I can confirm the following: the Hawks are now first place in the Eastern Conference with a 24-8 record. The Knicks and Timberwolves are both mired in 10-game losing streaks, stewing in last place in their respective conference. The Detroit Pistons have the longest winning streak in the Eastern Conference, reeling off four straight since waiving Josh Smith. And oh yeah, DeMar DeRozan could return as soon as Thursday.

HOSPITAL WARD

Avery Bradley left the game in the waning moments with a right-hand injury. Apparently, he played through it for most of the game, scoring 17 of his team-high 22 points (9-20 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-1 FT) in the fourth quarter against his buddy, Rajon Rondo. I couldn't find anything concrete on the subject. Remain alert in case any news pops up before tonight's game in Chicago.

Andrea Bargnani did waste much time succumbing to injury. He aggravated the right calf that held him out the beginning of the season and didn't return to the game. *cue Petey Jones singing the 1970's Steam hit* "Na Na Na Na Hey Hey Hey Goodbye."

Steven Adams was kicked in the leg by Nene Hilario and left briefly. He only played nine minutes in the second half. I estimate that has more to do with Kevin Durant's presence.

Patrick Christopher made his season debut in the starting lineup for Rodney Hood (heel), only to dislocate his right kneecap in the first quarter. Christopher is expected to miss 6-8 weeks, and Hood could miss up to two weeks. Enter Dante Exum, Joe Ingles, and Ian Clark. Exum offers the most tantalizing appeal, especially after scoring a career-high 13 points (5-9 FG, 3-7 3Pt) in 22 minutes. I've made it my business to not trust 19-year-old rookies, and I'm not going to start now. Ingles and Clark will split minutes with Exum, and Gordon Hayward proved last year he can play the two-guard position. By my estimation, coach Quin Snyder wants Exum to progress as a point guard, so shooting guard minutes will be sparse.

Enes Kanter left the game during the fourth quarter with a sprained right ankle. He won't play tonight against the Timberwolves, so either Rudy Gobert or Trevor Booker will get the start. Gobert closed last night with 11 points (3-3 FG, 5-6 FT), seven rebounds, four blocks, and one assist in 24 minutes. The Jazz play four games next week, so if Kanter is forced to miss time, Gobert figures to be the better fantasy option, even if he comes off the bench.

M.I.A.

• Atlanta
  • Pero Antic (DNP-CD)
• Boston
  • Marcus Thornton (calf)
• Brooklyn
  • Bojan Bogdanovic (DNP-CD)
• Charlotte
  • Lance Stephenson (pelvic sprain)
  • Jannero Pargo (back)
  • Al Jefferson (groin)
  • Noah Vonleh (DNP-CD)
• Cleveland
  • LeBron James (knee/back)
  • Joe Harris (DNP-CD)
• Golden State
  • Festus Ezeli (ankle)
  • Andrew Bogut (knee)
• Houston
  • Terrence Jones (leg)
• Indiana
  • George Hill (sore left groin)
  • C.J. Watson (sore left foot)
  • Damjan Rudez (illness)
• Memphis
  • Zach Randolph (knee)
• Milwaukee
  • Ersan Ilyasova (concussion)
  • Larry Sanders (illness)
• New Orleans
  • Eric Gordon (shoulder)
  • John Salmons (DNP-CD)
• New York
  • Tim Hardaway Jr. (concussion)
  • Carmelo Anthony (knee)
  • Samuel Dalembert (ankle)
  • Amar'e Stoudemire (knee)
  • Iman Shumpert (shoulder)
• Oklahoma City
  • Mitch McGary (leg)
• Orlando
  • Aaron Gordon (foot)
  • Maurice Harkless (inactive)
• Philadelphia
  • Hollis Thompson (illness)
• Utah
  • Rodney Hood (heel)

ROTATION NOTES

Kevin Love suited up after missing one game with back spasms, only to suffer a slight left knee problem. He stayed in the game and later said, "I'm sure it'll be sore, but it's nothing I can't play on. It just doesn't feel good at the moment." He scored 27 points (9-15 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 6-10 FT) in 38 minutes, his highest point total and first time he shot better than 50 percent in exactly one month. The Cavaliers travel back home for a game against the Mavericks on Sunday, so you'll need to monitor his status over the weekend. Love's one-game replacement, Brendan Haywood, could reenter the starting lineup.

