The Celtics have been involved in a lot of the hottest NBA rumors of the season, specifically involving Ray Allen. Danny Ainge has reportedly been interested in making the team’s core younger, and he has one of the most valuable assets in the NBA in Ray Allen’s expiring contract. Despite all the rumors surrounding the team, they were absent in the biggest move thus far: a seven-player swap between the Mavericks and Wizards involving Caron Butler.

Caron Butler

The C’s were reportedly interested in Butler, but they missed out as he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks Saturday night. The Wizards sent Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson to the Mavs for Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, Quinton Ross, and James Singleton.

NBA sources said that despite not receiving prized point guard prospect Rodrigue Beaubois from the Mavs, the Wizards were so thrilled with making a deal that provided significant cap relief without having to trade Antawn Jamison. They could still trade Jamison in a separate deal for more cap room and/or young talent.

Amare Stoudemire

On Sunday afternoon, it appeared the Cavs were ready to trade Zydrunas Ilgauskas and young forward J.J. Hickson to Phoenix in exchange for Amare Stoudemire. Then, other teams in the bidding for the Suns forward, including the Heat and 76ers, began talking to the Suns about upping their offers. The Suns reportedly would prefer a deal with the 76ers that would bring Andre Iguodala to town, but so far Philadelphia has resisted.

Stoudemire would have no place with the Celtics because Kevin Garnett, when he plays, has a stranglehold at power forward, and Stoudemire wouldn’t play enough defense to unseat Kendrick Perkins full-time at center.

© KC Downey for Sports of Boston, 2010. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, Featured, Top Story.

While it might seem a little far-fetched, the Celtics are again rumored to be in the midst of trade talks, and once again, Ray Allen’s name has been mentioned. However, the difference this time is that the Celtics might be getting themselves two All-Stars in the deal.

Remember when the Washington Wizards used to be good? When the Washington Wizards used to be a team that one would think to see in the playoffs? Well, those days are no more as the Wizards appear ready to start rebuilding their franchise after the incidents with Agent Zero, Gilbert Arenas. Currently, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are the Wizards’ two best players, but with rebuilding on Washington’s minds, these two might be heading out. One of the rumored destinations: Boston.

Rumored Celtics-Wizards Deal

Yes, the Celtics have been rumored to be working on a trade with the Wizards that would land them Butler and Jamison. The Celtics would send away Ray Allen, Brian Scalabrine, and J.R. Giddens. This deal is amazing if the Celtics can manage to pull it off. Sure, they would have to pay a bit more money  to pay out the next couple years, but this puts a little bit of youth back in the team with a good mix of maturity.

Butler and Jamison are both in stages of their prime. Butler has been in the league now for seven years and this season he is currently averaging 16.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.3 points per game. Jamison, who is a bit older and has been in the league just as long as Paul Pierce (11 years), is averaging 20.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

Ray Allen

Allen, who is a fan favorite, is not having a year untypical of his last few with Boston. Ray is showing some signs of age, though. He is still the slightly streaky player that he has been in the past but is still averaging 16 points, 3.4 boards, and 2.7 assists per game. He is in the last year of his contract, but at 34 years old, the Celtics have to ask themselves if they want to even bring him back next season, so dumping his expiring contract to a team that is looking to rebuild seems like a good idea.

Brian Scalabrine

Here’s the part of the deal that I love. Not only do the Celtics get two All-Star players, but they get rid of Scalabrine! Sorry to all the fans that love him, but Scalabrine does absolutely nothing for this team. The guy is supposed to be a power forward/center and all he does is dance outside the three point line when he comes in. He may get the ball, but he will pretty much just dribble it a few times and then just pass it off. I thought power forwards and centers were supposed to be down under the basket ready to rebound or shoot the ball of the glass. I guess Scal is the exception. Lets look at his numbers for the season: 1.6 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.1 blocks, and averages 9.8 minutes per game! Those are terrible numbers especially when a perfectly capable Sheldon Williams has been just sitting on the Celtics’ bench since Jan. 14.

