The trade deadline improved the fantasy value of few players. Last night's games were equally unimpressive.
THURSDAY NOTES
The Wizards began a string of three games in three straight days. Markieff Morris wasn't available, and I don't know if he'll play tonight against the Marcus Morris and the Pistons. Coach Randy Wittman started Nene Hilario over Jared Dudley to match the Jazz's size and Garrett Temple over Bradley Beal as a precaution. Dudley played a team-high 36 minutes and scored four points. His role is in limbo after the Wizards acquired Morris. Beal is shooting 50 percent from the field as a reserve and 53 percent when John Wall is on the bench, evolving into an efficient player this season by shooting a career-high 46.5 percent. He played 24 minutes last night, and I think that he and Hilario will not play in one of the upcoming two games.
Wall provided 17 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, and four steals. Gortat one-upped him with 22 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, and two steals in less than 30 minutes.
Raul Neto and Trey Burke combined for four points on 2-of-13 shooting in 43 minutes. Shelvin Mack isn't significantly better offensively, and he's no threat to pilfer the starting role. Derrick Favors picked up four fouls in 12 minutes, and Rudy Gobert recorded more assists (2) than blocks (1). Rodney Hood continues to marvel, and Gordon Hayward is the heartbeat of the team.
The Bulls lost 106-95, but the Cavaliers were up 20 with less than two minutes left before the Bulls' reserves scored the last nine points to make the game appear respectable.
Bobby Portis took advantage of garbage time, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist in 26 minutes. It was his second straight double-double, but the lack of assists, steals, blocks, and average field-goal percentage shifts Portis into a deep-league territory until Taj Gibson or Pau Gasol miss time due to injury.
Derrick Rose was the only Bulls player to make at least 50 percent of his shots, and he scored a game-high 28 points to go along with seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 30 minutes. If he's forced to carry more of the offense without Butler, he'll overwork his body and increase the chances of injury. The Bulls play the most games over the final five weeks.
LeBron James missed a triple-double by one assist and one rebound, and Kevin Love doubled-up with 15 points and 15 rebounds. J.R. Smith scored three points on 1-of-9 shooting. Tristan Thompson has his best games against the Bulls, exemplified by last night's 16 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in 31 minutes. Channing Frye might get 18 minutes a night depending on the matchup, but the frontcourt depth concerns me in regards to his fantasy value over the final two months. Love, Thompson, and Timofey Mozgov all played over 25 minutes, leaving minimal room for Frye to make an impact.
Kawhi Leonard (tight left calf) didn't play, and Kyle Anderson started in his absence. I don't believe Leonard will play Friday against the Lakers, and his availability against the Suns on Sunday doesn't look sunny. He played in the All-Star game. leading me to believe the issue popped up in practice. Calves, like all lower body injuries, can be tricky, and it's better to rest rather than rush back and aggravate the area or overcompensate and injure another body part. The Spurs are on their Rodeo Road Trip, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Leonard miss the next five road games and return on March 2nd.
The Spurs scored 34 points in the first half, and Danny Green obliged with zero points in the first two quarters. Tim Duncan played 20 minutes, and Tony Parker scored a team-high 14 points. As mentioned above, the Spurs play the Lakers and Suns coming up. Even if Leonard misses those games, I believe Duncan or Parker receives one day of post All-Star Break rest.
Chris Paul scored 26 of his 28 points in the second half. DeAndre Jordan grabbed 17 rebounds, north of his 15.3 rebounds in 21 games without Blake Griffin (hand) this season. Wesley Johnson nabbed two steals, recording at least one steal for the 12th time in the last 13 games. His 32 minutes evaporate when Jeff Green joins the team. Jamal Crawford produced seven turnovers to six assists.