Shawn Marion played after missing the previous two games. He played 24 minutes off the bench with LeBron James (back/knee) sidelined. He split time with Mike Miller and provided seven points (2-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists, and one block. Coach David Blatt used a seven-man rotation due to the plethora of injuries and dearth of talent on the bench. James is going to miss six more games, but it's not enough for me to consider Marion.

Brook Lopez returned to the bench in deference of Kevin Garnett. They each played 18 minutes, but Lopez contributed 16 points (7-8 FG, 2-3 FT), eight rebounds, and three blocks. Mason Plumlee stayed relevant, unlike Samantha Mumba, by adding a team-high 18 points (9-10 FG, 0-3 FT), team-high nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal in 27 minutes. Deron Williams (16 points, 7 assists) outproduced Jarrett Jack even though coach Hollins continues to bring him off the bench. At one point, Williams was leading the league in minutes per game; now he doesn't get more burn than his former backup.

Devyn Marble spent a few days on the D-League roster before rejoining the team and contributing immediately. First off, his arrival sent an injury-free Maurice Harkless to the inactive list. Marble played a career-high 21 minutes, engulfing his season total of four minutes played, but wasn't nearly productive on the offensive end, finishing with two points on 1-of-4 shooting.

Celtics' frontcourt update: Jared Sullinger (12 points, six rebounds, two three-pointers) played a team-high 34 minutes, Tyler Zeller (17 points, 10 rebounds) played 25 minutes, Kelly Olynyk (two points, four rebounds) played 16 minutes, Brandon Bass played 11 minutes, and Brandan Wright played 10 minutes for a grand total of 96 power forward/center minutes. If it's any consolation, the game was over by the second quarter.

Jose Calderon, Pablo Prigioni, J.R. Smith, Jason Smith, and Cole Aldrich started for the Knicks. Travis Wear and Shane Larkin led the reserves with 26 minutes each, followed closely by Quincy Acy's 25 minutes. The Knicks only lost by 16 after outscoring the Pistons 29-15 in the final period, saving face if nothing else.

Carmelo Anthony (knee) and Tim Hardaway (concussion) were among the players unable to go. J.R. Smith scored 15 of his team-high 22 points (8-20 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 1-2 FT) in the fourth quarter and stands to gain the most when Anthony shuts it down. Aldrich chipped in 11 points (5-15 FG, 1-2 FT), 14 rebounds, two steals, and one assists in 36 minutes. Over his last seven games, he's averaging 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 26.5 minutes per game. All but one of those came without Amar'e Stoudemire in the lineup. Since we don't know when he'll return, Aldrich is a nice flier option heading into a four-game week. But remember, the Knicks travel to London in the middle of the month, accruing seven days off in the process. If you can afford the one-game week from him in a fortnight, he'll certainly be worth the FAAB.

George Hill was diagnosed with a sore left groin.  It's unclear how much more time he could miss, but the Pacers play five games in the next eight days. He'll miss eight games if he rests the next two weeks. Any way you slice it, we're awaiting official word on his expected timeline. C.J. Watson could have benefitted if he wasn't dealing with a sore left foot. Unheralded Donald Sloan stepped into the starting lineup and provided 10 points (4-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt), eight rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 33 minutes. Even as a starter, his value fluctuates when Rodney Stuckey is healthy. The Pacers have a four-game week upcoming, something you can take advantage of if we receive unfortunate news regarding Hill and Watson.

Jerryd Bayless returned from a one-game, knee-induced absence. He was one of eight Bucks to play 23-33 minutes.

Larry Sanders' days appear numbered. Coach Jason Kidd ruled him out due to personal reasons without a timetable. The Bucks play five games over the next eight days, then head to London to square off against the Knicks. From January 11th-23rd, the Bucks play three games. If Sanders is going to be out indefinitely, his value dries up over the next three weeks. Zaza Pachulia and John Henson earn a boost because Ersan Ilyasova is dealing with concussion symptoms. Coach Kidd said, "He's got a ways to go." It's certainly not a ringing endorsement for someone who has dealt with concussions in the past. Pachulia provided 12 points (4-10 FG, 4-4 FT), 14 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block as the starter in 25 minutes. Henson countered with 14 points (6-9 FG, 2-4 FT), 10 rebounds, two blocks, and one assist in 23 minutes off the bench. No offense, but I don't know how any sane person can intentionally add a player from the Bucks. You just can't guarantee anyone outside of Brandon Knight for consistent production.