J.R. Giddens

As for J.R. Giddens, he could benefit greatly from being on what would become a much smaller market team. Giddens has proven himself ready for the NBA after his appearances in the D-League this season where he averaged well over 20 points per game in the short time he was there. However, with a team like the Celtics who are already very deep with their bench, Giddens does not have much of a chance to develop.

Giddens has only managed to appear in 21 games and play 98 minutes this season. He has scored a total of 24 points in that time and on a team that is rebuilding, he could really do some good.

Will the Trade Happen?

Now what is the likelihood that this deal will actually happen? Probably not very high to be honest, which is sad, but we can all keep our fingers crossed. Apparently the rumor goes on to say that the teams will be discussing possibilities over the All-Star break. There is also the fact the Celtics would be getting two players who are regularly starters and only losing one starter. Both Butler and Jamison are forwards, the Celtics have two guys in their starting forward positions, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Now I personally believe that Butler or Pierce could play the shooting guard role effectively if needed but how can you either bench Garnett or Jamison? That is not an easy decision. The Celtics already have one of the best benches in the NBA if one of those two were added to their bench there would be no question who had the best.

I would love to see some sort of deal that brought either Butler or Jamison to Boston within the next week or so. This deal would be great, but it does not seem likely in my opinion, especially considering recent rumors that have Butler and DeShawn Stevenson going to Dallas for Josh Howard. I think there will be some sort of move made with the Celtics soon either involving Ray Allen or Glen Davis, who was mysteriously left out of this rumor. I only ask one thing is that if a trade does get rid of a big guy from the Celtics’ bench, let it please be Brian Scalabrine. Please Danny Ainge, please.

© Geoff for Sports of Boston, 2010. | Permalink | One comment
Filed under: Celtics, Featured, Rumors, Top Story.

Week 1 is in the books. There is no better feeling (in the fantasy realm anyways) than the first week of a fantasy sport. I myself was at a friend’s birthday celebration at a sports bar on Friday night. Instead of paying attention to the festivities around me, I had my eyes glued on one of the televisions just to watch the scores scroll by the bottom of the screen. Hey, birthday’s come and go, but Chris Bosh was in the midst of a 37-12 game. Clearly, I had my priorities straight.

Injuries

Vince Carter (SG, SF), Orlando Magic

Vinsanity left Friday’s game after suffering a sprained ankle. He was warming up, hoping to play Sunday, but experienced too much pain. He hopes to play Tuesday against Detroit.

Devin Harris (PG), New Jersey Nets

Harris will be out of action for at least a week with a sore groin. He originally injured it in a preseason game, and the pain is bad enough that he has chosen to sit out a few games. Rafer Alston replaced Harris on Saturday and came away with 20 pts, eight assists, and three 3PTM.

LaMarcus Aldridge (PF, C), Portland Trail Blazers

Aldridge left Sunday’s game against the Thunder after banging knees with Oklahoma City’s Jeff Green. Aldridge did not return and was diagnosed with a bone bruise on his knee. Consider him day-to-day.

Best Players of the Week

Point Guard

Louis Williams (PG, SG), Philadelphia 76ers

Williams’ first stint as a starting point guard is leading to a huge season. In three games, he shot an absurd 63.6% from the field which led to 20.3 points. He capped it all of by averaging 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.7 steals.

Honorable Mention: Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets (23.0 points, 6.7 assists. 2.7 3PTM)

Shooting Guard

Kobe Bryant (SG), L.A. Lakers

Bryant was second in the league in scoring with 31.7 points (boosted from his 41 points against Atlanta). His 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 steals just shows why you spent a top-4 pick on him in your draft.

Honorable Mention: Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers (27.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 3PTM)

Small Forward

Carmelo Anthony (SF), Denver Nuggets

Anthony is the leading scorer in the NBA with 37.7 points. His incredible week has included back-to back 40+ point games with a 53.6 FG%. He filled up the rest of the stat sheet with 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals.

