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]

Nope, ain't no one taking this man's "Beast" honors. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Beast of the Night: Derrick Rose put up 31 points, three boards, 11 assists, a steal, two blocks and four three-pointers last night against the Timberwolves. He shot 55 percent (12-22) from the field, 75 percent (3-4) from the free-throw line and had three turnovers. For the season, Rose is scoring less than he did in 2010-11, but he’s dishing out 8.6 assists per outing, an improvement of nearly a full assist per game. Rose has put up top 15 averages so far, a bit disappointing given his first-round expectations heading into the season.

Lines for Discussion:
John Wall: 3-12 FG (25%), 2-3 FT (67%), 8 Pts, 2 Reb, 9 Ast, 3 Blk, 2 TO; Wall has been straight-up terrible this season

Elton Brand: 10-14 FG (71%), 1-4 FT (25%), 21 Pts, 10 Reb, 2 Ast, 3 Blk; most of his numbers are down from last season, but he’s still a top 75 player

Russell Westbrook: 12-20 FG (60%), 6-10 FT (60%), 30 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Blk, 2 TO; he’s averaging 20.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, a steal and 0.5 threes in January, while shooting 48 percent from the field and turning the ball over 2.5 times per game

Tim Duncan: 9-12 FG (75%), 2-3 FT (675), 20 Pts, 8 Reb, 7 Ast, 1 Stl, 3 Blk, 3 TO; he remains a decent low-end starter in most leagues, but DNPs are a concern late in the season

Stephen Jackson: 12-17 FG (71%), 7-7 FT (100%), 3 threes, 34 Pts, 1 Reb, 8 Ast, 3 TO; Captain Jack is still hitting just 38 percent of his shots from the floor this season, which drags down his otherwise decent fantasy value

Andrew Bogut: 7-15 FG (47%), 14 Pts, 11 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO; Bogut is posting top 40 averages so far, despite his mediocre 44 percent shooting from the field and 58 percent shooting from the free-throw line

Caron Butler: 8-19 FG (42%), 2-3 FT (67%), 2 threes, 20 Pts, 6 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 TO; he’s not thieving like we’re used to seeing him (1.1 per game), but he’s hitting more threes than expected (1.6 per game)

Dwyane Wade: 11-23 FG (48%), 12-16 FT (75%), 34 Pts, 6 Reb, 2 Ast, 4 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 TO; his owners must still monitor his status for each game

Dorell Wright: 7-15 FG (47%), 6 threes, 20 Pts, 10 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO; Wright’s not completely out of the doghouse just yet, but this is an encouraging sign

Kobe Bryant: 18-31 FG (58%), 12-13 FT (92%), 48 Pts, 5 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Stl, 2 TO; “Not bad for the seventh-best player in the league.” – Kobe after the game

Waiver-Wire Watch (four stars = must add; one star = keep an eye on him):
Trevor Booker: 8 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 Blk, 1 TO (**)

Jordan Hill: 12 Pts, 12 Reb, 1 Ast, 5 Blk, 3 TO (*)

Chandler Parsons: 20 Pts, 2 threes, 7 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 TO (****)

Byron Mullens: 15 Pts, 10 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk (**)

Evan Turner: 16 Pts, 10 Reb, 8 Ast, 1 Stl, 3 TO (**)

Kyle Korver: 13 Pts, 3 threes, 1 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO (**)

Kawhi Leonard: 19 Pts, 3 Reb, 2 Ast, 4 Stl, 1 Blk (***)

Anthony Randolph: 18 Pts, 2 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 1 TO (*)

Derrick Favors: 14 Pts, 5 Reb, 1 Blk, 1 TO (**)

Nate Robinson: 24 Pts, 2 threes, 4 Reb, 5 Ast, 4 Stl, 2 TO (****)

Injuries:
Mickael Pietrus (knee): plans to play tonight

Tyrus Thomas (ankle): day-to-day

Richard Hamilton (groin): day-to-day

Charlie Villanueva (ankle): day-to-day

Rodney Stuckey (groin): day-to-day

Courtney Lee (calf): day-to-day

Beno Udrih (shoulder): day-to-day

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

Mike Dunleavy (groin): out 2-4 weeks

Spencer Hawes (back): left last night’s game early; day-to-day

Andray Blatche (shoulder): day-to-day

Troy Murphy (illness): day-to-day

Jason Kapono (personal): missed last night’s game for the birth of his twin girls

T.J. Ford (hamstring): day-to-day

Marcus Thornton (thigh): day-to-day

Kwame Brown (shoulder): day-to-day

J.J. Barea (ankle): monitor his status

For Tonight:
After playing a season-high 35:50 last night, expect Duncan to get limited run tonight against the Rockets.

