Day 111 of 170: Would YOU Keep Wesley Matthews?

Categorized as: Author: Erik, Fantasy Basketball
Posted on: February 14th, 2011

(Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

Line of the Night: Even with the possibility of Brandon Roy threatening to make a return to the Portland Trail Blazers’ lineup (as if it was such a bad thing, tsk tsk), it appears that Wesley Matthews (2.20) still has a reasonably bright future ahead of him. Last night’s game against the Detroit Pistons was just another reason why he’s a legitimate, potential Keeper for next season. You’ve got to admit 26 points (4 threes, 7-11 from the field, 8-8 from the line), 7 rebounds,  5 assists, with 1 steal and 1 block is a pretty darn convincing line. I actually own Matthews in GMTR’s Keeper League and I must admit, I am very tempted to hold onto him for next season. While the cloud of uncertainty looms due to the health volatility of so many of Portland’s key players, I think it’s clear – at least to me it is – that Wesley has in some way paid his dues and deserves legitimate respect for the bang up job he and LaMarcus Aldridge (2.18) have been doing for the Blazers. When (or IF) Roy returns, my money is on Nicolas Batum being the odd man out. Sorry Nic. In the end, we’ll have to see how the rest of the season plays out, but Matthews is, at the very least, at the top of those Tier 2 Keepers we’re all eying and assessing.

Honorable Mentions:

LaMarcus Aldridge (2.18) had an easy time manhandling Detroit’s front court and pretty much had his way in the paint with 36 points (12-17 from the field, 12-13 from the line), four boards and 2 steals. Beast mode on!

Stephen Curry (2.01) had one of his better games in recent weeks as he scored 23 points, dished out 13 dimes, and had 2 steals against the Phoenix Suns. On the other end of that game, Marcin Gortat (1.92) abused the combined efforts of Andris Biedrins and Ekpe Udoh, which nowadays, isn’t really saying much but it at least allowed Marcin to deliver 20 points (6-9 from the field, 8-8 from the line), 12 rebounds, 3 rejections. What the heck is up with Biedrins lately? I’ve decided to drop him in a couple of competitive leagues this week. While I don’t recommend you all do the same, but his recent production (and minutes) has been a cause for some concern.

Dwight Howard (1.69), meanwhile, singlehandedly (well almost) smashed through the Lakers to end up with yet another impressive line of 31 points (13-16 from the field), 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

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Waiver Wire Line of the Night: Ed Davis (1.75) (8% owned) got some extra mileage with Amir Johnson still recovering from the effects of an ankle sprain that’s been bugging him and foul trouble to boot. While Davis’ 13 points (6-8 from the field), 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks were kinda nice; Amir should be up to full speed come post all-star week so don’t read too much into that performance as something that might be consistent moving forward.

Pick Up Lines: Samuel Dalembert (1.66) happily returned to the starting lineup with the Kings as they had to “punish” Demarcus Cousins who had an altercation with Donte Green in the locker room the game before. We’ll have to see what further sanctions/disciplinary actions the Kings lay down on Cousins. If he should miss more games, expect more Dalembert lines like this: 18 points (8-12 from the field), 15 rebounds, 3 blocks (45% owned)

There was a  Josh Howard (1.25) siting at the WIZ-CAVS game. The creature looked like Josh, started at SF like Josh, and allegedly put up a Howard-like line of 16 points (3 threes), 5 rebounds, and 2 steals (11% owned). These are only rumors though, as some of the supposed eyewitnesses forgot to note that both Rashard Lewis and Al Thornton (whoopee!) were unavailable for last night’s game. If we hear of more sitings, we’ll let you know so you can think about the possibility of adding him if you’re in a deep league.

Biggest Loser:
The Boston-Miami game was not pretty. Paul Pierce (-1.09), who is currently bothered by a couple of injuries, will have an MRI taken on his foot. Whether it was his foot or his sprained wrist that caused his  1-point, 5-rebound performance we hope it gets better. His going 0-10 from the field was a definite FG% stinger for a lot of people. It’s a good thing that the C’s were saved by Rondo’s trip-dub. For all their talent and bravado, Miami just can’t seem to dispatch the Boston Celtics. Dwyane Wade (-0.76) had a poor night with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 turnovers (6-17 from the field). This should be a reason for concern for Miami fans out there as the Celtics may just be a thorn in the side of their beloved dynamic duo (oh, and Chris Bosh too) come the playoffs. Whether or not LeBron and Wade find the solution to their “little green problem,” at the very least they’ll always have each other…

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

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Daily rankings and stats come from the GMTR H2H Player Rater (beta version).

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Tags: Amir Johnson, Andris Biedrins, Brandon Roy, DeMarcus Cousins, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, Ed Davis, Josh Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Marcin Gortat, Paul Pierce, Samuel Dalembert, Stephen Curry, Wesley Matthews