Honorable Mention: Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics (58.3 FG%, 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 3PTM)

Power Forward

Chris Bosh (PF, C), Toronto Raptors

Bosh led all power forwards in points (31.0) and rebounds (14.7) while shooting a respectable 46.8% from the field. As an unexpected bonus, Bosh has started dropping 1.0 3PTM per game.

Honorable Mention: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks (26.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 3PTM)

Center

Dwight Howard (C), Orlando Magic

Whatever, you’re expecting a crappy FT% (63.6), so don’t act surprised. Just praise Howard for his 21.7 points and 16.0 rebounds. Don’t forget the 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks as well.

Honorable Mention: Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies (20.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks)

You Could Have Done Better

Point Guard

Jason Kidd (PG), Dallas Mavericks

We all know Kidd is a stat sheet filler and won’t set the world on fire with his points. That being said, his 3.0 points and 25.0 FG% were horrendous. His other numbers (9.0 assists and 2.0 steals) show that he is better suited for real life glory and not fantasy stardom.

Honorable Mention: Andre Miller, Portland Trail Blazers (34.3 FG%, 9.0 points, 3.0 rebounds)

Shooting Guard

John Salmons (SG, SF), Chicago Bulls

After Ben Gordon’s departure, everyone thought Salmons would step it up as a starter. Hopefully this past week isn’t an indication of his future as he shot just 27.9% fro the field, averaging only 11.7 points.

Honorable Mention: Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks (32.0 FG%, 13.0 points, will miss two weeks with knee injury)

Small Forward

Caron Butler (SG, SF), Washington Wizards

A bruised knee caused him to miss Saturday’s game. Before that, Butler was shooting 36.4% with 10.5 points, 1.0 assists, and 0.5 steals. He hopes to return Tuesday.

Honorable Mention: Richard Jefferson, San Antonio Spurs (11.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 68.8 FT%)

Power Forward

Charlie Villanueva (SF, PF), Detroit Pistons

The new face in Detroit has been hampered by a sore hamstring and is shooting an ice cold 37.0% which has led to 9.0 points. His rebounds and assists have also taken a hit since last season.

Honorable Mention: LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers (13.3 points, 0.3 steals, 0.5 blocks)

Center

Al Jefferson (PF, C), Minnesota Timberwolves

Big Al seems to be easing back into playing time after last year’s ACL surgery. It has effected his stats as he has put up an uncharacteristic 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds on a dismal 34.8 FG%.

Honorable Mention: Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland Cavaliers (9.0 points, carrer-low 47.2 FG%)

Players to Pick Up

Channing Frye (PF, C), Phoenix Suns

Frye has been sizzling lately thanks in large part to his ability to sink three’s. Frye is averaging 19.7 points on 58.3% shooting. He sunk a ridiculous 13 3PTM last week with six in each of his last two games. He is playing 32 minutes per game, so ride him while he is hot.

Andray Blatche (PF, C), Washington Wizards

Hey, someone has to fill in for Antawn Jamison. Blatche shot 71.8% from the field last week with 21.0 points and 6.3 rebounds. Jamison won’t be back for at least 3-5 weeks, so grab Blatche if you can.

Grant Hill (SG, SF), Phoenix Suns

Hill, despite his age, is putting up huge numbers. He is averaging almost a double-double with 20.0 points and 9.7 rebounds. The percentages are extremely good as he is shooting 52.3% with a 92.3 FT%.

Ryan Anderson (PF, C), Orlando Magic

He’s starting, and making the most of it. Anderson is scoring well with 17.3 points and is giving you valuable 3PTM with 3.7 per game. Not to mention, he isn’t killing you with FG% (52.9) or FT% (83.3).

Kelenna Azubuike (SG, SF), Golden State Warriors

Making the best out his new role as a bench player, Azubuike has been averaging a respectable 15.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in his limited role. He is getting you 1.5 3PTM while shooting 61.9%.

