Howard got the best of James (and everyone else) last night. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Beast of the Night: Dwight Howard posted 25 points, 24 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks last night, his sixth 20/20 game of the season. He shot 64 percent (9-14) from the field, 70 percent (7-10) from the free-throw line and had three turnovers. Howard’s averaging 25.4 points, 16.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.8 blocks in his five games so far this month.

Lines for Discussion:
Ryan Anderson: 8-19 FG (42%), 6-9 FT (67%), 5 threes, 27 Pts, 11 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 TO; he still leads the NBA with 3.0 three-pointers made per game

Carlos Delfino: 7-12 FG (58%), 5-6 FT (83%), 6 threes, 25 Pts, 9 Reb, 2 Ast, 4 Stl, 3 TO; this was easily his best game of the season, so maybe coach Scott Skiles will be inclined to give him more minutes going forward

DeMar DeRozan: 9-18 FG (50%), 3-3 FT (100%), 4 threes, 25 Pts, 4 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO; to put things into perspective, DeRozan connected on only three three-pointers in the 20 games before last night

Brandon Jennings: 3-12 FG (25%), 4-8 FT (50%), 1 three, 11 Pts, 3 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 3 TO; this is likely something akin to a reversion to the mean

Jeremy Lin: 9-14 FG (64%), 5-6 FT (83%), 23 Pts, 4 Reb, 10 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 TO; in his last three games, Lin is averaging 25.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 3.7 turnovers, along with 58 percent from the floor and 77 percent from the charity stripe — top 25 numbers

Josh Smith: 11-17 FG (65%), 4-6 FT (67%), 2 threes, 28 Pts, 12 Reb, 3 Ast, 5 Stl, 3 Blk, 5 TO; this was a sight for sore eyes for Smith’s owners, who’ve endured some rocky production lately

Chris Kaman: 6-17 FG (35%), 5-5 FT (100%), 17 Pts, 9 Reb, 2 Ast, 3 Blk, 4 TO; he’s relevant again, but his long-term value this season is tenuous

Vince Carter: 7-12 FG (58%), 3 threes, 17 Pts, 5 Reb, 8 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 1 TO; sell high

Waiver-Wire Watch (four stars = must add; one star = keep an eye on him):
Randy Foye: 15 Pts, 3 threes, 1 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 TO (**)

Ramon Sessions: 24 Pts, 2 threes, 2 Reb, 13 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO (**)

Daniel Gibson: 17 Pts, 2 threes, 3 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 3 TO (**)

Iman Shumpert: 17 Pts, 1 three, 4 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Stl, 2 TO (**)

Steve Novak: 19 Pts, 5 threes, 5 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 Blk (**)

Gary Neal: 18 Pts, 4 threes, 5 Reb, 6 Ast, 1 Blk (*)

Jonas Jerebko: 16 Pts, 7 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 Blk (***)

Ben Gordon: 14 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 4 TO (**)

Jordan Farmar: 22 Pts, 3 threes, 3 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 TO (**)

Chase Budinger: 22 Pts, 4 threes, 4 Reb, 2 Ast (***)

Injuries:
Anderson Varejao (back): left last night’s game in the third quarter; monitor his status

Kyrie Irving (concussion): day-to-day

Eric Bledsoe (knee): day-to-day

Mario Chalmers (hand): day-to-day

Ersan Ilyasova (back): day-to-day

Keith Bogans (foot): monitor his status

Jerryd Bayless (ankle): day-to-day

Keyon Dooling (hip): targeting a return tonight

Corey Maggette (hamstring): cleared to practice again

D.J. Augustin (toe): could return Monday

Anthony Parker (back): day-to-day

Jason Kidd (calf): day-to-day

Corey Brewer (personal): day-to-day

Steve Blake (ribs): returned to practice yesterday; monitor his status

Tony Allen (hip, knee): day-to-day

Amar’e Stoudemire (personal): won’t return to the team until Monday

Thabo Sefolosha (foot): could return Friday

Spencer Hawes (back): MRI was negative; day-to-day

Manu Ginobili (hand): likely for Saturday’s game

Andrea Bargnani (calf): not ready to test his calf yet

Rashard Lewis (knee): day-to-day

Kyle Lowry (elbow): monitor his status

For Tonight:
Monta Ellis could have another big night as the Warriors visit the Nuggets, a game that could yield some big lines.

[See another version of this post on DimeMag.com]
Lines for Discussion:
Ryan Anderson: 8-19 FG (42%), 6-9 FT (67%), 5 threes, 27 Pts, 11 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 TO; His recent struggles have knocked him out of the top 12, but Anderson remains a fantasy stud on a week-to-week basis. He still leads the league with 3.0 three-pointers made per game.

