I'm not going to pretend NBA players aren't people too. They celebrate New Year's Eve like the rest of us. For that reason, parsing last night's performances can be a tricky task.

HOSPITAL WARD

Devin Harris suffered back spasms, and he's set to be out for an extended period of time, according to coach Carlisle. That will disperse extra minutes to Raymond Felton and J.J. Barea.

M.I.A.

• Charlotte
  • Jeremy Lin (ankle)
  • Al Jefferson (knee)
  • Spencer Hawes (back)
• Chicago
  • Derrick Rose (hamstring)
  • Joakim Noah (shoulder)
  • Mike Dunleavy (back)
• LA Lakers
  • Kobe Bryant (shoulder)
• Miami
  • Josh McRoberts (knee)
  • Justise Winslow (ankle)
• New York
  • Cleanthony Early (knee)
• Orlando
  • C.J. Watson (calf)
• Philadelphia
  • Hollis Thompson (eye)
  • Kendall Marshall (DNP-CD)
  • Carl Landry (DNP-CD)
• Washington
  • Bradley Beal (leg)
  • Gary Neal (quadriceps)
  • Nene Hilario (calf)
  • Alan Anderson (ankle)
  • DeJaun Blair (knee)
  • Jarell Eddie (DNP-CD)

ROTATION NOTES

Drew Gooden played for the first time in 22 games, missing the last 15 due to a calf strain. He suited up for four minutes in his return. Gooden is someone who catches fire on random nights and receives big run one game at a time. He exists out of the standard league boundaries while providing value to deep leagues when coach Wittman sees fit to include Gooden in the rotation. With the Wizards rostering 10 healthy players, Gooden should be added to the bottom of your watch list.

Deron Williams came off the bench after missing the previous four contests with a hamstring issue. Crisis averted in that the pop he heard last week didn't cost him significant time. He only played 20 minutes because the Mavericks were destroyed. Coach Carlisle mentioned a desire to provide J.J. Barea minutes while he's performing well, which could result in fewer minutes for Williams over the next week or until Barea cools off. The Mavericks play a league-high 18 games and five back-to-backs in January, providing sufficient time for Williams to reclaim his starting role.

Tyler Johnson started in Dwyane Wade's spot because the veteran was dealing with flu-like symptoms. Wade entered the game in the second quarter, and he'll return to the starting lineup on Sunday.

Chris Andersen played his first game since November 25th. Nothing escapes my purview. He replaced Goran Dragic for the final three minutes in a 24-point win. Andersen is a one-category specialist, and if both Hassan Whiteside and Chris Bosh are healthy, Andersen doesn't join the rotation on a consistent basis.

Kobe Bryant (shoulder) was unable to compete, permitting Anthony Brown to make the second start of his career. It lasted 21 minutes and concluded with five points, five rebounds, and a steal. When Bryant does play, Brown rarely figures into the rotation. This will become pertinent when Bryant misses an extended period of time. The Lakers play two home games, which may result in additional rest for Bryant.

FANTASY LINE OF THE NIGHT

John Wall: 24 points (10-19 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 13 assists, two rebounds, two steals, one block, five turnovers, 39 minutes

Wall roasted one of the best defenses in the league with a simple pick-and-roll that forced Nikola Vucevic to switch onto him. The play resulted in the line you see above. I'm quite befuddled how Wall can play so well after admitting to a myriad of minor injuries, including a sprained right ankle and bone spur in his foot. I don't want to suggest trading him because of the tear he's been on, but now's your best chance to swap him for equal value after his massive December, a ride that began once Bradley Beal (leg) endured his fourth stress reaction.

ROOKIE OF THE NIGHT

Frank Kaminsky: 13 points (5-10 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, three steals, two assists, 27 minutes

Kaminsky is starting to grow on coach Clifford and myself. His playing time has risen to 26.6 minutes the last five games without the services of Spencer Hawes (back) and Al Jefferson (knee). In that time, Kaminsky is struggling from the field, shooting 39 percent overall and 26 percent on threes, but the counting stats are solidly average or above average. He's transformed into one of the Hornets' best postup options without being a complete defensive liability. Kaminsky is holding his own and providing bottom-end standard league value over the past month.

TRIPLE-DOUBLE WATCH

Kyle Lowry: 18 points (6-16 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 11 assists, five rebounds, two steals, six turnovers, 41 minutes

Lowry scored 10 of his points in the fourth quarter and began the game shooting 3-of-10. It was a sloppy, ugly game that nearly became a triple-double. This game marked Lowry's fourth double-double of the season, a season-high in assists, and his 32nd straight with at least one three-pointer. I suspect he'll be fine the rest of the season, sidestepping a repeat of last season's second-half, injury-riddled regression. Having written that, Lowry did suffer a minor ankle injury late in the game, but coach Casey believes it won't be a problem. The Raptors begin a five-game-in-seven-day excursion this Sunday before heading to London, a trip that generates seven days off.

