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.

Yep, he's still No. 1. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Weekend Wonder: LeBron James averaged 28.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks in two games over the weekend. He shot 57 percent from the floor, hit 94 percent of his free throws and turned the ball over 3.5 times per game. James is shooting 56 percent from the field so far this season, thanks to his apparently deliberate attempts to shoot fewer three-pointers and take shots closer to the rim.

Lines for Discussion:
LaMarcus Aldridge (1/20): 12-25 FG (48%), 9-14 FT (64%), 33 Pts, 23 Reb, 5 Ast, 2 Stl, 6 TO; he’s quietly putting together top 12 averages so far this season

Stephen Curry (1/20): 5-15 FG (33%), 2 threes, 12 Pts, 2 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 TO; his minutes will likely be limited for a few games, but his owners should feel bold enough to start him

Danilo Gallinari (1/21): 9-19 FG (47%), 18-20 FT (90%), 1 three, 37 Pts, 11 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO; Gallinari is now shooting 46 percent from the field, his highest mark since arriving in the NBA and a big reason for his top 10 value so far this season

Amar’e Stoudemire (1/21): 4-9 FG (44%), 3-4 FT (75%), 1 three, 12 Pts, 11 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 4 TO; he remains a decent buy-low target for owners desperate for change

Chris Kaman (1/21): 1-2 FG (50%), 1-1 FT (100%), 3 Pts, 1 Reb, 1 Blk, 2 TO; owners in need of immediate help, especially in shallower leagues, should feel free to swap him out

Marc Gasol (1/21): 8-11 FG (73%), 3-3 FT (100%), 1 three, 20 Pts, 11 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl, 6 Blk; the man is averaging top five numbers so far this season and is outperforming the likes of Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Love

Devin Harris (1/21): 4-5 FG (80%), 1-2 FT (50%), 9 Pts, 2 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Stl, 3 TO; don’t feel bad about dropping him

Paul Pierce (1/22): 10-15 FG (67%), 12-15 FT (80%), 2 threes, 34 Pts, 8 Reb, 10 Ast, 3 Stl, 5 TO; Pierce is shooting just 41 percent from the field but remains a must-start player in all but the shallowest of leagues

DeAndre Jordan (1/22): 7-9 FG (78%), 2-4 FT (50%), 16 Pts, 16 Reb, 1 Stl, 2 Blk; too bad he doesn’t rebound like this every night — not that his owners are complaining

Anthony Morrow (1/22): 6-10 FG (60%), 4-4 FT (100%), 3 threes, 19 Pts, 5 Reb, 1 TO; nice line, but he continues to come off the bench and offer unreliable value

Waiver-Wire Watch (four stars = must add; one star = keep an eye on him):
James Johnson: he’s starting and should be a fine all-around producer until further notice (***)

Shaun Livingston: Captain Jack’s loss is apparently Livingston’s gain, as he’s now starting and producing nice lines (**)

Bismack Biyombo: he’s inconsistent but is a good source of blocks (*)

Mickael Pietrus: owners in need of threes should give him a look (**)

Tiago Splitter: he posted a big 25/10/4 line Saturday with Tim Duncan out, but Splitter’s looked a lot better lately (**)

Mo Williams: the man has shot the lights out in his last three games and should be scooped up in most leagues (****)

Marreese Speights: unreliable but a decent big man to own in deeper leagues (**)

O.J. Mayo: he’s connected on 10 threes in his last three games (***)

Omer Asik: if Joakim Noah misses more time, Asik is worth a short-term pickup (*)

C.J. Miles: four of his last five games have been solid, and Miles is becoming a nice source of points, threes and steals (***)

Injuries:
Kirk Hinrich (shoulder): he’s hoping to play in the Hawks’ upcoming five-game road trip

