It's not often that we'll have 12 games on a Saturday night, but here we are, and who are we to complain about more basketball? The stat lines are coming in thick and fast, we had players setting career highs left, right and center, nearly missed triple-doubles and thankfully, no serious injuries. What more can you ask for?

ADD ME! ADD ME!

I was holding off on adding Perry Jones III from the Thunder after he put up one dud (three points) and one monster (32 points) in his first two games, but now that's he's backed it up with another big line, it's hard to ignore the former Baylor standout. Against the Nuggets, Jones led the Thunder to the comfortable victory, dropping 23 points (9-18 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 2-4 FT) with four rebounds and two steals in 41 minutes. With Jeremy Lamb set to return soon, his minutes will likely drop slightly, but with how he's played, it's highly doubtful that he loses the starting gig if the coach has any sense. Wait, who coaches the Thunder? Oh, Scotty Brooks. Let's phrase. Jones should remain the starter once Lamb returns, but as with all Thunder lineup decisions, anything is possible. Jones is still only sitting at 13 percent ownership on ESPN and 46 percent on Yahoo, so check your league's wire right now.

DROP HIM LIKE HE'S HOT

It can't get any worse for Eric Gordon than his performance on Saturday against the Grizzlies. The highly talented guard went scoreless for the first time in his career in games in which he has played over 30 minutes, missing all six of his field goal attempts, recording just one rebound and one assist. He feels out of place in the offense, with Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans handling the ball the majority of the time and Anthony Davis just flat out dominating down low and that's not even taking into consideration the inevitable injury that is coming. I would much rather use Gordon's roster spot on a hot waiver wire guy (see Jones, Perry III) or to use the spot for streaming as I just don't see Gordon being a guy who will be viable in 10 or 12 teams leagues this season.

M.I.A.

These guys all sat out Saturday's action.

• Magic
  • Kyle O'Quinn (left ankle)
  • Victor Oladipo (face)
• Grizzlies
  • Courtney Lee (concussion)
• Mavericks
  • Raymond Felton (right ankle)
• Heat
  • Danny Granger (hamstring)
• Sixers
  • Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder)
• Wizards
  • Bradley Beal (left wrist)
  • Martell Webster (back)
• Nets
  • Brook Lopez (right foot)
• Pistons
  • Jodie Meeks (back)
• Pacers
  • C.J. Watson (right foot)
  • George Hill (left knee)
  • David West (right ankle)
• Nuggets
  • J.J. Hickson (suspended)
• Thunder
  • Kevin Durant (right foot)
  • Jeremy Lamb (back)
  • Anthony Morrow (left knee)
  • Russell Westbrook (right hand)
  • Reggie Jackson (right ankle)
• Rockets
  • Patrick Beverley (right hamstring)
• Bulls
  • Taj Gibson (left ankle)
  • Derrick Rose (left ankle)
• Suns
  • P.J. Tucker (suspended)
• Lakers
  • Nick Young (right thumb)
• Warriors
  • David Lee (left hamstring)

CASUALTY WARD

Rodney Stuckey re-aggravated his foot issue and it limited him to just six minutes of court time in the Pacers loss to the Hawks. Stuckey hasn't played more than 16 minutes in the three games this season and will be re-evaluated Monday to see if he is required to miss any time. If he is out, Donald Sloan and Solomon Hill will see extended run as the Pacers are also without George Hill and C.J. Watson.

Dwight Howard bumped his knee during Saturday's win over the Celtics and though he played through it, he did complain of pain and swelling and that could be bad news for his status for the Rockets' next game Monday. If he does miss any time, it'll likely be minimal and allow greater opportunity for Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas.

Thaddeus Young only played 17 minutes Saturday after copping an elbow to the head, resulting in him appearing to lose consciousness for a moment. He left the court and did not return and the team is saying he is questionable with a neck strain. Anthony Bennett played in his place and would likely start is Young is forced to miss some time, but until we know more on Young's status, there is no need to drop anyone of value for Bennett.

