NBA Fantasy Basketball-Starting 5-January 29

Last night the NBA featured 6 games in a hoop-filled day after some great college basketball action during the early and mid-afternoon. While none of the games went to overtime, there was definitely some drama in the Memphis-Phoenix and Sacramento-Utah games. Great individual games from Tyreke Evans, Kobe, and Kemba Walker couldn’t get their teams the W, while the surprising Sixers continued to roll over everyone at home.

Yesterday, we had the top 10 additions for Fantasy Basketball week 6. Tomorrow, you can find the NBA Injury Ward here at Fantasy CPR which will get you up to speed on the very latest on who’s in, who’s out, and who’s undecided headed into another week of hardwood goodness in a condensed NBA schedule brimming over with games.

Here’s the highlights from last night in 5 quick lists of 5.

JaVale McGee helped the Wizards sweep the Bobcats in a home-and-home and earned our MVP-for-a-day award. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE

5 Standout Stars

1. Tyreke Evans-Sac: Evans couldn’t get the Kings a road win in Utah despite scoring 31 points to go with 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block. The loss drops the Kings to 6-14 on the year.

2. Kobe Bryant-LAL: Kobe had 27 points on 10-21 shooting while adding 9 assists, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals. Despite Bryant’s efforts, the Lakers fell to 1-7 on the road and 11-9 overall.

3. Kemba Walker-Cha: Walker had his first NBA triple-double with 20 points, 11 asssits, and 10 rebounds but it wasn’t enough as the Bobcats slid 3-18. He saw the floor better and created like he has the potential to do going forward. He’s the first rookie with a trip-dub this season.

4. Javale McGee-Was: McGee came up large for Washington in their first road win which they got over the Bobcats in Charlotte last night. The Wizards won largely due to McGee’s 22 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, and 5 big blocks.

5. Andre Iguodala-Phi: Iguodala had a triple-double that even Monk could love as he finished with a perfectly round 10-10-10 in points, rebounds, and assists. In 35 minutes, he led the Sixers to another runaway win at home to get their record to 14-6.

Steve Nash drives to the basket in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

5 Good Guards

1. Steve Nash-Phx: Nash scored a game-high 21 points to go with 6 assists, 2 steals, and 5 rebounds. The Suns were able to defend their home court against Memphis by 2 points as they ran their record to 7-12. Nash bruised his thigh on the final play of the game but hopes it won’t cost him any gametime

2. John Wall-Was: Wall had 10 assists and 13 points with 3 boards, 2 steals, and 2 blocks while helping Washington improve to 4-16 by beating the Bobcats for the second time this week.

3. Mike Conley-Mem: Conley had 15 points and 10 assists as he continues his recent run of good play, but his potential game-winning 3 pointer came up just short at the buzzer and the Grizz fell to 10-9.

4. Gordon Hayward-Uta: Hayward had a season high 21 points to lead the Jazz over the Kings in the return of Jimmer to Utah. Hayward added 2 steals, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds in theJazz 11th win of the season.

5. Lou Williams-Phi: Williams came off the bench to lead the Sixers with 17 points on 5-12 shooting while chipping in 3 three pointers, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and a block.

5 Big Big-men

1. Marc Gasol-Mem: Gasol had 18 points, 13 boards, 4 blocks, 2 assists, and a steal for Memphis on Saturday.

2. Drew Gooden-Mil: Gooden led a physical agressive Bucks team to a big win over LA to get Milwaukee to 8-11 on the year. He scored 23 points with 8 rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 36 minutes.

3. Amare Stoudemire-NY: Stoudemire played 36 minutes and excelled in his time on the court for the Knicks but couldn’t prevent the Knicks loss from dopping them to 7-13. He finished with 23 points on 10-20 from the field with 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.

3. Byron Mullens-Cha: Mullens had 23 points off the bench for the Bobcats on 10-17 shooting with 3 rebounds.CHA

5. DeMarcus Cousins-Sac: Cousins had 14 points, 9 boards, 2 steals, and a block for Sacramento in Salt Lake City, but he shot just 5-12 and the Kings were unable to pull out the win.

Greg Monroe (10) shoots as 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) defends last night. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

5 Other Solid Games

1. Greg Monroe-Det: Monroe had his 3rd double-double in a row as he scored 16 points to go with his 10 boards, 2 assists, and a steal. Monroe has been one of precious few bright spots for the 4-17 Pistons

2. Pau Gasol-LAL: Gasol shot just 6-18 but finished with 12 points and 15 rebounds along with 5 assists, a steal, and a blocked shot.

3. Jordan Hill-Hou: Hill came off the bench and had a double-double of 14 points and 11 boards. He added a steal to his 6-7 shooting in 22 minutes for the Rockets. The Rockets rolled over the Melo-less Knicks and got to 12-8 on the year.

4. Samuel Dalembert-Hou: Dalembert only had to play 22 minutes since the Rockets game quickly turned into a blowout in the 3rd. He still finished with 14 rebounds and 4 blocks to go with his 7 points. Dalembert has played well for Houston since gaining the starting spot and has been a reliable source of boards and blocks for fantasy owners since then.

5. Trevor Booker-Was: Booker played 19 minutes off the bench and didn’t miss a shot going 6-6 from the field and 4-4 from the free throw line to finish with 16 points along with 3 rebounds, a steal, and a block.

Suns forward (3) Jared Dudley reaches for a loose ball against the Memphis Grizzlies. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

5 to consider adding

1. Jared Dudley-Phx: Dudley was a hot sleeper at the beginning of the year, but got off to a slow start. He’s been dropped in most leagues and right now is only owned in 22 percent. He returned to the starting lineup for the Suns last night, though, and dropped 20 points in 42 minutes including 4 free throws at the end of the game that turned out to be the difference in the game. There’s no guarantee that he’ll get that much time but if he does, he’s worth a look in every league for his peripherals (6 boards, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 3PM) not just his scoring.

2. CJ Miles-Uta: Miles came off the Jazz bench with 20 points, 2 steals, and a rebound. In his last 10 games he’s averaged over a steal a game and 12.6 points. He’s owned in only 12 percent of leagues, so if you need scoring and steals for next week, give Mr. Miles a look.

3. Chase Budinger-Hou: Budinger followed his 21 point breakout last game with another 19 off the bench for the Rockets last night. He finished with 2 3′s, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds as well. His upside is limited by his role once Kevin Martin returns, but if he continues to play this well they’ll find a place for him. He’s owned in just 2.5 percent of leagues.

4. Mike Dunleavy-Mil: It’s unclear what Dunleavy’s role will be going forward. He played 22 minutes off the bench last night scoring 15 points on 6-8 shooting and 2-3 from deep. He added a board and an assist. The Bucks were without Stephen Jackson due to suspension, so he may not see this much work once all the pieces are in place. He appears to be back from his groin injury though and could be a very serviceable option. He’s owned in 1.5% of leagues.

5. Jan Vesely-Was: Vesely had just 2 points last night with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals on 1-4 shooting. The significance of this game was that it was his second appearance in the starting lineup in a row. If Vesely is going to get 26 minutes a night, he’ll be a valuable add for boards, steals, blocks, assists, and occasionally points as well.  He’s owned in .1 percent of leagues, but keep an eye on his usage to see if there’s some serious value here.