The San Antonio Spurs are the first team since 1951 to play back-to-back triple-overtime games. Let's see how Popovich finagles the lineup tonight.

MY NAME IS SHABAZZ, AND I LIKE TO PARTY

The Minnesota Timberwolves sent Corey Brewer and his league-leading 2.2 steals per game to the Houston Rockets for Troy Daniels and sent Ronny Turiaf and the rights to Sergei Lishouk to the Philadelphia 76ers with Alexey Shved getting rerouted to Houston.

Right off the top, Turiaf will not play this season after undergoing hip surgery less than a week ago.

Shved was already considering returning to Europe at season's end, so maybe joining a contender rejuvenates his spirit. Either way, he's replacing Troy Daniels and his 6.5 minutes per game, halting immediate expectations.

Daniels holds extreme deep leagues relevance since the Timberwolves are more like Direwolves, in that they're in dire need of three-point shooting.

Brewer emerged as a solid fantasy contributor when thrust into a backup point guard role. Now tasked with backing up James Harden (37.6 MPG) and Trevor Ariza (38.5 MPG), minutes and value will be scarce. Don't expect 12-team value unless an unfortunate injury occurs.

Shabazz Muhammad is the winner of the trade. Last night, he was inserted into the starting lineup and scored a team-high 26 points (11-15 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), grabbed five rebounds, and dished out a career-high five assists in a team-high 38 minutes. Over the past 15 games, Muhammed leads the team in usage rate at 26.3 percent, coinciding with Kevin Martin's absence from the lineup. Over his last eight games, he's averaging a team-high 19.8 points on 53 percent shooting in 26.9 minutes per game. Muhammad just became the next must-own player while Martin and Rubio remain suited and booted on the bench. It's not as though he's hitting insanely contested jumpers; the 6'6" Muhammed prefers to work out of the post, a rarity in today's NBA. Until defenses learn to stop his lefty jump-hook, he'll be a safe play for points through the return of the regulars.

Chase Budinger played 28 minutes off the bench, more than in his team's last six games combined. He scored a season-high 19 points (8-12 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 0-1 FT) and added four rebounds, one steal and one block. It's a step in the right direction and a one-way ticket to my watch list. His time in Minnesota has been derailed by knee surgeries. If he can stay on the court and revert back to his sharpshooting days in Houston, Flip Saunders will find time for one of the only floor-spacers on the team.

HOSPITAL WARD

Deron Williams exited the game after 10 minutes due to a right calf strain. He limped to the locker room under his own power and will receive an MRI Saturday for further evaluation. As I mentioned last time with Chris Bosh, all calf injuries aren't equal. The Nets play six games the rest of the month. If Williams decides to sit, Jarrett Jack assumes the starting point guard role. He'll be an interesting short-term add, but not a necessity in my eyes. Joe Johnson almost singlehandedly ran the offense in the second half, while Jack scored 10 of his 13 points (6-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt) in 19 second-half minutes. I'd wait to hear the prognosis on Williams before pouncing on Jack.

Landry Fields landed on the back of his head after attempting to block a Kyle Singler above-the-break three-pointer. He received eight stitches and passed concussion protocol but didn't return to the game. The Raptors don't play again until Sunday afternoon, opening up the possibility for a James Johnson or Greivis Vasquez spot-start. They'll have four days off after their Monday game against the Bulls, so Fields may not miss many games. The team is 5-1 since thrusting him into the starting lineup, winning their last five, so clearly he's instrumental to keeping their bench as stocked as possible.

Beno Udrih left after jamming his right index finger. He compiled 15 points (5-8 FG, 5-5 FT), two steals, and one assist in 20 minutes prior to his departure.

M.I.A.

• Boston
  • Jameer Nelson (N/A)
  • Brandan Wright (N/A)
  • Jae Crowder (N/A)
  • Marcus Thornton (calf)
  • James Young (shoulder)
• Brooklyn
  • Brook Lopez (back)
• Charlotte
  • Lance Stephenson (pelvis)
• Chicago
  • Derrick Rose (illness)
  • Taj Gibson (ankle)
• Denver
  • Darrell Arthur (leg)
• LA Clippers
  • Spencer Hawes (knee)
• LA Lakers
  • Kevin Durant (ankle)
• Memphis
  • Tony Allen (eye)
• Miami
  • Chris Bosh (calf)
  • Danny Granger (DNP-CD)
  • Shabazz Napier (DNP-CD)
• Oklahoma City
  • Kevin Durant (ankle)
  • Kendrick Perkins (knee)
• Orlando
  • Maurice Harkless (DNP-CD)
• Philadelphia
  • Furkan Aldemir (foot)
• Portland
  • Nicolas Batum (wrist)
• San Antonio
  • Kawhi Leonard (hand)
  • Tony Parker (hamstring)

ROTATION NOTES

Henry Sims started in the second half over Hollis Thompson. They scored a combined nine points. Neither tickles my fancy.