Chris Wilcox (calf): day-to-day

Keyon Dooling (knee): day-to-day

Ray Allen (ankle): could play tonight

Rajon Rondo (wrist): monitor his status

DJ White (knee): day-to-day

D.J. Augustin (toe): day-to-day

Luol Deng (wrist): day-to-day

Chris Paul (hamstring): day-to-day

Dwyane Wade (ankle): day-to-day

Baron Davis (back): expected to practice today

Spencer Hawes (Achilles): game-time decision tonight

Andrea Bargnani (calf): day-to-day

Joakim Noah (ankle): day-to-day

Taj Gibson (ankle): day-to-day

Dirk Nowitzki (conditioning, knee): will miss three more games

Rudy Fernandez (Achilles): day-to-day

Arron Afflalo (groin): day-to-day

Ben Gordon (shoulder): day-to-day

Will Bynum (foot): day-to-day

Charlie Villanueva (ankle): day-to-day

Gerald Wallace (finger): day-to-day

Josh Howard (quad): day-to-day

Roy Hibbert (nose): left Sunday’s game with a broken nose but returned; monitor his status

Tristan Thompson (ankle): day-to-day

Daniel Gibson (personal): day-to-day

Darko Milicic (hip): day-to-day

Carmelo Anthony (wrist, ankle): monitor his status

Josh Harrellson (wrist): out for about six weeks

Iman Shumpert (back): day-to-day

Nikola Vucevic (quad): doubtful for tonight

John Salmons (illness): check his status for tonight

Marcus Thornton (thigh): day-to-day

For Tonight:
Watch to see if Stephen Jackson continues to come off the bench for the Bucks, as they host the Hawks.

Lamar Odom will see another start for the Mavs, who host the Suns tonight.

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

What else can J-Smoove do to convince you that he's back? (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Weekend Wonder: Josh Smith averaged 24.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.5 steals, 4.0 blocks and 0.5 threes in two games over the weekend. In that stretch, he shot 63 percent from the field, 60 percent from the free-throw line and turned the ball over twice a game. After a slow start to the season, J-Smoove has really found his groove lately. In his last four games, Smith is averaging 20.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 2.8 blocks.

Lines for Discussion:
Ray Allen (1/6): 7-11 FG (64%), 5-6 FT (83%), 4 threes, 23 Pts, 3 Reb, 2 TO; Mr. Shuttlesworth is averaging 20.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 3.7 threes per game, while shooting 58 percent from the field and 86 percent from the charity stripe

D.J. Augustin (1/6): 8-16 FG (50%), 3-4 FT (75%), 2 threes, 21 Pts, 2 Reb, 12 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 TO; his poor shooting from the field holds him back from being a truly elite fantasy player

Chris Kaman (1/6): 3-9 FT (33%), 6 Pts, 12 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Blk, 4 TO; he has started the past two games at PF

Carlos Boozer (1/6): 9-19 FG (47%), 2-2 FT (100%), 20 Pts, 13 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Blk, 2 TO; after a rocky December, Boozer is doing fine in January

Anderson Varejao (1/6): 6-8 FG (75%), 1-2 FT (50%), 13 Pts, 12 Reb, 5 Ast, 4 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO; he’s averaging 9.1 points, 10.1 boards, 1.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.6 blocks per game, good for top 50 value so far

Anthony Morrow (1/6): 9-14 FG (64%), 6 threes, 24 Pts, 3 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl; he’s showing signs, averaging 12.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.4 threes through five games in January

Marc Gasol (1/6): 9-15 FG (60%), 3-4 FT (75%), 21 Pts, 11 Reb, 2 Ast, 6 Blk, 5 TO; Little Gasol has been a top 10 fantasy player so far this season, but owners might want to think about selling high before Z-Bo returns

Tyrus Thomas (1/7): 3-6 FG (50%), 4-6 FT (67%), 10 Pts, 7 Reb, 2 TO; he’s finally back, but expectations should be kept in the realm of reality

Danilo Gallinari (1/7): 10-16 FG (63%), 8-10 FT (80%), 3 threes, 31 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 TO; Gallo has been on fire in January, averaging 20.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.6 threes per game, while shooting an uncharacteristic 52 percent from the floor

Jason Richardson (1/8): 9-16 FG (56%), 1-2 FT (50%), 3 threes, 22 Pts, 4 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl; we’ll see if he’s actually back from the grave, but he’s been promising lately