FANTASY LINE OF THE NIGHT

It's amazing what a four-year, $70 million contract will do for someone's performance. One day after signing the max extension, Klay Thompson set a career high by scoring 41 points (14-18 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 8-9 FT) with five rebounds and two assists. He's now gotten to the line 19 times in two games, well up on his 2.3 attempts per game from last season and if he can continue in that vein, his fantasy value will also skyrocket. We heard a lot of talk about Thompson being the best two-guard in the game, and with what we've seen early on, it's not going to be too far off the mark.

ROOKIE OF THE NIGHT

Once again, the rookie's aren't really doing a lot to endear themselves to the fantasy basketball community with monster lines being as rare as unicorn fur. But, one rookie, did put up the best line of his short career, with Dante Exum helping the Jazz register their first victory. Exum scored 10 points included nine from three-point land and touched every category, giving us a glimpse into perhaps what we can expect in a few years time. He had two rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in 18 minutes and while it was good enough for rookie of the night, it's still not going to cut it in standard leagues. In a keeper league, I'd be drooling over Exum's potential, but it's just not going to be realised this season.

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHTS AND ODDITIES

The NBA is back and it's time to delve a little deeper into the stats that our favorite, (and not so favorite) players put up.

With the Raptors easily handling the Magic, coach Dwayne Casey kept the starters' minutes down, so don't be shocked when you see some low minute totals for guys like Amir Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas.

Mo Harkless finally got off the bench for Orlando after two baffling DNP-CDs, playing 22 minutes for seven points, five rebounds, one steal and one block. I'd wait a couple more games of seeing Harkless getting consistent minutes before I rushed out to add him to my roster, but when he does lay, he's a great all around contributor, on the lower end of the scale.

Dewayne Dedmon is taking advantage of Kyle O'Quinn's absence, and blocked four shots in his 14 minutes of game time. He's averaged 2.0 blocks per game so far this season in minimal minutes, but that's as far as his contribution stretches.

Elfrid Payton had his best game n the NBA, scoring 16 points with nine assists, but hurt his overall value by going 4-of-8 from the free throw line and this sort of inefficiency is what makes it nigh on impossible to own him in rotisserie leagues.

Tayshaun Prince was resurrected and inserted into the starting lineup for the Grizzlies with Courtney Lee missing with a concussion, and unsurprisingly, he wasn't very effective, scoring just two points with three rebounds in 18 minutes.

For Charlotte, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had notched a double-double by half time and finished with 11 points (2-4 FG, 7-10 FT) and 12 rebounds in 28 minutes. The Grizzlies-Hornets matchup was exceptionally low scoring with just 140 points scored combined and both teams shooting under 37 percent from the field, allowing for more available rebounds, but irrespective of that, MKG has started off the season impressively. I've seen him disappearing off waiver-wires in my leagues and if you need defensive stats (rebounds, steals, and blocks) he'll be a solid guy to own in any league.

Kemba Walker killed all of his owners' field goal percentage with a 1-of-11 night, totalling five points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals. He'll have some horror nights, but they will hopefully be few and far between and we've seen good Kemba and bad Kemba in the two games so far this season.

Brandan Wright stuffed the stat sheet in limited minutes for the Mavericks, scoring 12 points with five rebounds and three blocks in just 18 minutes. This isn't really anything new for Wright who is routinely among the best per-36 fantasy players in the NBA, but coach Rick Carlisle just doesn't seem to trust him with big minutes. He is the backup to Tyson Chandler and is only an option in deeper leagues.

Jrue Holiday bounced back from his shaky opening night, scoring 24 points with three three-pointers, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Tyreke Evans was one assist shy of a triple-double, going 22-10-9 with two steals and one block. Anthony Davis was also incredible, scoring 31 points with 15 rebounds, two steals and three blocks, but couldn't get the Pelicans over the line. Hopefully you didn't panic with Holiday and sell him too low or drop him outright.

Mario Chalmers played off the bench for the Heat again, but lit up the scoreboard, dropping 20 points (6-9 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 6-10 FT) with four assists and four steals. It wouldn't surprise me to see Chalmers back as the starter soon, but his value is probably limited to top 100 sort of numbers. That said, he's available in a lot of leagues and if it's three-pointers, steals and low-end assists you need, it's worth taking a flyer on him.

