There are 13 NBA games on Saturday and a Season 1 marathon of Game of Thrones. I am screwed. As Zach Efron once lip-synched in a movie I never watched, "my head's in the game, but my heart's in the song."

HOSPITAL WARD

Leandro Barbosa exited with a sprained left shoulder after five minutes of action. He's been averaging 14 minutes per game over the last month. With Barbosa unavailable, Shaun Livingston scored a season-high 16 points (8-9 FG) in 22 minutes. The scoring and minutes weren't directly tied to Barbosa's injury. The Warriors get two days off before their next game, one that might see the return of Harrison Barnes (ankle).

M.I.A.

• Chicago
  • Joakim Noah (shoulder)
  • Mike Dunleavy (back)
• Cleveland
  • Richard Jefferson (DNP-CD)
• Golden State
  • Harrison Barnes (ankle)
• Houston
  • Sam Dekker (back)
• LA Clippers
  • Austin Rivers (ankle)
  • Josh Smith (DNP-CD)
• LA Lakers
  • Ryan Kelly (neck)
• Miami
  • Tyler Johnson (shoulder)
  • Josh McRoberts (knee)
• New Orleans
  • Alexis Ajinca (calf)
  • Quincy Pondexter (knee)

ROTATION NOTES

Goran Dragic missed the previous game with a sore left wrist and sore right thumb. After four days off, he reclaimed his spot in the starting lineup, displacing Beno Udrih. Truthfully, I can't tell the difference between Dragic and Udrih on my television. They're both left-handed Slovenian guards with similar hairstyles and body types. Per usual, Dragic was his nondescript self with seven points (3-8 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six assists, and three rebounds in 35 minutes. I continue to advocate buying low on Dragic because Dwyane Wade's body will eventually break down. You can revisit my thoughts in the previous Box Score Breakdown for a more detailed analysis. Udrih played 12 minutes because Tyler Johnson (shoulder) is still out. Johnson will eventually need to undergo surgery on his shoulder, so don't be surprised he opts to get it over with during the season. For now, the team is just being cautious by not letting him play even though he was already cleared for action.

Tony Snell played nine minutes and didn't play in the second half. He was removed from the starting lineup the previous game, resulting in a DNP-CD. His presence resulted in a team-low negative 12 plus-minus. Coach Hoiberg called on Snell to guard Dion Waiters. Failure is the operative term. Snell may not return to the rotation until the Bulls play the Pacers three games from now (conjecture on my part). Those minutes will likely go to Doug McDermott in the interim.

Nobody wants to believe me when I say Matthew Dellavedova will play more minutes than Mo Williams with Kyrie Irving back. Yet here we are. I know Williams recently missed time due to a thumb injury, depressing his playing time, but he offers a fraction of what Irving can provide, which is ideally offset by Dellavedova's game. Dellavedova played 31 minutes to Williams' five minutes. This is a situation where Williams may be phased out of the rotation, much like Richard Jefferson (DNP-CD), who didn't play for the first time this season. Some people reading this will be able to take advantage of Dellavedova. He's third in assist-to-turnover ratio in the league and first on the Cavaliers in three-point accuracy at 43 percent.

Kyrie Irving played 26 minutes on the first night of a four-game-in-five-night stretch. I assumed he'd be limited to 20 minutes a night, but this being a Christmas day spectacle, it's understandable he played late into the fourth quarter. Irving converted 4-of-15 shots, lowering his season mark to 29 percent from the field. I don't think he plays more than 32 minutes a night by the end of the season. I also don't know if he'll rest during back-to-backs, but that's seemingly en vogue. We'll find out tonight when the Cavaliers take on the Trail Blazers. With Damian Lillard (foot) on the fritz, resting Irving may be the best course of action.

FANTASY LINE OF THE DAY

Anthony Davis: 29 points (13-29 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 15 rebounds, four assists, four steals, three blocks, 50 MINUTES!!!!

Davis had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks by halftime. Two games ago, he scored a career-high 19 points in a quarter. His stock is swiftly approaching his preseason perceptions.

