In honor of Brian Shaw's management style, the RotoWire suits are abolishing future Box Score Breakdowns. I was surprised, especially when I heard their reason:

When you have a young guys (J.J. Calle and Josh Lloyd), you know, guys like to go out as well. Am I torturing them by making them get up in the morning when they can be sleeping? And whatever it is they did the night before, maybe they have more time to recover as well."

So there you have it. Josh and I are still allowed to eat pizza and nachos. Only now, it'll come after a good night's rest.

HOSPITAL WARD

For the gullible, we're not cancelling the BSB. Those were Brian Shaw's comments when asked why the Nuggets were eliminating morning shootaround.

Kyrie Irving suffered lower back tightness, limiting him to 25 minutes and a season-low six points. He'll miss tonight's game in Philadelphia to receive additional treatment. Coach David Blatt doesn't believe this is a long-term problem. However, Irving said, "I'm in a lot of pain right now. I just have to get through it. It stinks because you have two injuries at one time." He missed time last week with a sore knee. Matthew Dellavedova will continue to start, and Dion Waiters may join him. Last night, Waiters was scoreless until the final quarter, coinciding with Irving's absence. I'm expecting a big game from Waiters tonight against the Sixers. First, he's a Philly native. Second, no Irving creates more shots. In 24 starts last season, mostly without Irving, Waiters averaged 18.3 points, 1.5 three-pointers, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals in 33.0 minutes per game. This is more of a gut feeling combined with increased opportunity.

Greg Smith exited during the second quarter to a muscle strain. This really only affects Tyson Chandler since Smith is one of the few bigs on the roster. Smith was playing roughly 16 minutes per game over the past six games in a backup capacity. Any prolonged absence could give Charlie Villanueva, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Richard Jefferson increased run.

Deron Williams is breaking down in front of our very eyes. He spent the final minutes lying on the bench grabbing his left side. It was later classified "similar to a cramp." He holds buy-low potential because people are scared of his ankles which were already surgically repaired in the offseason. Williams (26 minutes) played more minutes than Jarrett Jack (25 minutes) for the first time since coming off the bench, aided by coach Lionel Hollins running the bench mob in the final quarter alongside Joe Johnson. Williams finished with 13 points (5-10 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight assists, six rebounds, and one steal.

Wesley Johnson left the game with a strained right hip flexor in the second quarter and will not play tonight in Portland. An MRI later today will provide more clarity. Nick Young will gain more minutes if Johnson misses extended time. Wayne Ellington stands to improve his role on the team as well.

M.I.A

• Cleveland
  • LeBron James (back/knee)
  • Brendan Haywood (DNP-CD)
• Indiana
  • C.J. Watson (foot)
  • George Hill (groin)
  • Ian Mahinmi (torn left plantar fascia)
• Miami
  • Justin Hamilton (concussion)
• Milwaukee
  • Larry Sanders (personal)
  • Ersan Ilyasova (concussion)
• New York
  • Iman Shumpert (shoulder)
  • Amar'e Stoudemire (knee)
  • Carmelo Anthony (knee)
  • Andrea Bargnani (calf)
• Sacramento
  • Ramon Session (back)
  • Omri Casspi (knee)
  • Reggie Evans (DNP-CD)
• Toronto
  • DeMar DeRozan (groin)

ROTATION NOTES

Jason Thompson re-entered the starting lineup after Ryan Hollins and Derrick Williams spent a game each as the starter. Hollins and Reggie Evans both incurred DNP-CDs. The Kings are showcasing Williams for a potential trade, and I have no interest in him for fantasy leagues. Thompson compiled nine points (4-6 FG, 1-1 FT), seven rebounds, and three blocks in 23 minutes as the Kings persist on using a revolving door at power forward. The position is a stay away for me. Thompson can provide useful stats, but most times he'll throw up zeros. His role is to take pressure of DeMarcus Cousins on the defensive end by guarding the best offensive big.

Brook Lopez played more minutes than starter Mason Plumlee, a 25-23 split. The former starting center scored 12 of his 16 points (6-11 FG, 4-4 FT) in the fourth quarter. Plumlee provided 12 points (5-6 FG, 2-3 FT), five rebounds, one steal, and one block. As I already mentioned, coach Hollins just rode the bench the final 12 minutes, so this could be a sign of things to come or it could be nothing. Lopez played just 18 minutes in the previous game without committing a foul, offering zero clarity on the rotation.

Tim Hardaway returned after missing one game with a concussion and replaced Pablo Prigioni in the starting lineup. Quincy Acy started over Jason Smith, and the Knicks lost their 11th straight game. Hardaway scored a team-high 17 points (6-13 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-4 FT) in 38 minutes, combined with four assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block. Over his last 10 games, he's averaging 14.7 points and 2.0 three-pointers on 36 percent shooting from the field and 31 percent shooting from beyond the arc, showing his true colors in the process. He was never going to knock your socks off from a fantasy perspective, showing limited potential when Carmelo Anthony (knee), Amar'e Stoudemire (knee), and J.R. Smith sat with injuries.