Carlos Delfino: 7-12 FG (58%), 5-6 FT (83%), 6 threes, 25 Pts, 9 Reb, 2 Ast, 4 Stl, 3 TO; Delfino played nearly as many minutes last night as he did in his previous two games. This was easily his best game of the season, so maybe coach Scott Skiles will be inclined to give him more minutes going forward.

DeMar DeRozan: 9-18 FG (50%), 3-3 FT (100%), 4 threes, 25 Pts, 4 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO; To put things into perspective, DeRozan connected on only three three-pointers in the 20 games before last night. His 1.9 attempts from beyond the arc has dragged down his field-goal percentage to 39 percent this season, well below his career average of 46 percent. Despite the hype, he has a long way to go before becoming a truly valuable fantasy asset.

Brandon Jennings: 3-12 FG (25%), 4-8 FT (50%), 1 three, 11 Pts, 3 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 3 TO; He’s now shooting a miserable 34 percent from the floor in five games this month. Call it a slump, but this is likely something akin to a mean reversion. Buy low, but don’t expect him to be as consistently studly as he was earlier this season.

Jeremy Lin: 9-14 FG (64%), 5-6 FT (83%), 23 Pts, 4 Reb, 10 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 TO; Linsanity continues. In his last three games, Lin is averaging 25.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 3.7 turnovers, along with 58 percent from the floor and 77 percent from the charity stripe — top 25 numbers. His long-term viability is still up for debate, but it’s obvious that fantasy owners must start him until the wheels fall off.

Josh Smith: 11-17 FG (65%), 4-6 FT (67%), 2 threes, 28 Pts, 12 Reb, 3 Ast, 5 Stl, 3 Blk, 5 TO; This was a sight for sore eyes for Smith’s owners, who’ve endured some rocky production lately. He remains a must-start fantasy player.

Chris Kaman: 6-17 FG (35%), 5-5 FT (100%), 17 Pts, 9 Reb, 2 Ast, 3 Blk, 4 TO; He’s relevant again, but his fantasy value remains tied to where he ends up in the (likely) event that he’s traded from the Hornets.

Vince Carter: 7-12 FG (58%), 3 threes, 17 Pts, 5 Reb, 8 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 1 TO; His owners should try their best to sell high as soon as possible.

Waiver-Wire Watch:
Randy Foye: 15 Pts, 3 threes, 1 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 TO; He started last night and is worth a look if you need a guard to round out your bench.

Ramon Sessions: 24 Pts, 2 threes, 2 Reb, 13 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO; Pick him up and use him until Kyrie Irving returns.

Daniel Gibson: 17 Pts, 2 threes, 3 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 3 TO; He’ll also benefit from Irving’s absence.

Iman Shumpert: 17 Pts, 1 three, 4 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Stl, 2 TO; He’s worth stashing and should have extra value for however long Carmelo Anthony is out.

Steve Novak: 19 Pts, 5 threes, 5 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 Blk; Get him if you need threes.

Gary Neal: 18 Pts, 4 threes, 5 Reb, 6 Ast, 1 Blk; With Manu Ginobili returning very soon, Neal isn’t worth a look unless you’re in a deep league.

Jonas Jerebko: 16 Pts, 7 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 Blk; He’s looked decent lately and is worth a look if you have dead weight to spare.

Ben Gordon: 14 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 4 TO; If he can stay healthy, Gordon will have some value for owners in need of points and threes.

Jordan Farmar: 22 Pts, 3 threes, 3 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 TO; He continues to produce usable lines and is worth a look if you need a point guard.

Chase Budinger: 22 Pts, 4 threes, 4 Reb, 2 Ast; He’s looked better since late January and should be picked up in most leagues.

Injuries:
Anderson Varejao (back): left last night’s game in the third quarter; monitor his status

Kyrie Irving (concussion): day-to-day

Eric Bledsoe (knee): day-to-day

Mario Chalmers (hand): day-to-day

Ersan Ilyasova (back): day-to-day

Keith Bogans (foot): monitor his status

Jerryd Bayless (ankle): day-to-day

Keyon Dooling (hip): targeting a return tonight

Corey Maggette (hamstring): cleared to practice again

D.J. Augustin (toe): could return Monday

Anthony Parker (back): day-to-day

Jason Kidd (calf): day-to-day

Corey Brewer (personal): day-to-day

Steve Blake (ribs): returned to practice yesterday; monitor his status

Tony Allen (hip, knee): day-to-day

Amar’e Stoudemire (personal): won’t return to the team until Monday

Thabo Sefolosha (foot): could return Friday

Spencer Hawes (back): MRI was negative; day-to-day

Manu Ginobili (hand): likely for Saturday’s game

Andrea Bargnani (calf): not ready to test his calf yet

Rashard Lewis (knee): day-to-day

Kyle Lowry (elbow): monitor his status

For Tonight:
Monta Ellis could have another big night as the Warriors visit the Nuggets, a game that could yield some big lines.