It's cool if Davis plays a career-high 50 minutes. It's not like he has a history of various injuries. Say what you will about Monty Williams, but he coddled Davis and always looked out for his health to the point where held out Davis longer than necessary. Two months into Davis' tenure with Alvin Gentry, he's playing astronomical minutes to help dig the Pelicans out of the bottom of the standings. I would attempt to swap Davis for Kevin Durant straight up. I don't know if you're able to coax such a deal, but the Pelicans may ultimately shut Davis down in a few months and reboot.

Sidenote: Davis has proven to be a mediocre three-point shooter. He's made 31 percent on mainly wide-open attempts, translating into a career-low 49 percent accuracy from the field on a career-high 18.1 shots per game.

ROOKIE OF THE DAY

D'Angelo Russell: 16 points (7-13 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 0-2 FT), seven rebounds, two steals, one assist, one block, 28 minutes

Coach Scott may or may not reintroduce Russell and Julius Randle into the starting lineup on Sunday. It's been 10 games since he rearranged the starters, but he doesn't want to reveal his plan yet. In fact, this is what Scott said vis-à-vis the lineup shift:

"I'll take a look at the numbers and see how they play compared to the first 20 games. Sometimes the numbers don't tell the whole story when you're looking at young guys. A lot of it is going to be how I feel they've come along the last 10 games or the last couple weeks."

Russell has performed better than Randle since the demotion, and some of that may stem from Jordan Clarkson missing time, thrusting Russell back into the starting lineup for a few games. And by better, I mean Russell is shooting 39 percent from the field, 34 percent on threes, and 58 percent from the line to Randle's 38 percent field goal mark and 70 percent free-throw inclination. Russell gets the checkmark in the counting stats, but there are too many guards blocking his way and coach Scott toying with his playing time until he earns it. Randle averaged 11.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game off the bench, sequestering his value to leagues that record double-doubles. Russell strikes me as a guy I want to own closer to the All-Star break.

TRIPLE-DOUBLE WATCH

Pau Gasol: 21 points (8-16 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 13 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, 38 minutes

The trade winds have descended upon the Windy City, bringing uncertainty and optimism. Gasol will opt-out of his contract in the offseason in search of a lucrative contract, and Joakim Noah (shoulder) will become an unrestricted free agent. I don't think Gasol is a certainty to move before the trade deadline, but the situation concerns me enough to toss Gasol on the trade block. I know he'll get more playing time with Noah out, but I don't know if Gasol can outperform his December numbers. Much like with Dwyane Wade and the Heat, the Bulls have played three back-to-back sets this season with 14 more on the horizon. On the other hand, Gasol is the one constant in the Bulls' frontcourt and the Bulls have the best fantasy playoff schedule in head-to-head leagues. Monitor his production on upcoming back-to-backs and minutes while Noah sits. If your team is heading for a bye in Week 21, you've got nothing to gain by keeping Gasol the week the Bulls play five times.

Russell Westbrook: 26 points (9-23 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 7-13 FT), eight assists, seven rebounds, six steals, six turnovers, 40 minutes

Westbrook is second in the league with 18 double-doubles, third with 9.3 assists, first with 2.5 steals, and fifth with 25.4 points per game this season. He's also first with 4.5 turnovers per game, a stat I neglect. In December, he dropped his three-point attempts and turnovers to 3.3 per game, a wise move for his impact on the team. The Thunder is a three-man show, fortifying Westbrook's value.

Kevin Durant: 29 points (11-21 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 6-6 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal, one block, 42 minutes

Per offseason reports relayed by Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman, the last foot surgery Durant underwent has a 99 percent recovery rate. He's more likely to sustain an injury in another part of his body, a la the hamstring strain the forced him to miss six games. My confidence in Durant has never wavered, dating back to the hamstring impediment, and he's turning in an incredible season.

Draymond Green: 22 points (8-17 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 15 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, 39 minutes

Green misplaced his early season touch. After shooting 45 percent on threes and 78 percent from the free-throw line in the first 17 games, Green followed up by converting 29 percent of his threes and 66 percent of his free throws in the next 12 games. His peripheral stats increased noticeable along with his playing time to help offset the efficiency drought. The regression more closely aligns with his career numbers. Nevertheless, Green still leads the Warriors in assists (7.1) and rebounds (9.0).

