return soon

Charlie Villanueva (back): day-to-day

Will Bynum (ankle): still out indefinitely

Chris Kaman (ankle): day-to-day

Devin Harris (wrist): will try to give it a go on Tuesday

Chris Paul (knee): arthroscopic surgery for cartilage tear will keep him out one to two months

Mickael Pietrus (ankle): out about a week

Jameer Nelson (knee): hyperextended his left surgically-repaired left knee, monitor his status

Tony Parker (ankle): day-to-day

Carlos Boozer (calf): could return by the end of the week, but still day-to-day

Al Harrington (knee): day-to-day

Durant had a loud finish to 2009. (NBAE via Getty Images/Layne Murdoch)

[Read the full, original post at Dimemag.com]

Beast of the Night: Kevin Durant ended 2009 with a bang that included last night’s line of 31 points, 1 three, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks and 5 turnovers. He shot 55 percent (12-22) from the field and 75 percent (6-8) from the free throw line. Durant has scored 30+ points in six straight games and this momentum will carry into the 2010.

Notable lines:
Derrick Rose – 7-18 FG (39%), 8-8 FT (100%), 22 Pts, 4 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 2 TO

Joakim Noah – 5-8 FG (63%), 5-6 FT (83%), 15 Pts, 21 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 8 TO

Luol Deng – 3-10 FG (30%), 1-2 FT (50%), 7 Pts, 1 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Blk, 3 TO

Ben Gordon – 7-16 FG (44%), 4-4 FT (100%), 3 3ptm, 21 Pts, 1 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO

Aaron Brooks – 11-26 FG (42%), 2-3 FT (67%), 6 3ptm, 30 Pts, 4 Reb, 4 Ast, 3 TO

Carlos Boozer – 7-13 FG (54%), 3-4 FT (75%), 17 Pts, 5 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 TO

Samuel Dalembert – 4-9 FG (44%), 8 Pts, 9 Reb, 1 Ast, 7 Blk, 2 TO

Allen Iverson – 1-4 FG (25%), 5-5 FT (100%), 7 Pts, 4 Reb, 6 Ast, 2 Stl

Chris Kaman – 11-21 FG (52%), 4-4 FT (100%), 26 Pts, 10 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Blk, 4 TO

Waiver wire watch:
Drew Gooden, Kyle Lowry

Injuries:
Ben Wallace (ankle): monitor his status

Rodney Stuckey (ankle): check his status

Ron Artest (concussion): unlikely to return tonight

LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle): game-time decision Saturday

Chauncey Billups (groin): questionable Saturday

Carmelo Anthony (ankle): should play Saturday, check his stauts

Hedo Turkoglu (knee): doubtful for Saturday

Tyreke Evans (ankle): probably out this weekend

Who to watch tonight:
Donte Greene, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Jamal Crawford, Al Jefferson

For next week:
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

LBJ turned 25 last night and celebrated in a huge way. (NBAE via Getty Images/David Liam Kyle)

[Read the full, original post at Dimemag.com]

Beast of the Night: LeBron James celebrated his 25th birthday with 48 points, 10 boards, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. He added 4 threes and 3 turnovers while shooting 65 percent (15-23) from the floor and 88 percent (14-16) from the line. Happy birthday, LeBron (and his fantasy owners).

Notable lines:
Josh Smith – 4-11 FG (36%), 3-4 FT (75%), 11 Pts, 6 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Blk, 2 TO

Roy Hibbert – 8-14 FG (57%), 9-10 FT (90%), 25 Pts, 13 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 4 TO

David Lee – 12-20 FG (60%), 24 Pts, 15 Reb, 8 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 Blk, 2 TO

Yi Jianlian – 9-16 FG (56%), 4-6 FT (67%), 22 Pts, 6 Reb, 2 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO

Al Jefferson – 10-15 FG (67%), 1-3 FT (33%), 21 Pts, 9 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 5 Blk, 2 TO

