I only watched the final four seconds of the Knicks-Hornets game. Up one, Derek Fisher sent out Pablo Prigioni, J.R. Smith, Tim Hardaway Jr, Carmelo Anthony, and Amar'e Stoudemire to defend the inevitable buzzer-beating Kemba Walker layup. At least the Knicks still own their first-round draft pick this season. Other game winners include Carl Landry's putback layup to help the Kings defeat the Pacers in overtime and Nick Johnson's layup in overtime to give the Rockets a two-point win after James Harden fouled out. And oh yeah, Byron Scott wants to mix up the starting lineup before Sunday's game against the Pelicans, so go ahead and preemptively add Ed Davis if you have the room.

HOSPITAL WARD

Tony Parker suffered a mild right hamstring strain five minutes into the second half against the Grizzlies. Cory Joseph scored 10 of his 12 points (5-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT) in the fourth quarter to help secure the 107-101 victory. The Spurs play their fifth game in seven nights Saturday, followed by two days off and eight games over the subsequent 12 days. Their next four opponents are comprised of the Timberwolves, Jazz, Knicks, and Lakers. Essentially, don't be surprised if Parker takes a mini-vacation over the next week for something minor. Throw Tim Duncan in that pile after he played 36 minutes in the win. Joseph will retain value, but expect Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, and Boris Diaw to act as primary and secondary ball-handlers should Parker rest.

Kostas Papanikolaou sprained his knee during the Rockets' overtime win over the Timberwolves. His status for Saturday hinges on the severity, but the Rockets have three days off following tonight's game. With an already thin roster, look for Trevor Ariza to max out his minutes and Francisco Garcia in relief. Any prolonged absence will give Garcia deep league relevance.

Ian Mahinmi left the game early with a sore left foot and didn't return. Luis Scola and Lavoy Allen both played less than 18 minutes each, and David West played a season-high 31 minutes in the overtime loss.

Nikola Vucevic was diagnosed with a lower-back sprain and missed his third straight game. He had this to say of the injury:

"It's not scary because it's not crazy pain to where I can't handle it, but it's annoying because it's always there. I think with treatment and some exercise it'll go away pretty soon and it won't be an issue for me at all. I think it's really from a hit and that movement. I [hurt] it a little bit. But there was no structural damage or anything, so that's the good thing."

He admitted that he first tweaked the back November 15th against the Wizards. Coach Vaughn doesn't know how much time Vucevic will miss, opening the door for Kyle O'Quinn, one of the unsung per minute beasts in the NBA. In 18 minutes last night, O'Quinn provided 13 points (5-7 FG, 3-3 FT), four rebounds, two blocks, and one assist. The Magic play Saturday against the Kings, who could be with DeMarcus Cousins, and then have three days off rest. Because the Magic has the worst overall fantasy playoff schedule, all of their players should be available in trade in head-to-head leagues once the calendar reaches January.

M.I.A

• Boston
  • Marcus Smart (DNP-CD)
• Brooklyn
  • Andrei Kirilenko (personal)
• Charlotte
  • Jeffery Taylor (suspension)
  • Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (foot)
• Cleveland
  • Matthew Dellavedova (knee)
• Dallas
  • Raymond Felton (ankle)
• Denver
  • Randy Foye (quadriceps)
• Houston
  • Dwight Howard (knee)
  • Patrick Beverley (hamstring)
  • Isaiah Canaan (ankle)
  • Terrence Jones (leg)
• Indiana
  • Donald Sloan (DNP-CD)
• Miami
  • Luol Deng (hand)
  • Chris Andersen (ankle)
  • Norris Cole (illness)
• Milwaukee
  • Larry Sanders (illness)
  • Ersan Ilyasova (face)
• Minnesota
  • Mo Williams (back spasms)
  • Kevin Martin (fractured right wrist)
  • Ronny Turiaf (hip)
  • Ricky Rubio (ankle)
  • Nikola Pekovic (ankle/wrist)
• Orlando
  • Nikola Vucevic (back)
• Philadelphia
  • Tony Wroten (knee)
  • Alexey Shved (hip)
• Phoenix
  • Isaiah Thomas (ankle)
• Sacramento
  • DeMarcus Cousins (illness)
• San Antonio
  • Tiago Splitter (calf)
  • Patty Mills (shoulder)
• Utah
  • Alec Burks (shoulder)