FANTASY LINE OF THE NIGHT

Freakin' Brandon Jennings. Can you believe it? No? Good, neither do I. In scoring a season-high 35 points, Jennings shot 14-of-21 from the field, 5-of-8 from downtown, and 2-of-2 from the line. He also contributed seven assists, two rebounds, and two steals in 31 minutes. Jennings shot over 64 percent from the field in his last two games. He shot better than 50 percent in consecutive games five times in his career, with his longest streak reaching three games. Remember two months ago when Jennings was on a similar hot streak of two games? He followed up by shooting 31.3 percent from the field over his next 16 games. During the Pistons' five-game winning streak, Jennings is scoring 21.6 points on 56 percent shooting from the field (career 39 percent) and 49 percent accuracy from downtown (career 35 percent) in 26.6 minutes per game (career 34 minutes per game). The blowout nature of the wins has limited his minutes, but I'm still a firm believer in the point guard platoon with D.J. Augustin. You know he can't sustain this production, so quit gawking at the numbers and start making trade offers. Unless of course, you want to double-down on his matchup against the Spurs this Tuesday.

TRIPLE-DOUBLE WATCH

Donald Sloan bided his time and after three DNP-CDs, he tallied back-to-back near triple-doubles. Against the Lakers, he carved out 16 points (6-14 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), nine assists, seven rebounds, and one turnover in 36 minutes. George Hill (groin) and C.J. Watson (foot) injuries are the reason behind Sloan's resurgence. The moment either returns, Sloan can be discarded. Even now, I'm hesitant to fully endorse him since Rodney Stuckey has a habit of monopolizing the offense, ultimately helping lead to Sloan's demise the first time around. Hill will miss at least the next two games, if not longer. Watson's timeline is unknown. Three of the next four opponents (Utah, Boston, Philadelphia) ease my mind if I'm someone who takes a deep-league flier on Sloan.

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHTS AND ODDITIES

Eight different Mavericks played between 18 to 29 minutes in their 109-90 victory over the short-handed Cavaliers. Six Mavericks scored in double figures, led by Monta Ellis' 20 points (8-15 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT). Rajon Rondo followed up his season-high 29 points with four points (2-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt), eight assists, four rebounds, two steals, and one block. For Pete's sake, J.J. Barea scored 14 points (6-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt) in 21 minutes.

Kevin Love scored a season-high 30 points (11-21 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 5-6 FT) without LeBron James (back/knee). Shawn Marion chipped in a season-high 13 points (6-11 FG, 1-1 3Pt) against his former squad. Matthew Dellavedova added 10 points (4-10 FG, 2-3 3Pt), seven assists, and three rebounds. Love took advantage of his matchup against Dirk Nowitzki and Richard Jefferson, working the perimeter against Dirk and posting up Jefferson. He should have scored more, but Tyson Chandler had other thoughts. Monday's game against the Sixers without James and Kyrie Irving could be a trap game if he's matched up against Luc Mbah a Moute, one of the best defenders in the league.

Andre Drummond (15 points, 14 rebounds) and Greg Monroe (14 points, 11 rebounds) each recorded double-doubles in fewer than 29 minutes. Since waiving Josh Smith, eight different Pistons are playing at least 20 minutes per game in the blowout wins. Drummond leads the pack at 30.9 minutes per game, indicating a significant increase once the level of competition improves and he stays out of foul trouble.

DeMarcus Cousins (5-17 FG) and Rudy Gay (5-16 FG) combined to shoot 10-of-33 from the field. After the loss, Cousins said, "We're not the team we were - that's clear. Our problems go well beyond anything between the lines, but we can't continue to make excuses." Mike Malone's firing has clearly affected on the team, and Ty Corbin likely won't rectify the situation he's been afforded.

Dwyane Wade (25 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two steals) and Chris Bosh (26 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, three three-pointers) tag-teamed the Nets. Hassan Whiteside forced me to watch video on Hassan Whiteside. Over the last five games, he's averaging 8.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 20.2 minutes per game. Miami is trotting out Chris Andersen in the starting lineup and playing Danny Granger 27.0 minutes per game over the last six games. I understand the intrigue in Whiteside. I also know his offensive game is nonexistent and the blocks will subside when players stop challenging him. He's become a flier in 18-team leagues. According the January Schedule Analysis I wrote, the Heat play a league-low 13 games this month including one over the next six days, shackling Whiteside's backside to your bench most nights.

Zaza Pachulia disassembled the Knicks frontline for a season-high 16 points (6-12 FG, 4-4 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 31 minutes. Since Larry Sanders has been out with an illness/excommunication, Pachulia is averaging 12.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 steals in 26.9 minutes per game in six starts. John Henson isn't well liked by coach Jason Kidd, or any other NBA coach he's played for if we just go by minutes played, of which he played a team-low 11 after picking up five fouls. Pachulia is a quality short-term streamer with long-term potential for his consistent production. The Bucks play four games in five nights starting Tuesday before playing one game the next eight days.