Waiver-Wire Watch (four stars = must add; one star = keep an eye on him):
Goran Dragic: with Kyle Lowry missing, Dragic is reminding owners of his unofficial title of “Ultimate Spot Start” (**)

Iman Shumpert: he’s putting up great all-around numbers, including 2.7 steals per game in January (****)

Nate Robinson: he’s found a suitable home in Golden State and should be usable until Stephen Curry returns (**)

Markieff Morris: the man has turned into a poor man’s 2010-11 Channing Frye – he’ll help you in threes, rebounds and a bit in blocks (****)

Byron Mullens: he’s not much more than points and some boards (*)

Brandon Knight: he’s thriving with a starting gig, which might not last much longer (***)

Matt Barnes: in his last two games, Barnes is averaging 15.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks and a three (**)

Trevor Booker: he’s getting a steady dose of 20+ minutes a night and is a g decent source of steals and blocks (**)

Gary Neal: he’ll be a decent source of threes so long as he’s starting (***)

Marreese Speights: his 17/7/2 line Sunday was unexpected, though it’s tough to say whether he’ll be reliable in the long run (**)

Injuries:
Richard Hamilton (groin): day-to-day

Andris Biedrins (ankle): day-to-day

Danny Granger (ankle): should be fine but monitor his status

Roy Hibbert (ankle): ditto

Udonis Haslem (ribs): playing with a small crack in his rib but should continue to play

Beno Udrih (shoulder): day-to-day

Mike Dunleavy (groin): day-to-day

Carmelo Anthony (back): shouldn’t miss any time with his sore back

Eric Maynor (knee): out for the rest of the season

Spencer Hawes (back): left Saturday’s game early; monitor his status

Rashard Lewis (knee): day-to-day

Marvin Williams (ankle): day-to-day

Jason Kidd (back): out at least a few more games

Nene (foot): day-to-day

Charlie Villanueva (ankle): day-to-day

Rodney Stuckey (groin): day-to-day

Courtney Lee (calf): day-to-day

Kyle Lowry (foot): day-to-day

Dwyane Wade (foot): seems close to returning but remains day-to-day

Andrew Bogut (personal): day-to-day

Mehmet Okur (back): day-to-day

Jason Smith (personal): day-to-day

Linas Kleiza (knee): visiting his doctor today; monitor his status

DeJuan Blair (soreness): should be fine, but monitor his status

Tony Parker (soreness): ditto

Jeremy Evans (stomach virus): day-to-day

DJ White (ankle): day-to-day

Austin Daye (ankle): day-to-day

Jon Brockman (eye): day-to-day

Eric Gordon (knee): out for 2-3 weeks

For Tonight:
Expect Derrick Rose to bounce back in a big way against the Pistons tonight.

If Hawes is limited in any way, Nikola Vucevic could be a decent spot start in deeper leagues, as the Sixers host the Pacers.

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

Chris Paul + Blake Griffin = alley-oop heaven

It finally happened: Chris Paul is traded away from the Hornets.

The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed in principle to a deal with the New Orleans Hornets. Here’s the breakdown:

Los Angeles Clippers get: CP3, two future second-round picks

New Orleans Hornets get: Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu and Minnesota’s unprotected 2012 first-round draft pick

Here’s a quick list of fantasy implications:

• This is good news for Paul. Sure, he was a surefire top four pick before the trade, but CP3 is going from playing point guard for a hollow Hornets squad that lost David West to passing and lobbing it to Blake Griffin, who isn’t a bad finisher at the rim. I’d still take CP3 at No. 3 or 4 overall, but this trade is good for him, mentally and for — wait for it — basketball reasons. Griffin should benefit a bit from having Paul feed him the rock, but it’s not a significant bump to his fantasy value.
• This is bad news for Chauncey Billups, who is now relegated to CP3′s backup or maybe his team’s starting SG. Either way, Billups’ fantasy appeal has kind of flaked apart in the past week or so.
• Mo Williams‘ future is really uncertain now. He doesn’t seem to fit in this rotation. If Billups plays SG, Williams could be a backup PG. But with $17 million owed him this season and next season (player option), Williams could be an amnesty candidate. Keep an eye on his situation.
• Randy Foye should be blipping on your sleeper radar. Remember that in 16 starts last season, he averaged 16.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.5 blocks, 2.3 turnovers and 1.9 threes per game, while shooting 41.4 percent from the field and 94.4 percent from the free-throw line. His value is tied to what happens with Billups and Williams, but without Gordon around, he looks more appealing. This logjam at the PG/SG spot will have to be sorted out eventually, so monitor that situation.
• DeAndre Jordan is free! It’s time for him to play starter’s minutes. He should get close to averaging a double-double along with around a pair of blocks a night — a sort of statistical doppelganger to JaVale McGee in many ways. Jordan should be drafted near the early portion of the second half of drafts for head-to-head leagues.
• Gordon looks more appealing now, if only because he lands on a squad in desperate need of a leader on offense. He’s no longer a second fiddle and should have no problem asserting himself as the Hornets’ top dog. I’ll go out on a limb and say Gordon is a top 20 fantasy player now — let’s just hope he stays healthy. Marco Belinelli‘s fantasy appeal falls off a cliff with this deal.
• Jarrett Jack may have lost his good buddy CP3, but he gains what should be a stranglehold on the starting PG job for the Hornets. In 15 starts last season, Jack averaged 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 2.7 turnovers and 0.3 threes, along with 40.0 percent from the field and 87.9 percent from the charity stripe in just 28:53 a game. Assuming the Hornets don’t make any moves to add a capable point guard to their roster, Jack is the big winner of this deal. He’s a sleeper, for sure.
• Kaman‘s situation is a bit curious. Does he back up Emeka Okafor? Or does he start at center and push Okafor to PF, or vice versa? If Carl Landry is re-signed, a timeshare with Okafor at the center spot is likely. If Landry signs elsewhere, I can envision a Kaman/Okafor/Ariza frontcourt. Let’s see if the Hornets do something to plug that hole at PF. Okafor looks a bit less appealing now.
• Aminu will play backup to Trevor Ariza. A timeshare could be in the works. Even if Ariza plays the lion’s share of minutes at SF for the Hornets, he’ll be in Gordon’s shadow.

The Griffin will take flight -- again, and again, and again. (Flickr/Keith Allison)

Depth chart:
PG: Mo Williams, Eric Bledsoe
SG: Eric Gordon, Randy Foye, Willie Warren, Travis Leslie
SF: Al-Farouq Aminu, Ryan Gomes, Jamario Moon*
PF: Blake Griffin, Craig Smith*, Trey Thompkins, Ike Diogu, Brian Cook
C: Chris Kaman, DeAndre Jordan**

* unrestricted free agent
** restricted free agent

Relevant fantasy players and their projected draft positions/per-game stats:
- Eric Gordon, SG (Rd. 2): 45% FG, 85% FT, 2 Threes, 24 Pts, 3 Reb, 4.5 Ast, 1.5 Stl, 2.5 TO
- Blake Griffin, PF (Rd. 2): 50% FG, 67% FT, 24.5 Pts, 12 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 2.5 TO
- DeAndre Jordan, PF/C (Rd. 8): 65% FG, 45% FT, 8.5 Pts, 8.5 Reb, 0.5 Ast, 0.8 Stl, 2.3 Blk, 1.5 TO
- Mo Williams, PG (Rd. 9): 40% FG, 85% FT, 1.5 Threes, 13 Pts, 2.5 Reb, 5.5 Ast, 0.7 Stl, 3 TO
- Chris Kaman, C (Rd. 9): 50% FG, 75% FT, 10.5 Pts, 6.5 Reb, 1.5 Ast, 0.5 Stl, 1.5 Blk, 2 TO
- Eric Bledsoe, PG/SG (Rd. 13+): 45% FG, 75% FT, 0.5 Threes, 7 Pts, 2 Reb, 3.5 Ast, 1.3 Stl, 2.5 TO
- Al-Farouq Aminu, SF (Rd. 13+): 42% FG, 75% FT, 6 Pts, 3.5 Reb, 1 Ast, 0.7 Stl, 1 TO
- Randy Foye, PG/SG (Rd. 13+): 40% FG, 85% FT, 1 Three, 8 Pts, 2 Reb, 3 Ast, 0.7 Stl, 1 TO

