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Hache Man · 01-03-08, 05:40 PM

Firing on all Cylinders

The Eastern Conference, long ridiculed as the weak half of the NBA -- the easy way to the Finals -- has bragging rights at the moment. The top two teams in the NBA currently – by a significant margin – both reside in the East.

The critics of Boston's early season success said 'just wait until the Celtics take on those Western clubs.' Well, Boston's been there and done that now, going 9-0 so far against the Western Conference. Now, it is Detroit's turn to prove it is for real.

Having won their 10th straight game on Wednesday, the Pistons face nine of their next 14 games this month on the road, including visits to Dallas and San Antonio.

For now, however, the Pistons are firing on all cylinders, improving to 25-7 overall, including an overwhelming 17-2 mark against the East after spanking the Wizards last night. Detroit is coming off a 15-2 December and, so far, has kept rolling in January. This is the most games it's won in a row since reeling off 11 straight two Januarys ago. Of course, the Pistons aren't simply beating their opponents now – they are thrashing them, with an average margin of victory of 16.8 points during this streak. Is anybody else looking forward to Saturday's rematch against Boston?

Richard Hamilton continued his resurgence and stuck it to his old team, scoring at least 20 points for the fifth straight game, while adding nine assists and seven rebounds – the first time all season he's put up at least sevens across the board. He lit up Washington for 13 points in the second quarter alone.

Rip's in his sixth season with Detroit and he's starting to make noise among the team's all-time greats. Last night's showing vaulted him Gene Shue into 10th place on the Pistons' all-time scoring list.

Hamilton's assists are up this year with 4.5 per game, but his scoring has dropped substantially. However, Rip has gotten progressively better as the season has worn on, and if he continues to get the kind of touches he got Wednesday, the points will come. Hamilton shot nearly 55 percent from the field last month. He's led the Pistons in scoring in each of the last six games, finally justifying his draft position after a substandard start to the season.

One of the best parts about Detroit's success is that it has afforded the team the chance to reduce the minutes of its starters. All four holdover starters from last year are playing significantly less this year: Hamilton is down to 34.2 MPG from 36.8; Tayshuan Prince is at 33.2 MPG after playing 36.6 last year; Chauncey Billups was at 36.2 and he's now at 33.3; and Sheed is down to 31 MPG from 32.2. Fantasy owners probably aren't thrilled with this development, but it can't help but keep these guys fresh, which will likely mean less time on the sidelines. So if you're willing to look at the big picture, keeping you guy healthy all season is not a bad thing at all.

Of course, it helps that the Pistons' bench is excelling. Last night, for instance, Detroit's reserves scored 33 points to Washington's eight. Jason Maxiell alone managed 15 points and seven boards off the bench, and although he's been reduced to a fringe fantasy option, I still love this guy as a big-time sleeper. Given the minutes he's logging, you know that an Antonio McDyess injury is coming soon.

While we wonder whether Detroit can match Portland's NBA season-best 13-game winning streak, let's review the remainder of Wednesday hardwood happenings…

Deron Williams dished a season-high 20 dimes on Wednesday and scored 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting. Williams had some struggles with his shot in December, but has really turned things around the past few games. He even pitched in with two blocks last night. Although he's hit one 3-pointer in three straight games, Williams isn't employing the outside shot as much this year, but his ability to draw more fouls has more than compensated as he develops his offensive game. He's now recorded at least 10 assists in a game 15 times this year.
What in the world did John Salmons eat for breakfast yesterday? He went absolutely berserk last night, nailing 13-of-18 from the field and 5-for-5 from the line for a career-best 32 points. But it doesn't stop there. He also put up 11 rebounds, six assists, six steals, a block and a three-pointer. Oh man. Talk about filling the stat sheet. Sure, it was only the woeful Knicks, but this was an impressive outing regardless. On the bizarre chance that no one has grabbed this dude in your league, you better do so immediately. With Ron Artest out for a month, Salmons is going to have serious value. He's been a very durable player over the past few years and if he gets his touches from beyond the arc, look out. Salmons is sinking a ridiculous 46 percent of his attempts from downtown.
Speaking of the woeful Knicks – you know, that team that has been guaranteed to win a championship under Isiah Thomas' watch – they have now dropped five straight and are looking down at only Miami in the East. With six games to make up and six teams to pass, the postseason is looking like a long shot, never mind Thomas' near-hallucinatory title talk. Stephon Marbury returned to the team after almost a month and Eddy Curry was put back in the starting lineup, yet the Knicks were still pummeled at home by a Kings' team that was missing three of their best players. Starbury did his job with 16 points, three boards, two steals and two treys, yet he only managed four assists and who knows when he'll be capable of playing serious minutes or when he'll next be on the sidelines. Curry managed 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Great, right? But on the flipside, he had just three rebounds, recorded no steals or blocks, sunk just 4-of-11 from the line and turned the ball over four times. It's the same old, same old for Curry. Not enough rebounding from a big man. And the fact that, notwithstanding last night, his scoring has been down so precipitously this year has rendered him a very unsteady fantasy option. Don't be seduced by his 24-point night just yet. Let's wait and see if he can actually help you in some other categories before making a claim on Curry. As for Thomas, can someone please inject him with a dose of reality?