Luc Mbah a Moute missed the previous two games with a calf injury. He easily replaced Henry Sims in the starting lineup and picked up where he left off, contributing 12 points  (5-12 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-4 FT), eight rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block in 32 minutes. Sims provided 16 points (6-7 FG, 4-4 FT), five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 18 minutes.

K.J. McDaniels started over JaKarr Sampson with Hollis Thompson (illness) still resting. The box score suggests McDaniels was invisible, limited to four points on 2-of-8 shooting and failing to block a shot. Sir Robert Covington added five steals as we all eagerly await Jason Richardson's return. For the most part, McDaniels is someone you safely roster in leagues that use Highlight Plays as a category. Otherwise, his early season production tailed off, and his only valuable category is blocks. Coach Brett Brown isn't afraid to rearrange the lineup, and that means sitting McDaniels when he vacates his assignment in favor of a possible weakside block.

Al Horford jumped back into the starting lineup after missing one game due to illness. His one-game replacement, Pero Antic, copped a DNP-CD.

Landry Fields passed concussion protocol and started after missing five games. James Johnson returned to a reserve role and was scoreless in 12 minutes. The approaching reemergence of DeMar DeRozan derails any fantasy value either replacement claimed.

Ryan Kelly made his long-awaited return, scoring two points in 10 minutes off the bench. He'd been out since November 17th with a hamstring issue. He'll be more fantasy viable once the parts in front of him are traded off.

FANTASY LINE OF THE NIGHT

Stephen Curry bested Kevin Durant (34 points, eight rebounds, four three-pointers) on this night. He scored 32 points, hit five three-pointers, dropped 12 dimes, grabbed five boards, and recorded one steal in 34 minutes. Most impressively, Curry didn't commit any turnovers. He's right on the cusp of 50/40/90, averaging 3.0 three-pointers per game, second to Wesley Matthews, and 2.1 steals per game, second to Russell Westbrook. I don't even think he's reached his final form because he's playing almost a career-low 33.3 minutes per game while shooting a career-low 39 percent from downtown. The blowout wins diminish valuable playing time.

ROOKIE OF THE NIGHT

Elfrid Payton nearly recorded his first triple-double: 16 points (6-13 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 10 assists, nine rebounds, three steals, and one block. In the previous six games starting next to Victor Oladipo, Payton was averaging 7.0 points, 6.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 29.7 minutes per game. I'm not running to the waiver wire to add Payton on the strength of this game. Prior to the fourth quarter, the Nets were up 86-61. Coach Vaughn sat all of his starters in the last quarter except Payton. He scored 13 of his 16 points and dished out four of his 10 assists in 12 fourth-quarter minutes as the primary ball-handler. A lax Nets' defense and no Oladipo relinquished Payton deceitful final numbers.

TRIPLE-DOUBLE WATCH

Draymond Green earned his first career triple-double, supplying 16 points (6-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 13 assists, 11 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 40 minutes. He's averaging 1.5 three-pointers, 1.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. I have no further words, your Honor.

Kobe Bryant is averaging 9.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 11.7 field goal attempts in 32.3 minutes per game since returning from his three-game respite. Last night, the docile Bryant chipped in 15 points (6-14 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds, eight assists, and one block in 33 minutes. I use the term docile loosely, because if you watched the last 24 seconds of the game, you witnessed frustrated Kobe. The time off proved that the Lakers could compete without Bryant, and I wonder how long he continues the just-another-soldier routine before throwing up 30 shots. I believe the minute reduction is mostly permanent. I just can't buy into the renewed, unselfish teammate for much longer.

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHTS AND ODDITIES

Kyrie Irving (8-27 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 7-8 FT) and Dion Waiters (8-21 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT) combined to shoot 16-of-48 from the field, and the Cavaliers still won the game. Waiters is an interesting short-term option. The Cavaliers play four games next week without the services of LeBron James (back/knee). He certainly carries boom or bust potential, as indicated by his 28.8 percent usage rate without James on the court. Tristan Thompson added 14 points (5-10 FG, 4-6 FT), 14 rebounds, and three blocks in a team-high 43 minutes. Over the last five games, Thompson averaged 13.8 points, 12.8 rebounds (5.8 offensive), and 1.o blocks in 39.7 minutes per game. Until help arrives in the form of a trade or signing, Thompson will see a bulk of the center minutes.

