The Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks added to their win total. The Atlanta Hawks responded with their 17th straight victory, and the Cleveland Cavaliers moved the needle to eight straight. Falling in line, the Los Angeles Clippers earned their sixth straight win on the first night of their eight-game Grammy road trip.

HOSPITAL WARD

Anthony Davis suffered a groin injury, briefly left with the help of his teammates, then returned later in the fourth quarter, only to be pulled by coach Monty Williams in the final minute because "I just didn't like the way he looked [out there]". He'll undergo an MRI today, but the fact that he played through the injury breeds optimism. The All-Star break is a tentative rest period if the team proceeds with caution, a move that would hold him out eight games. It would allow him three weeks to recover because of the extended break this season. I'm not declaring I know he'll miss time. If he does, Alexis Ajinca has already proven himself as a worthy streamer. Oddly enough, Ajinca received a DNP-CD last night because Davis played 37 minutes. Now that I've scared you sufficiently, be on the lookout for the results later today, and if they hold him out three weeks, don't fret because the All-Star break absorbs one of those weeks.

Cole Aldrich only played seven minutes due to a shin contusion. His absence opens up more playing time at center for Jason Smith, who pretty much had a monopoly on the position over the past five games, averaging 33.4 minutes per game in that time. His supporting stats aren't too shabby either, settling for 11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 blocks with some decent percentages. No Aldrich or Amar'e Stoudemire (ankle/knee/wrist) extends Smiths' opportunity. The only bugaboo in his career has been season-ending injuries, a distinct possibility if coach Fisher runs out of tall bodies.

M.I.A

• Atlanta
  • Shavlik Mack (calf)
• Boston
  • Kelly Olynyk (ankle)
• Brooklyn
  • Deron Williams (ribs)
• Charlotte
  • Kemba Walker (knee)
  • Bismack Biyombo (knee)
  • Marvin Williams (concussion, allegedly)
  • Jannero Pargo (back)
• Cleveland
  • LeBron James (wrist)
• Dallas
  • Richard Jefferson (DNP-CD)
• Denver
  • JaVale McGee (leg)
• Houston
  • Dwight Howard (ankle)
  • Kostas Papanikolaou (DNP-CD)
• Los Angeles
  • J.J. Redick (back spasms)
• Minnesota
  • Mo Williams (hip)
  • Robbie Hummel (hand)
  • Shabazz Muhammad (abdomen)
  • Ricky Rubio (ankle)
• New Orleans
  • Jrue Holiday (leg)
  • Alexis Ajinca (DNP-CD)
• New York
  • Amar'e Stoudemire (ankle/knee/wrist)
  • Andrea Bargnani (calf)
  • Travis Wear (hip)
• Oklahoma City
  • Kevin Durant (toe)
  • Mitch McGary (leg)
• Portland
  • Joel Freeland (shoulder)
  • Robin Lopez (hand)
• San Antonio
  • Marco Belinelli (groin)
  • Tiago Splitter (DNP-CD)
• Utah
  • Rodney Hood (heel)
• Washington
  • Martell Webster (knee)

ROTATION NOTES

LeBron James didn't play after injuring his wrist Tuesday night. Shawn Marion stepped into the starting lineup but only played nine minutes because he was replaced by Iman Shumpert after halftime. James is already listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Kings. The Cavaliers subsequently play the Timberwolves and Sixers, the worst teams in the NBA based on winning percentage, potentially postponing James' return. After the game, coach David Blatt said, "We will try not to overplay him in any game." They want to limit his minutes moving forward, which would be prudent since he's third in minutes per game behind teammate Kyrie Irving. That's also your cue to start wheeling and dealing.

Kevin Love without James in the lineup (21.1 points, 12.1 rebounds) produces better than with James in the lineup (16.4 points, 9.8 rebounds), but that trend didn't emerge last night. Love scored all 10 of his points in the first quarter, missed his final 11 shots, and banged knees with Chris Kaman. He played 39 minutes, and you'll need to check any news briefs before Friday's game in case the knee swells up.

Nicolas Batum started and replaced Allen Crabbe after missing one game with a wrist problem that has plagued him ever since Larry Sanders shoved him on a dunk attempt December 17th. He played 39 minutes and provided single-digit contributions in every category. It was reported recently that he's pain-free in the wrist, so enjoy this for as long as it lasts.

Michael Carter-Williams returned to the starting lineup after missing one game with an illness, sending Larry Drew II to the bench. JaKarr Sampson slid into the starting lineup, removing Henry Sims, meaning K.J. McDaniels was part of the second unit for the second straight game after starting the previous nine games. Sampson contributed a career-high 13 points (5-6 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), career-high eight rebounds, and two steals in 24 minutes. Sims scored in double figures for the sixth time in seven games with limited action, reserving his usefulness in 16+ team leagues.