Sleeper:
Aminu

Most likely to surprise:
Jordan

Most likely to disappoint:
Williams

Category specialists:
- Threes: Gordon, Williams
- Steals: Gordon
- Blocks: Jordan, Kaman

Things to consider:
- the timeshare between Kaman and Jordan, if Kaman isn’t dealt away
- Gordon’s health
- how much playing time Bledsoe is given

Team’s statistical NBA ranks from 2010-11:
- Pts: T-19th
- FGM: 21st
- FGA: 20th
- FG%: 20th
- FT%: 29th
- 3PTM: T-13th
- Reb: T-9th
- Ast: T-10th
- TO: 29th
- Stl: T-19th
- Blk: T-13th
- Pace: T-10th
- Offensive Efficiency: 23rd
- Defensive Efficiency: T-19th

Fantasy-friendliness for 2011-12: C

Bonus:
Lil’ Blake

What can he say? Lowry's just that damned good. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Weekend Wonder: Kyle Lowry averaged 24 points, seven rebounds, 9.5 assists, two steals and 3.5 threes in two games over the weekend. One of those was his first career triple-double. Lowry’s been a beast since the trade deadline and should be on every owner’s radar in the earlier rounds of fantasy basketball drafts next fall.

Lines for Discussion:
Tyler Hansbrough (3/18): 12-19 FG (63%), 5-5 FT (100%), 29 Pts, 12 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl

Blake Griffin (3/19): 12-21 FG (57%), 6-6 FT (100%), 30 Pts, 8 Reb, 8 Ast, 3 TO

Eric Gordon (3/19): 9-20 FG (45%), 5-5 FT (100%), 6 threes, 29 Pts, 1 Reb, 5 Ast, 5 TO

Danilo Gallinari (3/19): 5-12 FG (42%), 11-12 FT (92%), 2 threes, 23 Pts, 2 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 TO

Gerald Wallace (3/19): 8-12 FG (67%), 7-8 FT (88%), 2 threes, 25 Pts, 6 Reb, 8 Ast, 4 Stl, 2 TO

Samuel Dalembert (3/20): 13-20 FG (65%), 0-2 FT (0%), 26 Pts, 17 Reb, 2 Blk, 2 TO

Chris Kaman (3/20): 9-16 FG (56%), 3-3 FT (100%), 21 Pts, 11 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO

James Harden (3/20): 5-9 FG (56%), 11-13 FT (85%), 2 threes, 23 Pts, 2 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl

Waiver-Wire Watch:
Trevor Booker, Jordan Crawford, Reggie Evans, Toney Douglas, Chris Wilcox, Patrick Patterson, Chuck Hayes, Carlos Delfino, Tony Allen, Jordan Farmar

Injuries:
Baron Davis (back): day-to-day

Arron Afflalo (hamstring): day-to-day

Raymond Felton (ankle): doubtful for Monday

Darrell Arthur (ankle): day-to-day

Mario Chalmers (ankle): will be out about two weeks

Ersan Ilyasova (concussion): getting closer to returning

Deron Williams (wrist): will miss at least the next three games; he doesn’t sound like he wants to shut it down for the rest of the season

Andre Iguodala (knee): day-to-day

Shawn Marion (wrist): check his status

Gilbert Arenas (knee): questionable tonight

J.J. Redick (abdomen): day-to-day

Shaquille O’Neal (Achilles): won’t return any earlier than Wednesday; will start upon returning

Stephen Jackson (hamstring): expects to play Wednesday

Al Harrington (Achilles): day-to-day

Carlos Boozer (ankle): practice Sunday; check his status

Andris Biedrins (ankle): will likely be shut down for the rest of the season

Chase Budinger (ankle): day-to-day

Andrew Bynum (suspension): suspended two games for a flagrant foul 2 Friday; will miss one more game

Michael Redd (knee): closer to returning

Drew Gooden (foot): should practice this week

DeAndre Jordan (pneumonia): day-to-day

Aaron Brooks (suspension): served a one-game suspension Sunday

Taj Gibson (toe): monitor his status

Marcus Camby (ankle): check his status

Lowry ain't sneakin' up on nobody anymore. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

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Beast of the Night: Kyle Lowry finished with 24 points, four rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, one block and three three-pointers. He shot 47 percent (9-19) from the field, 60 percent (3-5) from the charity stripe and had no turnovers. This was nearly identical to his line on March 1. Lowry has been a big help to his fantasy owners all season long and should finish the season with top-50 value.