Sports of Boston Basketball League

• I start the season off on a good note with a 5-4 victory over SoB’s Teddy. I couldn’t keep up with Teddy’s absurd 47 three pointers.
• SoB’s Ty has taken a temporary hold of first place after his 7-1-1 victory.
• Recent pickups include: Ryan Gomes, Danilo Gallinari, Kenyon Martin, and Brandon Jennings.

© Pete Rampino for Sports of Boston, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments
Filed under: Fantasy, Featured.

Oddly enough, Glen Davis (who came off the bench) led the scoring with 21 points and Eddie House added 20. House also entered the record books by becoming the Celtics all-time single season leader in three point field goal percentage by shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc in 2008-09, passing GM Danny Ainge’s mark (44.3%).

As for the rest of the ”starters,” Leon Powe impressed with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Powe was also named the Sullivan Tire’s 6th Star Award Winner at half time. Celtics legend and broadcaster, Tommy Heinsohn, presented him with the award.

Tony Allen added 15 points, Kendrick Perkins had 10 points, and Stephon Marbury impressed me with his 9 points and 8 assists. I have a feeling that Marbury is going to come up big for the Celtics in the playoffs now that he seems to be right back on track with his shooting after his year off from the NBA.

The Wizards, who were without Brendan Haywood, Antawn Jamison, and Gilbert Arenas, were led by their other star Caron Butler. Butler finished the night with 39 points and seven rebounds. Javale McGhee added 17 points and Darius Songaila had 10. Nick Young had 17 points off the bench for the Wizards.

The Celtics finished off the season going 62-20, just four games shy of their mark last season, and played 24 of those games without superstar Kevin Garnett. If you had told me that the Celtics would miss him for that long at the beginning of the season I would not have thought they would have won that many games. Credit is due to Doc Rivers and the rest of the coaching staff for keeping the Celtics on track and in good position for the playoffs.

Speaking of the playoffs, they will begin this Saturday and the Celtics will take their No. 2 seed and face the young Chicago Bulls led by rookie Derrick Rose. Garnett is basically a game-time decision for the Celtics for Game 1 and will be examined further during their practice on Thursday. Brian Scalabrine will also most likely not play in the first round as his doctors have him set up on a very strict schedule for his return.

So, hats off to the Boston Celtics for yet another great season in the books and let’s hope for Banner #18.

© Geoff for Sports of Boston, 2009. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Celtics, Featured, Top Story.

Injury Roundup

Caron Butler (SG,SF), Washington Wizards: Butler is experiencing another hamstring injury and he left Friday’s game as a result of it. He did not play Sunday and has no plans to start any time soon.

Yao Ming (C), Houston Rockets: Don’t worry, this is not a typical, crippling Yao injury. Yao has a touch of the flu that was serious enough to sideline him for Monday’s game. He is day-to-day.

Deron Williams (PG), Utah Jazz: Williams suffered a knee injury against Orlando and those covering the game said it looked like he was in a great deal of pain. He was only 3/10 on his FG’s in that game on Sunday. Keep an eye on the situation.

Three Shining Stars

Antawn Jamison (SF,PF), Washington Wizards: Week 20 was very, very good to Jamison. His offensive explosion gave owners 30.3 points on 50.0% shooting. This was aided by 2.7 threes. Filling out the rest of his line were 8.3 reb, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals.

Kobe Bryant (SG), L.A. Lakers: In all of Yahoo! basketball, Kobe is one of the few players who is 100% owned. He showed why with a dominant line of 29.3 points, 5.7 reb, and 5.7 assists. He was graceful from beyond the arc with 2.0 threes and even threw in 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks for good measure.

Joe Johnson (PG,SG), Atlanta Hawks: If you saw the top players from Week 20, you would see that SoB’s Mike had four or five of them in the top 10. Johnson was one of them when he scored 32.0 points with a 52.9 FG% and 88.9 FT%. Johnson grabbed 4.7 reb and even shared the wealth with 7.0 assists. While he was at it, he helped your three pointers by making 2.0 for the week.