Jared Dudley scored two points in 21 minutes, O.J. Mayo scored four points in 25 minutes, and Khris Middleton scored eight points in 22 minutes.  You play with matches and you're going to get burned. Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 16 points (6-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-6 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steals in 30 minutes. His playing time appears the most secure outside of Brandon Knight, and the talent is undeniable.

J.R. Smith tried to prove he's still fantasy relevant, dropping 15 points (6-16 FG, 3-7 3Pt), seven rebounds, and four assists in 37 minutes. He effectively seized primary ball-handling duties when Jose Calderon was on the bench. As long as the plantar fascia subsides, he'll provide relief in everything but field goal percentage with the looming shutdown of Carmelo Anthony.

Cole Aldrich played just 20 minutes but supplied 12 points (6-10 FG), seven rebounds, and one steal. Amare Stoudemire won't join the team on the upcoming two-game road trip, prolonging Aldrich's fantasy relevance. In fact, during the game it was reported that Stoudemire has no idea when he'll return to the court because he doesn't know what's going on with his right knee (I'm paraphrasing the sideline reporter). I prefer Pachulia over Aldrich because the Bucks play one extra game this week after tonight's Knicks game in Memphis.

Langston Galloway is a name you should remember. He plays in the D-League for the Knicks' affiliate. Phil Jackson had glowing words for the young sharpshooter. They plan on adding him using a 10-day contract as soon as today. He stands 6'2" and could challenge Shane Larkin for backup point guard minutes if my wildest dreams come true.

The Phoenix Suns housed the Toronto Raptors, 125-109. It was the finale in a six-game road trip for the Raptors. All three Suns guards scored at least 18 points, and eight Suns played at least 22 minutes. Alex Len scored 10 points (5-6 FG) in 15 minutes but didn't block a shot and picked up four fouls. He's tied with Andre Drummond for most fouls committed (116) even though he's played 304 fewer minutes. Therein lies Len's kryptonite. The potential is self-evident, but he can't stay on the court long enough to unleash it, and coach Hornacek doesn't platoon him equal minutes with Miles Plumlee, instead choosing to run undersized Markieff Morris at the five to close games.

Kobe Bryant continues to show unparalleled restraint and efficiency. He played 32 minutes, attempted 14 shots, turned the ball over twice, and finished with 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Nine of those points were scored in the final two and half minutes. I like to call this version of Kobe "I Passed Michael Jordan On The All-Time Scoring List So Now I Can Play Within The Flow Of The Offense." I don't know if the name will stick or how long the charade lasts. He won't play tonight in Portland, and if the Lakers plan on resting him the second game of every back-to-back, he'll miss one more game this month and nine games the rest of the season.

C.J. Miles is really grinding my gears. He scored 11 of his 19 points (7-18 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 2-4 FT) in the first quarter and tacked on two rebounds and two steals in 32 minutes off the bench. He went from hot to cold in a matter of seconds, finishing the game 3-of-12 after the first quarter. For some, it's hard to pass up the 17.1 points and 3.2 three-pointers he provided over the last month. I am steadfast on my decision to pass. Miles isn't for everyone, but if you find his only two positive categories of use, four games in the next six days will certainly yield a hefty boost.

NIGHTLY LEADERS

Points

1. Brandon Jennings, G, DET: 35 points (14-21 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT)
2. Kevin Love, F, CLE: 30 points (11-21 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 5-6 FT)
3. Chris Bosh, C, MIA: 26 points (10-16 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 3-6 FT)

Rebounds

1. DeMarcus Cousins, C, SAC: 15 rebounds (3 offensive)
2. Zaza Pachulia, C, MIL: 14 rebounds (4 offensive)
3. Andre Drummond, C, DET: 14 rebounds (4 offensive)

Assists

1. Donald Sloan, G, IND: 9 assists (1 turnover)
2. Eric Bledsoe, G, PHX: 8 assists (1 turnover)
3. Deron Williams, G, BKN: 8 assists (0 turnovers)
4. Rajon Rondo, G, DAL: 8 assists (1 turnover)

Steals

1. Isaiah Thomas, G, PHX: 5 steals
2. Six tied with 3 steals
3. Nineteen tied with 2 steals

Blocks

1. Hassan Whiteside, C, MIA: 5 blocks
2. Jason Thompson, F, SAC: 3 blocks
3. Jarrett Jack, G, BKN: 3 blocks

Three-Pointers

1. Brandon Jennings, G, DET: 5-8 3Pt
2. Mirza Teletovic, F, BKN: 4-11 3Pt
3. Eight tied with 3 three-pointers

Minutes

1. Joe Johnson, F, BKN: 41 minutes
2. DeMarcus Cousins, C, SAC: 40 minutes
3. Ben McLemore, G, SAC: 40 minutes