Byron

Mullens

The red-hot Byron Mullens was slated to get the start at power forward in the lineup that was submitted, but D.J. White actually started the game.

We have no idea why they’re not running the rookie into the ground in order to get him experience, but he’s only worth using in deep leagues by owners who are desperate at center. Byron Mullens, who had been hot over his last couple games, failed to score and had just two rebounds in 12 minutes, as both players were basically run over a Mack truck tonight, in the form of Kevin Love.

He was slated to start for Tyrus Thomas (elbow), but was replaced by D.J. White at the last minute. Mullens wasn’t injured, but he and Bismack Biyombo were simply dominated by Kevin Love tonight. Mullens should be able to bounce back from this, but is going to have good nights along with bad ones as long as he’s coming off the bench. If he starts at PF at some point, he could quickly become a must-own player, especially with the Bobcats finishing with a 4-5-4 weekly schedule over the next three weeks.

This whole inside-outside game next to Bismack Biyombo (14 & 14) we’ve been harping on for just under a month is finally on display, and the only thing that can stop it is Paul Silas. We don’t see how he can after this eruption (famous last words), and Mullens needs to be in all lineups ASAP.

He was playing well and finished with four points, one rebound and two blocks in nine minutes. Consider him day-to-day until we get more information about his injury. Byron Mullens and DeSagana Diop will replace him in the lineup for as long as Biyombo is out, but neither did much of anything tonight.

With the Bobcats in disarray, the only reason White is getting a blurb is to notate his thumb injury, which probably won’t be a problem going forward. Until things normalize, nobody on the Bobcats’ bench other than Kemba Walker will be worth fantasy consideration in most formats.

Mullens, the new starter at power forward, is on fire, averaging 20 points, 11.5 boards, a steal and two blocks in his last two games. And with five games next week, Mullens looks like a must-add player in all formats at this point.

He lost his job to Byron Mullens, who had another big night, and if you’re still holding onto Thomas, dropping him for Mullens would be a very smart move. Thomas, who had six points in six minutes before leaving, should be considered day-to-day for now.

He was in foul trouble tonight, hit just 3-of-9 shots and lasted only 22 minutes against the center-friendly Hawks, which was a disappointment. Who knows what excuse Paul Silas will use for tonight’s lack of minutes, but we recommend sticking with Mullens as long as he’s starting at PF for the hapless Bobcats.

A defensive team like the Heat, even without Dwyane Wade, can make a mediocre player like Mullens look bad real quick. And while Mullens showed he can put up solid numbers last week, he has been a virtual disaster this week. He’s certainly not a must-own player, but deserves some consideration for ownership while he’s starting and getting minutes.