ROTATIONAL NOTES

Mo Williams was struck with back spasms, missing last night's game and expected to miss tonight's game against the Spurs. Zach LaVine (Rookie of the Night) replaced Williams in the starting lineup and compiled 17 points (6-12 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-5 FT), six rebounds, and four assists in 35 minutes. However, it was Corey Brewer with the magical line of 15 points (5-12 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals in 40 minutes that caught my attention. Granted, he's shooting 14.8 percent from downtown and 66.2 percent from the charity stripe on the season. Nevertheless, last night's categorical diversification speaks to the versatility he can provide, especially when forced into pseudo-point guard duties. Shabazz Muhammad led the Wolves with 20 points (8-15 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-5 FT) in 27 minutes. In case you were wondering, Muhammad leads the team with a 24.6 percent usage rate over the last eight games in Kevin Martin's absence. That alone makes him worthy of an add in deep leagues. Lastly, if the news on Williams turns sour, LaVine will be the guy to own.

Amar'e Stoudemire remained in the starting lineup, but Samuel Dalembert replaced Quincy Acy in order to contend with Al Jefferson. Stoudemire attempted just five shots in 27 minutes as the Knicks limited Jefferson to 8-of-21 shooting. I wish more people knew how potent the Knicks' defense, Dalembert in particular, has been at stalling opposing centers. Considered yourself cautioned.

Gary Neal returned to the lineup after missing four games with a shoulder issue. He added 13 points (5-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three assists, and one assist in 22 minutes off the bench, claiming watch list status in deeper leagues, especially for those in need of scoring. Gerald Henderson took advantage of a lax Knicks' defense on his way to 22 points (8-10 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 4-5 FT), two rebounds, two assists, and one block in 31 minutes. It was extremely reminiscent of the night Norris Cole had opening night, a lot of points on insane accuracy and not much else.  Marvin Williams played more minutes than Cody Zeller, 31-17, even though Zeller started. Zeller played one combined minute in the second and fourth quarter. The Hornets have four days off before their next game, thrusting you into limbo while waiver wire gems pop up over the weekend.

Luol Deng was on the active roster but did not play because of a bruised right hand. Danny Granger started and added 7 points (2-4 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-5 FT), two blocks, and one assist in 27 minutes. James Ennis provided near identical stats in three fewer minutes. Neither replacement warrants standard league ownership. The Heat carries on their five-game road-trip in Memphis against a top-five defense on Sunday. Because Deng could have been used in an emergency situation, he's not expected to miss extended run.

Larry Sanders was expected to miss that game against the Heat because of an illness, but instead came off the bench in favor of Zaza Pachulia. He produced six points (3-7 FG) and six rebounds in 18 minutes, not far off his normal minute allotment. Pachulia did little to incite a position battle debate. The Bucks square off against the Mavericks on Sunday, signifying a likely return for Sanders to the starting lineup.

Perry Jones III made his much-anticipated return after missing the previous 13 games due to a knee contusion. He was scoreless in six minutes and much of his fantasy value dried up the moment Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook returned from their ailments.

Matt Bonner started at center and provided three three-pointers in 21 minutes. Boris Diaw chipped in 6 points (2-3 FG, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, and two assists in 24 minutes off the bench. Once Tiago Splitter (calf) returns for good, look for him to replace Bonner in the revolving starting center role.

Marc Gasol played 40 minutes after news surrounding his knee left him questionable pregame. He finished with 28 points (9-20 FG, 10-11 FT), 12 rebounds, four blocks, and two assists, quelling immediate concerns.

Rodney Hood started for the injured Alec Burks (shoulder), who forwent surgery and could return in the next two weeks, missing eight games minimum. Surgery is still a possibility if the shoulder doesn't heal properly. Burks is useful for the 4.5 rebounds per game he provides, ninth among shooting guards, and his 84.4 percent accuracy from the free-throw line. He's not a must hold if you can find better options on the waiver wire or your bench is full of injured players, so he can be dropped under the right circumstance. Just know that the Jazz have one of the more favorable fantasy playoff schedules before you do anything drastic. Hood finished with 15 points (4-6 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 4-5 FT), and one rebound in 25 minutes. Because the Jazz plays four games each of the next two weeks, he'll be useful for the sheer volume.

