B-Ball, B-Fast is a weekdaily look at last night's NBA action from a fantasy perspective. Bookmark it and visit often.Cup of Coffee
Or perhaps you prefer "nighthorse"? Either way, Kevin Durant leaving in the third quarter because of an ankle sprain is bad. Kevin Durant not returning to the game because of an ankle sprain is worse. Worstest of alls? That's he has dealt with this injury most of the season and will deal with the rest of the way home. Yes, the Sonics are phoning in their season, but Durant looked primed for a monster 2008, coming out hot with 23.5 points per game after a mildly disappointing December. I don't want to tell you to trade the next big thing, but if you can convince someone to give you full value on a guy who does not seem intent (as we originally thought) on raising his field goal percentage and who is dealing with an ankle injury, well ... go for it. Just don't do anything all crazy like.
Hot Cakes
Don't look now but one of my favorite players and erstwhile mancrushes, Charlie Bell, has ripped off two straight 20 point games. Michael Redd, not coincidentally, missed his third straight game with a bruised thigh. Redd could miss a few more, so Bell is a superb play for the near future in daily leagues. If Mo Williams or Redd miss any significant time, snatch Bell up immediately.
Luther Head started and got the most run with Tracy McGrady still in street clothes against the Wizards last night. Thanks, Rick Adelman, for making my job easy. /sarcasm. Head's a straight gunner when it comes to trey-balls, so you want him active if he's getting play -- beware of Bonzi Wells stealing erratic time though. McGrady could be back as soon as Friday but don't cross your fingers. Or his knees. Bad things could happen.
Craig Smith has faded back to a reserve role and Ryan Gomes is playing much better as a starter right now. I told you before and I will tell you again -- this is Smith's job. Buy low on him.
Just like you should buy low on Ray Allen. Allen's dealing with a pinched nerve and has not scored much lately. The Celtics will probably take it easy with him, keeping the playoffs in mind, but he will be a nice asset down the road for fantasy owners.
Big ups to Darko Milicic who has recorded 17 blocks in his last six games. His boards are still down but he hasn't cracked thirty minutes yet either. Trade for him if you need the blocks, but don't be surprised by a nice second half.
Speaking of blocks, I nearly wasn't able to put this piece together because of the shock that seeing Eddy Curry accumulate four of them induced. It was against the Bulls, so chalk it up to spite and don't expect too many more outbursts of defense in the near future. Awkward that Ben Wallace only had one though. Luol Deng missed his second straight game and could play Friday but hold off in daily leagues.