Stephen Curry: 19 points (6-15 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 6-6 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals, 37 minutes

Curry aggravated a strained right calf he sustained the previous game and left for a sizeable portion of the second quarter. He was cleared to return, and Coach Walton would've shut him down if it was an issue. The Warriors get two days off before their next outing. I don't expect Curry to miss Monday's game, but there's a chance he gets the night off before the Warriors begin a stretch of five games in seven nights.

Curry's playing 35 minutes per game. He hasn't played less than 29 minutes in over a month, and he's had to play in nine of the last 11 fourth quarters while averaging 36.0 minutes per game in those matches. Perhaps it's a slump or fatigue, but Curry is shooting 45 percent from the field and 33 percent on three-pointers over the last seven games. The return of Harrison Barnes (ankle) may prop up the team by reducing minutes from the reserves, allowing Curry play fewer minutes when the Warriors jump out to devastating leads.

Blake Griffin: 13 points (6-17 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, one block, six turnovers, 36 minutes

Griffin takes a ton of mid-range jumpers. In fact, he leads the NBA in two-point field goals made. Coach Rivers recently applauded Griffin for restraining himself from launching three-pointers. To that end, Griffin has seen a decline in efficiency from the field and free-throw line this month, stemming from more than half his shots occurring outside the paint. Griffin tweaked his left knee at the end of November, and that may be the root of the problem. The Clippers began a stretch of five games in seven nights on Christmas before he can get some scheduled rest. Otherwise, he may have to miss a game on this five-game road trip to promote healing in the area.

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHTS AND ODDITIES

Eric Gordon resembles a useless blob on the court. He's indecisive, turns the ball over, makes terrible decisions, and can only convert wide open shots. Don't let the stats fool you. In 43 minutes, he provided 16 points (5-15 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-5 FT), three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. If you haven't traded Gordon already, remember he's never played more than 64 games since his rookie season.

Tyreke Evans didn't score until the 2:19 mark of the fourth quarter and finished with six points (2-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven assists, six rebounds, and five turnovers in 35 minutes. Nonetheless, he's one of four players averaging at least 15.0 points, 6.0 assists. and 6.0 rebounds just 12 games into his season, duplicating his stats from last season when Jrue Holiday missed the second half with a stress fracture.

Evans' inexplicably shooting a career-high 84 percent from the free-throw line and career-high 39 percent on three-pointers. I recall Evans shot a career-high 44 percent on three-pointers early last season before reverting to his career mark of 28 percent. You don't own Evans for efficiency or three-pointers. If that's the case, trade him now because he will dip below 80 percent free-throw shooting and 33 percent three-point shooting.

Chris Bosh has gone seven straight games without a block, reverting to the form we're most familiar. That doesn't take away from his 30 points (11-25 FG), 10 rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 42 minutes yesterday; it's a mere footnote. Per the player tracking data, 19 of Bosh's 25 shots were uncontested. Most of the time, Bosh was alone on the perimeter after setting a screen, and with the Pelicans dropping the big, Bosh was free to jack. It helps that the Pelicans are one of the worst defenses in the NBA. It also helps that Bosh is the best three-point shooter on the Heat, making a team-high 41 treys this season.

The Heat plays four games in five nights, increasing the offensive workload for Bosh due to Dwyane Wade's ineffectiveness on the second night of a back-to-back. In fact, it's just the third and fourth back-to-back set for the Heat this season, the fewest to date.

Derrick Rose fouled out in 30 minutes. He shot 7-of-18 from the field and recorded one assist. Some of his shots don't even hit the rim. Across the board, Rose is posting career-lows in efficiency and box score stats. He's at the point Kobe Bryant found himself at the end of November. You can convince yourself he'll eventually turn it around, or you can seek greener pastures. The first thing to always do before releasing a big name to the wild is offer him in a two-for-one trade as the extra piece.