Now that teams are no longer concerned with double-teaming Al Jefferson (groin), the defense can hone in on Kemba Walker (4-16 FG, 1-8 3Pt), which in turn allows Gerald Henderson to get off a team-high 17 shots in 27 minutes, converting just six to conclude with a team-high 14 points. Three-point shooters like Gary Neal (5-16 FG, 1-7 3Pt) and Marvin Williams (2-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT) will also see fewer clean looks as a result of Jefferson missing time. Cody Zeller was the only Hornet shoot better than 50 percent, not including Brian Roberts' 2-of-3 showing in 10 minutes. It makes sense in Zeller's case; no Jefferson allows him to operate to closer to the basket.

Tobias Harris and Nikola Vucevic both shot 4-of-10 from the field. They played a combined 22 seconds in the fourth quarter with the Magic down 25 entering the final stanza. Coach Vaughn ran the bench and Elfrid Payton to 37-14 fourth quarter explosion, but it wasn't enough as the Nets won, 100-98.

Rajon Rondo sank his first six shots, scored 15 points in the first quarter, and finished with a season-high 29 points (12-19 FG, 5-7 3Pt), six rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 35 minutes against his former squad, the Celtics. Since joining the Mavericks, Rondo is averaging 15.1 points, 8.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 32.8 minutes per game. He's also shooting 47 percent from the field (his career average) and 50 percent from downtown (an anomaly). The rebounds and steals are close to his career marks, but the scoring has jumped the shark. His assists declined the most, a trend that appears permanent on this pass-happy team.

Tyson Chandler hauled in 16 rebounds in 32 minutes. In 17 games against the Eastern Conference, he is averaging 13.5 rebounds per games. Against the West, Chandler is only grabbing 10.5 rebounds per game.

Marcus Smart recorded a career-high seven assists in 28 minutes off the bench. The game was a blowout, so Bradley Stevens benched starter Evan Turner in the fourth quarter in favor of Smart. Six of his seven assists transpired in the final quarter. He's still maddening to own, but I've held on this long in a 12-team head-to-head league in the event he nabs the starting job permanently.

Brandon Jennings is that popcorn kernel wedged between your molars; he's not going away easily. After a five-point performance against the Magic, Jennings dropped a team-high 29 points (11-17 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 25 minutes against the freefalling Knicks. I'm on Team Trade Jennings, and I reckon you do so before his bubble bursts in the next two-three games.

Andre Drummond grabbed 20 boards in 34 minutes but only scored seven points on 3-5 shooting because he was limited to two offensive rebounds.

The entire Houston Rockets team underperformed, sans Donatas Motiejunas (10 points, six rebounds). Coach Kevin McHale pulled his starters two minutes into the second half, and only Josh Smith played in the fourth quarter. You had to wonder which team(s) would fall prey to New Year's festivities. Not only that, but the Rockets played their fourth game in six nights during a stretch where they'll play eight games in 12 days. It's an 82-game season. I say give them a break. On the flip side, give the Pelicans' credit for sending the game out of reach before halftime. Ryan Anderson and Tyreke Evans scored 22 and 21 points respectively. Since Eric Gordon (shoulder) has been sidelined, Evans is leading the Pelicans with 16.2 field goal attempts per game and a 27.3 percent usage rate.

Bradley Beal is slowly winning me over. With John Wall in first-half foul trouble, Beal scored 13 of his 21 points (7-15 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT) and finished with 10 rebounds and six assists in 37 minutes. Andre Miller scored 13 of his season-high 15 points (5-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT) in the first half as well. If Wall were to miss extended time, you're looking at the two people who stand to gain the most fantasy value.

Russell Westbrook picked up his league-leading 9th technical foul in just his 20th game. If he picks up seven more, he'll earn an automatic one-game suspension. Look out, Rasheed. You've got company.

Tony "Wrecking Ball" Wroten made his presence known. In 33 minutes off the bench, he tallied a team-high 28 points (10-19 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 4-9 FT), three assists, three steals, two rebounds, and five turnovers. The eight-man rotation certainly helped boost his minutes, as well as the unsustainable three-point barrage he displayed. He's one of my favorite players, making my analysis a bit biased, but I'll admit he's hard to rely on for consistent production. That said, he's scored at least 20 points in three of his last four games with no fewer than two steals.

Philadelphia native Markieff Morris scored 21 points (7-12 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT) in 22 minutes.  His three-point shot improved to the point where you might confuse him for his brother, Marcus Morris. Markieff shot 39 percent from downtown last month after opening the season by shooting 24 percent from deep. This isn't new for Markieff. Some months he's blazing hot and the next month he'll turn stone cold.