Nene Hilario came off the bench for his first appearance in the last seven games. Kris Humphries scored a season-high 20 points (7-11 FG, 6-8 FT) and only grabbed four rebounds in 26 minutes. Kevin Seraphin and Rasual Butler scored 16 apiece, noteworthy because the Wizards waived Drew Gooden who was averaging just over 17 minutes per game. It'll probably be a committee considering Randy Wittman started Trevor Booker over Hilario last season to reduce the wear and tear.

JaVale McGee played the entire fourth quarter in a blowout loss to the Wizards after missing the previous five games with soreness in his tibia. He did swat two shots, his only serviceable fantasy skill.

The Nuggets were blitzed by the Wizards, so 11 players played between 11 and 26 minutes, including Kenneth Faried lasting just 18 minutes. It's possible he's traded to a more favorable situation like Sacramento or Brian Shaw is fired, the only two pieces of solace Faried owners can hold onto.

FANTASY LINE OF THE NIGHT

This honor belongs to LeBron James, but since he recorded a near triple-double and we don't like to double dip, enter James Harden. Aside from the eight turnovers, he provided 38 points (11-17 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 13-14 FT), six assists, and four rebounds in 37 minutes. It was the first time in six games failing to record a block and 17 games since failing to record a steal. That said, he's one of three players averaging more than 6.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game while bumping up his field goal percentage to 42.4 with three consecutive 54+ percent shooting nights.

TRIPLE-DOUBLE WATCH

John Wall played a team-high 28 minutes in the 119-89 win over the Nuggets. He finished with nine points (3-7 FG, 1-3 3P), 12 assists, eight rebounds, two blocks, and one steal as he watched from the sideline the entire fourth quarter. He leads all point guards in steals (2.1) and blocks (0.6) per game, boosting his overall value to a near top-10 fantasy player.

Tim Duncan squeaked by with 14 points (6-12 FG, 2-3 FT), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and two blocks in 36 minutes. After playing 36 minutes in back-to-back games, I'm concerned about his availability tonight against the Timberwolves, even with Tony Parker's absence all but certain.

Michael Carter-Williams maintained his ball dominance ways with Tony Wroten (knee) and Alexey Shved (hip) unavailable. In 42 minutes, he provided 16 points (6-19 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 14 assists, seven rebounds, three steals, one block, and four turnovers as he chirped with Russell Westbrook all night. Carter-Williams is shooting 36 percent from the field and 64 percent from the line while turning the ball over 4.3 times per game, manifesting itself into a Yahoo! rank of 299. If you disregard percentages and turnovers, you could possibly manipulate the system by offering a lowball trade offer based on such a low rank.

Rajon Rondo attempted a season-high 17 shots but only converted six of them on his way to 12 points, 16 assists, eight rebounds, one steal, and one turnover in 31 minutes. It was a nice departure from the two points he scored in each of the previous three contests.

LeBron James, claiming he's dealing with a sore elbow, notched 24 points (9-18 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 13 assists, seven rebounds, three steals, and one block in 42 minutes. He's averaging 10.1 assists over the last seven games, fourth among all players during that span, a marvelous reminder that James can do what he wants when he wants, except on the defensive end.

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHTS AND ODDITIES

Kevin Durant snapped a streak of 56 consecutive games scoring at least 20 points, finishing his second game back against the Sixers with 10 points (3-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), six rebounds, three assists, and one block in 29 minutes. DeMarcus Cousins now holds the longest active streak of scoring 20+ points at seven straight games.

Jeremy Lamb found his shot recently, hitting 21-of-27 shots in his last four games and 1o-of-12 three-pointers, overlapping kindly with Russell Westbrook's return. He had a nice stretch last season before Caron Butler came on board, so keep an eye on Lamb to see if he can keep up this insane shooting streak.

