It had to happen sometime and it was last night that the Thunder snapped their 10-game winning streak, falling to the Washington Wizards. Kevin Durant’s/OKC outside shot wasn’t working, so he responded by increasing his playmaking. But the Wizards would have none of it, as John Wall/WAS led an offense that hummed like a well-oiled machine. Fresh off a win over the Spurs, the Bulls interior players were neutralized by the Pelicans’ big men. Toronto fell behind by 19 in the third quarter but rallied to take the lead in the final minute before Damian Lillard/POR sank the winning basket. Today all but two teams have the day off in anticipation of the big football game in New York. Here is today’s Fantasy Spin.
Fantasy Boom and Bust
TOP GUNS:
Kevin Love/MIN. He was a game time decision with ankle problems. Not only did he play, he put up one of his best stat lines of the season even though his Timberwolves lost to the Hawks. 12 of 22 FGA, 17 of 18 FTA, 19 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 TO, 43 points.
LeBron James/MIA. Won the battle of the titans this time.
Anthony Davis/NOP. Responded to the all-star snub by outplaying all-star Joakim Noah/CHI.
Tim Duncan/SAS. He was the key man as the Spurs barely beat the Kings at home to snap their slide.
DeMar DeRozan/TOR, Andre Drummond/DET, John Wall/WAS.
SLEEPERS:
Jeremy Lin/HOU. A triple double and another effective game off the bench. 6 of 12 FGA, 2 of 2 FTA, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 3 TO, 15 points.
Nick Calathes/MEM. Bombarded the Bucks from beyond the arc.
Kyle Singler/DET. Got increased touches after Rodney Stuckey/DET left with injury.
Greg Monroe/DET, Enes Kanter/UTA.
DISAPPOINTMENTS:
Chandler Parsons/HOU Inconsistent this season. Coach McHale tends to ride the hot hand and tonight it was Lin. 3 of 7 FGA, 2 TO, 7 points.
Al Jefferson/CHA. Fatigue was a big factor as Jefferson couldn’t find his mid-range shot and the up-tempo Suns ran the Bobcats out of the building.
Carlos Boozer/CHI. He was the “luck” guy who had Anthony Davis/NOP defending him.
Rodney Stuckey/DET, Alec Burks/UTA, Bradley Beal/WAS.
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Boston, Orlando, Lottery Bragging Rights?
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics (1:00 pm EST); over/under 191.5; Celtics – 6 . INJURIES: ORL: Jameer Nelson (OUT); BOS: Gerald Wallace (Q).
Despite appearances, I think this game will be an interesting battle of evenly matched teams. Both teams have finally achieved something close to full health (with the exception of the late scratch of Nelson/ORL) and both teams like to push the pace and use mobile big men. The Celtics are at home and probably have the tactical edge as far as coaching goes. If I had to place a bet it would be a combo play of the Celtics/moneyline and the Magic +6, hoping the Celtics win a close one and I collect both sides.
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