Kevin Love – 5-12 FG (42%), 5-9 FT (56%), 2 3ptm, 17 Pts, 11 Reb, 9 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 TO

Channing Frye – 9-15 FG (60%), 2-2 FT (100%), 6 3ptm, 26 Pts, 10 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 Blk, 2 TO

Allen Iverson – 6-14 FG (43%), 6-6 FT (100%), 2 3ptm, 20 Pts, 5 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Stl, 2 TO

Eric Gordon – 8-11 FG (73%), 5-7 FT (71%), 3 3ptm, 24 Pts, 1 Reb, 6 Ast, 5 Stl, 4 TO

Waiver wire watch:
Luther Head, Keyon Dooling, Udonis Haslem, Tony Allen, Donte Greene, Jerryd Bayless

Injuries:
Kevin Garnett (leg): could be out for a spell

Glen Davis (ankle): day-to-day

Josh Howard (hamstring): tweaked it Sunday, check his status

LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle): sprained it last night, monitor his status

Hedo Turkoglu (knee): bruised it last night, day-to-day

Who to watch tonight:
Dirk Nowtzki, Aaron Brooks, Ben Gordon, Elton Brand

Rondo has his weaknesses, but remains a fantasy force. (NBAE via Getty Images/Rocky Widner)

[Read the full, original post at Dimemag.com]

Beast of the Night: Rajon Rondo put up 30 points, 3 rebounds, 15 assists and 3 steals against the Warriors. He even hit a three, but also had 6 turnovers. Rondo shot 61 percent (11-18) from the floor and 78 percent (7-9) from the line. His lack of threes and poor free-throw shooting keep him from being an elite fantasy point guard.

Notable lines:
Kevin Durant – 15-22 FG (68%), 10-12 FT (83%), 40 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 3 Stl, 5 TO

Gilbert Arenas – 12-26 FG (46%), 1-2 FT (50%), 5 3ptm, 30 Pts, 4 Reb, 5 Ast, 5 Stl, 4 TO

Zach Randolph – 7-17 FG (41%), 9-9 FT (100%), 23 Pts, 19 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO

O.J. Mayo – 11-24 FG (46%), 3-4 FT (75%), 3 3ptm, 28 Pts, 7 Reb, 6 Ast, 1 Blk, 4 TO

Allen Iverson – 7-11 FG (64%), 5-7 FT (71%), 19 Pts, 4 Reb, 5 Ast, 2 TO

Elton Brand – 11-16 FG (69%), 3-5 FT (60%), 25 Pts, 9 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk

Nene – 8-11 FG (73%), 9-14 FT (64%), 25 Pts, 8 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Stl, 3 Blk

Stephen Curry – 0-4 FG (0%), 0-1 FT (0%), 2 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 TO

Waiver wire watch:
Nick Collison, Yi Jianlian, Jared Dudley, Andres Nocioni, C.J. Watson

Injuries:
Joe Smith (thumb): should return tonight

Tyson Chandler (foot): out at least another week, probably more

Trevor Ariza (shin): bruised it Sunday, monitor his status

Marcus Camby (knee): uncertain timetable for return

Ron Artest (concussion): could return tonight

Rudy Gay (ankle): day-to-day

Josh Boone (knee): day-to-day

Willie Green (ankle): day-to-day

Rudy Fernandez (back): could return around Jan. 18

Mike James (finger): activated last night, could play soon

Charlie Villanueva (foot, stomach): questionable for the rest of the week

Glen Davis (ankle): will miss some time

Who to watch tonight:
Ben Gordon, Richard Hamilton, Will Bynum, Tyrus Thomas, Mike Dunleavy, John Salmons, Andrew Bynum

Flynn was good, but D-Will was even better. (AP Photo/Steve C. Wilson)

[Read the full, original post at Dimemag.com]

Beast of the Night: Deron Williams continued his streak and put up 38 points, 3 boards, 13 assists, 2 steals and 1 turnover. He hit 2 threes, shot 55 percent (11-20) from the field and 78 percent (14-18) from the line. He’s averaging a beastly 30.3 points, 1.7 threes, 5 rebounds, 13 assists, 1.7 steals and 2 turnovers in his past three games.