Gerald Henderson started for Lance Stephenson (pelvis). He was recently demoted to the bench for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. With the news that Stephenson should miss a second game Saturday, look for Henderson to pick up another start. Last night, he scored all 11 of his points in the first half, then went 0-of-4 in the second half. On the fantasy spectrum, I'd place him in the less-than-desirable column.

Entering the game, the Celtics were second in pace and led the NBA in assists per game. With the removal of Rajon Rondo, those assists were dispersed accordingly. Seven Celtics recorded at least three assists. Evan Turner started at point guard, a.k.a Brad Stevens' beautiful, dark twisted fantasy. Avery Bradley led the team with seven assists but not as the primary initiator. Kelly Olynyk scored a team-high 21 points (8-13 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-6 FT) off the bench in 25 minutes. He stands to gain the most sans Rondo because he was shooting 12 percent better when Rondo was on the bench. Some of that can be attributed to playing against second units, but his three-point percent increased from 35 percent with Rondo to 50 percent without him. The prodigy, Marcus Smart, played 27 minutes off the bench. He's been dealing with an Achilles issue and missed the previous two games. I wouldn't get too excited based off this game against the second worst defense in the NBA. Coach Stevens was without the services of Jameer Nelson, Brandan Wright, and Jae Crowder. I still think Turner keeps the starting point guard role until Smart is deemed ready. Turner will fulfill your short-term needs, but Smart is the long-term asset you can invest in in head-to-head leagues because his shooting woes will sink your field goal percentage.

Kevin Garnett and Sergey Karasev returned to the starting lineup after missing one game. Bojan Bogdanovic and Mirza Teletovic kindly found themselves a seat on the bench. Karasev scored all 12 of his points in the first half, and Garnett played over 30 minutes for the first time in a month. Teletovic and Bogdanovic were held scoreless in 27 combined minutes.

Mike Miller entered the starting lineup after seven straight DNP-CDs, replacing Shawn Marion. In a season-high 34 minutes, Miller finished 7-of-8 from downtown, accounting for all 21 of his points. I'm assuming coach Blatt keeps the same starting lineup Sunday against the Grizzlies, Miller's former team. The Cavalier's upcoming schedule is quite cushy, so if you want to take a chance on Miller in 16+ team leagues and more, go for it. Just don't expect him to hit almost all of his three-pointers and play 34 minutes a night.

Paul Pierce returned to the starting lineup after missing one game with a sore right toe. Otto Porter played 13 minutes off the bench. Pierce contributed 14 points (6-13 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, two assists, and one block in 32 minutes.

Mario Chalmers and Shawne Williams started in place of Norris Cole and Justin Hamilton. Should this lineup change stick, Chalmers and Williams reenter the conversation of rosterable players in standard fantasy leagues. I think Chalmers hit that mark when Chris Bosh (calf) fell to injury. Williams is someone who can provide three-pointers in bunches, averaging 2.1 threes in 18 starts this season. Chalmers will add more overall value, but his streakiness can be a bit maddening.

Allen Crabbe and Joel Freeland started over Thomas Robinson and Nicolas Batum (wrist). None of the aforementioned players contributed anything of significance. Robinson was unable to recreate the magic of his 15-point and 16-rebound game. The Blazers are in the process of playing four road games in five nights. If Batum misses more time, the triumvirate of Dorell Wright, Crabbe, and Robinson should split minutes.

Boris Diaw started over Matt Bonner. However, Tiago Splitter picked up the center slack, tallying 14 points (4-6 FG, 6-6 FT), six rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 26 minutes. When all three are healthy, they're better left on the waiver wire since coach Popovich will adjust his lineup and rotation based on the matchup.

Perry Jones started for the injured Kevin Durant (ankle) and was held scoreless in 12 minutes. Reggie Jackson stood tall, providing 25 points (9-15 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five assists, three rebounds, and one block in 36 minutes. Durant's return severed Jackson's fantasy value, so it was nice to see this outburst from him. If you can transform this outing into a useable top-70 player, pull the trigger.