Ellis was leader of the pack last night. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Beast of the Night: Monta Ellis was huge last night, finishing with 48 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, a block and three three-pointers. He shot 62 percent (18-29) from the field, 90 percent (9-10) from the free-throw line and had three turnovers. Ellis is having himself another fine season, despite a rough patch late in January. He’s a top 40 fantasy asset so far this NBA season.

Lines for Discussion:
Darren Collison: 10-14 FG (71%), 4-4 FT (100%), 1 three, 25 Pts, 4 Reb, 5 Ast; since George Hill went down, Collison has been getting 35+ minutes a night and averaging 17/5/5 (read: sell high)

Jared Dudley: 7-9 FG (78%), 2-2 FT (100%), 3 threes, 19 Pts, 4 Reb, 3 Ast; Dudley appears to be on track to recover some of that value he lost earlier this season

Brandon Jennings: 1-4 FG (25%), 1 three, 3 Pts, 5 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Blk, 1 TO; he’ll bounce back, but his magical run is kaput

Michael Beasley: 7-21 FG (33%), 2-3 FT (67%), 1 three, 17 Pts, 14 Reb, 3 TO; he remains an overrated fantasy asset

Waiver-Wire Watch (four stars = must add; one star = keep an eye on him):
Derrick Brown: 20 Pts, 4 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 TO (*)

Reggie Williams: 21 Pts, 2 threes, 3 Reb, 5 Ast, 3 TO (****)

Michael Redd: 14 Pts, 4 Reb, 2 TO (*)

Grant Hill: 13 Pts, 2 threes, 4 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl (**)

Ersan Ilyasova: 17 Pts, 1 three, 12 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Blk, 1 TO (***)

Nikola Pekovic: 23 Pts, 10 Reb, 3 Stl, 2 Blk, 4 TO (****)

Daequan Cook: 17 Pts, 5 threes, 3 Reb (**)

Injuries:
Rudy Fernandez (back): probable for tonight

Spencer Hawes (back): doubtful for tonight; will get an MRI

Marcus Camby (illness): expected to play tonight

Keyon Dooling (hip): day-to-day

Nene (heel): game-time decision tonight

Arron Afflalo (ankle, toe): expected to play tonight

Nate Robinson (groin): day-to-day

Chauncey Billups (Achilles): done for the season

Darko Milicic (ankle): day-to-day

Amar’e Stoudemire (personal): out tonight; will take a few days before returning

Carmelo Anthony (groin); out 1-2 weeks

Raymond Felton (foot): game-time decision tonight

Manu Ginobili (hand): should return to game action within the next week

Anthony Morrow (personal): will return tonight

For Tonight:
Pekovic could be in for another big night as the Timberwolves visit the Grizzlies.

The Jeremy Lin ride continues as the Knicks visit the Wizards.

Jennings has been proving this doubter wrong. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Beast of the Night: Brandon Jennings finished with 31 points, four rebounds, eight assists, four steals and seven three-pointers last night. He shot 36 percent (9-25) from the floor, 75 percent (6-8) from the free-throw line and had zero turnovers. Since Jan. 17, Jennings is averaging 24.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.9 steals and 3.6 threes per game, while shooting 45 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free-throw line. For the season, he’s putting up top 10 averages.

Lines for Discussion:
Hedo Turkoglu: 5-16 FG (31%), 4-6 FT (67%), 2 threes, 16 Pts, 4 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO; Turkoglu’s hot start to the season is a faint memory, but he’s still a decent bet for all-around production on a week-to-week basis

Channing Frye: 5-9 FG (56%), 5-5 FT (100%), 1 three, 16 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Stl, 2 Blk; this was the first time Frye has cracked double-digit points since Jan. 13, which basically sums up his season

Darren Collison: 7-12 FG (58%), 5-5 FT (100%), 1 three, 20 Pts, 6 Reb, 9 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 TO; it’s probably no coincidence that this line came with George Hill out of the lineup

Drew Gooden: 7-12 FG (58%), 3-4 FT (75%), 17 Pts, 9 Reb, 5 Ast, 2 Stl, 5 TO; as a starter this season, Gooden is averaging 17.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.8 steals, while shooting 50 percent from the field and 83 percent from the line

Serge Ibaka: 2-8 FG (25%), 4 Pts, 11 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 10 Blk, 1 TO; he remains a top 70 asset mostly due to his denials, but is still having a somewhat disappointing season for his fantasy owners