Just as Kemba did in the earlier game, Dwyane Wade torched your field goal percentage, going 4-of-18 for nine points. He did chip in with 10 assists and three steals, but the shooting was ugly.

Josh McRoberts returned to the court for the Heat and played 11 minutes off the bench, scoring a pedestrian three points. Once he reintegrates himself into the starting lineup he'll be close to must own, so grabbing him now is a prudent strategy if you need some assists from a big man.

Tony Wroten continues to take advantage of Michael Carter-Williams' absence, double-doubling with 21 points and 10 assists, adding a steal and a block for good measure. At least Saturday, he didn't kill your efficiency categories, going 6-of-11 from the field and 8-of-11 from the line. He's must own until MCW returns.

K.J. McDaniels was able to play through his hip complaint and showed us what he can do in the block category, notching his first multi-block game of the season, getting three, all in the first half. The minutes just aren't there for McDaniels to be must own, but if you need blocks, he's a nice plug and play type guy.

O.J. Mayo plummeted back to earth after Friday's breakout, scoring just five points in 19 minutes. Jason Kidd looks like he'll be just as frustrating of a fantasy coach as Larry Drew was last season for the Bucks making it hard to rely on anyone other than Brandon Knight, Larry Sanders, and Jabari Parker.

With Paul Pierce ejected after receiving two technicals early on, Otto Porter took advantage and scored 21 points with five rebounds and two steals in 37 minutes. This is a glimpse of what we could possibly expect if Pierce is to miss any time, but if Porter is tied into a bench role, you can't roster him in standard leagues unless you have a very deep bench.

Deron Williams looks like health and fitness are not something that is concerning him, having played 39 and 41 minutes in the season's first two games. He had 15 points and six assists Saturday and while his shot isn't falling at the moment, is giving the look of a player who could vault back into the top 30 this season providing his health holds up.

Greg Monroe returned from his suspension and slotted into the sixth man role, playing 30 minutes and scoring 18 points with 11 rebounds. It's hard to fully gauge the minute distribution, because Andre Drummond could only manage 22 minutes due to foul trouble and Josh Smith played 44 minutes. Let's give it a few games to see how Stan Van Gundy lets it play out, but if someone sends you a great offer for Monroe after today, I'd take it given the extenuating circumstances of his performance.

Brandon Jennings also looked a lot better, scoring 18 points (6-14 FG, 6-7 FT) with nine assists in 36 minutes, all by far season highs. D.J. Augustin was reduced to 19 minutes, scoring just six points. Jennings is the guy to own and if Augustin ha a few more nights like this I'd cut bait. For now though, hold onto him.

Jeff Teague exploded off the box score, tallying 25 points (7-14 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 10-10 FT), with four rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks in a great all-round performance. With the way Teague looked in the playoffs last season, don't be surprised if we see more lines like this season and I wouldn't be selling high on him after this, unless you get an offer that blows you out of the water.

Another point guard who bounced back from a sub standard opening night was Ty Lawson, who scored just three points opening night, but knocked in 25 with five assists Saturday. His assist numbers are still down on the 8.8 he averaged last season, but there's no reason to panic on any of these early season performances.

Rajon Rondo was another of the multiple of guards who really did their best to hurt your field goal percentage Saturday, shooting 2-of-9 for just four points, but did add a very Rondo-like 10 assists, eight rebounds and three steals. Let's be honest, you didn't draft Rondo for his scoring or percentages though, so you'd be very happy with the return he gave you in the other categories. Marcus Smart though, played just 11 minutes as coach Brad Stephens went with Avery Bradley, Evan Turner, Phil Pressey and fellow rookie James Young in the backcourt in addition to the number six pick. Smart missed all seven field goal attempts to finish with two points, one rebound and one assist. Give it a couple of games for Smart in 12 team leagues before cutting bait, he's a rookie, inconsistency is bound to occur.

James Harden continues to make hs case for fantasy hoops' number one overall player with another monster line of 26 points (5-14 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 14-14 FT), eight rebounds, six assists, four steals and one block in only 31 minutes. With Chandler Parsons and Jeremy Lin now wearing other uniforms, Houston's offense is going to revolve around Harden all season and I wouldn't be trading him for any sort of offer that came my way.