Carl Landry made his return after missing five games with a sprained right wrist. He doesn't fit the uptempo style the team implemented in the Ty Corbin era, nor does he play the defense of Jason Thompson. You also don't know when Corbin will opt to play Derrick Williams. All you can do it toss Landry to the bottom of your watch list in case he emerges from the fray.

Alan Anderson started at shooting guard over a healthy Bojan Bogdanovic. For the 10th time all season, Anderson reached double figures (15 points) and recorded a season-high six assists. Anderson's per 36 minute numbers as a starter are slightly better than those as a reserve, which is to say underwhelming. Some nights he'll launch and other nights he turns into the embodiment of Clay Aiken's song, Invisible.

Terrence Jones played in his first game since November 3rd, compiling 10 points (4-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, two blocks, and one assist in 21 minutes, the high end of his minutes limit. Coach Kevin McHale benched Kostas Papanikolaou and reused Joey Dorsey in the starting lineup due to Dwight Howard's ankle problems. Following the game, an MRI revealed fluid buildup in Howard's right knee, removing him from at least the next two games. If he's feeling better after the two-game road trip, the earliest he'll return is February 4th against the Chicago Bulls. Assuming the team holds him out through the All-Star break, he'll miss seven games and return February 20th. I don't know if the team would consider that a viable option, but with Jones back in the rotation, I don't see why they wouldn't play it cautiously. Howard is scheduled for further evaluation, appointing Jones a short-term flier. Last season, Jones provided top-70 value in 27.4 minutes per game in 9-category leagues. A prolonged Howard absence yields 32.2 minutes per game up for grabs.

Kevin Martin played 29 minutes off the bench after missing the previous 34 games and picked up where he left off, scoring 21 points on a team-high 18 shots. Mo Williams wasn't with the team due to personal reasons, permitting Zach LaVine to start and provide 17 points (7-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), a team-high six assists, four rebounds, and three steals in 24 minutes. The rest of Lavine's point guard minutes were given to Lorenzo Brown, who signed a 10-day contract yesterday. If you thought LaVine had his way with the Celtics' guards, you missed out on Brown's 11 points (3-6 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three assists, and one rebound in 24 minutes. With Ricky Rubio on the verge of returning next week, or so I'm told, both LaVine and Brown won't have many nights like this. And once Williams returns, presumably for Friday's game against the 76ers, Brown should only be utilized in emergency situations.

Seven Celtics scored in double figures, led by Jared Sullinger's 16 points. He led the power foward/center contingent with 34 minutes. Brandon Bass played 22 minutes, and Tyler Zeller played 20 minutes for a total of 76 minutes. That left 20 minutes at power forward for Tayshaun Prince (23 minutes) and Gerald Wallace (7 minutes) to split. As Marv says to Harry in Home Alone 2, "that was the sound of a tool chest, falling down the stairs." At least Marcus Smart chipped in with 12 points, six assists, and four three-pointers in 24 minutes. He's shooting a cockamamie 45 percent from downtown in his last 15 games and 65 percent of his shots have come from behind the arc. Given the Celtics' second half schedule, Smart is a wise investment.

Jusuf Nurkic accommodated fantasy owners with a dominating first half, only to peter out in the second half by picking up his fourth foul in the 3rd quarter. He finished with 15 points (7-9 FG, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds, two blocks, and one steal, adding just two points, one rebound, and one block after halftime. Darrell Arthur and J.J. Hickson played 19 minutes each as coach Brian Shaw relied on Arron Afflalo and four reserves in the final quarter. On the bright side, Kenneth Faried played at least 30 minutes for the fifth straight game, the third-longest such streak in his career. It compares favorably to Jonas Valanciunas, who hasn't played at least 30 minutes in more than three consecutive games this season.

All-Star Carmelo Anthony and Jose Calderon missed one game but returned to the starting lineup, displacing Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Lance Thomas. Calderon and All-Star Anthony had a nice four-day layoff since the Monday game against the Kings was postponed.

Anthony provided 31 points (12-28 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 38 minutes. He's already questionable for tonight's game against the Pacers. The Knicks engage in one more back-to-back set before the All-Star break, ensuring Anthony will miss at least one more game if continues to rest the second game of back-to-backs.