Notable lines:
Chris Paul – 9-22 FG (41%), 2-2 FT (100%), 20 Pts, 4 Reb, 16 Ast, 5 Stl, 1 TO

Chris Kaman – 11-19 FG (58%), 1-6 FT (17%), 23 Pts, 11 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Stl, 3 Blk, 2 TO

Mike Dunleavy – 10-19 FG (53%), 5-5 FT (100%), 1 3ptm, 26 Pts, 4 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 TO

Dwight Howard – 4-10 FG (40%), 13-22 FT (59%), 21 Pts, 23 Reb, 1 Ast, 4 Blk, 3 TO

Thaddeus Young – 12-21 FG (57%), 1-1 FT (100%), 1 3ptm, 26 Pts, 14 Reb, 4 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO

Allen Iverson – 7-10 FG (70%), 6-8 FT (75%), 20 Pts, 2 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 TO

Jonny Flynn – 11-19 FG (58%), 2-3 FT (67%), 4 3ptm, 28 Pts, 1 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl, 4 TO

Chris Andersen – 3-5 FG (60%), 9-10 FT (90%), 15 Pts, 11 Reb, 3 Stl, 3 Blk

Caron Butler – 6-14 FG (43%), 7-8 FT (88%), 1 3ptm, 20 Pts, 7 Reb, 5 Ast, 5 Stl, 5 TO

Waiver wire watch:
J.J. Redick, Jrue Holiday, Hasheem Thabeet

Injuries:
Joe Smith (thumb): out tonight

Marvin Williams (flu): monitor his status tonight

Will Bynum (ankle): practiced Monday, questionable tonight

Ben Gordon (ankle): should play tonight

Tayshaun Prince (back): unlikely tonight

Quentin Richardson (hamstring): no timetable for return

Jameer Nelson (knee): could return to practice this weekend

Jason Richardson (hand): questionable tonight

Jose Calderon (hip): out for at least their next two games

DeJuan Blair (shoulder): monitor his status

Mike Miller (calf): close to returning

Who to watch tonight:
Goran Dragic, Jared Dudley, Manu Ginobili, Kobe Bryant, Richard Hamilton, Ben Gordon

Kobe was sick as usual last night. (NBAE via Getty Images/Noah Graham)

[Read the full, original post at Dimemag.com]

Beast of the Night: Kobe Bryant was a stud last night, finishing with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and 2 turnovers. He hit 1 three and shot 53 percent (10-19) from the floor and 75 percent (6-8) from the line. Kobe’s offensive load has lightened since Pau Gasol‘s return, but he remains an elite fantasy force.

Notable lines:
Brandon Roy – 11-21 FG (52%), 6-10 FT (60%), 1 3ptm, 29 Pts, 7 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 TO

Allen Iverson – 3-10 FG (30%), 5-6 FT (83%), 11 Pts, 3 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 6 TO

Rodney Stuckey – 10-19 FG (53%), 7-7 FT (100%), 27 Pts, 5 Reb, 8 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO

Anthony Randolph – 4-7 FG (57%), 3-3 FT (100%), 11 Pts, 9 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 3 Blk

Courtney Lee – 6-12 FG (50%), 3-4 FT (75%), 15 Pts, 8 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 TO

Kevin Love – 5-7 FG (71%), 1-2 FT (50%), 1 3ptm, 12 Pts, 11 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 2 TO

Richard Jefferson – 11-18 FG (61%), 1 3ptm, 23 Pts, 8 Reb, 3 Ast, 4 TO

Waiver wire watch:
Tyler Hansbrough, Jonas Jerebko, C.J. Watson, Omri Casspi, Delonte West, C.J. Miles, Jordan Farmar

Injuries:
Brandon Jennings (knee): returned to the game last night, should be monitored

