On an unrelated to fantasy note, how good have the Kings looked under new coach Ty Corbin? No need to answer, I'm sure I know every single person in the basketball world's response to one of the dumbest firings in the history of the world. Anyone, all eyes turn toward the Warriors and Hawks matchup Friday, but before we completely forget about Thursday's NBA action, let the Box Score Breakdown give you the low down.

SCRAPING THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL

When I'm potentially recommending Gerald Henderson as someone to possibly consider adding in some leagues, you know things are dire. But from what was on offer Thursday, Henderson was the best performing player who is widely available. My tepid endorsement aside, Henderson is a much improved player this season and led all scorers with 27 points (10-15 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 7-8 FT), adding to blocks and two steals in his 36 minutes. Normally, a shooting guard who can't shoot and can't hit threes and does very little else isn't the thing fantasy dreams are made of, but Henderson has taken advantage of Lance Stephenson's suckitude, and averaged 15.0 points with 1.0 steals and 92 percent from the free throw line in his last six games. I know, it's not a completely flattering picture from not a particular inspiring player, but while Henderson is getting minutes, his points and free throw percentage can be of use in a streaming situation. JUst don't expect this sort of multi categorical production routinely.

M.I.A.

These guys all sat out Thursday's action, for one reason or another.

• Wizards
  • Kevin Seraphin (ankle)
  • Martell Webster (DNP-CD)
• Hornets
  • Bismack Biyombo (knee)
  • Kemba Walker (knee)
• Clippers
  • J.J. Redick (back)
• Mavericks
  • Rajon Rondo (facial fracture)
  • Dirk Nowitzki (rest)
• Trail Blazers
  • Chris Kaman (back)

FANTASY LINE OF THE NIGHT

J.R. Smith has looked a different player since arriving in Cleveland following his trade in early January. Seemingly entrenched as the starter at shooting guard, Smith put up 16 points (6-10 FG, 4-8 3Pt) with five rebounds, two assists, and five steals in 29 minutes against the Clippers. An underrated source of steals, Smith has had multiple steals in five of his 15 starts in Cleveland, and still remains an elite source of three-pointers, hitting 3.0 triples in his last eight games. With that sort of production, Smith has a place in almost all leagues, even with Iman Shumpert now back in the mix,

ROTATION NOTES AND QUIRKS

With Bradley Beal lasting just 11 minutes due to a sore toe, Rasual Butler found himself thrust into the limelight, playing 29 minutes, scoring 11 points in the process. Butler shone earlier this season when Beal was out and if Beal was to miss any time, Butler becomes intriguing, but his value will hardly last long enough to be considered a must-add player.

The run of Cody Zeller playing big minutes at power forward appears over with Zeller, Marvin Williams and Jason Maxiell each getting over 20 minutes. Maxiell added seven blocks with 11 points and eight rebounds, but adding Maxiell expecting that again is the definition of chasing stats. If you added Zeller in standard leagues, it may be worth casting him aside for the next hot player.

With J.J. Redick missing with back spasms, Jamal Crawford moved into the starting lineup and played his customary 30 minutes, scoring 13 points and thee doesn't appear to be a clear winner from Redick's injury. Matt Barnes lasted 24 minutes before receiving his second technical and getting ejected, allowing C.J. Wilcox and Austin Rivers to play significant minutes. Rivers performed admirably, scoring 10 points with five rebounds, five assists and two steals in his 22 minutes, but he'd have to do it a lot more for me to endorse him as a fantasy option.

With the Cavs having the game in hand early, Kyrie Irving was the only starter to get over 30 minutes, so some of the numbers could be considered a little underwhelming.

Dirk Nowitzki was a late scratch due to rest, so Al-Farouq Aminu took his place at the four, but managed only 22 minutes, largely due to his four fouls he accumulated in that time. He was still a defensive menace, swiping two steals and blocking three shots in that time and as a streaming option for those categories, Aminu is one of the best, irrespective of starting role. J.J Barea got another start, and played 32 minutes. We don't have a specific timetable for Rajon Rondo, but Barea looks like he'll be the starter in his stead and may be a solid add for assists, despite the presence of Devin Harris. Barea had 15 points and five assists against the KIngs and is someone to watch for now.

