It was another action-packed Saturday in the Association, highlighted by spectacular performances from Andre Drummond, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler and Ricky Rubio.
After recapping the essential storylines from Saturday, we’ll wrap up the Dose by taking a quick look at a handful of players that are facing injury issues for Sunday’s games.
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Nightly Notables:
Andre Drummond has been dominant on both ends of the floor all season long, and he took it another level on Saturday night. Drummond tallied 23 points (on 11-of-15 shooting), 20 rebounds, four steals and four blocks in the Pistons victory over the Heat. According to Basketball-Reference, he is just the fourth player in league history to register at least 20 points, 20 boards, four steals and four blocks in the same game. The other four players in this elite club are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon (who somehow did it six times - more than every other player in NBA history combined). It was also Drummond’s league-leading sixth game this season with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. Per the Elias Sports Bureau, that’s the highest such total by any NBA player since Dwight Howard had nine in 2011–12. The last Detroit player with as many 20/20 games in a season was Bob Lanier, who had six in 1973–74.
Goran Dragic played like an All-Star on Saturday night. He scored a game-high 33 points to go along with two rebounds, six assists, four treys, two steals, one block and zero turnovers.
Coming into this weekend, the last time Joel Embiid had played in back-to-back games on consecutive nights was all the way back on November 29th and 30th of 2013, when the University of Kansas played Villanova and then UTEP. However, Embiid finally got the monkey off his back by suiting up both Friday and Saturday for the Sixers, his first back-to-backs as a professional. Surprisingly, he logged 34 minutes last night and finished with 24 points, ten rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. The only negative on his nightly resume was the seven turnovers he committed. Embiid has posted a double-double in five straight games.
Chris Paul only needed to log 27 minutes because the Rockets blew the doors off the Cavs in Cleveland. Still, CP3 just missed a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists, six 3-pointers, one steal and zero turnovers. Paul had never averaged more than 2.0 treys per game in his career, but is now up to 2.8 3-pointers per contest playing for Mike D’Antoni.
Ricky Rubio stayed hot on Saturday, pouring in a career-high 34 points in a surprising and impressive road win in San Antonio. Rubio was 11-of-14 from the field, including 3-of-4 from downtown, and 9-of-10 from the charity stripe. He also chipped in nine assists and three rebounds. Over Utah’s last five games, Rubio is averaging 19.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.2 steals, while shooting 58.6 percent from the floor, 62.5 percent from 3-point territory and 90.0 from the line.
Kevin Durant efficiently scored a game-high 31 points on Saturday, knocking down 12 of his 16 field goal attempts and seven of his nine free throws. KD also recorded six rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and one turnover. It was Durant’s seventh game this season with at least 30 points, six boards, six dimes and two blocks. No other player in the league has more than three such games.
Jimmy Butler tallied 30 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two 3-pointers in Saturday’s victory over the Pelicans. Butler has scored at least 24 points in four straight contests and is averaging 26.8 points (on 51.5 percent shooting), 6.0 rebounds, 5.5 dimes, and 1.0 steals over those four games.
Anthony Davis scored 38 points and chipped in nine rebounds, one assist, two steals, one block and one 3-pointer on Saturday. The Pels are going to have a tough time maintaining their playoff position without Boogie Cousins, but Davis will continue to stockpile stats as long as he stays healthy… Davis’s new frontcourt mate, Nikola Mirotic, impresses in his Pelicans debut, finishing with 18 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, three treys, four steals and a block in 35 minutes off the bench. The minutes and usage rate for Mirotic in this contest were very encouraging with respect to his fantasy value going forward.
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On the Radar:
Zach LaVine had his best game as Bull on Saturday, finishing with 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal, no turnovers and three 3-pointers. LaVine has now tallied 20 points in three of his last five games and is returning solid dividends to those who had the foresight to stash him… Bobby Portis posted a double-double (13 points and 10 boards), but was just 3-of-13 from the floor… Paul Zipser drew a start and scored a season-high 16 points with five rebounds, two assists, one block and four 3-pointers in 26 minutes. However, Zipser should be left on waivers, as Lauri Markkanen (personal) is expected back early next week.
Tobias Harris made a positive first impression with his new teammates on Saturday. Harris scored 24 points and chipped in four rebounds, two assists and three 3-pointers across 34 minutes in his L.A. debut… Avery Bradley had eight points, two rebounds, four assists and two turnovers over 32 minutes in his first game as a Clipper… Danilo Gallinari scored 24 points and added nine rebounds, one assist and three 3-pointers in 30 minutes. Gallo has struggled through injuries and inefficiency this year but has an excellent opportunity to bounce back over the second half of the season. I’d consider him a prime “buy low” candidate… DeAndre Jordan pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds, but was just missed five of his six field goal attempts and finished with only three points.