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

That about sums up Diaw's monstrous start to the 2011-12 NBA season. (Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

This will be a new weekly series of posts that differs from the “Buy Low, Sell High” posts from last season. The “buy, sell, hold” ratings should be approximately interpreted as follows:

• Buy: the player is a solid trade target because his value is underappreciated yet reliable, or because he’s in a slump
• Hold: if you own the player, try to hold onto him, either because he’ll maintain solid value or to see how his value stabilizes before dealing him away; if you don’t own the player, wait until his stock drops a bit or until his uncertain value is clearer before trying to get him in a trade
• Sell: don’t believe the player’s recent production and sell high if you own him

With that, here’s the stock watch for Week 1:

Up:
↑ Spencer Hawes: Sell

↑ Boris Diaw: Hold

↑ Kris Humphries: Hold

↑ Andre Miller: Hold

↑ Kyle Lowry: Hold

Down:
↓ Russell Westbrook: Buy

↓ Deron Williams: Buy

↓ Paul Millsap: Hold

↓ Dorell Wright: Buy

↓ Marcin Gortat: Buy

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

Lawson is a fantasy beast, through and through. (Flickr/Keith Allison)

Beast of the Night: Ty Lawson finished with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists, eight steals and two three-pointers last night in a loss to the Trail Blazers. He shot 63 percent (10-16) from the field, 75 percent (3-4) from the free-throw line and had two turnovers. Lawson is off to a very solid start in his first three games of the season. Though he’s not dishing out many assists (3.0 per game), he’s shooting like a center (62 percent from the field), hitting threes (1.7 per game) and thieving like Winona Ryder (4.0 per game). There’s little standing in his way to giving his owners top 30 value this season.

Lines for Discussion:
Deron Williams: 2-12 FG (17%), 6-8 FT (75%), 10 Pts, 4 Reb, 7 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 6 TO; flawed lines could be the norm for D-Will this season

Dwight Howard: 7-9 FG (78%), 2-9 FT (22%), 16 Pts, 24 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Stl, 3 Blk, 3 TO; I don’t think he wants to play in Jersey anymore

DeJuan Blair: 8-17 FG (47%), 6-8 FT (75%), 22 Pts, 12 Reb, 1 Ast; some steals and blocks (zero total so far this season) would be nice

Kyle Lowry: 5-10 FG (50%), 4-4 FT (100%), 2 threes, 16 Pts, 9 Reb, 8 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 TO; he is no fool’s gold

Kevin Martin: 10-17 FG (59%), 1-2 FT (50%), 4 threes, 25 Pts, 1 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Blk, 1 TO; worried owners can breathe now

Samuel Dalembert: 1-3 FG (33%), 2-2 FT (100%), 4 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Stl, 4 Blk; he’ll start soon enough

Russell Westbrook: 6-15 FG (40%), 4-6 FT (67%), 16 Pts, 4 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Stl, 7 TO; so much for that “next step”

Jimmer Fredette: 5-10 FG (50%), 2-2 FT (100%), 2 threes, 14 Pts, 1 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 TO; his ceiling is unknown, but he’ll be good for threes

Carlos Boozer: 8-16 FG (50%), 16 Pts, 15 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 4 TO; consistency still evades him

Waiver-Wire Watch (four stars = must add; one star = keep an eye on him):
MarShon Brooks: 17 Pts, 2 threes, 2 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 TO (*)

Tiago Splitter: 10 Pts, 11 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Blk, 3 TO (**)

Delonte West: 15 Pts, 1 three, 4 Reb, 6 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 TO (**)

C.J. Watson: 8 Pts, 1 three, 5 Reb, 9 Ast, 2 Stl (*)

Josh McRoberts: 10 Pts, 6 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Stl, 2 Blk (**)

Injuries:
Mike Conley (ankle): could miss the next two games

Luc Mbah a Moute (knee): practiced Thursday; monitor his status

Carlos Delfino (wrist): practiced Thursday; monitor his status

Jameer Nelson (neck): left last night’s game early with neck spasms, will be re-evaluated before Friday’s game

D.J. Augustin (ankle): left practice early Thursday, should play through it

Corey Maggette (illness): expected to play Friday

Tobias Harris (illness): day-to-day

Amar’e Stoudemire (ankle): day-to-day

Eric Gordon (knee): not expected to play tonight

For Tonight:
If Nelson can’t go tonight against the Bobcats, expect Chris Duhon and J.J. Redick to see boosts in value.