Hardaway recorded his seventh straight double-digit scoring game. Nonetheless, even when he's 'on,' his value is heavily tied to points, three-pointers, and lack of turnovers. He has two steals the entire month while averaging 26.1 minutes per game. Even when Carmelo Anthony sits, Hardaway plays an average of 28.2 minutes per game because the games tend to get out of hand.

Thomas scored a season-high 17 points against his former team on 8-of-13 shooting in 25 minutes. Coach Fisher wants to keep Thomas and Lou Amundson (four blocks and 10 rebounds in 32 minutes) beyond their 10-day contracts. They add intangibles, I suppose. Because they're fighting for their NBA life, you'll notice the level of intensity they provide, especially defensively. That stuff hardly ever translates to the box score. Since Amundson and Langston Galloway were inserted into the starting lineup five games ago, the Knicks are 4-1 with a Defensive Rating of 97.8, per NBA.com, the seventh best mark combined with the third best assist-to-turnover ratio (2.17). All signs point to Thomas and Amundson returning for the remainder of the season. I'm just not convinced about their prospects in standard leagues.

Al Jefferson was able to scoot back into the starting lineup because of an injured Bismack Biyombo (knee). He achieved 17 points (8-12 FG, 1-2 FT), 16 rebounds, one steal and one assist in 35 minutes. If I can, I'm trying to trade for Jefferson where applicable. The Hornets are without Kemba Walker (knee) for at least the next six weeks, and the Hornets' upcoming schedule is as pristine as they come.

Cody Zeller also played a ton of minutes because Marvin Williams has been dealing with headaches and still needs to clear concussion protocol. Zeller hasn't shot better than 45 percent from the field since January 5th, but somehow managed to produce nine points (3-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, seven assists, and one block in 37 minutes. I suppose I'd classify this under the blind squirrel theory since he hit his first three-pointer and recorded a career-high in assists. As long as the minutes are flowing, he's a viable low-end fantasy option.

J.J. Redick (back spasms) couldn't play, so Jamal Crawford started at shooting guard. As mentioned above, the Clippers just started an eight-game road trip, squeezing in three games over the next five days. I'm not sure how much longer Redick rests, but the thin bench mob doesn't inspire confidence if you're looking for a replacement. Austin Rivers was the first reserve off the bench, attempting his best Crawford impersonation by scoring 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 22 minutes. Outside of Rivers, no one else off the benched scored, and all the starters played at least 35 minutes, driving home the dearth of bench support.

Rudy Gobert played a season-low 10 minutes after picking up three fouls in just five minutes. Trevor Booker played 19 minutes, Derrick Favors played 31 minutes, and Enes Kanter played 36 minutes for the second time in four games. Clearly, the matchup against the Clippers didn't favor Gobert. This could be your opportunity to buy low.

Paul Pierce needed to rest just one game against the Lakers before returning to face the Suns. He was outperformed by Otto Porter off the bench and split the small forward minutes 50/50.

Nene Hilario didn't play due a sore right foot, a long standing staple in Hilario's past. As mentioned in Sunday's Box Score Breakdown, Marcin Gortat was playing fewer minutes this season because Hilario rarely missed games. Last night, Gortat played 34 minutes and should continue to play more as long as Hilario sits. Kris Humphries started and played 33 minutes, adding 11 points (4-8 FG, 3-4 FT), 15 rebounds, and one assist. He's averaging 8.4 rebounds and 7.8 rebounds in 16 starts this season, offering rebounds in bunches if you need to play catch-up in rotisserie leagues.

FANTASY LINE OF THE NIGHT

Kyrie Irving missed his first seven shots. Undeterred, he scored a career-high 55 points, hit a franchise-record 11 three-pointers (which I believe J.R. Smith will break by season's end), including the game clincher, tallied 16 of the team's 20 fourth-quarter points, and sank the final free-throws to help the Cavaliers claim their eighth straight victory. He's shooting 53 percent from the field and 60 percent from deep in his last seven games, insanely unsustainable numbers. With Damian Lillard's recent slump (30 percent field goal accuracy over the last five games), now is a good time to offer Irving for Lillard.

ROOKIE OF THE NIGHT

Come on, who else were you expecting? Langston Galloway accounted for most of Russell Westbrook's 40 points, but that's neither here nor there. In 37 minutes, Galloway supplied 18 points (7-15 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, four assists, and three steals. That's cool if you're reluctant to add him or don't have anyone you want to drop; Not all of us are so lucky to play in eight-team leagues.