Blake Griffin struggled from the field, shooting just 6-of-19, but he contributed elsewhere, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds and a game-high tying seven assists on Saturday. The Pistons are 2-0 with Blake in the lineup… Ish Smith scored a season-high 25 points and added four boards and seven assists (versus just one turnover) in 40 minutes. He was ultra-efficient, making 11 of his 14 field goal attempts and both of his free throws… Stanley Johnson had 13 points and seven rebounds over 34 minutes.
With Hassan Whiteside (illness) sidelined, Kelly Olynyk stepped in and stepped up. Kelly O logged a team-high 40 minutes and finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one block and one 3-pointer on Saturday. Olynyk has now scored in double figures in 11 straight games. Over that 11-game stretch, he is averaging 14.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 treys… Josh Richardson tallied 19 points with six assists, three steals and three 3-pointers… James Johnson finished with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists, three 3-pointers and two steals in 29 minutes off the bench.
Another solid all-around night for Victor Oladipo, who tallied 19 points, nine boards, four assists, three steals and two turnovers in Saturday’s win over the Sixers… Lance Stephenson only played 23 minutes, but still managed to produce 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two treys, one steal and two blocks.
Unfortunately, one of the main takeaways from a fantasy perspective in the Pacers win on Saturday was the absolute dud turned in by Myles Turner. The Indiana big man got in foul trouble early trying to deal with Joel Embiid and never go on track in this one. Turner failed to score a single point, and registered just three rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes. It’s been a frustrating and uneven first half of the season for Turner, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. However, he should stabilize and bounce back with a more productive second half of the 2017-18 campaign.
The Cavs once again looked lifeless and lost in Saturday’s embarrassing blowout defeat to the Rockets in Cleveland. LeBron James was just 3-of-10 from the floor and finished with 11 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two turnovers in 31 minutes. It’s only the second time in the last decade that LeBron has played over 30 minutes and scored fewer than 12 points… Isaiah Thomas also struggled with his shot again on Saturday, scoring 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting to go with five boards, three assists and three turnovers in 26 minutes. He has scored 14 points or less in six of the 13 games he played as a Cavalier. Last season in Boston, Thomas scored at least 18 points in 75 of the 76 games he appeared in. It’s been painful to watch IT at times this season, as he is far from fully healthy.
James Harden was just 5-of-16 from the field but finished with 16 points, nine assists, six rebounds, two steals and four turnovers in 31 minutes… Clint Capela had 14 points (on 6-of-10 shooting), nine rebounds and two blocks over 25 minutes… Gerald Green tallied 17 points, three rebounds, four treys and three blocks in 30 minutes. Eric Gordon (back) is expected to return on Tuesday, which means Green will see his playing time reduced significantly… Ryan Anderson registered 21 points, eight rebounds, and five triples.
Tomas Satoransky played well on Saturday, helping to lead the Wizards to their fourth straight victory. Satoransky scored a career-high 19 points and added three rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three treys on 7-of-9 shooting. Tomas is establishing himself as the clear lead PG in Washington and should have solid value over the next 6-7 weeks while John Wall is on the shelf… Bradley Beal stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points (on 8-of-15 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block in 31 minutes… Marcin Gortat record a double-double (10 points and 11 rebounds) and Markieff Morris added 16 points, three boards, three assists, and three steals on 7-of-10 shooting.
LaMarcus Aldridge contributed across the board in the Spurs loss to Utah on Saturday. He scored 31 points (shooting 12-of-19 from the floor and 6-of-8 from the free-throw line) and added five rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocked shots across 35 minutes of action.
Will Barton scored a team-high 25 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, one steal and three 3-pointers in the Nuggets victory over the Warriors on Saturday night… As usual, Nikola Jokic did it all. He tallied 19 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and two 3-pointers. Amazingly, Jokic has dished out at least five dimes in seven straight games and eight of the Nuggets last ten… Jamal Murray took a knee to his right thigh in the first quarter and had to retreat to the locker room, but was able to return. He finished with 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and one turnover in 28 minutes. He should be ready to roll for the Nuggets next game on Monday.
Stephen Curry scored 24 points and added six rebounds, four assists, two steals, five 3-pointers and five turnovers on Saturday. It is actually his third straight game with fewer than 25 points, which qualifies as a slump for a lethal scorer such as Steph. He’s also got nearly as many turnovers (14) as he does assists (15) over this recent three-game stretch. Nonetheless, there is obviously no need to worry about Curry going forward.
Injury Tracker:
Hassan Whiteside (illness) was unable to play Saturday vs. Detroit. Whiteside exited Friday’s game against Philly in the fourth quarter because he felt nauseous. Thus, it was surprising that he was unable to suit up for the second night of a back-to-back.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (illness) did not play Saturday versus the Pacers. It was his second straight game missed due to gastroenteritis. However, even when fully healthy, TLC will see only limited minutes off the Sixers bench. He should be left on waivers.