Russell Westbrook: 11-24 FG (46%), 9-10 FT (90%), 2 threes, 33 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 6 TO; since Jan. 10, Westbrook has averaged top 10 numbers

Dirk Nowitzki: 2-15 FG (13%), 4-4 FT (100%), 8 Pts, 8 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl; he’s a buy-low target, but expectations should be kept in check

Al Jefferson: 12-20 FG (60%), 3-5 FT (60%), 27 Pts, 12 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO; Jefferson continues to be a top 20 stud this season

Waiver-Wire Watch (four stars = must add; one star = keep an eye on him):
C.J. Watson: 20 Pts, 4 threes, 4 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Blk, 3 TO (*)

Rashard Lewis: 20 Pts, 3 threes, 8 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Stl, 3 TO (*)

Ed Davis: 10 Pts, 12 Reb, 2 Blk, 3 TO (***)

Jerryd Bayless: 14 Pts, 2 threes, 1 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 TO (***)

Tayshaun Prince: 21 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 TO (***)

Jonas Jerebko: 14 Pts, 1 three, 3 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk, 1 TO (**)

Sundiata Gaines: 9 Pts, 1 three, 6 Reb, 6 Ast, 2 Stl (**)

Greivis Vasquez: 20 Pts, 3 threes, 6 Reb, 12 Ast, 1 Stl, 4 TO (***)

Nikola Pekovic: 13 Pts, 12 Reb, 2 TO (***)

Ersan Ilyasova: 9 Pts, 14 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Blk, 2 TO (***)

Injuries:
Keyon Dooling (hip): day-to-day

Rajon Rondo (wrist): likely to return Friday

Luol Deng (wrist): he’s close to returning

Richard Hamilton (groin, thigh): day-to-day

John Lucas (groin): day-to-day

Brendan Haywood (back): day-to-day

Lamar Odom (illness): day-to-day

Zach Randolph (knee): his MRI revealed his right knee is healing on schedule

DeShawn Stevenson (knee): out until at least Feb. 14

Anthony Morrow (ankle): day-to-day

Baron Davis (back): coach Mike D’Antoni said there’s no timetable for his return

Amar’e Stoudemire (ankle): monitor his status

Thabo Sefolosha (foot): day-to-day

Jason Richardson (knee): day-to-day

Spencer Hawes (Achilles): day-to-day

Jason Thompson (leg): monitor his status

Raja Bell (groin): out tonight

Rodney Stuckey (ankle): monitor his status

Johan Petro (flu): day-to-day

Linas Kleiza (knee): day-to-day

Shawn Marion (knee): played through it last night; monitor his status

Gerald Henderson (hamstring): day-to-day

Grant Hill (knee): day-to-day

Devin Harris (hamstring): played through it last night; monitor his status

Earl Watson (ankle): out indefinitely

For Tonight:
Tim Duncan is probably in for a DNP-rest tonight, which means Tiago Splitter could have a big game for the Spurs, who host the Hornets.

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

Johnson is down, way down. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)

Buy Low:
Carmelo Anthony

Amir Johnson

Andre Iguodala

Chauncey Billups

Gerald Wallace

Dwyane Wade, Al Jefferson, Marcus Thornton and any other productive fantasy players who are injured should be considered buy-low candidates.

Sell High:
Anthony Morrow

Shawn Marion

Brandon Jennings

Paul Millsap

O.J. Mayo

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

High-fives all around for Jennings and his hot (but maybe unsustainable) start. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Beast of the Night: Brandon Jennings put up 30 points, three boards, six assists, three steals and a block, and hit three treys along the way to a big line last night. He shot 59 percent (13-22) from the field, 50 percent (1-2) from the free-throw line and had three turnovers. This was a nice bounce-back game from his 7/3/2 clunker the night before. Jennings is having a much-improved season so far, and he’s putting up top 30 averages to date. Nevertheless, it’s tough to fully trust his ability to maintain this kind of pace, and his owners should at least explore his trade value.

