There's really only one way to open Tuesday's Box Score Breakdown and that is summed up in three words.

He is back.

All I could this hear this morning was the sound of fireworks and champagne corks popping as it was announced that Kevin Durant was set to return. The pain is over if you drafted him, now the season begins in earnest.

ADD ME! ADD ME!

A guy who must be owned in every single league is Jose Calderon, but because he is owned in 79 percent of Yahoo leagues (although that number is only 46 percent on ESPN), he isn't the guy I want to talk about today. Instead, Devin Harris is the man today, despite the return of Jameer Nelson. With Nelson back from his back issue, Harris was relegated to the bench, but that didn't seem to matter. He dropped 20 points (7-10 FG, 6-6 3Pt) with four rebounds, eight assists, and one steal in 35 minutes, although the numbers are inflated by the fact that the game went to double overtime. It's important to note that he played important minutes down the stretch in preference to Nelson and is averaging 26 minutes a game, despite starting just three of the 17 games he has played. He won't hit every three-point attempt very often, if at all, but there's no reason that Harris, a former All-Star, can't carve out a productive 27 minute a night role as a sixth man. In a 12 team league, you need to ride the hot streak and he is worth a look in most of those leagues. As a bonus, he's available almost everywhere, owned in just 10 percent on ESPN and 16 percent on Yahoo.

M.I.A.

These guys all sat out Tuesday's action, for one reason or another.

• Cavaliers
  • Matthew Dellavedova (knee)
• Celtics
  • Marcus Smart (ankle)
• Pistons
  • Jodie Meeks (back)
• Knicks
  • Andrea Bargnani (hamstring)
  • J.R. Smith (illness)
• Mavericks
  • Raymond Felton (ankle)
• Bulls
  • Taj Gibson (ankle)
• Pelicans
  • Eric Gordon (shoulder)
• Pacers
  • George Hill (quad)
• Suns
  • Isaiah Thomas (ankle)
• Nuggets
  • JaVale McGee (DNP-CD)
  • Randy Foye (quad)
• Raptors
  • DeMar DeRozan (groin)
• Kings
  • DeMarcus Cousins (illness)
• Magic
  • Aaron Gordon (foot)
  • Nikola Vucevic (back)
• Warriors
  • David Lee (hamstring)

CASUALTY WARD

Thankfully the basketball gods didn't sacrifice one of our stars after they gave us Kevin Durant back, with the only injury being to Ersan Ilyasova, who copped an elbow to the face from Tristan Thompson and was not able to return after halftime. He has a facial contusion and remained in hospital overnight, possibly due to a concussion. Zaza Pachulia and Jabari Parker will have to play more minutes in the front court along with Larry Sanders if he is forced to miss time and we could even see Giannis Antetokounmpo play in the paint in a small ball lineup.

FANTASY LINE OF THE NIGHT

I'm sure you could all hear the relaxing exhale coming from the owners of Goran Dragic after he put up his best line of the season, giving them some hope he can live up to the lofty draft spot he held in the preseason. Dragic had 34 points (11-15 FG, 5-6 3Pt, 7-7 FT), with five rebounds, three assists, and four steals in 35 minutes. Elite efficiency, elite scoring and four crucial steals gave Dragic this honor over Anthony Davis, whose usually stellar free throw shooting let him down.

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHTS AND ODDITIES

Jabari Parker's surge continued, scoring 22 points with eight rebounds and two steals. After a very poor start, Parker is surging and your buy-low window has likely closed.

Larry Sanders played just 23 minutes for six points and four rebounds, but that was largely due to foul trouble. With the injuries piling up, he'll get as many minutes as the refs will allow him to play.

If you are rostering Dion Waiters in all but the deepest leagues, it's time to give it up. Waiters bottomed out Tuesday, registering a solitary assist in nine minutes and is averaging less than nine points per game this season.

In his last three games, Kevin Love is averaging 25.3 points and 8.3 rebounds, including the 27 and 10 he had against the Bucks. Is he turning it around or is this just a hot streak? I'd lean more toward turning it around, but he won't be the first round talent he was last season.

Rajon Rondo tilted the box score on its side with is lopsided line of two points, 12 rebounds and 19 assists, also chipping in one steal and one block. While those numbers are great, Rondo hurts in a lot of categories as well and fits only a few team builds.

While Tyler Zeller started again, Kelly Olynyk outplayed him off the bench, with four points, four rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block in 20 minutes. It's hard to hold on in 10 team leagues, but I'd persist for a week unless there is someone you have to have.

Dennis Schröder played down in the stretch in preference to Jeff Teague and scored 15 points with four assists, while Teague had nine points and nine assists. It's something worth remembering, but there's no need to make any panic moves.

