The day began with an innocuous trade that may or may not have officially been finalized. The nightcap offered rest, but there was no relaxation. Lineups integrity was thrown out the metaphorical window in favor of precaution, and injuries struck en masse.

THE HEATWAVE

Mario Chalmers and James Ennis were sent to the Memphis Grizzlies for Beno Udrih and Jarnell Stokes.

Both teams are bottom-4 in pace. The Heat are top-5 in defense, and the Grizzlies are 24th in defensive efficiency. The Heat possess a league-average offense, and the Grizzlies are bottom-3 in offensive efficiency.

Chalmers inherits a similar role on a team scoring 91.0 points per game, good for 29th in the league. He'll be squeezed for minutes playing behind the backcourt of Mike Conley and Courtney Lee, both of whom garner close to 30 minutes a night. Chalmers best stretch of his career occurred with LeBron James on the Heat. He shot 39 percent from downtown and averaged 3.5 assists and 1.4 steals in the 282 games he played alongside James. As you'd expect, Chalmers three-point prowess declined to 32.4 percent without James. Udrih was the only player on the Grizzlies shooting above league average on three-pointers this season, so the move doesn't address one of their needs.

Ennis dominated the Australian league two years ago, but he's never been able to make his mark in the NBA. His most recent summer league campaign was inhibited by knee tendinitis, and by all accounts, he's improved his shooting mechanics. Coach Joerger has never been known to play young guys, and it appears Ennis will be stuck behind Jeff Green and Matt Barnes in the wing rotation.

Udrih is one of the best mid-range shooters in the league, but his defense pales in comparison. I think Tyler Johnson is the big winner, especially with whispers of Udrih not long for the Heat. Johnson's 19.9 minutes a night will increase with the deal opening up an additional 20.0 minutes per game left behind by Chalmers.

Stokes is 6-foot-8 and a hefty 260 pounds. He spent a majority of his rookie season in the D-League and has played 131 minutes in the NBA.

HOSPITAL WARD

Kevin Durant missed the second half with a left hamstring injury. He squashed concerns afterward, and an MRI is scheduled for later today. I'm doing my best to trade for Durant now before the results of the MRI. If it's clean, I get Durant on my team for a bargain (perhaps someone like Greg Monroe or C.J. McCollum). If he misses time, I have an injured reserve spot at my disposal. The Thunder has two days off before their next game, and it comes against the Sixers. Even if Durant is 100 percent healthy, there's no need to rush him back on Friday.

Anthony Davis was diagnosed with a right hip contusion and exited late in the first half. This is a man who's never played more than 70 games in each of his first three seasons. The initial x-rays were negative. I am more reluctant in trying to obtain Davis in a trade because of those past issues, but if you strike out on Durant, Davis could be your consolation prize. The Pelicans began a stretch of six games in nine days last night, and there should be no reason to play Davis if he's not fully healed by game time tonight.

Ryan Anderson started the second half and scored 13 of his season-high 25 points (10-16 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT) in the third quarter to maintain the double-digit lead. He's not the first player to exploit Dallas' nonexistent frontcourt defense, and he won't be the last player. Noteworthy demonstrations include Julius Randle's 22 points and 15 rebounds, Al Jefferson's 31 points and nine rebounds, Marvin Williams 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Luis Scola's 19 points and 12 rebounds. Try not to read too much into Anderson's performance, his second consecutive 20-point game against the same Mavericks team. In fact, you may be able to sell high on him if people assume Anderson is the primary beneficiary should Davis misses a few weeks.

Rudy Gobert suffered a sprained ankle in the fourth quarter. According to Gobert, he'll be ready for Thursday. He said the following after the game:

"I think I should be good to go, if not tomorrow, in a few days. Nothing broken, nothing bad, so just a basketball sprained ankle."

Avery Bradley was forced to exit yesterday's game with a bruised lower left leg. He carried a visible limp after the game, and his long-term prognosis is unclear. Evan Turner started the second half.  Turner was the story in this game, tallying 13 points (6-12 FG, 1-4 3Pt), six assists, five rebounds, and four steals in 29 minutes. The Celtics played their first game of five in seven nights. If Bradley has to miss extended time, Turner rises in the pecking order, but his increased playing time over the previous two games aligned with Marcus Smart's (toe) absence. Once Smart does return, Isaiah Thomas will resume his bench duties and Turner loses his sizzle.

P.J. Hairston played eight minutes before exiting with a migraine headache. His availability for tonight's game is uncertain. Jeremy Lamb started the second half. He scored 18 points (8-10 FG, 2-3 3Pt), 12 of which came in the second quarter, and added four rebounds and a steal. Unsustainability is a word that leaps to mind. In his six games this season, Lamb has either shot better than 50 percent or worse than 37 percent. There is no middle ground. And when he goes cold, rebounds are the only positive contribution he provides. I'm not counting on Lamb until he shoots an average percentage and can still throw up double-digit points. Hairston appears to be a lock in the starting lineup for the defensive relief he offers Nicolas Batum.