Marco Belinelli might be a nice spot start, as the Hornets host the Suns. Jarrett Jack should have another solid game.

Jeremy Pargo could also be a decent spot start, as the Grizzlies host the Rockets.

Watch the Derrick Favors-Paul Millsap battle, as the Jazz host the 76ers.

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

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

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

Ramon Sessions: 4-11 FG (36%), 6-6 FT (100%), 2 threes, 16 Pts, 7 Reb, 6 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO; his value will ultimately be determined by the rotation that solidifies for the Cavs

Nick Young: 6-12 FG (50%), 6-6 FT (100%), 3 threes, 21 Pts, 2 Reb, 4 Ast; he’ll be good for points and threes this season

Jarrett Jack: 8-17 FG (47%), 5-5 FT (100%), 21 Pts, 4 Reb, 9 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO; barring any signings of reliable point guards, Jack is set for a huge season

Russell Westbrook: 0-13 FG (0%), 4-4 FT (100%), 4 Pts, 3 Reb, 6 Ast, 4 TO; buy low

Manu Ginobili: 6-10 FG (60%), 7-7 FT (100%), 5 threes, 24 Pts, 3 Reb, 6 Ast, 1 Stl; another studly start

Andre Miller: 2-7 FG (29%), 3-5 FT (60%), 7 Pts, 3 Reb, 12 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 TO; he’ll have value despite bench role

Landry Fields: 5-10 FG (50%), 3-4 FT (75%), 1 three, 14 Pts, 2 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Stl, 4 TO; has a few weeks to solidify his standing as the starting SG while Iman Shumpert heals

Waiver-Wire Watch (four stars = must add; one star = keep an eye on him):
James Johnson: 6 Pts, 8 Reb, 2 Ast, 6 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO (****)

Jerryd Bayless: 13 Pts, 2 threes, 1 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 TO (**)

Brandon Knight: 23 Pts, 3 threes, 1 Reb, 6 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 TO (**)

Marvin Williams: 17 Pts, 2 threes, 8 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk (***)

Carl Landry: 20 Pts, 11 Reb, 1 Blk, 2 TO (****)

DeJuan Blair: 20 Pts, 6 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 TO (***)

Spencer Hawes: 9 Pts, 11 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 Blk, 4 TO (***)

Jeremy Pargo: 15 Pts, 3 Reb, 7 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 TO (*)

Brandon Rush: 19 Pts, 2 threes, 6 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO (***)

Ishmael Smith: 11 Pts, 1 three, 6 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 TO (*)

Injuries:
Eric Gordon (knee): a swollen knee made him a late scratch last night; monitor his status

Mike Conley (ankle): monitor his status

Jrue Holiday (knee): doesn’t sound serious but keep an eye on him

Chris Wilcox (shoulder): day-to-day

Tyrus Thomas (ankle): day-to-day

Jeff Foster (back): day-to-day

Mike Miller (hernia): day-to-day

Eddy Curry (hip): day-to-day

For Tonight:
See if Kevin Martin can get things going tonight, as the Rockets host the Spurs. Also, keep an eye on Terrence Williams.

See if Westbrook and Serge Ibaka can break out, as the Thunder host the Mavericks.

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

What can Melo say? He loves that Knicks offense. (Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images)

Beast of the Night: Carmelo Anthony kicked off the 2011-12 NBA season in a big way, finishing Christmas Day with 37 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, a block and four threes. He shot 59 percent (10-17) from the floor, hit 87 percent (13-15) of his free throws and had five turnovers. Melo clearly thrives in that Knicks offense and will prove himself worthy of a first-round pick this season.

Lines for Discussion:
Rajon Rondo: 11-19 FG (58%), 9-12 FT (75%), 31 Pts, 5 Reb, 13 Ast, 5 Stl, 5 TO; showed plenty of aggression and didn’t hesitate to take open jumpers

Tyson Chandler: 1-2 FG (50%), 5-8 FT (63%), 7 Pts, 3 Reb, 2 Ast, 6 Blk; six blocks is nice, but just three rebounds against that Celtics frontcourt?