Robert Covington is slowly emerging from the pit of despair in Philadelphia to provide rosterable numbers. He's hit three three-pointers in each of his last three games, averaging 15.7 points per over that span on 50 percent shooting. He doesn't do enough elsewhere to warrant immediate ownership, and with Tony Wroten working his way back, the shots are soon to expire.

Carmelo Anthony bounced back with 32 points (11-22 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 8-8 FT), seven rebounds, and four assists in 42 minutes, including 15 points in the fourth quarter. I'm still in the camp willing to trade for him because his price depreciated after the back spasms emerged, but I'm not relinquishing third-round talent to obtain him.

Tyler Zeller scored a career-high 24 points (10-11 FG, 4-4 FT) and grabbed 14 rebounds against the Lakers, so I'm not exactly jumping for joy. Watching the highlights really magnified the level of carelessness on the part of Jordan Hill and Carlos Boozer. Seven of Zeller's made baskets were assisted by Rajon Rondo. I'd still rather own Kyle O'Quinn because I'm biased and have been touting him since the preseason, but I took a chance on Zeller in my 12-team roto league, dropping Carlos Boozer for the second time in the last week for a Zeller. If Luke Zeller reenters the NBA, I'll probably find a way to drop Boozer for him at some point, too. The Celtics play the Wizards in a home-and-home, followed by a game against the Hornets, pitting brother versus brother. I don't expect this level of production to continue, so when he falters or Kelly Olynyk reclaims the starting job back, Ed Davis is next on my add list.

Tristan Thompson recorded season-highs of 21 points and 14 rebounds. On the season, he's averaging 0.6 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, severely limiting his fantasy value. He'll become more viable when Anderson Varejao succumbs to injury, but even then, Kevin Love will play plenty of minutes at center.

Arron Afflalo scored four points on 2-of-9 shooting. Because he literally provides nothing else in the box score, this near no-show was almost equivalent to leaving his spot empty. His 14.2 points per game come at the expense of 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.1 blocks in just over 30 minutes per game, underwhelming stats for a quality defender. After only blocking three shots last season, less than Kendall Marshall, don't expect a block party revival anytime soon.

Dennis Schroder is high on my priority list after scoring at least 11 points in six straight contests, all in less than 19 minutes per game. To be fair, four of those games were blowouts. The Hawks play five games in seven days starting Sunday, including two games against the Magic and one against the Sixers, so get on board before the bubble bursts.

DeMarre Carroll outscored the Nets, 14-13, in the second quarter by himself, culminating in an 18-point performance aided by four three-pointers, six rebounds, one block, and one assist in 25 minutes. He calls himself the "African-American Kyle Korver" and doesn't do anything to hurt your fantasy basketball team, providing well-rounded numbers on a consistent basis.

Amir Johnson finally had a game worth mentioning and one I've been waiting for all season. Against Kevin Love, Johnson supplied a season-high 27 points (11-15 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 4-6 FT), seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 33 minutes. Noticeably absent are the blocks, his known specialty. While you shouldn't expect 20+ points every night, prepare for letdown from any one of the Raptors as on this night Greivis Vasquez added four points and five assists, Terrence Ross provided six points and six rebounds, Lou Williams was held to five points in 20 minutes, and Jonas Valanciunas could not keep up with the Cavaliers frontline, limiting him to 20 minutes.

Tayshaun Prince reminded people of his presence with 20 points (8-11 FG, 4-4 3Pt), five rebounds, and two assists in 33 minutes. I have nothing further to add to the matter.

Jason Terry played 43 minutes, so he had to, by proxy, put up big numbers. If 19 points (7-16 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-3 FT), six assists, four rebounds, and one steal qualify, then Terry had a big game. With Patrick Beverley (hamstring) close to returning, if not tonight then Wednesday, Terry's must-own label washes away. He'll likely settle into that 20-24 minute a night role off the bench, providing mostly three-pointers with the occasional assist.

Goran Dragic conveniently produces top-50 value when Isaiah Thomas (ankle) doesn't play. First off, he's played 34.7 minutes during Thomas' hiatus and sporting an unsustainable 71.6 percent true shooting mark. Last night, Dragic assembled 28 points (10-15 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 13 assists, one block, and one turnover in 37 minutes against the Mavericks. I would take this time to test the market for Dragic. If someone wants to give you comparable value to his five-game stretch, pull the trigger.

