A new month begins today in the NBA today and the Knicks sure could use it. Carmelo Anthony returned last night for the Knicks, but already admitted that he doesn’t know if he will make it through their 3 games in 3 days coming up beginning Thursday. Hopefully he chooses to sit out against the struggling Nets on Saturday instead of the Bulls on Thursday.
Yesterday’s News:
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-Anthony Morrow had easily his biggest game of 
the season just days after he was declared a must-own due to MarShon Brooks’ injury. Morrow scored 28 points on 5 three pointers and even added 4 rebounds for good measure. Morrow is VERY one-dimensional as a jump shooter only, but given the minutes he can single-handedly win owners a night or a week in points and threes.
-Ty Lawson rejoined the Nuggets lineup last night after he promised he would, but he had a very quiet night. He scored 12 points, but had just 3 rebounds and 4 assists in 34 minutes. As he gets himself back into shape you can start expecting his usual stats, now is the time to buy low if you need an elite PG.
-George Hill injured himself (ankle) and is listed as out indefinitely. That opens the door for Darren Collison, Paul George and Danny Granger to all see more minutes from here forward. This already looks like great news after last night, especially for Paul George. George had 24 points and 4 rebounds in what was his most efficient game of the season.
-Mike D’antoni’s declaration that Iman Shumpert’s days as a PG were over lasted less than 12 hours as Shumpert got the start at the position last night. He posted a respectable line of 6 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals as it appears he took the Coach’s words as a desire for him to play more unselfish basketball. With Landry Fields hot (Another 18 points last night) and Baron Davis likely to return soon, he is not a guy I am looking to acquire or use, but he is almost impossible to drop as long as he remains a starter.
-Anderson Varejao continued his career year with his best game of the season last night versus the Celtics. Varejao posted 20 points and 20 rebounds including 10 on the offensive side of the court. With no other options for the Cavs at center, Varejao should continue to play 35+ minutes a game. That gives him this kind of upside almost every time they play if he can keep the energy up for the whole season.
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Injuries:
Luol Deng – Out
Rip Hamilton – Out
George Hill – Out Indefinitely
Rajon Rondo – Questionable
Al Jefferson – Questionable
Anthony Morrow – Ankle, Questionable
Strong Plays for Tonight:
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Derrick Rose (CHI) – Rose has been playing at his MVP level over the last 6 games and Luol Deng and Rip Hamilton both remain out of the lineup. With Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer starting at the wings for the Bulls, Rose becomes their only perimeter playmaker and his usage rate soars. There is no reason not to have Rose in every lineup tonight despite the tough matchup with the Sixers.
Raymond Felton (POR) – Felton has been a huge disappointment this year for fantasy owners, but he has been effective leading the charge for the Blazers. I expect this to be his breakout game against a former team that struggles to defend PGs. Felton should be able to control this game as he takes on rookie PG Kemba Walker.
Deron Williams (NJN) – Deron has been either gold or garbage for most of this season. Look for him to be gold tonight as the Nets get a winnable game against the nosediving Pistons squad. Williams will have to take over once again as the Nets are expected to be without MarShon Brooks once again and Anthony Morrow turned an ankle last night that might swell up.
Drew Gooden (MIL) – Gooden has been plenty good in every one of his starts at center this season, but this matchup with Miami is definitely too good to pass up. Miami has had trouble slowing down rebounders at the center position all season, so Gooden should have a field day tonight on the boards.
Jerryd Bayless (TOR) – Bayless has recently taken over the starting SG position for the Raptors. Despite his struggles yesterday, I am rolling with him as often as possible tonight against the Celtics. Boston has struggled defending the perimeter, especially bigger guards since they lost Rajon Rondo to injury. If Rondo doesn’t play as expected, Bayless should have his way with young Avery Bradley and aging Ray Allen.
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I like Noah a lot tonight against the banged up Sixers frontcourt.
I also like:
Trevor Booker
Derrick Favors
Depending on availability.
Any advice on shooting guards? Not a lot to like out there it seems. I’m concerned about Morrow’s ankle or I’d be all about him.
Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver are both starting for the Bulls tonight. Jerryd Bayless should get another start for the Raptors tonight. I have a few others depending what you are looking for.
I need advice on whether to start Byron Mullens against Portland with his struggles yesterday coming off the bench. Or give Rashard Lewis a shot tonight against his old team? Maybe even Tyler Hansbrough? Need some advice thanks.
I’d go Lewis, he is the best bet for minutes.
10:47:35 am
What centers should have a great day today?