Amar’e Stoudemire: 8-11 FG (73%), 3-4 FT (75%), 2 threes, 21 Pts, 6 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO; keep those threes comin’

Kobe Bryant: 11-23 FG (48%), 6-7 FT (86%), 28 Pts, 7 Reb, 6 Ast, 2 Stl, 8 TO; will continue to have flawed games as his wrist heals

Ryan Anderson: 9-17 FG (53%), 1-1 FT (100%), 6 threes, 25 Pts, 10 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 TO; he’s in for a big season

Russell Westbrook: 6-17 FG (35%), 1-1 FT (100%), 1 three, 14 Pts, 7 Reb, 6 Ast, 3 Stl, 7 TO; a reminder of his flaws

Kevin Durant: 11-19 FG (58%), 6-11 FT (55%), 2 threes, 30 Pts, 5 Reb, 6 Ast, 2 Stl, 4 TO; if he keeps racking up those assists, he’ll be the clear-cut No. 1 in fantasy basketball

DeAndre Jordan: 1-2 FG (50%), 4-12 FT (33%), 6 Pts, 5 Reb, 8 Blk, 2 TO; still raw, but with those blocks, owners aren’t complaining

Stephen Curry: 2-12 FG (17%), 0-1 FT (0%), 4 Pts, 5 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 Blk, 5 TO; owners have to wait for that ankle to heal

David Lee: 10-19 FG (53%), 1-2 FT (50%), 21 Pts, 12 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Blk, 4 TO; don’t call it a comeback

Waiver-Wire Watch:
Brandon Bass: 20 Pts, 11 Reb, 1 Stl, 1 TO

Udonis Haslem: 9 Pts, 14 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk, 3 TO

Steve Blake: 12 Pts, 2 threes, 3 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 TO

Josh McRoberts: 6 Pts, 8 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Blk, 2 TO

Troy Murphy: 7 Pts, 8 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk, 1 TO

Andris Biedrins: 10 Pts, 8 Reb, 3 Blk

Brandon Rush: 12 Pts, 2 threes, 3 Reb, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO

Injuries:
Iman Shumpert (knee): a sprained will put him out of commission for at least two weeks, probably longer

Reggie Evans (ankle): day-to-day

Jared Jeffries (calf): aggravated his calf injury and will miss 1-2 weeks

Mike Bibby (back): he was dressed but didn’t play yesterday; day-to-day

Marcus Camby (knee): practiced Saturday and is expected to start tonight

Paul Millsap (quad): practiced Saturday and should be ready to play Tuesday

Paul Pierce (heel): hoping to play Tuesday

Tyrus Thomas (ankle): didn’t practice Sunday and is doubtful tonight

Shawn Marion (finger): he fractured his left pinkie finger but will play through it

For Tonight:
See how many minutes Curry gets tonight, in the second game of a back-to-back set, as the Warriors host the Bulls.

The Hornets will have to rely on a small-name point guard, as Jarrett Jack serves his one-game suspension. Greivis Vasquez could be the guy to gamble on, if you’re in an incredibly deep league or if you enjoy these kinds of one-game plays.

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

Make no mistake: Ibaka will be a beast next season. (Flickr/Keith Allison)

Depth chart:
PG: Russell Westbrook, Eric Maynor, Reggie Jackson, Nate Robinson
SG: James Harden, Thabo Sefolosha, Robert Vaden, Royal Ivey
SF: Kevin Durant, Daequan Cook**
PF: Serge Ibaka, Nick Collison
C: Kendrick Perkins, Nazr Mohammed, Cole Aldrich, Byron Mullens

** restricted free agent

Relevant fantasy players and their projected draft positions/per-game stats:
- Kevin Durant, SF (Rd. 1): 48% FG, 90% FT, 2 Threes, 29 Pts, 7 Reb, 3 Ast, 1.3 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO
- Russell Westbrook, PG (Rd. 2): 43% FG, 85% FT, 0.5 Threes, 21 Pts, 4.7 Reb, 8.5 Ast, 2 Stl, 0.5 Blk, 3.5 TO
- Serge Ibaka, PF/C (Rd. 3): 55% FG, 75% FT, 12 Pts, 8.5 Reb, 0.5 Stl, 3 Blk, 1 TO
- James Harden, SG (Rd. 5): 45% FG, 85% FT, 1.7 Threes, 14.5 Pts, 3 Reb, 2.5 Ast, 1 Stl, 1.3 TO

Sleeper:
Perkins

Most likely to surprise:
Harden

Most likely to disappoint:
Westbrook

Category specialists:
- Threes: Durant, Harden, Cook
- Steals: Westbrook
- Blocks: Ibaka