With Darren Collison limited to 14 minutes due to an abdominal injury, the Kings stood absolutely no chance. No-ne was able to step up in his absence and instead of three players doing the heavy lifting, it all fell on DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay's shoulders. Both players were admirable, but there is nothing to get excited about on the rest of the Kings' roster. With Collison out, Ramon Sessions played 19 minutes for seven points, while second-year man Ray McCallum played 15 minutes. If you were to grab anyone, it's Sessions, but it's not a must-add, at least until we hear Collison's status.

Another injury, with Alex Len spraining his troublesome ankle, after just nine minutes. X-rays came back negative, which is great, but it looked a decent tweak, so missed games should definitely be on the cards, Len had already expressed that the grind of the season was wearing on him and his production had fallen, so if you own Len, dropping him for Brandan Wright may be a nice move, even if Len returns in a week or two. Adding Wright isn't for everyone though. With Len out, Wright got 16 minutes, while former starter Miles Plumlee played 17 minutes, and history has never shown us that Wright can play starter's minutes. Also, expect the Suns to play a lot more small-ball, with Markieff Morris playing center and P.J. Tucker moving to the four, allowing all three point guards onto the court at once.

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHTS AND ODDITIES

Paul Pierce scored 19 points with two three-pointers, but he is not reliable enough for most 10 team leagues, but a case can be argued for playing the Truth in 12 teamers. Just don't a slave to the big name and hold him if it's not required.

Brian Roberts got a robust 38 minutes, scoring 12 points with five assists and that is solid, Brian Roberts type production, given the minutes. With no point guard help imminent, expect Roberts to get minutes, but don't expect numbers to wow you.

Kevin Love had a nice bounce back, scoring 24 points with nine rebounds, after scoring just five in his previous outing. He is still a double-digit rebounder, so there is still value in Love, but his dominant figures appear to be done for this season, unless an unlikely trade goes down.

Monta Ellis took full advantage of Rondo and Nowitzki's absence, scoring 21 points with six assists and three steals and he continues to be one of the more underrated players in the NBA. Both Richard Jefferson and Devin Harris knocked down three three-pointers, an anomaly that is unlikely to turn into a trend.

P.J. Tucker does what he does best and that is contribute in the unfashionable categories, nabbing five steals with two three pointers. He can be useful, but he has to fit your team.

Nicolas Batum looked the best he's looked for a while, finishing with 20 points, four rebounds and seven assists, and if we get more of this Batum, owners that were extremely patient will reap top 40 rewards in the season's second half. In Robin Lopez's second game back, he double-doubled with two blocks, and it's safe to call him a must-add if anyone left him on the waiver-wire, particularly with Chris Kaman's back ailing.

NIGHTLY LEADERS

Points

1. Gerald Henderson, G, CHA, 27 points
2. Kevin Love, F, CLE, 24 points
3. LeBron James, F, CLE, 23 points
4. DeMarcus Cousins, C, SAC, 23 points

Rebounds

1. Tyson Chandler, C, DAL, 16 rebounds
2. DeAndre Jordan, C, LAC, 14 rebounds
3. LaMarcus Aldridge, F, POR, 13 rebounds

Assists

1. John Wall, G, WAS, 13 assists
2. LeBron James, F, CLE, 9 assists
3. Chris Paul, G, LAC, 9 assists

Steals

1. J.R. Smith, G, CLE, 5 steals
2. P.J. Tucker, G, PHX, 5 steals
3. Monta Ellis, G, DAL, 3 steals

Blocks

1. Jason Maxiell, F, CHA, 7 blocks
2. Robin Lopez, C, POR, 4 blocks
3. Al Jefferson, C, CHA, 3 blocks
4. Al-Farouq Aminu, F, DAL, 3 blocks

Three-Pointers

1. J.R. Smith, G, CLE, 4-8 3Pt
2. Monta Ellis, G, DAL, 3-6 3Pt
3. Devin Harris, G, DAL, 3-5 3Pt
4. Richard Jefferson, F, DAL, 3-6 3Pt
5. Lance Stephenson, G, CHA, 3-8 3Pt

Minutes

1. DeMarcus Cousins, C, SAC, 38 minutes
2. John Wall, G, WAS, 38 minutes
3. Brian Roberts, G, CHA, 38 minutes