fBasketballBlog

You got a problem with LeBron's zero three-point attempts so far this season? (Flickr/Keith Allison)

Beast of the Night: LeBron James had himself a typically big line to the tune of 35 points, six rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks. He shot 57 percent (13-23) from the field, 100 percent (9-9) from the free-throw line and had two turnovers. Through three games, James is averaging 32.7 points on 59 percent shooting from the field and 87 percent shooting from the charity stripe. The odd thing is that he has yet to attempt a single three-pointer. The fact that he’s been such a stud without a three-pointer says volumes about his fantasy value. It’s early, but James looks primed to make a run at top-dog honors this season.

Lines for Discussion:
Paul George: 5-11 FG (46%), 4-4 FT (100%), 4 threes, 18 Pts, 4 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 TO; no surprise about his solid start

Andrea Bargnani: 9-17 FG (53%), 2-5 FT (40%), 1 three, 21 Pts, 4 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 4 TO; lack of rebounding is wretched, but he has other places of value

Boris Diaw: 7-14 FG (50%), 2 threes, 16 Pts, 16 Reb, 8 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 TO, 6 TO; he’s dialing it up a notch and will reward his owners this season, but this hot start won’t be maintained (continue reading…)

DeRozan has a shot at returning some solid fantasy value next season -- if his three-point shooting has actually improved. (Flickr/GAMEFACE-PHOTOS)

Depth chart:
PG: Jose Calderon, Jerryd Bayless
SG: DeMar DeRozan, Leandro Barbosa, Sonny Weems**
SF: James Johnson, Linas Kleiza, Julian Wright*
PF: Amir Johnson, Ed Davis, Joey Dorsey*, Reggie Evans*
C: Andrea Bargnani, Solomon Alabi, Alexis Ajinca*

* unrestricted free agent
** restricted free agent (continue reading…)

DeMarcus looks ready to head back to school. Are you? (NBA/Getty Images)

We’re on the cusp of Labor Day weekend, which means students who haven’t already started their new school year are now seeing their summer vacation quickly slipping away. If there’s any solace for students wincing at the thought of going back to school, it’s that they can rest assured that the 2011-12 school year is actually happening. While that may not be much of a comforting thought in and of itself, the start of a school year means graduation is closer than it was yesterday. Imagine if an entire school year were put on hold: While visions of an extended “summer break” are certainly enchanting, it would mean that students would commence their education a year older than they should be, and that graduating and heading off to that coveted next stage of life would be put on a maddening hold. (continue reading…)

This pretty much sums up the way Lowry's owners have felt all season -- restrained excitement. They should feel free to let loose after last night. (AP Photo/Steve C. Wilson)

[Read the full post at DimeMag.com]

Beast of the Night: Kyle Lowry lit up the Sixers with 36 points, four rebounds, seven assists, one steal and six three-pointers in a losing effort. He shot 83 percent (15-18) from the field, missed his only free-throw attempt and had just one turnover. Lowry continues to hold down his starting gig, staving off Aaron Brooks and his weak attempts at getting his starting gig back. There’s little reason to think Lowry will lose the starting gig anytime soon, and he’s turning out to be one of the bigger waiver-wire steals of the season.

Lines for Discussion:
Ryan Anderson: 4-8 FG (50%), 4-4 FT (100%), 2 threes, 14 Pts, 8 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk, 2 TO

Andrea Bargnani: 15-26 FG (58%), 3-4 FT (75%), 38 Pts, 4 Reb, 3 TO (continue reading…)

Ellis was "snubbed," which is great news for his fantasy prospects. (NBA.com)

[Read the full post at DimeMag.com]

Buy Low:
Monta Ellis

JaVale McGee

Gerald Wallace

Andrea Bargnani

Gilbert Arenas (continue reading…)