Things to consider:
- if Harden actually takes the starting SG job and how his emergence affects dynamics
- if Westbrook adjusts his game in response to criticism (unlikely)
- if Perkins’ efforts to lose weight and get more mobile in the offseason pay off

Team’s statistical NBA ranks from 2010-11:
- Pts: 5th
- FGM: T-13th
- FGA: T-17th
- FG%: 10th
- FT%: 1st
- 3PTM: T-18th
- Reb: T-7th
- Ast: T-23rd
- TO: T-15th
- Stl: T-5th
- Blk: T-2nd
- Pace: 13th
- Offensive Efficiency: 4th
- Defensive Efficiency: 13th

Fantasy-friendliness for 2011-12: B+

Bonus:
Russell Westbrook looks tipsy

Curry's chest was bump-worthy this weekend. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

[Read the full post at DimeMag.com]

Weekend Wonder: Stephen Curry steamrolled through the weekend by averaging 27 points, 4.5 rebounds, six assists, two steals, 0.5 blocks and 3.5 threes in two games. He shot 60 percent from the field, 100 percent from the line and averaged 2.5 turnovers. After a somewhat forgettable December, Curry has managed to lift most of his averages in January and should maintain top-10 value the rest of the way.

Lines for Discussion:
Mike Dunleavy (1/28): 12-16 FG (75%), 6 threes, 30 Pts, 4 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk

Dwight Howard (1/28): 14-20 FG (70%), 12-16 FT (75%), 40 Pts, 15 Reb, 2 Ast, 4 Stl, 3 Blk, 3 TO

Russell Westbrook (1/28): 12-24 FG (50%), 11-16 FT (69%), 35 Pts, 13 Reb, 13 Ast, 2 Blk, 4 TO

Paul Millsap (1/28): 14-25 FG (56%), 2-2 FT (100%), 30 Pts, 8 Reb, 2 Ast, 6 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO

Andrei Kirilenko (1/28): 10-13 FG (77%), 6-8 FT (75%), 1 three, 27 Pts, 6 Reb, 7 Ast, 5 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 TO

Joe Johnson (1/29): 13-24 FG (54%), 1-1 FT (100%), 27 Pts, 8 Reb, 6 Ast, 2 Stl, 2 TO

Andrew Bogut (1/29): 7-18 FG (39%), 3-7 FT (43%), 17 Pts, 18 Reb, 1 Ast, 7 Blk

Kobe Bryant (1/30): 16-29 FG (55%), 6-7 FT (86%), 3 threes, 41 Pts, 3 Reb, 2 TO

Ben Gordon (1/30): 12-21 FG (57%), 4-4 FT (100%), 7 threes, 35 Pts, 1 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Stl, 4 TO

Waiver-Wire Watch:
Gerald Henderson, Carlos Delfino, Paul George, Tracy McGrady, Trevor Booker, Wes Johnson, C.J. Miles, Samuel Dalembert, Marcin Gortat, Josh McRoberts

Injuries:
Peja Stojakovic (knee): not traveling with the Mavs for their upcoming three-game road trip

Al Harrington (foot): plantar fascia makes him day-to-day

Tyler Hansbrough (pneumonia): day-to-day

Jordan Farmar (back): day-to-day

Kelenna Azubuike (knee): returned to practice Wednesday, monitor his progress

JaVale McGee (flu): check his status

Jason Thompson (ankle): seen in a walking boot, day-to-day

Devin Harris (shin): says he’ll play Monday, check his status

Nick Young (calf): monitor his status

Mustafa Shakur (flu): day-to-day

Chris Douglas-Roberts (personal): death of his aunt makes caused him to miss Saturday’s game

Taj Gibson (ankle): monitor his status

Daniel Gibson (quad): day-to-day

Emeka Okafor (hip): day-to-day

Amar’e Stoudemire (knee): was listed as questionable before he played on Sunday; monitor his status

Gilbert Arenas (knee): a bruised knee kept him out of Sunday’s game

Goran Dragic (foot): likely out for the Suns’ next three games

Love is good at this. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

[Read the full post at DimeMag.com]

Beast of the Night: Kevin Love busted out some magic of his own against the Wizards last night, finishing with 35 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and five three-pointers. He shot 72 percent (13-18) from the field, 100 percent (4-4) from the line and had just one turnover. The man hasn’t blocked a damn shot since Dec. 11, but he still manages to put up top-five averages.