M.I.A

If you didn't play last night due to injury, you made this list.

• Boston
  • Marcus Smart (toe)
  • Tyler Zeller (DNP-CD)
• Dallas
  • JaVale McGee (leg)
• LA Lakers
  • Kobe Bryant (rest)
• Miami
  • Gerald Green (suspension)
  • Amar'e Stoudemire (DNP-CD)
• Milwaukee
  • Michael Carter-Williams (ankle)
  • O.J. Mayo (hamstring)
• Minnesota
  • Ricky Rubio (knee)
  • Andrew Wiggins (knee)
  • Kevin Garnett (rest)
• New Orleans
  • Tyreke Evans (knee)
  • Omer Asik
  • Norris Cole (ankle)
  • Quincy Pondexter (knee)
• New York
  • Arron Afflalo (hamstring)
• Toronto
  • DeMarre Carroll (plantar fasciitis)
  • Terrence Ross (thumb)
• Washington
  • Bradley Beal (shoulder)
  • Alan Anderson (ankle)
  • Nene Hilario (back)

ROTATION NOTES

J.R. Smith returned after missing three games due to a right knee injury, transferring Richard Jefferson back to the bench. Smith contributed seven points and three assists in 22 minutes. I believe that Smith will eventually snap out of his funk, and he's a player I'm targeting in both my 12-team leagues. He'll require time to work back into game shape, so you don't have to pounce immediately. Since he's only converted two three-pointers all season, his perceived value is depressed. As long as LeBron James is healthy, Smith profiles as a player who can return top-90 value.

Bradley Beal (shoulder) took the night off. The Wizards are in the midst of playing four games in 14 days, and they don't play again until Saturday, so a window has opened if you wish to trade for a recovering Beal. The rest days act as a recuperation buffer, and they allow Beal owners more time to panic if they don't see Beal out on the court.

Gary Neal started and offered eight of his 14 points (6-15 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) in the first quarter. He played 26 minutes in the blowout loss. As I believe Beal will return within the next 14 days, Neal only sustains fleeting value.

Drew Gooden started the second half for Kris Humphries. Both played fewer than 18 minutes, and Gooden is owned in zero percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Kobe Bryant rested the first night of a back-to-back set, and based on how he feels Wednesday morning, Bryant could ultimately miss both games. The Lakers began a stretch of five games in seven nights on Tuesday, and I wouldn't be shocked to see Bryant miss three out of the next four games.

Metta World Peace garnered the start and scored 14 points (5-7 FG, 4-4 3Pt) in 22 minutes. D'Angelo Russell was benched the entire fourth quarter in a blowout loss, Nick Young scored a team-high 17 points (6-13 FG, 5-9 3Pt) in 26 minutes, and Roy Hibbert played nine minutes in the second half after blocking three shots in the first two quarters. I give no advice when it comes to Byron Scott, because Scott acts beyond the laws of common sense. To quote Principal Vernon from The Breakfast Club, "Don't mess with the bull, young man. You'll get the horns."

Gerald Green was suspended for two games due to detrimental conduct. He'll miss Thursday's game as the final leg of the suspension, and the Heat don't play again until next Tuesday. Green will have missed a total of six games.

Terrence Ross is out indefinitely with a ligament injury to his left thumb. DeMarre Carroll's plantar fasciitis held him out of the second straight contest, and he'll have to miss more if he desires a full recovery. Otherwise, his lackluster play will continue as he overcompensates. James Johnson started for the second straight game and added three blocks in 29 minutes. His strained relationship with coach Dwane Casey is well noted, but the Raptors lack serviceable replacements. Johnson's utility hinges on Carroll's pain threshold and Casey's rotation structure, one that force-fed Anthony Bennett 17 minutes last night. Johnson has reached flier status, and we could be on the precipice of a solid two-week stretch of standard league relevance.

Bradley "Even" Stevens was at it again. Jared Sullinger (20 minutes), Amir Johnson (23 minutes), Kelly Olynyk (22 minutes), and David Lee (21 minutes) accounted for 86 out of a possible 96 power forward and center minutes. Tyler Zeller (DNP-CD) received the short end of the stick. There's a reason I refer to him as "Even Stevens."

Jabari Parker played 24 minutes for the second consecutive game, but he'll rest tonight against the Nuggets. The Bucks go seven games before their next back-to-back set. I contend Parker isn't someone who is a must-own because he's less than one year removed from a torn ACL and his fantasy performance last season was a drop in the bucket. The Bucks will coddle him this season, and that includes unpredictable and periodic rest days.