Kyle Korver turned in an early November line of 24 points (8-9 FG, 6-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), with six rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 37 minutes. It's been a roller coaster for his owners, and you just have to take the good with the bad.

Paul Millsap filled the stat sheet with 19 points, six rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and three blocks in 38 minutes. I know I'm getting a ton of offers for Millsap in my leagues and I'm not moving him unless I get an early second rounder in return.

2013-14 Wes Johnson is starting to make an appearance of late, with the former Syracuse star scoring 13 points (5-6 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 0-1 FT) with two rebounds, two assists, one steal and four blocks in 29 minutes. In 12 team leagues, I think Johnson needs to be owned and I could make the case for most 10 team leagues as well.

Kobe Bryant had double-digit assists for the second consecutive game as the Lakers won their second consecutive game. Coincidence? I'll let you answer that. The Mamba also had 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals and even though he hit just 4-of-11 shots, his value to his team was still as high as ever, and didn't totally harpoon your fantasy team's field goal percentage.

Stop the presses! Josh Smith hit all four of his free throws, only the second time this season he has hit over 70 percent of his shots from the line. But, you don't own Smith for efficiency, you own him for sweet, sweet counting stats, and Smith had plenty. He put up 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block in 33 minutes and if you paired him with Michael Carter-Williams in any leagues, your percentages would be horrible, but your other categories would be a work of art of late.

Joe Johnson had his best game of the season, scoring 22 points with eight rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block in 37 minutes. This comes on the back of a three point performance, so make of it what you will.

Amar'e Stoudemire moved into the starting lineup, played a season-high 37 minutes, and put up 17 points with nine rebounds and a block. Even though the Knicks are playing like garbage, Stoudemire is having a nice little stretch and is worth adding in 12 team leagues for the moment. The injury specter hangs over Amar'e at all times, but while he is rolling, there will be numbers.

A guy whose production has dropped considerably is Iman Shumpert. He had just nine points with two assists, and one steal in 24 minutes, even with J.R. Smith sitting. In a 10 team league, he doesn't need to be owned any more, and even in 12 team leagues, I'd consider moving on.

Dirk Nowitzki fought through back tightness to play 42 minutes, score 22 points with seven rebounds and 10 assists and is planning on playing again Wednesday. The man is the dictionary definition of German engineering.

In his return from a back issue, Jameer Nelson scored just three points with four rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes and he is only worth owning in 14 team leagues, if that.

With Taj Gibson still sidelined, Nikola Mirotic had 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 26 minutes, and is a nice streaming add until Gibson returns. You'll likely get one or two more good games from the rookie, and it maybe more, as Gibson's return is hardly set in stone.

While Jimmy Butler stuffed a few categories, with 23 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, his lack of three-pointers, steals and blocks hurt, as did his 5-of-9 shooting from the line. He is excused.

Derrick Rose hit four triples on his way to 18 points with 10 assists. If I owned Rose, I'm trying to trade him like crazy at the moment, especially if he plays well Wednesday in a back-to-back situation.

So, how did the reigning MVP go in his return to the court? Kevin Durant scored 27 points in his comeback, hitting three three-pointers along the way, adding three rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes. Expect everything to go up in the coming weeks, but an overall encouraging return. Fantasy leagues just got real.

Jeremy Lamb provided a nice cameo role off the bench, scoring 15 points in 15 minutes, but his value is so fluctuating that I'd only be looking his way in 14 team leagues. I feel the same about Anthony Morrow.

Andre Roberson , starting again at shooting guard, gave you zero points, but did add nine rebounds. He's not a standard league player.

Anthony Davis was extraordinary unlucky to miss out on the player of the night award, scoring 25 points (8-15 FG, 9-16 FT) with 10 rebounds, four assists, six steals, and four blocks in 39 minutes. That's what some bad shooting will do to you. Still, it's hard to complain about an almost 5x5 line.

Ryan Anderson had a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, adding two steals and two three-pointers in 35 minutes. He offers you nothing in defensive stats though as a general rule, so keep that in mind in trade negotiations.

Luke Babbitt got the start over Austin Rivers and was actually decent, well decent in comparison to Rivers. Babbitt hit two three-pointers for six points, but he is only a three-point specialist in deep leagues.

Roy Hibbert returned to action, notching a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, grabbing two steals and one block in the process. Get him back into your lineups, obviously.

Yet again, C.J. Watson outplayed Donald Sloan, scoring 14 points with seven assists. If you are holding onto Sloan, I'd exchange him for Watson.