Taj Gibson proved worthy in 34 minutes, appropriating 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-1 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. He scored nine of his points in the first quarter before petering out. As long coach Hoiberg relies on him for over 30 minutes a night, you're looking at a double-double threat with at least one block who might be able to work himself into a few steals or assists on some nights. The bar isn't exceptionally high, but I'd add Gibson if I needed a center. Depending on your league size, you may not be able to sneak him into your daily lineup over the next three games because there are at least 10 games schedules on those nights.

Jimmy Butler recorded a steal in his 35th straight games dating back to last season. Even with that consistency, he's ninth in steals per game at 1.9.

Enes Kanter added 14 points (6-12 FG, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, and one assist in 26 minutes. It was the third time he played at least 26 minutes and the first time since November 18th. For the season, Kanter has recorded 37 turnovers, 17 assists, 12 blocks, one steal, and one three-pointer in 611 minutes. To reiterate, Kanter sustains rotisserie value because of his efficiency, but those secondary stats are pitiful. In fact, of those who played at least 600 minutes this season, Kanter has the fewest combined assists, steals, blocks, and three-pointers.

Tony Parker scored two points on 1-of-7 shooting in 29 minutes. He entered the game shooting 56 percent from the field, first among guards and fourth overall in that category. Once the efficiency begins to drag, you can move on because coach Popovich will likely sit him out indefinitely, which will only be a two-week hiatus intersecting the All-Star break to get right before the stretch run. Until then, deploy as usual.

Danny Green scored five points and added one rebound, steal, block, and three-pointer in 22 minutes. He's slowly being fading out of the rotation, averaging 21.3 minutes per game over the last 10 games. That's similar to Patty Mills (19.6), Boris Diaw (19.1), and Manu Ginobili (17.9) in that time. Green's blocks and steals per possession are teetering on career-lows, as is his free-throw rate. Even if Green ultimately fixes his shooting woes, that won't cure the deficiencies in the rest of his game. It may earn him some more playing time, but Green only averaged 24.9 minutes per game when Kawhi Leonard was healthy over the previous two seasons. And since Leonard only missed time for freak injuries, it appears Green's usefulness is in need of a miracle.

I had the Clippers/Lakers game on mute because Jon Barry was on the telecast. The game was a blowout heading into the fourth quarter, where the Lakers' reserves outscored the Clippers 27-9 to only lose by 10 points. Chris Paul has returned to his normal self over the past month. Roy Hibbert failed to block a shot for the second time in three games. Lou Williams when 4-of-7 from the free-throw line, dropping his mark to 59 percent over the last five games.

DAILY LEADERS

Points

1. Chris Bosh, F, MIA: 30 points
2. Anthony Davis, F, NOP: 29 points
3. Kevin Durant, F, OKC: 29 points

Rebounds

1. Kevin Love, F, CLE: 18 rebounds (3 offensive)
2. Hassan Whiteside, C, MIA: 17 rebounds (6 offensive)
3. Anthony Davis, F, NOP: 15 rebounds (3 offensive)
4. Draymond Green, F, GSW: 15 rebounds (1 offensive)

Assists

1. James Harden, G, HOU: 9 assists
2. Russell Westbrook, G, OKC: 8 assists
3. Five players tied with seven assists

Steals

1. Russell Westbrook, G, OKC: 6 steals
2. Kawhi Leonard, F, SAS: 5 steals
3. Three players tied with four steals

Blocks

1. Hassan Whiteside, C, MIA: 4 blocks
2. Andrew Bogut, C, GSW: 4 blocks
3. Anthony Davis, F, NOP: 3 blocks
4. Kawhi Leonard, F, SAS: 3 blocks

Three-Pointers

1. J.R. Smith, G, CLE: 4-8 3Pt
2. Ryan Anderson, F, NOP: 3-6 3Pt
3. J.J. Redick, G, LAC: 3-8 3Pt
4. Kobe Bryant, G, LAL: 3-5 3Pt
5. Luol Deng, F, MIA: 3-5 3Pt
6. Anthony Morrow, F, OKC: 3-6 3Pt

Minutes

1. Anthony Davis, F, NOP: 50 minutes
2. Luol Deng, F, MIA: 44 minutes
3. Jimmy Butler, G, CHI: 43 minutes
4. Eric Gordon, G, NOP: 43 minutes