Eric Gordon (back) did not suit up Saturday vs. the Cavs. However, we did receive some encouraging news on Gordon going forward, as the Rockets are reportedly confident he will return for Tuesday’s game vs. Brooklyn. We should have an update on his status early next week.
Aaron Gordon (strained left hip flexor) was ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Wizards. It was his third straight contest in street clothes. Speaking with reporters Saturday afternoon, coach Frank Vogel said: "[Gordon] is disappointed that he’s not able to play and a little frustrated. We’ll see how he looks and feels [in Sunday’s practice] and that will probably decide whether or not we’ll have him in the next two games.” Air Gordon had previously committed to participating in the Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend, but it fair to wonder if he might pull out of the competition if his hip doesn’t improve dramatically.
Joe Johnson (rest) did not play Saturday against the Spurs. It was the second night of a back-to-back, so the Jazz decided to sit Iso Joe. There have been rumors in Utah that Johnson would prefer to get traded to a contender.
Kris Dunn (concussion) sat out again on Saturday but seems to be making progress. “He’s still on the concussion protocol. As he continues to feel better, hopefully, he can cross off the steps to get out of it,” said coach Fred Hoiberg. “Then he’ll need a couple of practices before he’s cleared.”
Lauri Markkanen (personal) is still with his family following the birth of his first child. Hoiberg said he might rejoin the team for their next game, which is Monday in Sacramento.
Donovan Mitchell (illness) was a late scratch on Saturday. He’s been making opposing defenses sick all season, including on Friday night when he exploded for 40 points. As noted above, Ricky Rubio stepped up with Mitchell sidelined. The Jazz next play Monday vs. New Orleans.
Luke Kennard (foot) and Dwight Buycks (illness) did not play Saturday against the Heat. As a result, Ish Smith logged 40 minutes, and Langston Galloway played 21 minutes off the bench.
Mike Scott (illness) did not play on Saturday against the Magic. This game was a blowout, so the Wizards reserves all saw extended minutes.
Rodney Hood (leg contusion) returned from a six-game absence on Saturday. Hood played 15 minutes, finishing with five points and one rebound.
J.J. Barea (oblique) played Saturday for the first time in a week. He tallied five points and a game-high 11 assists in 24 minutes.
Injury Notes for Sunday’s Games:
Marvin Williams (ankle) is listed as out on the injury report for Sunday’s game vs. the Suns. This will be the third straight game he has missed, and he continues to be ruled out a day ahead of each contest. Frank Kaminsky is the primary beneficiary here. Kaminsky started in place of Williams on Friday and tallied 15 points, six rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes.
Jason Terry (personal) is listed as probable for Sunday’s game vs. Brooklyn. Terry has missed two straight, but is expected back for this matinee matchup. He may see some extra time with Malcolm Brogdon (quad tendon) sidelined, but not enough to warrant a roster spot in even deep fantasy leagues.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday against the Bucks. This will be the fourth straight game on the shelf for Hollis-Jefferson. However, he’s reportedly close and could return early next week. DeMarre Carroll, Quincy Acy and Joe Harris will continue to see additional playing time.
Brandon Ingram (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Thunder. Ingram was treated for right groin tightness after Friday’s win in Brooklyn. If Ingram is unable to suit up, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and Corey Brewer would soak up additional minutes.
Evan Turner (left calf) is probable for Sunday against the Celtics. Turner has been ineffective of late. Over his last four games, Turner is averaging just 6.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 25.4 minutes per contest.
Shabazz Napier (great left toe soreness) is listed as questionable for Sunday. It’s the first time Napier has popped up on the injury report for this ailment. If Napier is ruled out, Pat Connaughton and Evan Turner will see an uptick in playing time off the Portland bench.
Marquese Chriss won’t be active for Sunday’s game vs. the Hornets. ESPN initially reported that the Suns were planning to suspend Chriss for one game as a result of a verbal confrontation with an assistant coach. However, per Phoenix beat reporter Scott Bordow, they Suns are now calling it a “cooling off period,” which equates to a suspension with pay. Dragan Bender will receive increased opportunities on Sunday. Jared Dudley gets a slight bump as well.
Chandler Parsons (knee) will not play on Sunday against the Raptors. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Parsons should be left on waivers in all fantasy formats, as he has been unable to stay healthy for the better part of two years and it seems as if it’s only a matter of time before they shut him down for the season.
Deyonta Davis (knees) is probable for Sunday’s game vs. the Raptors. Davis finished with 12 points and eight boards on Thursday and will likely log minutes in the mid-teens again on Sunday.