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHTS AND ODDITIES

Otto Porter continues to play well without Bradley Beal (leg). In 39 minutes, Porter contributed 20 points (9-20 FG, 2-8 3Pt), 11 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and one block. The table below provides definitive proof of Beal's negative influence. Coincidence may be a factor, and the theory will be tested when Beal returns to the lineup. Porter isn't someone who has enough cache or name recognition to be the centerpiece of a trade. You'll need to add him to a two-for-one deal.

Victor Oladipo is content with his role as defensive stopper off the bench because the Magic are winning. That doesn't help your fantasy team. Oladipo did play 31 minutes last night in an effort to thwart John Wall, and he scored 20 points (8-18 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT) for the first time since December 5th. I'm always inclined to trade for Oladipo based on his talent, but the Magic have turned their season around by promoting Channing Frye, who ranks fifth in three-point percentage, to the starting lineup. The Magic plays one game in Week 12, a contest that will take place in London. If you can't survive a one-game week from Oladipo, don't trade for him just yet. If Oladipo resides on a fantasy team not performing well, inform the owner of the Magic's upcoming schedule in order to reduce Oladipo's already discounted price.

Elfrid Payton has played through ankle issues the last two games, and it's affecting his output. He was limited to 24 minutes last night and other than his seven assists, Payton offered little of note. His free-throw shooting has gone back in the toilet, dropping to 56 percent since coach Skiles altered the starting lineup in late November. Since the stratagem, Payton is playing 28.6 minutes a night, similar to his mark at the start of his rookie season. Payton profiles better if your team disregards free-throw percentage.

Nikola Vucevic continues to score without getting to the free-throw line. He's attempted 458 shots and just 44 free throws this season, furnishing a free-throw rate at less than 10 percent. As you would assume, Vucevic didn't attempt a free throw last night, but he did contribute 14 points (7-16 FG, 0-1 3Pt), seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 32 minutes, snapping a seven-game streak of at least 20 points.

The entire Mavericks team, outside of Zaza Pachulia (14 points, 13 rebounds), failed to offer adequate results in this new year. The team scored 10 points in the first quarter and lost 106-82. Throw this game in the trash bin. On a broader note, the Mavericks play a league-high 18 games and five back-to-backs in January, a topic already broached.

Hassan Whiteside scored 25 points (12-16 FG, 1-2 FT), grabbed a season-high 19 rebounds, and blocked one shot in 31 minutes. The Mavericks are one of the worst culprits are yielding defensive rebounds, a result of their older frontcourt. Not only was Whiteside throwing in hook shots and alley-oops, but he also hit four jumpers and devastated in the pick-and-roll. His minutes will decline when Josh McRoberts (knee) works his way back into the rotation. Until then, 30 minutes a night should be the benchmark.

Cody Zeller has garnered interest due to Al Jefferson's second extended absence, one offering a timeline coinciding with the All-Star Break. In 30 minutes, Zeller provided 15 points (5-7 FG, 5-6 FT), nine rebounds, a season-high three blocks, and one assist. During Jefferson's various hiatuses, Zeller shifted to center, a position that suits him much better than power forward. Like Frank Kaminsky, Zeller's playing time has spiked the last five games without Spencer Hawes (back) and Al Jefferson (knee), but the production underwhelms. Zeller strikes me more as a rotisserie target. The table below displays Zeller's stats with and without Jefferson in the lineup this season. It doesn't scream must-add, but Zeller has transitioned into a standard league entity.

The Knicks scored 18 points in the first quarter and eight points in the fourth quarter. Arron Afflalo was a negative 34 plus-minus, shot 2-of-9, scored four points, and snagged one rebound in 29 minutes. Don't ask me why you're still hanging onto Afflalo in fantasy leagues unless it's a 16-team league. At some point this season, Lance Thomas will eventually replace Afflalo in the starting lineup.

Jose Calderon already scored more points in a January game than he did all of December. Against the duo of Kirk Hinrich and Aaron Brooks, Calderon supplied 18 points (7-9 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 35 minutes. It's the first time this season Calderon played more than 33 minutes in two consecutive games. Sustainability is an issue, and coach Fisher stated at the beginning of the season that he'd prefer Calderon played around 28 minutes a night.  Calderon's been a decent contributor, and he'll continue to draw the lion's share of point guard minutes because the Knicks are trying to trade him. Just don't expect more than 10 points on most nights.

Robin Lopez returned to his typical 22 minutes following two consecutive games over 29 minutes. His outlook is dire with the Knicks playing back-to-back games against the Hawks, a team Lopez played 20 minutes against last week. You may have added him in hopes of a sustained minute boost, but it was more of a minute blip.