Three Fading Stars

Mike Bibby (PG), Atlanta Hawks: Bibby continues to suck the life out of me by only shooting 38.2% and missing his season averages in points and assists. Since his flu epidemic, he has not been the same.

Shawn Marion (SF,PF), Toronto Raptors: Marion has failed to recapture his glory days in Phoenix as a member of the Raptors. His steals, blocks, and reb, are all down. Want to know something fascinating? Marion hasn’t made a single three pointer in 13 games in Toronto.

Shaquille O’Neal (C), Phoenix Suns: Shaq’s points, reb, and blocks were all on the decline in Week 20. If you didn’t think it was possible for his FT% to sink any lower…it did with 55.6% for the week.

Players to Pick Up

Antonio McDyess (PF,C), Detroit Pistons: This is the guy to have for a playoff run. We have been seeing vintage McDyess in the past few weeks. He is averaging a double-double since the break and in March is averaging 13.1 points and 12.4 reb with 1.3 blocks.

Joel Przybilla (C), Portland Trail Blazers: In four games last week, Przybilla had 14+ reb in three of them and blocked five shots in two seperate games a piece as well. He shot 57.1% in those games, so he can be a defensive guru and not kill your shooting.

Leon Powe (SF,PF), Boston Celtics: This is not just a hometown-bias pick. Powe has been lighting it up in the month of March with 15.4 points and 8.1 reb on 63.8% shooting. This includes three games with 20+ points including a season high 30 against the Grizzlies.

Sports of Boston Friends and Family League

• Another decisive win for me by a score of 6-3. I remain in 2nd place.
• SoB’s Mike also won 6-3 and is the only team to clinch a playoff spot. Yes, mathematically I could still miss the playoffs, but I would need to collapse in an 8-0 shutout.
• Only 6 playoff spots in the league. The best matchup for the week is SoB’s KC vs. SoB’s Jeff. KC sits in 7th behind Jeff and is only 0.5 games behind Jeff for the last playoff spot. Oh drama!
• Recent pickups include: Kendrick Perkins, Jason Thompson, Larry Hughes, and Thablo Sefolosha

© Pete Rampino for Sports of Boston, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments
Filed under: Fantasy, Featured.

Injury Roundup

Jordan Farmar (PG,SG), L.A Lakers: The Lakers Guard suffered a knee injury during a game against Miami and it turned out to be worse than expected. Farmar is going to miss at least 8 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair his left knee.

T.J. Ford (PG), Indiana Pacers: Ford has missed two straight games with back spasms. He is not expected to play in Tuesday’s game.

Caron Butler (SF), Washington Wizards: Butler missed his first game of the season on Saturday with some swelling in his ankle. It was later discovered that he sprained his ankle and it is unknown when he will return.

Three Rising Stars

Jermaine O’Neal (PF,C), Toronto Raptors: O’Neal has been on a tear recently and averaged 25.3 points last week including a season high 36 against the Kings. O’Neal added 7.3 reb, 2.0 steals, and 3.3 blocks to his totals along with a FG% of 60.7%.

Gerald Wallace (SF,PF), Charlotte Bobcats: Wallace has been battling injuries for most of December but has come alive in recent days. Last week he scored 21.3 points on 65.6% shooting. Wallace also had an impressive 10.0 reb to go with 1.3 blocks and 1.3 three’s.

Jameer Nelson (PG), Orlando Magic: Nelson put up more than respectable numbers with 64.7% shooting and 18.7 points in three games. His other stats rounded out nicely with 4.3 reb, 6.0 assists, and 1.7 steals. The highlight of it all was his ability behind the arc. Nelson was 12-17 from three-point land.

Three Fading Stars

Michael Redd (SG,SF), Milwaukee Bucks: Redd has had a down season compared to previous years. He has gone from 22.7 ppg to 18.5 ppg and his FG% is below 40.0%. Last week he shot 30.6% with a below average 15.5 points. His three’s are also taking a hit as he only made 0.5 of them last week.