Lines for Discussion:
Dorell Wright: 4-11 FG (36%), 2-2 FT (100%), 10 Pts, 2 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Stl; patience

Gerald Henderson: 7-10 FG (70%), 8-10 FT (80%), 22 Pts, 4 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 TO; his lack of threes limits his fantasy appeal

Richard Jefferson: 0-3 FG (0%), 2 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 TO; don’t say I didn’t warn you

Chris Bosh: 14-22 FG (64%), 2-4 FT (50%), 30 Pts, 8 Reb, 5 Ast, 4 Stl, 2 TO; Bosh (who’s been a top 20 stud so far this season) has a higher ceiling for however long Dwyane Wade sits out

Carlos Boozer: 14-21 FG (67%), 3-3 FT (100%), 31 Pts, 6 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 TO; he should find stability eventually

Waiver-Wire Watch (four stars = must add; one star = keep an eye on him):
Nate Robinson: 17 Pts, 3 threes, 2 Reb, 10 Ast, 2 Stl, 3 TO (****)

Daniel Gibson: 6 Pts, 2 threes, 4 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Stl, 3 TO (**)

Bismack Biyombo: 11 Pts, 10 Reb, 1 Ast, 4 Blk, 1 TO (*)

Danny Green: 20 Pts, 6 threes, 2 Reb, 3 TO (**)

Mike Miller: 18 Pts, 6 threes, 4 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 TO (**)

C.J. Watson: 23 Pts, 3 threes, 4 Reb, 5 Ast, 2 Stl (*)

Corey Brewer: 22 Pts, 3 threes, 4 Reb, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 TO (*)

Tobias Harris: 14 Pts, 8 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO (*)

Tayshaun Prince: 20 Pts, 3 Reb, 2 Stl, 3 TO (**)

C.J. Miles: 19 Pts, 1 three, 5 Reb, 1 Ast, 4 Stl (**)

Injuries:
Chris Wilcox (calf): eyeing a return on Friday

Keyon Dooling (knee): ditto

Anthony Parker (back): day-to-day

Vince Carter (foot); likely out tonight

Rudy Fernandez (Achilles): day-to-day

Will Bynum (ankle): day-to-day

Monta Ellis (face): elbowed late in last night’s game; monitor his status

Jeff Foster (back): out two weeks

Jeff Pendergraph (concussion): day-to-day

Mo Williams (foot): day-to-day

Chris Paul (hamstring): day-to-day

Dwyane Wade (ankle): day-to-day

Martell Webster (back): cleared to take part in contact drills

Jason Richardson (knee): day-to-day

Spencer Hawes (Achilles, back): monitor his status

Josh Howard (quad): day-to-day

Luke Ridnour (personal): day-to-day

Jerryd Bayless (ankle): not expected to play tonight

Jordan Hill (flu): day-to-day

For Tonight:
See if John Wall can extend his hot streak to two games, as the Wizards host the Thunder.

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

The one in the front might look awesome in this photo, but he should be sold high; the one in the back should be bought low. (AP Photo/Bahram Mark Sobhani)

We’re going back to the tried-and-true “Buy Low, Sell High” posts for Fridays. Cheers!

Buy Low:
Dirk Nowitzki

Paul Pierce

Serge Ibaka

DeMar DeRozan

Carlos Delfino

Zach Randolph, Marcus Thornton, Jason Kidd and any other productive fantasy players who are injured should be considered buy-low candidates.

Sell High:
Tim Duncan

Iman Shumpert

Kobe Bryant

Brandon Jennings

Richard Jefferson

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

It was no double-nickel, but Jennings had himself a game last night. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Beast of the Night: Brandon Jennings posted 31 points, three rebounds, seven assists, five steals and six three-pointers last night in a loss to the Kings. He shot 52 percent (12-23) from the floor, 25 percent (1-4) from the free-throw line and had three turnovers. Jennings’ poor free-throw percentage remains his major weakness, but through the first six games of the season, he’s putting up top 70 numbers.

Lines for Discussion:
Chris Bosh: 14-27 FG (52%), 4-4 FT (100%), 1 three, 33 Pts, 14 Reb, 5 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 Blk, 7 TO; he remains an underrated fantasy asset

Richard Jefferson: 5-12 FG (42%), 3-3 FT (100%), 3 threes, 16 Pts, 7 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 TO; RJ started strong last season, too — and we all remember how that turned out

J.J. Hickson: 2-5 FG (40%), 3-4 FT (75%), 7 Pts, 11 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 1 TO; his value might be boosted for the next few games, thanks to an injury to the Kings’ starting frontcourt

Tyreke Evans: 8-18 FG (44%), 9-9 FT (100%), 1 three, 26 Pts, 10 Reb, 5 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 5 TO; his points, rebounds, assists, steals and threes are all down this season

Waiver-Wire Watch (four stars = must add; one star = keep an eye on him):
Terrel Harris: 9 Pts, 1 three, 14 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 TO (*)

Udonis Haslem: 14 Pts, 11 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 TO (***)

Mario Chalmers: 29 Pts, 3 threes, 7 Reb, 8 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 Blk, 4 TO (**)

Tracy McGrady: 14 Pts, 1 three, 7 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO (***)

Gary Neal: 12 Pts, 4 threes, 5 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl, 3 TO (****)