Injury Report

Well, we finally know what's wrong with Tracy McGrady: yesterday's ultrasound and MRI revealed a strained popliteal tendon. No, I've never heard of it, either. But the diagnosis – seven to 10 more days on the sidelines – remains the same, so we suppose that's good news. In the meantime, even though he's not starting, Bonzi Wells looks like the big winner here, so he should be a great pickup for the week. Wells scored 25 points last night with nine boards and a block.

Tip-ins: Is it too early to start the Rasheed Wallace technical foul watch? Last night, he earned his sixth of the year. You've got to love the 16 points, eight boards and two blocks Sheed put up last night, but it looks like he's once again headed for some suspensions in the later part of the season when you need him the most…Antonio Daniels was back in action after sitting seven games with a knee injury. He scored 18 points and will remain a hot pick up this week…The Wizards haven't beaten a winning team since December 1…Freshly-turned-23-year-old LeBron James broke out of a recent scoring drought with 36 points (32 in the second half) in 40 minutes on 13-of-22 shooting from the floor and 9-of-11 from the line. King James added a pair of steals…Brad Miller continues to make a play for Comeback Player of the Year. He hit 9-of-16 from the floor and 7-of-7 from the line for 26 points Wednesday to go along with 16 boards, a block and a 3-pointer. Miller's weight loss this year has really solved the problems he had last season with plantar fasciitis, allowing him to again play heavy minutes. The results have been fantastic…Dirk Nowizki is starting to get hot again, shooting the lights out last night en route to 29 points with six assists, three treys and three blocks as Dallas exacted more revenge on the Warriors. Having sunk 28 of his last 31 attempts from the charity stripe, it looks like Nowitzi's FT struggles (relatively speaking, that is) are over…Sure, KG's numbers are down, but every now and then, Garnett can still take over a game. Wednesday, he scored 11 of his 26 points in the final seven minutes to help Boston become just the sixth team in history to open a season 27-3. The Big Ticket shot 11-of-15 from the field and added three blocks with two steals…With Miami continuing to struggle – it lost its fifth straight last night – you've got to start worrying about the second half of the season when the Heat may decide to shut down the battered Dwyane Wade. He's still dealing with his shoulder and last night hurt his pinkie as well, yet continues to excel, nailing 10-of-16 for 27 points with eight assists and four steals. Flash even drained a rare 3-pointer last night. Should you think of dealing him? It's something to consider with Miami clearly going nowhere this season. Wade was "really sore" after the game, according to Coach Riley, but there's no word if he'll be sidelined all…It's time to consider Mike Conley, Jr. Having recently returned from a lengthy absence because of his shoulder, Conley was given his first start of the year last night and he helped lead Memphis past Indy with seven points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals. He's going to be a hot waiver wire commodity this week, especially with Damon Stoudamire landing on the inactive list…How important is Stephen Jackson to the Warriors? After starting the year 1-6 – including dropping their first six games – with him suspended, they've gone 18-7 since until running into Dallas last night. Apparently, Golden State's domination of Dallas, which included a 6-1 record the past two seasons and last year's upset of the Mavs in the first round, is over. After getting hammered by the Mavs on Wednesday, the Warriors have slipped to 0-2 against them this season. Baron Davis was a complete non-factor last night, missing his first five shots en route to a 2-for-14 night. Despite Wednesday's setback, the Warriors recovery after such a horrible start has been most impressive indeed. This team could be a serious threat come playoff time…Kobe, LeBron and…Caron? These are the only three players in the NBA who are averaging at least 20 PPG with six rebounds and four assists. Butler has been a major stud with Agent Zero out, leading the conference in steals per game while shooing almost 50 percent from the floor….You may want to consider dumping Ronnie Brewer, who is losing minutes since Kyle Korver arrived in Utah. C.J. Miles, who has played well lately, could be a factor here as well…Manu Ginobili (finger) was able to fully practice yesterday, but he is not expected back in action tonight. This weekend seems like a likely bet, however....Michael Redd had to sit out the fourth quarter Wednesday after taking a knee to the thigh. It's unknown how bad this injury is, so check back later in the day to see if Redd will have to sit against the Wizards tomorrow night.