Andris Biedrins (C), Golden State Warriors: Biedrins has failed to reach double-digit points in four straight games (6.5 ppg) and his percentages were down right awful. His FG% was only 38.7% and even worse was his FT shooting which was 13.3%. He’d be better off just doing a diaper shot at the foul line.

Dwight Howard (C), Orlando Magic: Howard’s dominating days don’t appear to be showing themselves lately. We all know his FT shooting is supposed to suck (43.5% last week) but, his FG% also took a hit in three games last week with 39.5%. The 13.3 points and 10.3 reb are good for a lot of players but for Howard, they are a disappointment.

Players To Pick Up

Tyrus Thomas (SF,PF), Chicago Bulls: Only 33% owned in Yahoo! leagues, Thomas showed value last week with 12.3 points and 9.0 reb on 50.0% shooting. His 2.3 steals and 2.0 blocks added depth to his value.

Daequan Cook (PG,SG), Miami Heat: Cook was an unheralded source of offense last week with 14.7 points on 46.9% shooting that was boosted by a very impressive and valuable 3.7 three’s per game.

Kosta Koufos (PF,C), Utah Jazz: With both Carlos Boozer and now Paul Milsap injured, Koufos has started two straight games. The rookie averaged 12.7 points including a career high 18 and he did it on 56.7% shooting. He also churned out 5.3 reb and 1.0 blocks in his temporary role as starter.

Sports of Boston Friends and Family League

• I suffered a 5-4 loss to our friend Dev and I now sit in 4th place. It was a hectic holiday week for me and I only checked my rosters twice. Never make that mistake!
• Shotgun from The BlueWorkhorse also suffered a 5-4 loss but, he still remains in 1st place.
• The difference between 3rd place and 9th place is only 3 games so, everyone is still in it in this league.
• Not a lot of free agent action taking place recently as James Posey, Luis Scola, and Anderson Varejo have found new homes.
• Someone make a trade!

© Pete Rampino for Sports of Boston, 2008. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Fantasy, Featured.

Allen Iverson Traded…Again

The Detroit Pistons acquired Allen Iverson on Monday for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess. Iverson is in a contract year and is averaging 18.7 points per game this season. Billups will continue to be a starter while McDyess will continue to come off the bench.

Greg Oden Injured…Again

Portland Center and former #1 pick Greg Oden has found himself with injury again after spraining his ankle in Portland’s season opener against the Lakers. He is slated to miss 3-4 weeks but, we know Oden better than that.

Marcus Camby Returns After Injury

Come on, after two straight seasons of 70+ games played, you couldn’t expect Camby to do it again could you? After missing all of the preseason with an ankle injury, Camby returned Monday night against Utah and had 9 boards and 3 blocks.

The Best

Chris Paul (PG), New Orleans Hornets: No surprise here. CP3 continues his reign at the top of the fantasy world by averaging 21.7 ppg, 12 assists, and shooting an even 50% from the field.

Yao Ming (C), Houston Rockets: When he is healthy he is dominant. In his first three games, Yao had 22.3 ppg, 11.3 reb, and 1.3 blocks. I am not hoping he gets injured but, we all know it is coming.

Dwight Howard (C), Orlando Magic: Howard had arguably the best week out of anybody with 21.7 ppg, 14.3 reb, and a ridiculous 4.3 blocks. It’s hard to be picky with Howard but, all you have to do is look at his free throws (51.5%).

Jose Calderon (PG), Toronto Raptors: Calderon finally started the season as the starting PG and did not disappoint by averaging 18.0 ppg, 9.7 assists, and making 2.0 three pointers per game. He is on pace for a breakout season.

Brandon Roy (PG,SG), Portland Trail Blazers: With Oden out, this is Roy’s offense. He showed how he can dominate with 20.0 ppg, 5.3 assists, and 2.0 steals. He is also averaging 1.7 three pointers and is shooting 84.6% on his free throws.