FANTASY LINE OF THE NIGHT

Damian Lillard scored a career-high 43 points (16-29 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 7-8 FT) in the 129-119 triple-overtime win over the Spurs. In 53 minutes, he also added six assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block. On the season, Lillard ranks 5th in per game value using Yahoo!'s metrics and 6th on ESPN's player rater. I don't want to jinx it, but Lillard has played every game in his NBA career. This season, he's averaging a career-high 21.6 points, 1.5 steals, 5.1 rebounds, and 46 percent shooting from the field. Find the nonbeliever in your league and offer Kyrie Irving straight up.

ROOKIE OF THE NIGHT

Nikola Mirotic is starting to challenge for actual rotation minutes when all three veterans are healthy and a Rookie of the Year nod. In 30 minutes, he scored a career-high 27 points (7-10 FG, 6-6 3Pt, 7-8 FT), grabbed eight rebounds, blocked a shot and recorded an assist. Taj Gibson (ankle) didn't play. Even so, coach Thibodeau played Mirotic over Pau Gasol almost all of the fourth quarter, showing heightened levels of trust in the 23-year-old rookie. The Bulls have two days off before their next game, likely reducing Mirotic's value should Gibson return Monday.

TRIPLE-DOUBLE WATCH

Cory Joseph almost netted a triple-double in 43 minutes with 10 points (4-10 FG, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, and seven assists. Tony Parker missed his fourth consecutive game. The Spurs play seven more games the rest of the month and are riding a three-game losing streak. With the inevitable resting of Tim Duncan tonight, I could see Parker making his return sooner rather than later.

Kobe Bryant was held in check against the Thunder, finishing 3-of-15 from the field. He was outscored by five of his teammates in a team-high 35 minutes. His box score read nine points, eight rebounds, eight assists, zero steals, zero blocks, and three turnovers. He didn't score until five minutes left in the second quarter. It was a miserable performance on the foundation of tired legs. The last time he played less than 30 minutes was October 29th, the second game of the season.

BOXSCORE HIGHLIGHTS AND ODDITIES

Victor Oladipo did not give the people what they want. He finished the night 1-of-6 from the field and scored only two points in 32 minutes. After two subpar games, I'm trying to buy-low on Oladipo before it's too late.

Elfrid Payton recorded his first career double-double, dissecting the Jazz for 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-2 FT), 11 assists, two rebounds, and one steal in 28 minutes off the bench. I'm still lukewarm on Payton given Evan Fournier played a team-high 39 minutes and scored 21 points (7-16 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT). At some point, something has to give. It remains to be seen if that point will be reached this season with the three-guard rotation.

Derrick Favors beasted the Magic with 23 points (9-14 FG, 5-7 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 34 minutes. If he's still dealing with ankle soreness, last night's effort alleviated any immediate concerns.

Dante Exum was unable to carry the momentum of his previous two double-digit scoring affairs, settling for two points (1-2 FG) in 15 minutes. It's a reminder of Trey Burke's job security as the 19-year-old Exum navigates a tumultuous rookie season.

Kemba Walker scored a season-high 30 points (13-23 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT) against the 76ers with Lance Stephenson sidelined. It's only his sixth time this season shooting better than 50 percent from the field. More noteworthy, of the 33 players averaging at least 5.0 assists per game, Walker has the fewest turnovers at 1.5 per game, better even than Chris Paul. It's a shame his 39 percent accuracy from field negates such a quality 9-category line.

Al Jefferson began 0-of-7 from the field and didn't score until two minutes left in the first half. Ultimately, he scored 16 of his 20 points (9-23 FG, 2-2 FT) ) in the second half. Surprisingly, Luc Mbah a Moute was tasked with guarding Jefferson while Nerlens Noel was on the court. It was Henry Sims who allowed Jefferson to regain his mojo after halftime. Take note, Mbah a Moute is the Al Jefferson Stopper.

Sir Robert Covington hit six three-pointers and joined Tony Wroten in scoring a team-high 19 points. Luc Mbah a Moute recorded at least one steal for the 13th straight game and is averaging a hefty 2.1 steals per game during that timeframe. As much as Sixers fans want to see K.J. McDaniels, Mbah a Moute has provided better individual and team defense.

Kevin Love scored a season-low six points (1-10 FG, 0-4 3Pt), and Kyrie Irving shot a rancid 6-of-18 from the field. Irving has regressed to the mean over his last eight games, shooting 37 percent from the field and 18 percent from downtown. He offers a stunningly low 1.7 turnovers per game, one of the main contributors to his high 9-category rank. His touch near the rim digressed recently and he's barely scoring in transition. It's a swoon worth monitoring, especially given his recent knee scare that he's presumably playing through.