Tyson Chandler scored 15 points (6-7 FG, 3-3 FT) and grabbed 19 rebounds against an undersized Suns team. Over his last six games, Chandler is averaging 16.7 rebounds per game and shooting 70.8 percent from the field. Five of those six games were against the Eastern Conference, against whom he is averaging 3.8 more rebounds.

Evan Fournier made a three-pointer for the 27th straight game, longest active streak in the NBA. The rest of his game has dropped off precipitously even though he's getting the minutes over Elfrid Payton and will continue to until the Magic are eliminated from playoff contention or Payton finds a serviceable jump shot.

The Bucks' bench outscored the Heat's bench, 60-18. Kendall Marshall scored a season-high 20 points after scoring a total of 26 points prior to last night's game. It should come as no surprise when the bench plays more minutes than the starters in Milwaukee. Jason Kidd is still coaching the team to an above .500 winning percentage. Nothing has changed. So you can pick O.J. Mayo up if you want, just don't complain when he plays 13 minutes in favor of Jerryd Bayless.

DAN FORDEN AWARD*

Manu Ginobili turned back the clock when he led the team with 17 points (5-10 FG, 5-5 3Pt, 2-4 FT), seven assists, six rebounds, two steals, and one blocks in 28 minutes. With the news that Tony Parker (hamstring) could miss and the Spurs playing quite a few games over the next week, Ginobili is a good nominee to pick up the ball-handling slack when he plays. I say when because he's a susceptible to intermittent rest days as well.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT

"Carter-Williams following [Westbrook] around like bad credit. Forced him into that airball."

- Malik Rose

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT RUNNER-UP

"If I had a daughter, I'd let (O'Quinn) date her. He's a good dude, so I know there's no intent behind it, but he's trying to be aggressive and protect our paint. I don't have a daughter, though, good thing!"

- Coach Jacque Vaughn

NIGHTLY LEADERS

Points

1. James Harden, G, HOU: 38 points (11-17 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 13-14 FT)
2. Monta Ellis, G, DAL: 33 points (14-22 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-5 FT)
3. Carmelo Anthony, F, NYK: 32 points (11-22 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 8-8 FT)

Rebounds

1. Tyson Chandler, C, DAL: 18 rebounds (9 offensive)
2. Tyler Zeller, C, BOS: 14 rebounds (1 offensive)
3. Tristan Thompson, F, CLE: 14 rebounds (0 offensive)

Assists

1. Rajon Rondo, G, BOS: 16 assists (1 turnover)
2. Michael Carter-Williams, G, PHI: 14 assists (4 turnovers)
3. Goran Dragic, G, PHX: 13 assists (1 turnover)
4. LeBron James, F, CLE: 13 assists (4 turnovers)

Steals

1. Mario Chalmers, G, MIA: 6 steals
2. Darren Collison, G, SAC: 4 steals
3. Elfrid Payton, G, ORL: 4 steals
4. Rodney Stuckey, G, IND: 4 steals
5. Dennis Schroder, G, ATL: 4 steals

Blocks

1. Derrick Favors, C, UTA: 5 blocks
2. Marc Gasol, C, MEM: 4 blocks
3. Serge Ibaka, F, OKC: 3 blocks
4. Corey Brewer, F, MIN: 3 blocks

Three-Pointers

1. Manu Ginobili, G, SAS: 5-5 3Pt
2. Trevor Ariza, F, HOU: 5-12 3Pt
3. Tayshaun Prince, F, MEM: 4-4 3Pt
4. Kendall Marshall, G, MIL: 4-5 3Pt
5. DeMarre Carroll, F, ATL: 4-5 3Pt
6. Bradley Beal, G, WAS: 4-6 3Pt

Minutes

1. Ben McLemore, G, SAC: 47 minutes
2. Trevor Ariza, F, HOU: 44 minutes
3. Jason Terry, HOU: 43 minutes

*The Dan Forden Award is given to the player with the best long-distance shooting performance. It is named the Dan Forden Award after Dan Forden, audio technician for the Mortal Kombat series and the guy who popped up from the bottom right corner of the game and excitedly proclaimed "Toasty!"