Joe Smith (thumb): dislocated it, day-to-day

Marquis Daniels (thumb): had surgery, out until February

Tyrus Thomas (arm): out another two weeks

Daniel Gibson (hand): left the game last night

Richard Hamilton (ankle): expects to return before 2010

Ben Gordon (ankle): monitor status for tonight

Michael Finley (ankle): out two to four weeks

Andrea Bargnani (ankle): not serious, could be back soon

Andrei Kirilenko (back): unlikely tonight

Who to watch tonight:
Dwight Howard, Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler

It was both of these dudes' nights. (NBAE via Getty Images/Jesse D. Garrabrant)

[Read the full, original post at Dimemag.com]

Beast of the Night: Chauncey Billups stole the show last night, putting up 31 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal and 2 turnovers. He hit 4 threes and shot 53 percent (8-15) from the floor and 100 percent (11-11) from the free throw line. Billups is still one of the best fantasy point guards out there.

Notable lines:
Allen Iverson – 4-11 FG (36%), 3-4 FT (75%), 11 Pts, 5 Reb, 6 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 TO

Andre Iguodala – 11-21 FG (52%), 5-5 FT (100%), 4 3ptm, 31 Pts, 4 Reb, 2 Ast, 3 Stl, 4 TO

Samuel Dalembert – 4-8 FG (50%), 8 Pts, 15 Reb, 6 Blk, 1 TO

Thaddeus Young – 10-21 FG (48%), 1 3ptm, 21 Pts, 5 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Stl

Larry Hughes – 8-18 FG (44%), 1-1 FT (100%), 4 3ptm, 21 Pts, 6 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 3 TO

Danilo Gallinaro – 4-10 FG (40%), 3-4 FT (75%), 3 3ptm, 14 Pts, 4 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO

Stephen Curry – 9-14 FG (64%), 2-2 FT (100%), 2 3ptm, 22 Pts, 4 Reb, 2 Ast, 4 Stl, 5 TO

Waiver wire watch:
Ty Lawson, Jerryd Bayless, James Harden, Matt Bonner, C.J. Miles

Injuries:
Tony Allen (ankle): cleared to play tonight

Marquis Daniels (wrist, thumb): out tonight

Danny Granger (heel): looks to be out for a while

Jermaine O’Neal (personal): will rejoin team sometime this week

Andrea Bargnani (ankle): game-time decision tonight

Chris Bosh (cold): looks likely to play tonight, but monitor his status

Blake Griffin (knee): expected back in mid-January

Daequan Cook (pink eye): day-to-day

Who to watch tonight:
Shawn Marion, Marc Gasol, Boris Diaw, Brandon Jennings, Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett

A.I. returns Monday. You know you're intrigued. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

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

Waiver wire watch:

• Joel Przybilla: Oden’s absence means significant minutes for The Vanilla Gorilla
• C.J. Watson: despite crowded, talented backcourt, he’s earning his minutes and contributing
• Ryan Gomes: on a roll, despite Kevin Love’s return
• Luke Ridnour: inconsistent, but good lines outweigh the bad ones lately
  
• Mickael Pietrus: three-point machine lately
• Wesley Matthews: starting job is secure, getting enough minutes to produce some nice lines
• Vladimir Radmanovic: getting major minutes, but will be inconsistent
• Andres Nocioni: quietly putting together some solid numbers, good for threes
• Chase Budinger: doing a lot with about 20 minutes a game, also good for threes
• Erick Dampier: many owners dropped him but he’s still good for boards, blocks

Injury watch:

• Greg Oden (knee): out for the season
• Richard Hamilton (ankle): close to returning
• Tayshaun Prince (back): ditto
• Tracy McGrady (knee): return date unknown, won’t get major minutes immediately
• Jermaine O’Neal (personal): could miss a week
• Micheal Redd (knee): practiced Saturday, return date still unknown
• Nenad Krstic (ankle): day-to-day
• Willie Green (hand): sprained it, A.I.’s return bigger downer for his value
• Andrei Kirilenko (back): still hurting him, might miss time again
• Kirk Hinrich (thumb): still bothersome, out indefinitely
• Tyrus Thomas (wrist): should return in the next week or so
• Yi Jianlian (lip): comeback from knee injury delayed about another week
• Danny Granger (heel): wearing a boot, monitor MRI results Monday
• Jose Calderon (groin): doesn’t seem serious, monitor his status
• Rudy Fernandez (back): day-to-day
• Andris Biedrins (back): nearing return, risky play this week

Stock watch:

↑ Allen Iverson: hasn’t played yet, but prospects for value are good

↑ Kevin Garnett: more consistent offense lately

↑  Brook Lopez: four of his last five games have been impressive

↑ Kevin Love: two games back, two double-doubles, and two threes, two steals per game

↑ Gilbert Arenas: keeping turnovers in check, handing out lots of assists

↓ Jason Richardson: hitting some threes, but mediocre overall lately

↓ Elton Brand: putting up decent numbers since return, but coming off bench

↓ Marc Gasol: three straight clunkers

↓ Amar’e Stoudemire: rebounding better but shooting worse, good buy-low candidate

↓ Ben Gordon: ankle injury, soon-to-be crowded backcourt doesn’t bode well

Will he bring back the cornrows? (Flickr/ebot)

Allen Iverson is back in Philadelphia after a quick stint in “retirement.”

With a starting point guard job in hand and a supportive city behind him again, Iverson quickly becomes very relevant to all fantasy leagues.

Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young and the injured Lou Williams will likely have their fantasy values diminished to different degrees, while Jrue Holiday and Willie Green can safely be thrown back to most waiver wires.

Head on over to Dimemag.com to find out the fantasy consequences of Iverson’s return to his beloved city.

Oden is rounding into form lately. (NBAE via Getty Images/Sam Forencich)

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

Waiver wire watch:

• Allen Iverson: possibility of returning to Philly too good to ignore
• Jrue Holiday: if A.I. doesn’t work, he’ll get plenty of minutes
• Mike Dunleavy: finally back, will steadily return to form
• Tim Thomas: surprisingly strong return, good for threes and inconsistency
• Chris Andersen: slow start but doing well lately
  
• Martell Webster: starting job and minutes will be there while Travis Outlaw is out
• Omri Casspi: good for points, threes and steals
• Jamaal Tinsley: could eventually overtake Mike Conley
• Nick Young: thriving with Mike Miller sidelined and Caron Butler not 100 percent
• Thabo Sefolosha: still starting, putting up good all-around numbers
• Luke Ridnour: putting up sporadicly nice lines, deserves a look

Injury watch:

• Michael Redd (knee): out again for more recovery
• Elton Brand (hamstring): could be back tonight
• Lou Williams (jaw): out for about two months
• Kirk Hinrich (wrist): day-to-day
• Erick Dampier (illness): could return to practice this week
• Ben Gordon (ankle): could play tonight, will return soon enough
• Andrew Bogut (leg): making good progress, still out about two to three more weeks
• Spencer Hawes (knee): could return tonight, will be back soon
• Manu Ginobili (groin): could play tonight
• Paul Millsap (knee): won’t miss much time
• Andrei Kirilenko (back): will miss up to a week
• Kevin Love (hand): practicing, on track to return on Dec. 11

Stock watch:

↑ Greg Oden: foul trouble only hurdle to consistency

↑ Carlos Boozer: continues to play like a beast

↑ Leandro Barbosa: wrist still a concern, steady lately

↑ Ersan Ilyasova: should be great while Redd and Bogut are out

↑ Mo Williams: three-point monster

↓ Roy Hibbert: who knew Jeff Foster would kill his value?

↓ Matt Bonner: Antonio McDyess now starting at center, taking most of the minutes

↓ Danilo Gallinari: continues to decline into irrelevance

↓ Larry Hughes: minutes will be unpredictable going forward

↓ Mike Conley: disappointing