Kevin Garnett rested the second night of a back-to-back set. He was joined by Ricky Rubio (knee) and Andrew Wiggins (knee) on the bench in a cruel twist. Sam Mitchell trotted out the starting lineup of Zach LaVine, Kevin Martin, Tayshaun Prince, Adreian Payne, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves play five games this week, and more uncertainty surrounds the resting habits of their players.

LaVine was the box score star on the injury-riddled Timberwolves. He ended the night with 20 points (9-19 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight assists, five rebounds, two steals, and eight turnovers in 37 minutes. All the starters played at least 30 minutes with the exception of Payne, and the drastic roster shift diminished the team's defensive integrity.

Wesley Matthews was cleared to play 30 minutes, but he only suited up for 15 last night and was held scoreless. Coach Carlisle packed it up early, as you can tell by Charlie Villanueva leading the team with 26 minutes played. The Mavericks started a stretch of five games in seven nights, so the rest makes perfect sense for a team littered with older and injured players.

Chandler Parsons played a season-high 17 minutes, all coming in the first half. He rested the final two quarters, and Raymond Felton was thrust into the second-half starting lineup yet again.

Omer Asik started after missing three games with a calf injury. He played 16 minutes and didn't offer much in the box score. His presence shifted Alexis Ajinca into a reserve role. Even after the Anthony Davis injury, Ajinca played five minutes off the bench.

Jrue Holiday played 15 minutes, and he'll sit tonight, the second game of a back-to-back set.

FANTASY LINE OF THE NIGHT

LeBron James turns it on when he sees fit. Such was the case in last night's win. After an invisible first half, James finished the night with 31 points (11-19 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 8-12 FT), eight assists, seven rebounds, and two steals in a season-high 38 minutes. He provided 24 points in the second half, including 17 points in the fourth quarter. The minutes were a welcomed sight considering he was probable with a quad issue, but it likely had more to do with the Cavaliers possessing two days off before their next game. James' busted shot, both from deep and the free-throw line, will endanger his chances of returning first round value this season.

ROOKIE OF THE NIGHT

Karl-Anthony Towns excised the notion that he required Ricky Rubio's presence to succeed offensively. I may have perpetuated this assumption, so color me impressed. He finished the night with 19 points (7-16 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 13 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and one steal in 30 minutes. It was his fifth double-double in seven games. Defensively, he held Al Jefferson to nine points on 3-of-9 shooting.

Towns and Gorgui Dieng have played five minutes together all season. When Towns avoids foul trouble like he has the past two games, Dieng is in store for less than 18 minutes a night as they combine to play all the center minutes. It's clear, after so many Timberwolves were unavailable, that Dieng won't play the requisite minutes to return standard league value.

TRIPLE-DOUBLE WATCH

Russell Westbrook needed less than 28 minutes to notch a triple-double, compiling 22 points (7-17 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 11 rebounds, 11 assists, and one steal before sitting out the entire fourth quarter. In true Westbrook fashion, he exploded after Kevin Durant was ruled out. He leads the league with 10.9 assists per game, and he's shooting a career-high 47 percent from the field.

Kyle Lowry (23 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds) and backup Cory Joseph (12 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds) tiptoed the triple-double high wire. Such accomplishments aren't difficult when Jose Calderon plays 29 minutes and Sasha Vujacic plays 21 minutes in the opposing backcourt. Joseph is fifth on the team in minutes per game at 23.6, and with DeMarre Carroll (plantar fasciitis) and Terrence Ross (thumb) injured, his opportunity is set to increase. His offensive game requires improvement, primarily his outside shot, but look for him to receive continued exposure in crunch time as he currently leads the Raptors in fourth-quarter minutes (10.2).

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHTS AND ODDITIES

Alec Burks (24 points), Trey Burke (16 points), Rodney Hood (16 points), Gordon Hayward (17 points), Derrick Favors (17 points), and Rudy Gobert (15 points) accounted for all but nine of the Jazz's 114 points. All the box score stats were equally distributed; seven players recorded at least one steal, and seven more accumulated at least three assists. There was minimal separation on this night.

Gobert failed to block a shot, and Hood fouled out in 30 minutes, an early-season bugaboo. Hood is averaging 4.1 fouls per game, good for second most in the league. Burke turned his season and career around by transforming into a spot-up shooter. Instead of forcing his own shot, Burke morphed into a catch-and-shoot fiend lately, and over the past three games, 72 percent of his made baskets have been assisted. That's up from his typical fifty-fifty split of assisted-to-unassisted baskets.