Alex Len blocked a career-high six shots in 16 minutes. Miles Plumlee added four blocks in 24 minutes. They're both stuck in a platoon where Markieff Morris is siphoning center minutes, so neither has immediate value while they negate each other's worth.

Paul Millsap made all ten free throws. Conversely, Marc Gasol shot 4-of-10 from the charity stripe.

Trey Burke, anyone? He shot 2-of-19 from the field and 0-of-11 from downtown. He's now shooting 36 percent from the field and still isn't in jeopardy of losing his job. All the injuries in Utah and a neophyte backup ensure nights like last where he played a game-high 39 minutes.

Greivis Vasquez scored 16 of his season-high 25 points (10-19 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 0-1 FT) in the first half, and Lou Williams scored 16 of his 20 points (6-14 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 7-7 FT) in the second half. Coach Dwane Casey decided to use a small lineup, limiting Jonas Valanciunas to 11 minutes. I have no injury or foul trouble to report with Valanciunas.

Marreese Speights could not be contained. He scored 26 points (12-19 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and grabbed eight rebounds in 25 minutes, partially why Valanciunas rode the bench all night. Even though the minute restriction on David Lee has been rescinded, he only played 23 minutes in the blowout win, adding 12 points (6-10 FG), seven rebounds, two blocks, and one steal.

Ed Davis, wearing a protective mask, scored a season-high 20 points (7-9 FG, 6-8 FT) in 28 minutes against his former team and missed the game-tying free throw. Carlos Boozer (14 points) and Jordan Hill (three points, eight rebounds) both fouled out in less than 22 minutes. Jeremy Lin decided it was a good time to play well, furnishing 20 points (9-14 FG, 2-3 3Pt), five assists, three rebounds, three steals, and one block in 28 minutes.

DAN FORDEN AWARD*

I wrote off C.J. Miles a long time ago. Apparently, he didn't receive the memo. In his last nine games, Miles is averaging 17.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 three-pointers in 28.9 minutes per game. Four times he breached the 20-point plateau, including last night's 22-point (8-14 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 0-1 FT) performance in 32 minutes off the bench. He's great when he's on, but don't forget he shot 28 percent from the field in the first 13 games. I want to recommend him, but as soon as I do, his hot streak will end, and he'll fall to some leg injury. You can make a bid if you need three-pointers. However, I'm playing keep away in standard leagues.

NIGHTLY LEADERS

Points

1. Kevin Durant, F, OKC: 34 points (12-18 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 6-7 FT)
2. Stephen Curry, G, GSW: 32 points (10-18 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 7-7 FT)
3. Rajon Rondo, G, DAL: 29 points (12-19 FG, 5-7 3Pt)
4. Brandon Jennings, G, DET: 29 points (11-17 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT)

Rebounds

1. Andre Drummond, C, DET: 20 rebounds (2 offensive)
2. Tyson Chandler, C, DAL: 16 rebounds (4 offensive)
3. Tristan Thompson, F, CLE: 14 rebounds (6 offensive)
4. Zaza Pachulia, C, MIL: 14 rebounds (4 offensive)
5. Cole Aldrich, C, NYK: 14 rebounds (6 offensive)

Assists

1. Draymond Green, F, GSW: 13 assists (2 turnovers)
2. Stephen Curry, G, GSW: 12 assists (0 turnovers)
3. John Wall, G, WAS: 12 assists (1 turnovers)

Steals

1. Robert Covington, F, PHI: 5 steals
2. Brandon Knight, G, MIL: 4 steals
3. Kyrie Irving, G, CLE: 4 steals
4. Dion Waiters, G, CLE: 4 steal

Blocks

1. Alex Len, C, PHX: 6 blocks
2. Rudy Gobert, C, UTA: 4 blocks
3. Miles Plumlee, C, PHX: 4 blocks
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, MIL: 4 blocks

Three-Pointers

1. C.J. Miles, G, IND: 6-9 3Pt
2. Stephen Curry, G, GSW: 5-11 3Pt
3. Rajon Rondo, G, DAL: 5-7 3Pt
4. Greivis Vasquez, G, TOR: 5-9 3Pt
5. J.R. Smith, G, NYK: 5-9 3Pt

Minutes

1. Tristan Thompson, F, CLE: 43 minutes
2. Kyrie Irving, G, CLE: 42 minutes
3. Draymond Green, F, GSW: 40 minutes
4. Kemba Walker, G, CHA: 40 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!"