I don't think I've written about Bobby Portis this season. At first blush, it's easy to tout per-36 minute numbers, but only nine players average at least 36 minutes per game this season, up from six players last season. Portis' numbers translate well to a per-36 fantasy league, but once he's on the court with the starters, production tends to scale back. Portis registered his second straight quality game against the Knicks this season and played at least 26 minutes for the third straight game - all wins. He finished the game with 16 points (6-9 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, and two assists in 30 minutes. Coach Hoiberg confirmed Portis will remain in the rotation, but Joakim Noah (shoulder) will be re-evaluated on Monday, which interferes with Portis' minutes. Guaranteeing Portis minutes isn't the same as playing him substantial minutes every game. The frontcourt logjam mutes excitement, but Portis has done enough to be owned until further notice. His offensive game appears advanced, but the defensive stats are insufficient.

Nikola Mirotic scored 11 points in the first quarter and finished the game with 17 points (6-8 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT) in 26 minutes. His seven assists set a career-high and matched his total over the previous nine games combined. Mirotic added five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. There were stretches where he was the power forward alongside Portis and Doug McDermott in the frontcourt, a combination that befuddled the Knicks in the fourth quarter. Mirotic has performed well for one-game stretches before, so this doesn't exonerate him or portend an excellent 2016. Mirotic has to compete for minutes with a gaggle of players who possess better strengths than the Montenegrin.

Ish Smith, Isaiah Canaan, and Nik Stauskas combined to shoot 7-of-39. Stauskas is possibly the Worst International Player in the NBA or a close second behind Anthony Bennett. Smith was in early foul trouble and could only muster three assists to three turnovers. Canaan was a team-worst negative 21 plus-minus. All three played at least 25 minutes against the Lakers.

T.J. McConnell reprised his early season audition by contributing 12 points (5-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), a team-high seven assists, four rebounds, and one block in 22 minutes. Kendall Marshall recorded a DNP-CD for the second straight game, an inauspicious sign for the offseason frontrunner to win the starting point guard role. I have to think his knee is giving him problems and the team decided to play it cautiously.

Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor played about two minutes together, but they mostly split center minutes again for the second straight game. Noel continues to thrive in the new role, efforting a team-high 15 points (6-11 FG, 3-5 FT), team-high 12 rebounds, three assists, team-high three steals, and team-high three blocks in 28 minutes. Okafor played 23 minutes and added 12 points (6-10 FG), four rebounds, and one block. It's unknown if coach Brown will continue to use Okafor as Noel's backup, or if Okafor came off the bench the last two games because of a knee ailment that held him out of the previous two games.

Lou Williams scored 24 points (6-15 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 10-12 FT) in 37 minutes and Jordan Clarkson added 19 points (6-17 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 7-9 FT) in 33 minutes. Kobe Bryant (shoulder) rested, and the Lakers opposed the Sixers. I'd be flabbergasted if Williams and Clarkson didn't perform well.

Julius Randle played a team-low 23 minutes and provided 15 points (6-10 FG, 3-4 FT), nine rebounds, and two steals. I've repeatedly offered my dour opinion on Randle and D'Angelo Russell for their short-term value, but once we get closer the All-Star break, both likely become worthy of starting in most leagues. This isn't a call to drop them, just a reminder that they should be benched if already owned or avoided if available on the wire and you don't have time for coach Scott to play them exorbitant minutes.

NIGHTLY LEADERS

Points

1. Hassan Whiteside, C, MIA: 25 points
2. John Wall, G, WAS: 24 points
3. Lou Williams, G, LAL: 24 points

Rebounds

1. Hassan Whiteside, C, MIA: 19 rebounds
2. Marcin Gortat, C, WAS: 14 rebounds
3. Larry Nance, F, LAL: 14 rebounds

Assists

1. John Wall, G, WAS: 13 assists
2. Kyle Lowry, G, TOR: 11 assists
3. Six players with seven assists

Steals

1. Victor Oladipo, G, ORL: 4 steals
2. Kemba Walker, G, CHA: 4 steals
3. Otto Porter, F, WAS: 4 steals
4. Nick Young, G, LAL: 4 steals

Blocks

1. Bismack Biyombo, C, TOR: 4 blocks
2. Cody Zeller, C, CHA: 3 blocks
3. Nerlens Noel, C, PHI: 3 blocks

Three-Pointers

1. Wesley Matthew, G, DAL: 4-7 3Pt
2. DeMarre Carroll, F, TOR: 4-7 3Pt
3. Patrick Patterson, F, TOR: 4-6 3Pt
4. Nikola Mirotic, F, CHI: 4-6 3Pt

Minutes

1. Nicolas Batum, F, CHA: 42 minutes
2. Kyle Lowry, G, TOR: 41 minutes
3. John Wall, G, WAS: 39 minutes
4. Otto Porter, F, WAS: 39 minutes