TRIPLE-DOUBLE WATCH

Michael Carter-Williams deposited 14 points (5-10 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 10 assists, nine rebounds, and two blocks in 35 minutes. Apparently, his teammates didn't tell him he was one rebound shy of a triple-double until they returned to the locker room. He continued his home success, pushing the disparity in assists from 8.2 in home games to 6.3 in road games, as well as 7.1 rebounds in home games to 5.2 rebounds on the road. I watched all 10 of his assists from last night and only one was questionable; the rest were shots outside of 19 feet on pick-and-pops. I don't think he's on the ideal jump shooting team, so just keep an eye on his splits in the future.

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHTS AND ODDITIES

Chris Kaman grabbed a season-high 13 rebounds in 28 minutes. He's averaging 25.3 minutes per game as a starter with a pedestrian 8.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Robin Lopez (hand) could return before the All-Star break, but even if he doesn't, that only gives Kaman seven more games where he'll presumably start.

LaMarcus Aldridge notched 38 points (13-23 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 10-10 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal in 41 minutes. He was overshadowed by Irving's 55 points but deserves recognition all the same.

D.J. Augustin reverted back to D.J. Augustin, missing all seven shots in 34 minutes. Once the Pistons acquire a third guard, I suspect his minutes submerge 30 minutes per game. Try not to get too attached to him. In fact, consider packaging him in a deal if someone thinks he's a must-own player the rest of the season.

Andre Drummond played 19 minutes. He picked up his fourth foul in just one minute into the third quarter, effectively ending his night as the Sixers pulled away for a 20-point win. Greg Monroe picked up the slack, managing 20 points and 11 rebounds in 33 minutes at the primary low-post threat. In 19 games post-Josh Smith, Monroe is averaging 16.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 50 percent from the field and 79 percent from the line in a team-high 30.8 minutes per game. Helping his fantasy value are the increased pace, 23.4 percent usage rate, and 1.8 fouls per game.

Sir Robert Covington awoke from his terrible shooting nightmare, sinking 7-of-11 shots and four three-pointers for 19 points in just 25 minutes. His playing time was reduced because of foul trouble.

DeMarcus Cousins picked up his fourth foul before the six-minute mark of the third quarter, followed by a 29-10 run by the Raptors. He was limited to four rebounds and turned the ball over nine times in 30 minutes. It's just a bad night over the course of an 82-game season.

Lou Williams scored a team-high 27 points. Half of his top-10 scoring games have come with DeMar DeRozan in the lineup. In January, he's averaging 16.2 points, 1.5 steals, and 1.6 three-pointers in 25.9 minutes per game. They're not shabby numbers, but they highlight the extent of his fantasy worth, not to mention his free-throw boost. In case you were wondering, and I know you were, Williams leads the Raptors in fourth-quarter minutes (8.2 per game), and he's playing more minutes per game now (24.4) than when he did prior to DeRozan's groin injury (20.8), thanks in large part to Terrence Ross' and James Johnson's diminished roles.

All five Hawks' starters scored double figures, led by Paul Millsap's 28 points (5-9 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 15-16 FT) and 15 rebounds. Al Horford also double-doubled (20 points, 10 rebounds), Kyle Korver hit five three-pointers, and Jeff Teague doled out 13 assists. Horford is shooting a ridiculous 71 percent from the field and averaging 5.1 assists per game over the last nine contests. He's an end-of-season rest candidate, as are many of the Hawks, so your best time to capitalize is now, given the Hawks' 10-game head-to-head fantasy slate (Week 21-23).

Joe Johnson poured in 26 points (10-19 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT) against his former team, and Brook Lopez added 18 points (6-11 FG, 6-6 FT), seven rebounds, two blocks, and one assists in 31 minutes as a reserve. Jarrett Jack netted double-digit assists (13) for the first time since January 9th. Johnson is shooting six percent worse when he shares the court with Jack and nine percent worse when Lopez is on the court. He could direly use Deron Williams (ribs) back in the lineup because at least he'll stretch the defense with his three-point shot.

Al-Farouq Aminu blocked six shots in 29 minutes off the bench. He almost played as many minutes as the rest of the Mavericks' reserves combined, a 29 to 38 split. Most nights, Devin Harris, Richard Jefferson (DNP-CD), and J.J. Barea lead the pack but nestle under the 20-minute barrier. Aminu's just not going to get enough burn to help you out in standard leagues, averaging 12.7 minutes per game in January.

Rajon Rondo didn't score in 34 minutes, clanging all seven of his shots. He attempted just two shots in the second half, none after the five-minute mark of the third quarter. The six assists and five rebounds couldn't salvage a morose fantasy line. His poor games seem to align with Chandler Parsons' quality games. This tug-of-war will probably withstand the rest of the season.