Matt Bonner: 17 Pts, 5 threes, 6 Reb (*)

Rodrigue Beaubois: 4 Pts, 5 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 3 Blk, 2 TO (**)

Injuries:
Derrick Rose (elbow): questionable tonight

Jason Kidd (back): monitor his status

Stephen Curry (ankle): out tonight, will be re-evaluated Saturday

Andrew Bogut (personal): could miss a few more games

Nene (foot): game-time decision tonight

Reggie Evans (foot): expects to play next week

Mike Bibby (foot): day-to-day

Nikola Vucevic (back): game-time decision tonight

Michael Redd (knee): about 10 days away from game action

Tracy McGrady (knee): questionable tonight

Chuck Hayes (shoulder): will miss 2-3 weeks

Rodney Stuckey (groin): game-time decision tonight

Andris Biedrins (ankle): didn’t practice Thursday; monitor his status

LeBron James (ankle): day-to-day

Dwyane Wade (foot): day-to-day

Mike Miller (hernia): aiming to return Tuesday

Luc Mbah a Moute (knee): day-to-day

Mike Dunleavy (groin): day-to-day

Anthony Tolliver (wrist, back): questionable tonight

Kris Humphries (shoulder): will play tonight

Deron Williams (ribs): ditto

Trevor Ariza (groin): will likely miss a few more games

Thabo Sefolosha (illness): questionable tonight

Thaddeus Young (hand): probable for tonight

Marcin Gortat (thumb): will play without a splint tonight

Manu Ginobili (hand): expected to miss 6-8 weeks after having surgery Thursday

Devin Harris (calf): practiced Thursday; monitor his status

Josh Howard (quad): ditto

For Tonight:
If Rose can’t go, John Lucas could be a good spot start, as the Bulls (without C.J. Watson) visit the Magic.

For Next Week:
5 games: CHA, CHI, DET, PHI, TOR
4 games: ATL, DAL, DEN, GSW, HOU, IND, LAL, MIN, NJN, NOR, NYK, PHO, POR, SAC, SAS, UTA, WAS
3 games: BOS, CLE, LAC, MEM, MIA, MIL, OKC
2 games: ORL

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

Jennings has been active this offseason, but will it help him lift his FG% above the 40 mark? (Flickr/GAMEFACE-PHOTOS)

Depth chart:
PG: Brandon Jennings, Beno Udrih, Shaun Livingston, Keyon Dooling, Earl Boykins*
SG: Stephen Jackson, Chris Douglas-Roberts*^, Michael Redd*
SF: Carlos Delfino, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute**, Tobias Harris
PF: Drew Gooden, Ersan Ilyasova^, Jon Leuer
C: Andrew Bogut, Larry Sanders, Jon Brockman

* unrestricted free agent
** restricted free agent
^ locked into overseas contract with no opt-out clause/desire to return after the lockout

Relevant fantasy players and their projected draft positions/per-game stats:
- Andrew Bogut, C (Rd. 6): 50% FG, 50% FT, 13 Pts, 11.5 Reb, 2 Ast, 0.6 Stl, 2.5 Blk, 2 TO
- Carlos Delfino, SG/SF (Rd. 7): 42% FG, 85% FT, 2.3 Threes, 14 Pts, 4.5 Reb, 2 Ast, 1.5 Stl, 1.5 TO
- Stephen Jackson, SG/SF (Rd. 7): 41% FG, 80% FT, 2 Threes, 17 Pts, 4 Reb, 3 Ast, 1.3 Stl, 2.5 TO
- Brandon Jennings, PG (Rd. 7): 43% FG, 80% FT, 1.5 Threes, 15 Pts, 3.5 Reb, 5 Ast, 1.5 Stl, 2.5 TO
- Beno Udrih, PG (Rd. 13+): 47% FG, 85% FT, 1 Three, 8 Pts, 2 Reb, 2.5 Ast, 0.7 Stl, 1 TO
- Drew Gooden, PF/C (Rd. 13+): 45% FG, 80% FT, 10 Pts, 6 Reb, 1 Ast, 0.5 Stl, 0.5 Blk, 1.3 TO
- Larry Sanders, PF/C (Rd. 13+): 45% FG, 55% FT, 4 Pts, 3.3 Reb, 1.5 Blk

Sleeper:
Delfino

Most likely to surprise:
Jennings

Most likely to disappoint:
Bogut

Category specialists:
- Threes: Delfino, Jackson, Jennings
- Steals: Delfino, Jennings
- Blocks: Bogut, Sanders

Things to consider:
- Bogut‘s health and his elbow, which he says will always be limited
- how much Jennings‘ offseason workouts will bear fruit
- how much playing time Udrih will get

Team’s statistical NBA ranks from 2010-11:
- Pts: 30th
- FGM: 30th
- FGA: 23rd
- FG%: 30th
- FT%: 20th
- 3PTM: T-18th
- Reb: T-17th
- Ast: 30th
- TO: T-7th
- Stl: 11th
- Blk: T-13th
- Pace: T-25th
- Offensive Efficiency: 30th
- Defensive Efficiency: 4th

Fantasy-friendliness for 2011-12: C

Bonus:
Andrew Bogut can’t buy a high-five

This might make sense if you read this post.