01-03-08, 05:40 PM	#106
Hache Man Moderator Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak Join Date: Aug 19, 2005 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 52,030	Re: NBA News/NBA Fantasy News 2006/2007 Firing on all Cylinders The Eastern Conference, long ridiculed as the weak half of the NBA -- the easy way to the Finals -- has bragging rights at the moment. The top two teams in the NBA currently – by a significant margin – both reside in the East. The critics of Boston's early season success said 'just wait until the Celtics take on those Western clubs.' Well, Boston's been there and done that now, going 9-0 so far against the Western Conference. Now, it is Detroit's turn to prove it is for real. Having won their 10th straight game on Wednesday, the Pistons face nine of their next 14 games this month on the road, including visits to Dallas and San Antonio. For now, however, the Pistons are firing on all cylinders, improving to 25-7 overall, including an overwhelming 17-2 mark against the East after spanking the Wizards last night. Detroit is coming off a 15-2 December and, so far, has kept rolling in January. This is the most games it's won in a row since reeling off 11 straight two Januarys ago. Of course, the Pistons aren't simply beating their opponents now – they are thrashing them, with an average margin of victory of 16.8 points during this streak. Is anybody else looking forward to Saturday's rematch against Boston? Richard Hamilton continued his resurgence and stuck it to his old team, scoring at least 20 points for the fifth straight game, while adding nine assists and seven rebounds – the first time all season he's put up at least sevens across the board. He lit up Washington for 13 points in the second quarter alone. Rip's in his sixth season with Detroit and he's starting to make noise among the team's all-time greats. Last night's showing vaulted him Gene Shue into 10th place on the Pistons' all-time scoring list. Hamilton's assists are up this year with 4.5 per game, but his scoring has dropped substantially. However, Rip has gotten progressively better as the season has worn on, and if he continues to get the kind of touches he got Wednesday, the points will come. Hamilton shot nearly 55 percent from the field last month. He's led the Pistons in scoring in each of the last six games, finally justifying his draft position after a substandard start to the season. One of the best parts about Detroit's success is that it has afforded the team the chance to reduce the minutes of its starters. All four holdover starters from last year are playing significantly less this year: Hamilton is down to 34.2 MPG from 36.8; Tayshuan Prince is at 33.2 MPG after playing 36.6 last year; Chauncey Billups was at 36.2 and he's now at 33.3; and Sheed is down to 31 MPG from 32.2. Fantasy owners probably aren't thrilled with this development, but it can't help but keep these guys fresh, which will likely mean less time on the sidelines. So if you're willing to look at the big picture, keeping you guy healthy all season is not a bad thing at all. Of course, it helps that the Pistons' bench is excelling. Last night, for instance, Detroit's reserves scored 33 points to Washington's eight. Jason Maxiell alone managed 15 points and seven boards off the bench, and although he's been reduced to a fringe fantasy option, I still love this guy as a big-time sleeper. Given the minutes he's logging, you know that an Antonio McDyess injury is coming soon. While we wonder whether Detroit can match Portland's NBA season-best 13-game winning streak, let's review the remainder of Wednesday hardwood happenings… Deron Williams dished a season-high 20 dimes on Wednesday and scored 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting. Williams had some struggles with his shot in December, but has really turned things around the past few games. He even pitched in with two blocks last night. Although he's hit one 3-pointer in three straight games, Williams isn't employing the outside shot as much this year, but his ability to draw more fouls has more than compensated as he develops his offensive game. He's now recorded at least 10 assists in a game 15 times this year. What in the world did John Salmons eat for breakfast yesterday? He went absolutely berserk last night, nailing 13-of-18 from the field and 5-for-5 from the line for a career-best 32 points. But it doesn't stop there. He also put up 11 rebounds, six assists, six steals, a block and a three-pointer. Oh man. Talk about filling the stat sheet. Sure, it was only the woeful Knicks, but this was an impressive outing regardless. On the bizarre chance that no one has grabbed this dude in your league, you better do so immediately. With Ron Artest out for a month, Salmons is going to have serious value. He's been a very durable player over the past few years and if he gets his touches from beyond the arc, look out. Salmons is sinking a ridiculous 46 percent of his attempts from downtown. Speaking of the woeful Knicks – you know, that team that has been guaranteed to win a championship under Isiah Thomas' watch – they have now dropped five straight and are looking down at only Miami in the East. With six games to make up and six teams to pass, the postseason is looking like a long shot, never mind Thomas' near-hallucinatory title talk. Stephon Marbury returned to the team after almost a month and Eddy Curry was put back in the starting lineup, yet the Knicks were still pummeled at home by a Kings' team that was missing three of their best players. Starbury did his job with 16 points, three boards, two steals and two treys, yet he only managed