Lines for Discussion:
Rashard Lewis: 8-13 FG (62%), 3 threes, 19 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl, 4 TO

Darko Milicic: 7-16 FG (44%), 14 Pts, 11 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Blk, 4 TO

Dwight Howard: 11-19 FG (58%), 17-20 FT (85%), 39 Pts, 18 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Blk, 2 TO

Russell Westbrook: 11-22 FG (50%), 10-13 FT (77%), 32 Pts, 10 Reb, 13 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO

James Harden: 3-7 FG (43%), 1-1 FT (100%), 1 three, 8 Pts, 1 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 TO

J.R. Smith: 10-17 FG (59%), 8 threes, 28 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO

Waiver-Wire Watch:
Al Thornton, Wayne Ellington, J.J. Redick, Ryan Anderson, Mike Miller

Injuries:
Kevin Garnett (calf): participated in more than half of Thursday’s practice, but is out tonight

Nazr Mohammed (knee): should be back tonight

Anthony Parker (back): out both games this weekend

Daniel Gibson (ankle): rejoined the team and practiced Thursday, but is likely out this weekend

Dirk Nowitzki (knee): didn’t take part in team drills Thursday, leaving him doubtful for tonight

Chris Andersen (knee): out for a week to rest his knee

Kevin Martin (wrist): expects to play tonight, check his status

Chris Kaman (ankle): said he won’t return until early February

Marco Belinelli (ankle): not likely tonight

Brandon Roy (knees): will undergo arthroscopic surgery on both of his knees, could return later this season

Amir Johnson (back): should be ready tonight

Jermaine O’Neal (knee): will probably need surgery for his left knee, which could knock him out of the lineup for a while

Wesley Matthews (ankle): monitor his status

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

Nash is doling out the love lately. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

[Read the full post at DimeMag.com]

Weekend Wonder: Steve Nash averaged 24.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 13.5 assists, 1 steal and 1 three in two monster games over the weekend. He shot 65 percent from the field, 82 percent from the free-throw line and turned the ball over just once per game. After a sluggish start to the season, Nash has notched double-doubles in his last four outings.

Lines for Discussion:
Kevin Love (11/12): 11-26 FG (42%), 8-10 FT (80%), 1 three, 31 Pts, 31 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Blk, 2 TO

Tyson Chandler (11/12): 3-4 FG (75%), 5-7 FT (71%), 11 Pts, 12 Reb, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 1 TO

Russell Westbrook (11/12): 12-22 FG (55%), 11-12 FT (92%), 1 three, 36 Pts, 7 Reb, 7 Ast, 3 Stl, 2 Blk, 2 TO

Blake Griffin (11/12): 8-15 FG (53%), 2-5 FT (40%), 18 Pts, 18 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk, 3 TO

Brook Lopez (11/13): 9-17 FG (53%), 5-6 FT (83%), 23 Pts, 5 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Blk, 3 TO

Gilbert Arenas (11/13): 11-22 FG (50%), 1-2 FT (50%), 7 threes, 30 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Stl, 5 TO

Elton Brand (11/13): 4-8 FG (50%), 8 Pts, 4 Reb, 1 Blk, 1 TO

Andrew Bogut (11/13): 4-12 FG (33%), 0-2 FT (0%), 8 Pts, 17 Reb, 7 Blk, 2 TO

Tim Duncan (11/14): 2-7 FG (29%), 2-4 FT (50%), 6 Pts, 4 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Blk

Jason Richardson (11/14): 13-20 FG (65%), 2-4 FT (50%), 7 threes, 35 Pts, 8 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Stl, 2 TO

Waiver-Wire Watch:
Brad Miller, DeMar DeRozan, Sonny Weems, Eric Bledsoe, Mickael Pietrus, Nazr Mohammed, Ramon Sessions, Marco Belinelli, Nate Robinson, Sebastian Telfair

Injuries:
Brandon Roy (knee): remains to be seen if he’ll miss games, questionable for Tuesday

Caron Butler (back): questionable tonight

David Lee (elbow): out two weeks

Chase Budinger (ankle): day-to-day

Steve Blake (stomach virus): day-to-day

Carlos Delfino (neck): day-to-day

Luke Ridnour (hamstring): should return Wednesday

Ronny Turiaf (knee): day-to-day

Robin Lopez (knee): sprained his left knee on Sunday, day-to-day

Yi Jianlian (knee): day-to-day

Andray Blatche (knee): monitor his status

Lamar Odom (foot): will have an MRI today

Jeff Green (ankle): questionable for Monday

John Wall (ankle): could miss a few days, check his status

Baron Davis (knee): could miss a few weeks