Patrick Patterson hit three more three-pointers to bring his average over the past ten games to 2.5 three-pointers per game. During that time, he's third on the team at 28.5 minutes per game, parlaying his trust from coach Dwane Casey into an absurd 58 percent shooting from downtown. All but one of his makes in those ten games has been uncontested, per SportVU. It's easy to see why he's had so much success, both in real life and in fantasy.

Brandon Jennings was shooting 26 percent from the field in December prior to last night's 22-point (8-18 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-5 FT), eight-assist, and four-rebound effort. If you've been holding on for signs of life, now would be a great time to try to flip him. My first target would be the slumping Victor Oladipo. I'd even pursue Deron Williams following his calf injury. The Pistons' point guard minutes will continue to fluctuate nightly, hinging on coach Van Gundy's assessment of the enigmatic Jennings.

Marcin Gortat played 22 minutes for the second time in four contests. Fouls were not an issue this time around. The depth in Washington has seen his minutes per game drop from 32 last season to 29 this season. It's concerning in that not many centers play more than 30 minutes on average, so the dropoff cuts into his overall value. Nene Hilario scored 20 points (8-10 FG, 4-7 FT) off the bench in 26 minutes, and Rasual Butler played 27 minutes to Kris Humphries' 13 minutes. I'll chalk it up to the matchup with Miami's smaller lineup.

Bradley Beal continually overpromises and underperforms. Following two 20+ point outings, he's 7-of-27 in his last two games, scoring 16 points last night with the benefit of seven free-throws. I harp on Beal because people think he's a good fantasy basketball asset. The truth, as I've written close to twenty times over the past year, is that he's a streaky shooter who'll occasionally have moments of brilliance. He'll shoot better from beyond the arc than inside of it. The career-high 1.5 steals is nothing to scoff at, but 28 percent accuracy from mid-range, where he takes most of his shots, compromises his fantasy value.

Aaron Brooks scored 17 points (6-13 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT) in 32 minutes off the bench. His value is directly tied to Derrick Rose's health. In this case, Rose missed his second straight game with an illness.

Nate Robinson scored a team-high 20 points (6-11 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 4-7 FT) in 16 minutes. It's more than he's scored in his last six games combined. If nothing else, it's a nice reminder of how hot he can get in short bursts. With Ty Lawson battling ankle issues heading into the season, Robinson would be the man to scoop off the wire should Lawson miss an extended period of time.

The Los Angeles Clippers were assessed five technical fouls in their 109-106 loss to the Nuggets. Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, Matt Barnes, Hedo Turkoglu, and coach Doc Rivers all find themselves $2,000 lighter in the wallet area.

Ronnie Price scored all 14 of his points in the first quarter. Ed Davis scored a season-high 18 points (8-10 FG, 2-2 FT), grabbed nine rebounds, and blocks two shots in 32 minutes. The Lakers are as volatile as they come, so tread lightly.

NIGHTLY LEADERS

Points

1. Damian Lillard, G, POR: 43 points (16-29 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 7-8 FT)
2. LaMarcus Aldridge, F, POR: 32 points (13-27 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-5 FT)
3. Tim Duncan, F, SAS: 32 points (12-24 FG, 8-9 FT)
4. Blake Griffin, F, LAC: 32 points (9-20 FG, 14-18 FT)

Rebounds

1. LaMarcus Aldridge, F, POR: 16 rebounds (5 offensive)
2. DeAndre Jordan, C, LAL: 14 rebounds (4 offensive)
3. Kevin Love, F, CLE: 14 rebounds (5 offensive)

Assists

1. Chris Paul, G, LAC: 15 assists (4 turnovers)
2. Ty Lawson, G, DEN: 14 assists (5 turnovers)
3. Elfrid Payton, G, ORL: 11 assists (3 turnovers)

Steals

1. LaMarcus Aldridge, F, POR: 5 steals
2. Nine players tied with three steals
3. Twenty tied with two steals

Blocks

1. Serge Ibaka, F, OKC: 5 blocks
2. Tim Duncan, F, SAS: 4 blocks
3. Five players tied with three blocks

Three-Pointers

1. Mike Miller, G, CLE: 7-8 3Pt
2. Nikola Mirotic, F, CHI: 6-6 3Pt
3. Danny Green, G, SAS: 6-9 3Pt
4. Robert Covington, F, PHI: 6-8 3Pt

Minutes

1. Damian Lillard, G, POR: 53 minutes
2. LaMarcus Aldridge, POR: 52 minutes
3. Wesley Matthews, POR: 50 minutes