Around this time last year this blog was kicking it with mock drafts and updates about the realm of fantasy basketball. This summer is different, for obvious reasons.

With the lockout in full swing and the fount of NBA news slowed to a muddy trickle by inane updates about which players are “considering” playing overseas, I’ve had more time to keep abreast of non-NBA news. One story that recently caught my eye was about Abercrombie & Fitch paying Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino not to wear its merchandise.

Before I proceed, I’ll admit that I’ve never been drunk enough mustered up enough courage to sit down and watch a single minute of a single episode of “Jersey Shore.” This means my low regard for Mr. Sorrentino is fueled by snippets I’ve seen on TV or read on the Internet, and by his awful delivery.

That said, this news story compelled me to ask myself a question: Which players would I (figuratively) pay to not be on my fantasy basketball team?

Thus, a blog post was born.

Assuming an act of God forced me to miss my next fantasy basketball draft, here are 10 players I’d “pay” to leave my team if the dreaded auto-draft pooped them onto my roster. Following each player’s blurb is a series of “Situations” reflecting how badly I’d want these players off my team.

1. Jason Kidd: He’ll turn 39 in March 2012 (which only matters if 2011-12 actually happens, blah blah blah) and is coming off a season where he shot a career-low 36.1 percent from the field. He can still put up mildly appealing all-around numbers, but with a healthier Roddy Beaubois set to be Kidd’s backup next season, there are very few reasons to get excited about having Kidd land on my team.
   
2. Andrew Bynum: This one’s just a matter of trust, or the lack of it. I tip my hat to Bynum’s production in the latter portion of last regular season, but I just can’t ignore the ticking I hear in my head whenever I see the dude’s name on the draft board — and it’s not from the draft-clock countdown. Bynum’s knee makes him too risky for my tastes, and his very public offense of parking his car in two handicapped-parking spots (at the same time) either tells me his knee now makes him legally handicapped or he’s just a douche bag. Either way, I don’t want him on my fantasy team.
   
3. Andrew Bogut: Just because I’ve never watched “Jersey Shore” doesn’t mean I can’t dislike “The Situation.” The same goes for Bogut’s elbow: Just because I haven’t watched the footage of Bogut’s horrific arm injury a couple seasons ago doesn’t mean I can’t dislike what it does for the Aussie’s fantasy value. I will never feel good about having Bogut on my fantasy basketball squad. (Tangent 1: Why haven’t I watched the video of Bogut’s injury? I just didn’t see any value in it. I saw Shaun Livingston‘s knee injury and concluded that I could’ve gone on just as well with my life if I had just read a summary of it. Tangent 2: How grateful are you that your parents didn’t name you “Andrew” and that you don’t have a last name that begins with “B”? Unless you do, in which case I’d suggest you carefully make your way into a bubble.)
   
4. Brandon Jennings: Jennings is a point guard who shot 39.0 percent from the field and dished out 4.8 assists per game last season. Add Beno Udrih (about whom coach Scott Skiles has spoken highly of) and Stephen Jackson (who took on point guard-like duties for the Bobcats) and I just have a very hard time seeing too much room for improvement underneath Jennings’ ceiling next season.
   
5. Carlos Boozer: His days as an automatic 20/10 are far behind him. Boozer is now a guy who’ll chip in healthy numbers in the rebounds and FG% columns, but won’t get the blocks you want from a big man and will probably miss about a quarter of next season’s games (he’s averaged 63.2 games played per season in his nine seasons in the NBA). Assuming Joakim Noah‘s body is healthy and ready to go, and knowing that the Bulls are looking for more scoring punch from the SG position, I’d be happy to shell out a penny or two to rid my roster of Boozer.
   
6. Tyreke Evans: It’s not that I don’t think Evans is capable of putting up elite fantasy numbers, it’s just that I don’t see how he’ll get to that level next season. Evans is a guy who likes having the ball in his hands, which is fine and dandy in a vacuum. My concern is that on a retooled team that will have minimal time to jell, Evans will have some difficulty adjusting to his role with his new teammates. Is he the team’s point guard or shooting guard? If Marcus Thornton is inked to a deal, will there be enough shots to go around? And what about John Salmons and the frontcourt tandem of DeMarcus Cousins and J.J. Hickson – what net effect will that have on Evans’ production?
   