Josh Smith connected on a season-high four three-pointers, aiding in his 18-point game. The rest of his line was appetizing, accumulating six rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and one steal in 28 minutes. His numbers with the Rockets are affected by the reduced playing time, but his per 36 minute numbers are down across the board with the exception of points and three-point attempts.

James Harden attempted three free throws. His three lowest totals coincide with Josh Smith's arrival. Heck, Harden didn't even lead the team in touches last night; that distinction went to Donatas Motiejunas by a margin of seven. After four straight games of scoring at least 33 points, Harden was limited to 17 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals in 38 minutes. That bar is set so high, especially with Dwight Howard (ankle) out of the lineup that Harden may not even play 30 minutes against the Celtics because he'll only need three quarters to wipe the taste of this game out of his mouth.

Tyreke Evans battled an illness and scored 20 of his 25 points (11-22 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-3 FT) in the second half. Eric Gordon missed his first nine attempts before finishing with 11 points, six rebounds, and a team-high six assists in a season-high 42 minutes. At some point, one of these guys will succumb to injury, and when that happens, you'll need to take a speculative add on Nate Wolters (if he survives his second 10-day contract) in deep leagues because guard is the Hornets' shallowest position.

Russell Westbrook scored 40 points (13-30 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 12-12 FT) without a little help from his friends. He must have sung out of tune. Reggie Jackson (13 points) and Serge Ibaka (10 points) were the only other Thunder in double figures absent an injured Kevin Durant (toe). They don't play again until Saturday, a game against the Grizzlies which he'll most certainly be available.

Lance Stephenson didn't score in 20 minutes but wore similarly patterned shoes to Stephon Marbury in the 2001 All-Star game. You remember the ones that were white on the outside of the sole and solid on the inside? Well, that is the only compliment I can bestow upon Stephenson's game. He did compile four rebounds and four assists to go along with his five missed shots. Brian Roberts was slightly better statistically, needing 37 minutes for eight points (3-11 FG, 2-7 3Pt), six assists, three rebounds, and three steals. Gerald Henderson led the team with 17 attempts, converting six of them for a team-high 18 points. Their season isn't technically over since they're sitting in the eight spot in the East, but it's time to start giving minutes to Noah Vonleh and P.J. Hairston.

Matt Bonner led the Spurs with 31 minutes. I don't know what else you want me to tell you.

Joe Ingles continues to provide Josh McRoberts-type numbers, finishing with 10 points (3-7 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven assists, five rebounds, and one steal in 35 minutes. Both nominal point guards, Trey Burke and Dante Exum, recorded one assist apiece, and Burke's assists numbers have plummeted since his demotion. Rodney Hood's absence through the All-Star break gives you seven more games with which to enjoy Ingles as the primary distributor, if not longer.

John Wall and Bradley Beal combined to shoot 10-of-31 from the field. Beal's steals and fantasy value have dropped off the last month. It's not like I've been bloviating about such things on a weekly basis. Or have I?

NIGHTLY LEADERS

Points

1. Kyrie Irving, G, CLE: 55 points (17-36 FG, 11-19 3Pt, 10-10 FT)
2. Russell Westbrook, C, OKC: 40 points (13-30 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 12-12 FT)
3. LaMarcus Aldridge, F, POR: 38 points (13-23 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 10-10 FT)

Rebounds

1. Al Jefferson, C, CHA: 16 rebounds (3 offensive)
2. Kris Humphries, F, WAS: 15 rebounds (6 offensive)
3. Tyson Chandler, C, DAL: 15 rebounds (6 offensive)
4. Paul Millsap, F, ATL: 15 rebounds (5 offensive)

Assists

1. Jarrett Jack, G, BKN: 13 assists (1 turnover)
2. Ty Lawson, G, DEN: 13 assists (1 turnover)
3. Jeff Teague, G, ATL: 11 assists (3 turnovers)

Steals

1. James Harden, G, HOU: 4 steals
2. Reggie Jackson, G, OKC: 4 steals
3. Nerlens Noel, C, PHI: 4 steals
4. Corey Brewer, F, HOU: 4 steals

Blocks

1. Al-Farouq Aminu, F, DAL: 6 blocks
2. Louis Amundson, F, NYK: 4 blocks
3. Eight players tied with three blocks

Three-Pointers

1. Kyrie Irving, G, CLE: 11-19 3Pt
2. Kyle Korver, G, ATL: 5-8 3Pt
3. Chandler Parsons, F, DAL: 5-8 3Pt

Minutes

1. Eric Gordon, G, NOP: 42 minutes
2. LaMarcus Aldridge, F, POR: 41 minutes
3. Matt Barnes, G, LAC: 41 minutes