four assists and who knows when he'll be capable of playing serious minutes or when he'll next be on the sidelines. Curry managed 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Great, right? But on the flipside, he had just three rebounds, recorded no steals or blocks, sunk just 4-of-11 from the line and turned the ball over four times. It's the same old, same old for Curry. Not enough rebounding from a big man. And the fact that, notwithstanding last night, his scoring has been down so precipitously this year has rendered him a very unsteady fantasy option. Don't be seduced by his 24-point night just yet. Let's wait and see if he can actually help you in some other categories before making a claim on Curry. As for Thomas, can someone please inject him with a dose of reality? Injury Report Well, we finally know what's wrong with Tracy McGrady: yesterday's ultrasound and MRI revealed a strained popliteal tendon. No, I've never heard of it, either. But the diagnosis – seven to 10 more days on the sidelines – remains the same, so we suppose that's good news. In the meantime, even though he's not starting, Bonzi Wells looks like the big winner here, so he should be a great pickup for the week. Wells scored 25 points last night with nine boards and a block. Tip-ins: Is it too early to start the Rasheed Wallace technical foul watch? Last night, he earned his sixth of the year. You've got to love the 16 points, eight boards and two blocks Sheed put up last night, but it looks like he's once again headed for some suspensions in the later part of the season when you need him the most…Antonio Daniels was back in action after sitting seven games with a knee injury. He scored 18 points and will remain a hot pick up this week…The Wizards haven't beaten a winning team since December 1…Freshly-turned-23-year-old LeBron James broke out of a recent scoring drought with 36 points (32 in the second half) in 40 minutes on 13-of-22 shooting from the floor and 9-of-11 from the line. King James added a pair of steals…Brad Miller continues to make a play for Comeback Player of the Year. He hit 9-of-16 from the floor and 7-of-7 from the line for 26 points Wednesday to go along with 16 boards, a block and a 3-pointer. Miller's weight loss this year has really solved the problems he had last season with plantar fasciitis, allowing him to again play heavy minutes. The results have been fantastic…Dirk Nowizki is starting to get hot again, shooting the lights out last night en route to 29 points with six assists, three treys and three blocks as Dallas exacted more revenge on the Warriors. Having sunk 28 of his last 31 attempts from the charity stripe, it looks like Nowitzi's FT struggles (relatively speaking, that is) are over…Sure, KG's numbers are down, but every now and then, Garnett can still take over a game. Wednesday, he scored 11 of his 26 points in the final seven minutes to help Boston become just the sixth team in history to open a season 27-3. The Big Ticket shot 11-of-15 from the field and added three blocks with two steals…With Miami continuing to struggle – it lost its fifth straight last night – you've got to start worrying about the second half of the season when the Heat may decide to shut down the battered Dwyane Wade. He's still dealing with his shoulder and last night hurt his pinkie as well, yet continues to excel, nailing 10-of-16 for 27 points with eight assists and four steals. Flash even drained a rare 3-pointer last night. Should you think of dealing him? It's something to consider with Miami clearly going nowhere this season. Wade was "really sore" after the game, according to Coach Riley, but there's no word if he'll be sidelined all…It's time to consider Mike Conley, Jr. Having recently returned from a lengthy absence because of his shoulder, Conley was given his first start of the year last night and he helped lead Memphis past Indy with seven points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals. He's going to be a hot waiver wire commodity this week, especially with Damon Stoudamire landing on the inactive list…How important is Stephen Jackson to the Warriors? After starting the year 1-6 – including dropping their first six games – with him suspended, they've gone 18-7 since until running into Dallas last night. Apparently, Golden State's domination of Dallas, which included a 6-1 record the past two seasons and last year's upset of the Mavs in the first round, is over. After getting hammered by the Mavs on Wednesday, the Warriors have slipped to 0-2 against them this season. Baron Davis was a complete non-factor last night, missing his first five shots en route to a 2-for-14 night. Despite Wednesday's setback, the Warriors recovery after such a horrible start has been most impressive indeed. This team could be a serious threat come playoff time…Kobe, LeBron and…Caron? These are the only three players in the NBA who are averaging at least 20 PPG with six rebounds and four assists. Butler has been a major stud with Agent Zero out, leading the conference in steals per game while shooing almost 50 percent from the floor….You may want to consider dumping Ronnie Brewer, who is losing minutes since Kyle Korver arrived in Utah. C.J. Miles, who has played well lately, could be a factor here as well…Manu Ginobili (finger) was able to fully practice yesterday, but he is not expected back in action tonight. This weekend seems like a likely bet, however....Michael Redd had to sit out the fourth quarter Wednesday after taking a knee to the thigh. It's unknown how bad this injury is, so check back later in the day to see if Redd will have to sit against the Wizards tomorrow night.