Lines for Discussion:
George Hill: 8-15 FG (53%), 5-5 FT (100%), 1 three, 22 Pts, 5 Reb, 5 Ast, 2 TO

Carlos Boozer: 5-11 FG (46%), 1-2 FT (50%), 11 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk, 2 TO

David Lee: 3-9 FG (33%), 3-4 FT (75%), 9 Pts, 16 Reb, 6 Ast, 1 Stl

Greg Monroe: 8-14 FG (57%), 2-4 FT (50%), 18 Pts, 11 Reb, 2 Ast, 4 Stl, 1 Blk, 1 TO

Chris Paul: 2-7 FG (29%), 4 Pts, 4 Reb, 10 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO

Aaron Brooks: 6-7 FG (86%), 3-3 FT (100%), 2 threes, 17 Pts, 7 Ast, 2 Stl, 3 TO

Chris Kaman: 10-17 FG (59%), 1-1 FT (100%), 21 Pts, 9 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk, 1 TO

Waiver-Wire Watch:
Samardo Samuels, Alonzo Gee, Ekpe Udoh, Anthony Randolph, Austin Daye, Jarrett Jack, Toney Douglas, Shawne Williams, Marcus Thornton, DeAndre Jordan

Injuries:
Josh Smith (knee): had an MRI after all; check his status

Daniel Gibson (quad): day-to-day

Baron Davis (knee): expected to play on Friday

Tyson Chandler (ankle): will miss at least the next two games for the Mavs

Ben Wallace (personal): day-to-day

Tayshaun Prince (back): day-to-day

Martell Webster (back): day-to-day

Darko Milicic (personal): day-to-day

Chauncey Billups (thigh): could return Friday

Gilbert Arenas (knee): will play today

Deron Williams (hand, wrist): says the wrist needs 3-4 weeks to heal; questionable for this weekend in London

Glen Davis (knee): MRI scheduled today; check his status

Arron Afflalo (ankle): monitor his status

Trevor Ariza (left adductor): day-to-day

Kevin Durant (ankle): wore a walking boot last night; monitor his status

Channing Frye (eye): day-to-day

Vince Carter (mouth): day-to-day

Luke Harangody (hip): day-to-day

No one can stand in K-Mart's way these days. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

[Read the full post at DimeMag.com]

Weekend Wonder: Kevin Martin averaged 31.5 points, four three-pointers, 5.5 rebounds, three assists, three steals and 0.5 blocks in two games over the weekend. That’s three straight games with 30+ points for Martin, who will be shedding no tears over Aaron Brooks’ departure. K-Mart has only missed two games and is averaging top-20 numbers so far this season.

Lines for Discussion:
J.J. Hickson (2/25): 9-17 FG (53%), 6-10 FT (60%), 24 Pts, 15 Reb, 1 Ast, 5 Blk, 3 TO

Deron Williams (2/26): 3-12 FG (25%), 9-12 FT (75%), 15 Pts, 5 Reb, 17 Ast, 2 Stl, 4 TO

Paul Millsap (2/26): 9-12 FG (75%), 5-8 FT (63%), 23 Pts, 11 Reb, 6 Ast, 3 Blk, 2 TO

Chris Kaman (2/26): 8-12 FG (67%), 16 Pts, 9 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Stl, 3 Blk, 2 TO

Stephen Curry (2/27): 13-21 FG (62%), 2-2 FT (100%), 5 threes, 33 Pts, 11 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 TO

Manu Ginobili (2/27): 10-22 FG (46%), 13-16 FT (81%), 2 threes, 35 Pts, 6 Reb, 8 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 4 TO