With Taj Gibson sitting due to an ankle issue, Nikola Mirotic got more run than usual against the Wolves, scoring 12 points (3-6 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT) with eight boards. Once Gibson returns though, it's hard to rely on Mirotic in any sort of shallow league as the minutes just won't be there. Keep this in mind though, should any of Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah or Gibson miss extended stretches of time.

Aaron Brooks shouldered a lot of Bulls' scoring load with Derrick Rose sitting, scoring 16 points in 23 minutes, adding five assists and three three-pointers. Like Mirotic, he's only worthwhile if Rose was to miss extended time this season, which sadly, is always a possibility.

Kevin Martin replaced Corey Brewer in the Timberwolves starting lineup, and blew up for 33 points (9-14 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 11-11 FT) and seven rebounds. Hardly any of those numbers, bar the free throws, are repeatable, but Martin should nevertheless be owned in all leagues and will hold more value than Brewer and rookie Andrew Wiggins this season.

Alex Len couldn't replicate his double double from last time out, scoring just four points with three rebounds, but did manage to block four shots in his 18 minutes. He's going to be a must own guy at some stage this season, it's just not yet.

Along with Klay Thompson setting his career high, Utah big man Derrick Favors also registered a career mark, dropping in 32 points against the Suns to give the Jazz their first victory of the season. One thing to note with Favors in this limited sample size, is the improved free throw shooting he is displaying. So far, through three games, Favors is converting at a 81 percent clip, well up on his 67 percent mark from last season, If it holds, his value climbs into the top 30 most likely.

The Carlos Boozer/Ed Davis timeshare continue on unabated, with Boozer getting 24 minutes to Davis' 21 and both guys providing equally uninspired lines. Boozer still feels like the man to own due to his starter designation and slightly superior production, but that could easily change if Byron Scott alters the rotation.

Along with Thompson lighting up the Oracle in the Warriors' home opener, Steph Curry didn't do a bad job himself, dropping 31 points (10-19 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 8-8 FT) with five rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals in 34 minutes. The battle for number one is on in earnest this season.

NIGHTLY LEADERS

Points

1. Klay Thompson, G, GSW, 41 points
2. Joe Johnson, G, BKN, 34 points
3. Kevin Martin, G, MIN, 33 points

Rebounds

1. Anthony Davis, F, NOP, 15 rebounds
2. Kevin Garnett, F, BKN, 14 rebounds
3. Nikola Vucevic, C, ORL, 12 rebounds
4. Roy Hibbert, C, IND, 12 rebounds
5. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, F, CHA, 12 rebounds
6. Zach Randolph, F, MEM, 12 rebounds

Assists

1. Ricky Rubio, G, MIN, 17 assists
2. Steph Curry, G, GSW, 10 assists
3. John Wall, G, WAS, 10 assists
4. Tony Wroten, G, PHI, 10 assists
5. Dwyane Wade, G, MIA, 10 assists

Steals

1. John Wall, G, WAS, 5 steals
2. Gerald Green, G, PHX, 5 steals
3. James Harden, G, HOU, 4 steals
4. Mario Chalmers, G, MIA, 4 steals
5. Sebastian Telfair, G, OKC, 4 steals
6. Tony Allen, G, MEM, 4 steals

Blocks

1. Pau Gasol, F, CHI, 4 blocks
2. Al Jefferson, C, CHA, 4 blocks
3. Dewayne Dedmon, C, ORL, 4 blocks
4. JaVale McGee, C, DEN, 4 blocks
5. Alex Len, C, PHX, 4 blocks

Three-Pointers

1. Chris Copeland, F, IND, 6-11 3Pt
2. Klay Thompson, G, GSW, 5-7 3Pt
3. Kevin Martin, G, MIN, 4-6 3Pt

Minutes

1. Josh Smith, F, DET, 44 minutes
2. Anthony Davis, F, NOP, 43 minutes
3. Perry Jones III, F, OKC, 41 minutes
4. Deron Williams, G, BKN, 41 minutes
5. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G, DET, 41 minutes