The Worst

Lamar Odom (SF,PF), L.A. Lakers: After being banished to the bench in favor of Vladimir Radmanovic, Odom could only average 8.3 ppg and 2.3 assists. Worst of all, he is only playing about 25 minutes per game.

Jermaine O’Neal (PF,C), Toronto Raptors: As the starting Center, O’Neal is only shooting 40.0% and is averaging less points (11.0) than last season (13.6). The kicker is that he is doing this while playing more minutes.

Mike Miller (SG,SF), Minnesota Timberwolves: The starting SG is only averaging 11.3 ppg and all of his numbers are down from last season including his number of three pointers where he has gone from making 2.2 per game last season to 0.3 this season.

Baron Davis (PG), L.A. Clippers: As if his slow start of 8.5 ppg and 0.5 three pointer per game weren’t bad enough, Davis is fighting a hip injury to boot. The bright side is that the injury won’t keep him out for long.

Caron Butler (SF), Washington Wizards: Butler’s ppg are down from last season (17.0). In fact, the same goes for his steals. His turnovers are up (4.0 per game), and his free throw shooting has dipped to 72.7% on the season.

Players To Pick Up

Delonte West (PG,SG), Cleveland Cavaliers: West’s success has been attributed to his increase in three pointers. In three games last week, he made 2.0 per game and is also shooting 50% from the field.

Quentin Richardson (SG,SF), New York Knicks: Richardson has also seen an increase in his number of three pointers by averaging 3.0 per game. He is scoring 17.3 ppg and is shooting an impressive 54.3% from the field.

Spencer Hawes (C), Sacramento Kings: Hawes has started in place of a suspended Brad Miller. He has made the most of it with 11.7 ppg, 9.7 reb, and 2.3 blocks. He can show he can produce so, keep an eye on him even when Miller comes back.

Sports of Boston Friends and Family League

• I sit in 7th place after a slow start to my season. I have 4-5 record and Dwight Howard is really keeping me alive.
• Our buddy “Shotgun” from the Blue Workhorse sits in first with a 7-1-1 record. The lucky bastard wasn’t even there for the draft.
• SoB’s Jeff was the victim of the Blue Workhorse and sits in last place. Jeff is also dead last in the league in total points with 313.
• Recent Pickups include: DeShawn Stevenson, Darko Milicic, Kelenna Azubuike, Jordan Farmar, Rudy Fernandez, Monta Ellis, and Daniel Gibson.

© Pete Rampino for Sports of Boston, 2008. | Permalink | 2 comments
Filed under: Fantasy, Featured.

The game was a battle throughout with both teams trying to keep a lead and hold onto it. Once again Doc Rivers continued to rest his starters as much as he could before the playoffs, but unlike last night’s win in Milwaukee, Rivers put his Big Three back in game in the fourth quarter with the game on the line. However, the Wizards just kept holding onto their lead and did not allow the Celtics to get any closer than six points away from making a dramatic comeback.

Turnovers and bad shooting were problems for the Celtics, as Boston turned the ball over 19 times throughout the game and shot under .500 for the night. However, the Celtics continued to use their bench team as the starters were resting as much as they could before the playoffs. Rivers will most likely continue this resting pattern and trying to develop the bench as much as he can in the few remaining games. In this game, Rivers utilized P.J. Brown more as the back-up center.

The Celtics had strong performances from Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Pierce led all scorers with 28 while Garnett contributed 22 with 14 rebounds to notch on another double-double for the season. Ray Allen also added 14 points. The Wizards were led by Jamison’s 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Butler added 13 points and 10 assists. Arenas, who was playing his third game back from the injured list, came off the bench and had 13 points.

Other Game Notes:

• Sam Cassell did not play again tonight due to injury in his back, but has said he will be available for this weekend’s games.
• Rajon Rondo left the game in the third quarter from illness and did not return.
• Glen Davis left the game in the first half for a strained right hamstring

© Geoff for Sports of Boston, 2008. | Permalink | 2 comments
Filed under: Celtics.