Brandon Roy (2/27): 3-9 FG (33%), 6 Pts, 1 Reb

Kevin Love (2/27): 8-13 FG (62%), 18-23 FT (78%), 3 threes, 37 Pts, 23 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl, 3 TO

Waiver-Wire Watch:
Leandro Barbosa, Marcus Thornton, Gerald Henderson, Greg Monroe, Anthony Parker, Wes Johnson, James Harden, George Hill, Chase Budinger

Injuries:
Antawn Jamison (finger): he fractured his left pinky finger Sunday; monitor his status

Baron Davis (knee): day-to-day

Matt Barnes (knee): getting close, but unlikely Tuesday

Martell Webster (back): day-to-day

Tim Duncan (ankle): monitor his status

Tony Parker (calf): ditto

Andrea Bargnani (illness): check his status

Luis Scola (knee): day-to-day

Kendrick Perkins (knee): out another 2-3 weeks

Kelenna Azuibuike (knee): Knicks are now considering releasing him

Ersan Ilyasova (concussion): day-to-day

Jason Thompson (ankle): check his status

Mike Dunleavy (thumb): out 6-8 weeks

Andray Blatche (hip): day-to-day

Anthony Morrow (knee): monitor his status

Xavier Henry (knee): seeking a second opinion, could be out for the rest of the season

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)

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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

Pau Gasol: 8-15 FG (53%), 14-14 FT (100%), 30 Pts, 20 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 TO

Ramon Sessions: 9-16 FG (56%), 13-14 FT (93%), 1 three, 32 Pts, 1 Reb, 8 Ast, 3 Stl, 3 TO

Paul Pierce: 10-18 FG (56%), 10-13 FT (77%), 1 three, 31 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 1 TO

Wilson Chandler: 9-15 FG (60%), 2 threes, 20 Pts, 5 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 TO

Roy Hibbert: 12-23 FG (52%), 5-5 FT (100%), 29 Pts, 9 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Blk, 3 TO

Andre Iguodala: 3-15 FG (20%), 6-6 FT (100%), 1 three, 13 Pts, 12 Reb, 10 Ast, 4 Stl, 1 TO

Chris Kaman: 2-4 FG (50%), 4 Pts, 6 Reb, 3 Blk, 1 TO

Trevor Ariza: 6-14 FG (43%), 2-3 FT (67%), 2 threes, 16 Pts, 9 Reb, 6 Ast, 3 Stl, 2 TO

Waiver-Wire Watch:
Brandon Bass, Erick Dampier, Josh McRoberts, Tracy McGrady, Wayne Ellington, Martell Webster, Roddy Beaubois, J.J. Barea, Peja Stojakovic, C.J. Miles

Injuries:
Mo Williams (ankle): monitor his status

Courtney Lee (pneumonia): day-to-day

Jeff Foster (ankle): day-to-day

Rudy Gay (shoulder): a partially separated shoulder will sideline him for at least four weeks

Mike Miller (head): he doesn’t have a concussion but was still held out of last night’s game; monitor his status

Ersan Ilyasova (eye): day-to-day

Brandon Roy (knees): expects to return after the All-Star break

Marcus Camby (knee): he should return after the break

Andrei Kirilenko (ankle): day-to-day

Al Thornton (finger): reinjured his dislocated right middle finger; day-to-day

Nick Young (knee): day-to-day

Rashard Lewis (knee): day-to-day

Jonny Flynn (fatigue): he’ll be shut down for at least a week

Spencer Hawes (ankle): day-to-day

Tyreke Evans (foot): plantar fasciitis is plaguing him again; check his status

Hibbert's bad week is an aberration. (AP Photo/Bahram Mark Sobhani)

[Read the full post at DimeMag.com]

Buy Low:
Dwyane Wade

Gerald Wallace

Andrei Kirilenko

O.J. Mayo

Roy Hibbert

Carlos Boozer, Rajon Rondo, Chris Kaman and any other productive fantasy players who are injured should be considered buy-low candidates.

Sell High:
Darko Milicic

Joakim Noah

Lamar Odom

Kevin Martin

Kris Humphries