Category: NBA

Ed Davis is a Rebounding Machine

Amir Johnson may be back from an ankle injury and starting at power forward for the Raptors but that hasn’t stopped Ed Davis from getting his minutes.

Analysis: Amir Johnson may have started Tuesday night against the Bobcats but Ed Davis still got 27 minutes, 5 more than Johnson. In Ed Davis’ last four games he’s averaging 11.7 rebounds, 1.25 blocks and 1 steal per game. Davis is also shooting 59 percent from the field on the year and with his minutes up he impacts the field goal percentage category more consistently. With Davis you have an extremely athletic power forward who is a rebounding machine and it shouldn’t surprise you because how many 6’10” guys have a 36 inch vertical? The Raptors are content to give Johnson and Davis over twenty minutes a game and that’s great news for fantasy owners in need of rebound help. Ed Davis is available in ninety-nine, yes that is right, ninety-nine percent of fantasy leagues and he’s a lock for at least 8 rebounds and 1 block every night if not more.

Projection: Davis should average 8-10 rebounds, 1-1.5 blocks, over 55 percent from the field and .5-1 steal per game from here on out. Grab him now before the secret is out.

Blake Griffin’s bounce-pass dunk from freshman-rookies game

Blake Griffin won the slam dunk contest last night, but his best dunk was from the freshman-rookies game.

Analysis: With the fantasy season put on hold for a few days, enjoy Blake Griffin and the rest of all-star weekend. Griffin is quickly becoming one of the best fantasy players in the league, and this during his first full season as a Clipper. Be glad you got your hands on him this season in the middle rounds of your draft because next year he will surely be much tougher to get your hands on him.

Last Call On Marcus Camby

Marcus Camby is expected to return shortly after the All Star break and he may be ready to go Wednesday against the Lakers.

Analysis: Camby is available in about thirty percent of fantasy leagues and now is the time to pick up the forgotten center. 11.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game is just what every fantasy owner needs out of a center and that’s what Camby was averaging this year. Yes, he is injury prone but with Camby you ride him until he can’t carry you any more. When healthy he’s one of the most value centers in fantasy, he’s averaging .9 steals per game this year and 1 steal per game for his career, how many centers can do that? Camby may not be ready to play thirty minutes a game right away but even at twenty to twenty-five minutes he’s a beast.

Projection: Give Camby some time to get into game shape and find his groove but he’s a rebounding machine regardless of age, minutes, team, etc. Expect 10-12 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal and a solid field goal percentage from Marcus Camby when he returns.

Have Some Faith In Ron Artest

Ron Artest is averaging just 8 PPG and 3 RPG this year but it’s not quite time to drop this frustrating multi-category stud.

Analysis: Artest is getting 28 minutes per game and is averaging 1.4 steals and 1 three pointer made per game this year, so it’s not all bad. Obviously, it’s disappointing that Artest is and will not perform where you drafted him but he’s not at the point of no return yet. If his minutes remain over twenty a game and as the Lakers continue fighting for the two seed in the west- Ron Ron will eventually turn it on. In all honesty, is Luke Walton going to be taking away minutes from Ron Artest? Of course not, so have some faith to go along with your diappointment.

Projection: Ron Ron is going to turn it on, but can you believe he’s only attempted just two three pointers in his last two games? He’ll turn it around and when he does expect 1.5-2 steals, 1-2 threes, 4-5 rebounds and about half of a block a game.

Dirk Nowitzki Puts Up 35 Points In Win Over Suns

Dirk Nowitzki scored 35 points on 13-for-18 shooting in a 112-106 win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, while also grabbing one rebound and dishing out four assists.

Analysis: Just another day at the office for Nowitzki, who topped 30 points in scoring for the 10th time in his last 16 games against the Suns. Nowitzki, a possible MVP candidate earlier in the year, woke from a bit of a slumber, as he had failed to top 20 points in scoring in four of his previous five games.

Projection: Nowitzki looks to be out of his slump and gets a few days to rest up. He’s still good for over 22 points and around seven boards per game.