Happy Hannukah Hebrew Nation! Here’s a look at NBA’s week 12/18-12/24:
Four games: Golden State, Memphis, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Toronto, Utah.
Three Games: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Indiana, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Miami, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Antonio, Seattle, Washington.
Two Games: Boston, Detroit, Portland.
Al Jefferson has officially arrived. He is delivering the goods just in time for the holidays. I’ve always been a big proponent of big Al and I am confident that he’ll remain a near fantasy stud from here on out. After posting 28 and 10 tonight, he’s averaging 15/11/1 with 2 swats over his 6 starts. Plus, if/when he earns center-eligibility he could propel himself to one of the top centers in the league. Kendrick Perkins is dealing with chronic foot problems, and Ryan Gomes could be the one asked to come off the bench once the frontcourt is completely healthy anyway. If you’re looking for FG%, points, boards, and blocks from a soon-to-be F/C, you need to go after Jefferson. I’d take him over whiteys like Bogut, Murphy, and Kaman.
We may have (somewhat) written off Ben Wallace over the past few weeks as being on the downside of his career… then you see his stat line tonight: 10/27/6, 3 steals, 3 blocks – Why did we doubt you Big Ben? You’ve hauled in 47 rebounds in your last two games… when was the last time someone did that? Seriously, someone please look that up. Wallace now has 5 straight games with double figure rebounds, and 3 straight scoring at least 10. Perhaps he’s found his groove in Chi-Town.
Plug ‘em in, Plug ‘em in:
Carlos Arroyo / Keyon Dooling, PG: Both of Orlando’s backup point guards are getting plenty of burn right now with Jameer Nelson sidelined with a groin injury. Hill and Turkoglu are also out with their own alleged “day-to-day” injuries. The absence of those three players leaves 37 ppg that need to be made up. Arroyo will dish, Dooling will score, and both can hit about one trey per game with starter’s minutes. Take your pick, or go ahead and plug them both in for three games next week.
Damien Wilkins, G/F: Superstar Ray Allen is expected to miss another week with a strained foot tendon, and swingman Damien Wilkins has been filling in. In five starts Wilkins is averaging 15/5/3 plus 2 thefts per game. He won’t shoot too many threes, but he’ll contribute in just about every other category. Make use of Wilkins for at least one more week. Earl Watson owners may want to get him in their lineups as well.
Luther Head, G: I recommended starting him last week because of his contributions from long range and suggested he could be a serious force if T-Mac were to miss time. Head has now started the last two games, hitting 18 of 35, including 7 for 16 threes. He’s a lot like Jamal Crawford in that he is a shoot-first point guard who loves dialing from long distance. A must-start while McGrady is out.