7. Ricky Rubio: I don’t expect much at all from Rubio in the next NBA season. He’s not just playing on a new team — he’s playing in another league, in another continent, in Minnesota. And it’s not like Rubio’s bringing over a rock-solid jumper and brawny NBA-ready frame. I expect him to be nothing more of a constant tease in his first NBA season, which goes against my basic fantasy basketball adage: Don’t draft players whose play reflects attributes you wouldn’t want in a girl. (So, no, I wouldn’t date Anthony Randolph either.)
   
8. Baron Davis: Baron Walter Louis Davis walks out of an extra-long offseason to join a terrible NBA team that has its point guard of the future — who is not named Baron. It all sounds like the setup for a horror movie, one produced by Davis himself. If you want to have any part of a season in which an overweight, unmotivated Davis tries to adjust to the role of veteran nurturer on a bottom-feeding team, then you’re a sick, sick person.
   
9. Michael Beasley: The man who’s had no trouble making headlines this summer (for all the wrong reasons) will have to fight with Derrick Williams for his minutes next season, a situation I want absolutely no part of. That right there is bad enough, but add the fact that Beasley’s numbers, even in last season’s “breakthrough” campaign, aren’t all that special (kind of like a less productive version of pre-NYK Carmelo Anthony) and I’d do everything fiscally possible to mush him off my fantasy roster.
   
10. Greg Oden: No.
    

No one's shedding any tears for Wade or his fantasy owners this season. (NBA.com)

Beast of the Night: Dwyane Wade finished with 38 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, two blocks and two three-pointers in a losing cause. He shot 57 percent (12-21) from the field, 92 percent (12-13) from the free-throw line and had three turnovers. Wade has been a top-25 player this season, which is a far cry (pun intended) from his top-eight pick position in many drafts last fall.

Lines for Discussion:
Brandon Jennings: 10-20 FG (50%), 3 threes, 23 Pts, 5 Reb, 4 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 TO

Andrew Bogut: 7-13 FG (54%), 0-2 FG (0%), 14 Pts, 9 Reb, 7 Ast, 1 Stl, 3 TO

Darren Collison: 4-7 FG (57%), 1-1 FT (100%), 1 three, 10 Pts, 2 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO

Kirk Hinrich: 5-10 FG (50%), 2 threes, 12 Pts, 2 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO

Baron Davis: 7-14 FG (50%), 3-4 FT (75%), 2 threes, 19 Pts, 5 Reb, 6 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 Blk, 4 TO

Gerald Wallace: 8-14 FG (57%), 5-6 FT (83%), 1 three, 22 Pts, 9 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk

Brandon Roy: 5-8 FG (63%), 1-1 FT (100%), 3 threes, 14 Pts, 1 Ast

Marcin Gortat: 6-15 FG (40%), 1-3 FT (33%), 13 Pts, 16 Reb, 2 Ast, 3 Blk, 2 TO

Vince Carter: 13-17 FG (77%), 1-2 FT (50%), 5 threes, 32 Pts, 6 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Stl, 3 TO

Waiver-Wire Watch:
Carlos Delfino, Jordan Crawford, Trevor Booker, Evan Turner, Tyler Hansbrough, Samardo Samuels

Injuries:
Delonte West (ankle): won’t play tonight

Von Wafer (calf): out at least another week

Glen Davis (knee): feeling better, but not expected to play tonight

Stephen Jackson (hamstring): expected to play tonight

Tyrus Thomas (knee); ditto

Arron Afflalo (hamstring): likely out for the next two games

Luis Scola (knee): day-to-day

Michael Redd (knee): expected to make his season debut in about two weeks

Quinton Ross (back): out at least until next week

Anthony Morrow (concussion): was at the Nets’ practice Tuesday; monitor his status

Deron Williams (personal): will miss the Nets’ next two games for the birth of his child

Andrea Bargnani (flu): didn’t practice Tuesday; check his status

Reggie Evans (foot): said he’s ready to go tonight

Paul Millsap (knee): game-time decision tonight

Andrei Kirilenko (back): doubtful for tonight

Andray Blatche (shoulder): monitor his status

D.J. Augustin (ankle): rolled his ankle in Tuesday’s practice, but should play tonight

Semih Erden (shoulder): out for the rest of the week

Luke Harangody (hip): day-to-day

Kevin Love (knee): day-to-day

Anthony Randolph (flu): day-to-day

Cartier Martin (knee): day-to-day

J.J. Hickson (finger): probable for tonight