It wasn't just Dragic taking advantage of Isaiah Thomas' absence. Eric Bledsoe was awesome with 27 points (11-20 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), three rebounds, seven assists, and four steals in 39 minutes. Fantasy owners have to hope for a trade to eventuate in the backcourt.

P.J. Tucker moved into the starting lineup, relegating Marcus Morris to the bench and was uninspiring. He did grab seven rebounds, but he's looking more like a deep league guy each day.

LaMarcus Aldridge feasted on the dreadful Denver frontcourt defense, scoring 39 points with 11 rebounds and two blocks, and even shot over 50 percent, which ha been a rarity this season. Unluckily for Aldridge, Portland and his owners, they don't play Denver every night.

Nicolas Batum had a weird night, tallying 13 assists and three steals, but combining that with just four points and four rebounds. He is a punt point gem, but that's not everyone's cup of tea. Target Batum in leagues where his talents help your team build.

Ty Lawson's assist streak continued, dishing 13 assists to go with 24 points, three three-pointers and two steals. That's now 11 straight games with at least nine assists, including six straight double-doubles.

J.J. Hickson played in preference to Timofey Mozgov down the stretch, totaling 31 minutes for 11 points, eight rebounds, and one block. As a Mozgov owner, you need to hold on for now, but this is a little worrying. At least JaVale McGee didn't get into the game for the second consecutive matchup.

Kenneth Faried was poor again, scoring just eight points with five rebounds. If you can trade Faried for any sort of top 100 value, I feel like you have to do it, but beware, that Faried was a top 40 player post-All-Star break last season after starting equally as poorly as this season.

Kyle Lowry stepped up for the Raptors without DeMar DeRozan, scoring 27 points with 13 assists, two steals, and one block. He could be a top 10 fantasy player while DeRozan is out.

James Johnson was the player to make the most of DeRozan's absence though, scoring 19 points, with seven rebounds, one steal, and one block, while Terrence Ross had 20 points (8-15 FG, 4-8 3Pt) with four rebounds.

Lou Williams missed out, scoring just four ponts (1-9 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) in his first bad game since November 13th. It's likely just a blip.

Darren Collison played just 19 minutes in comparison to Ramon Sessions' 29 minutes, but this isn't something to get worried about. Collison has been great and was having an off night. Look for him to bounce back.

Victor Oladipo stuffed the stat sheet with 27 points (10-14 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 36 minutes and the rust looks well and truly off.

Starting in place of Nikola Vucevic, Kyle O'Quinn beasted for 21 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and one block in 27 minutes. If he starts for a prolonged period, he should be owned in all leagues, but Vucevic is likely back very soon, relegating O'Quinn to watchlist status.

Steph Curry shook off his ankle issue to play 36 minutes, scoring 22 points with five assists, further burying any injury prone tag.

Draymond Green sprained his thumb, but was still able to play 34 minutes for 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. If it worsens and both he and David Lee can't go Thursday, then Marreese Speights becomes a hot streaming option.

NIGHTLY LEADERS

Points

1. LaMarcus Aldridge, F, POR, 39 points
2. Monta Ellis, G, DAL, 38 points
3. Goran Dragic, G, PHX, 34 points

Rebounds

1. Pau Gasol, F, CHI, 14 rebounds
2. Joakim Noah, C, CHI, 14 rebounds
3. Tyson Chandler, C, DAL, 14 rebounds
4. Omer Asik, C, NOP, 14 rebounds

Assists

1. Rajon Rondo, G, BOS, 19 assists
2. Kyle Lowry, G, TOR, 13 assists
3. Ty Lawson, G, DEN, 13 assists
4. Kobe Bryant, G, LAL, 13 assists
5. Nicolas Batum, F, POR, 13 assists

Steals

1. Anthony Davis, F, NOP, 6 steals
2. Goran Dragic, G, PHX, 4 steals
3. Eric Bledsoe, G, PHX, 4 steals

Blocks

1. Andrew Bogut, C, GSW, 5 blocks
2. Anthony Davis, F, NOP, 4 blocks
3. Wes Johnson, F, LAL, 4 blocks
4. Serge Ibaka, F, OKC, 4 blocks

Three-Pointers

1. Kyle Korver, G, ATL, 6-7 3Pt
2. Devin Harris, G, DAL, 6-6 3Pt
3. Goran Dragic, G, PHX, 5-6 3Pt
4. Brandon Knight, G, MIL, 5-9 3Pt
5. Jose Calderon, G, NYK, 5-6 3Pt
6. Deron Williams, G, BKN, 5-8 3Pt

Minutes

1. Pau Gasol, F, CHI, 50 minutes
2. Mike Dunleavy, F, CHI, 49 minutes
3. Jimmy Butler, G, CHI, 46 minutes