Mo Williams scored 29 points on nine attempts. He posted a neat line against the best defense in the league and finished with 29 points (8-9 FG, 4-4 3Pt, 9-10 FT), six rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 36 minutes. As previously mentioned, I've been trying to trade Williams since the preseason. His reign as a 30+ minute a night player hinges on Kyrie Irving's knee rehab. I expect Irving to be brought along slowly and eventually max out around 30 minutes a night. Williams will play with Irving at times, but the crowded backcourt will impede his utility.

Dion Waiters followed up a 19-point outing with a season-high 25 points (7-10 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 7-7 FT), two rebounds, and one assist in 23 minutes. Because he's so scoring dependent, I'm not easily swayed by a performance that included a sidelined Kevin Durant (hamstring) and a Wizards team sans Bradley Beal (shoulder). I'm intrigued by Waiters in a real world sense, but his fantasy appeal doesn't resonate.

In 2003, Clay Aiken released a song titled Invisible that many believe was written with Goran Dragic in mind. Over the past two games, Dragic scored a combined six points on 3-of-15 shooting. He sports a usage rate of 18.1 percent, good for fifth highest on the team. That number drops to 16 percent with Dwyane Wade on the court. After the trade deadline last season, Dragic's usage rate was 18.3 percent, which was less than his usage rate on the Phoenix Suns. With a healthy Chris Bosh, an early season Wade, and a revamped lineup, Dragic has been marginalized within the offense. All it takes is one Wade injury to increase Dragic's role, and that's all Dragic owners can hope for at this point. However, the Heat don't engage in a back-to-back set until December 13-14. There's no point in trading him at his lowest value; that's Economics 101.

Lance Thomas was the first Knick reserve off the bench. He provided 17 points (5-7 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT) and three rebounds in 22 minutes. I'm ecstatic he gets more playing time than Derrick Williams, but I can tell you firsthand that there's no way he improved his shot this much over the course of one offseason. Thomas is one of Derek Fisher's boys, a bond cemented on last season's 17-win team. In totality, Fisher played 13 Knicks last night, and Arron Afflalo (hamstring) is days away from returning.

DeMar DeRozan scored a season-high 29 points (11-23 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 7-9 FT) in 39 minutes. He's third in the league with 10.3 free-throw attempts per game, but he's only made two three-pointers all season. That's the tradeoff you sign up for when owning DeRozan, and his responsibility should increase with DeMarre Carroll (plantar fasciitis) on the shelf.

Jae Crowder recorded four steals and is leading the NBA with 3.2 steals per game. He's one of a few constants in coach Even Stevens' rotation, averaging 31.0 minutes per game. In a Celtics jersey, Crowder has converted 54-of-193 three-pointers. Nonetheless, Crowder has played his way into fantasy relevance, and it appears a minor left knee bone bruise won't keep him out of the lineup.

Giannis Antetokounmpo accumulated three fouls in eight first-half minutes, and that set the tone for the rest of his night. He was limited to a season-low 24 minutes due to the blowout nature of the game and his five fouls. Chalk this one up to a perfect storm.

Ish Smith lit up the Mavericks for 17 points (10-16 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), a career-high 12 assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block in 27 minutes for his first career double-double. His backcourt buddy, Toney Douglas, added 17 points (5-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one rebound, and one assist in 25 minutes. Smith ranks fourth in assists per game (8.1), and he'll likely get the start tonight with Jrue Holiday slated to rest.

NIGHTLY LEADERS

Points

1. LeBron James, F, CLE: 31 points
2. Chris Bosh, F, MIA: 30 points
3. Mo Williams, G, CLE: 29 points
4. DeMar DeRozan, G, TOR: 29 points

Rebounds

1. Hassan Whiteside, C, MIA: 15 rebounds (7 offensive)
2. Greg Monroe, C, MIL: 14 rebounds (2 offensive)
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, C, MIN: 13 rebounds (2 offensive)

Assists

1. Ish Smith, G, NOP: 12 assists
2. Russell Westbrook, G, OKC: 11 assists
3. Kyle Lowry, G, TOR: 9 assists

Steals

1. Jae Crowder, F, BOS: 4 steals
2. Evan Turner, F, BOS: 4 steals
3. Four players with three steals

Blocks

1. Robin Lopez, C, NYK: 4 blocks
2. Five players tied with three blocks
3. Eight players tied with two blocks

Three-pointers

1. Nick Young, G, LAL: 5-9 3Pt
2. Toney Douglas, G, NOP: 5-7 3Pt
3. Six players tied with four three-pointers

Minutes

1. Kevin Love, F, CLE: 40 minutes
2. Kevin Martin, G, MIN: 40 minutes
3. DeMar DeRozan, G, TOR: 39 minutes