NBA Daily Notes: Blake Griffin returns home; Top fantasy picks for January 13th

Welcome to another day of the NBA 2018-19 season. Yesterday, we had 8 games to watch and we have 7 games to review tomorrow. Let's analyse some of the meaningful performances from the last night, results of the matches and the top players to look out for in the matches tomorrow.

Saturday's recap:

Detroit Pistons 109-104 Los Angeles Clippers
Memphis Grizzlies 108-112 Miami Heat
Boston Celtics 103-105 Orlando Magic
New Orleans Pelicans 106-110 Minnesota Timberwolves
San Antonio Spurs 112-122 Oklahoma City Thunder
Denver Nuggets 93-102 Phoenix Suns
Chicago Bulls 102-110 Utah Jazz
Charlotte Hornets 97-104 Sacramento Kings

Highlights:

1. Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers): 44 points, 13-23 FG, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 1 block and 4 TOs.

2. Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves): 27 points, 10-23 FG, 27 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 4 blocks and 3 TOs.

3. Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz): 34 points, 11-24 FG, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks and 2 TOs.

Lowlights:

1. Bruce Brown (Detroit Pistons): 2 points, 0-7 FG, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and a block.

2. Will Barton (Denver Nuggets): 6 points, 2-10 FG, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 TO.

3. Terry Rozier (Boston Celtics): 0 points, 0-5 FG, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 TO.

Saturday's takeaway:

The opening game was the return of Blake Griffin and the Detroit Pistons to the Los Angeles Clippers and the Pistons won 109-104. The Miami Heat held off a late comeback from the Memphis Grizzlies, 112-108. The Boston Celtics could not beat the buzzer and lost to the Orlando Magic, 105-103.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Minnesota Timberwolves on a big win over the New Orleans Pelicans, 110-106. Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs in the reverse fixture from 2 nights back, 122-112. The Phoenix Suns got a surprising win over the conference leaders Denver Nuggets, 102-93.
The Utah Jazz beat the Chicago Bulls in a great win for them,110-102. The Sacramento Kings faced off against the Charlotte Hornets in the final game of the night, winning 104-97.

Sunday's games:

Toronto Raptors @ Washington Wizards
Philadelphia 76ers @ New York Knicks
Milwaukee Bucks @ Atlanta Hawks
Houston Rockets @ Orlando Magic
Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks
Portland Trail Blazers @ Denver Nuggets
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Los Angeles Lakers

PG 1- Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers)

Philadelphia 76ers are faltering a bit recently

Preview:

The Philadelphia 76ers are playing really well this season and have even acquired a star player in Jimmy Butler, strengthening their chances of an Eastern Conference finals run. They are currently 4th in the Eastern Conference, with a 27-16 record. They have of late lost a bit of form, winning just six of their last 10 and losing two in a row.

Last 3 games:

11/1/2019 - L - Atlanta Hawks, 121-123
9/1/2019 - L - Washington Wizards, 106-123
8/1/2019 - W - Washington Wizards, 132-115

Player performances and review:

Ben Simmons has been playing really well this season and has built on his rookie season campaign. He is currently averaging a nice 16 points per game, along with 8 assists per game and 9 rebounds as well.

He is still a really bad free throw shooter, averaging just 51% in the month of January but he is an amazing defender along with his almost triple-double numbers, making him a star worth having on each night on your DFS team.

In the loss against the Atlanta Hawks last night, Simmons managed to score 23 points on 77% shooting along with 15 assists, 10 rebounds, 2 steals and a block. The 76ers need a win against the New York Knicks to get them back on track and will be counting on Simmons to play with the same intensity again.

Alternate pick: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)

PG 2 - Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)

Dallas Mavericks are playing well of late

Preview:

The Dallas Mavericks are playing some really good basketball this season. They started well but have since been having some up and down moments. They are currently 12th in the Western Conference, with a 20-22 record. They have won only five of their last 10 games but on the right track with a two-game winning streak.

Last 3 games:

11/1/2019: W - Minnesota Timberwolves, 119-115
9/1/2019: W - Phoenix Suns, 104-94
7/1/2019: L - Los Angeles Lakers, 97-107

Player performance and review:

Luka Doncic is probably the front runner for the Rookie of the Year title this season by a mile. He has been playing like a five-year veteran, with so many clutch shots and plays, which has led the Mavericks to this point in the season.

He is averaging 20 points per game, with just under 7 rebounds and 5 assists a game. He is a great defender and is averaging more than a steal each game.

In the most recent win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Doncic scored 29 points, along with 8 rebounds, 12 assists and 2 steals as well. He is one of the best players in a long time to come out of the draft and is fulfilling his potential.

Alternate pick: Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)

SG 1 - James Harden (Houston Rockets)

Houston Rockets are in the mix for the top spot now in the Western Conference

Preview:

The Houston Rockets are playing some amazing basketball recently, surging up the Western Conference after a torrid start to their season. They are currently fifth in the West, with a 24-17 record. They have won eight of their last 10 matches and will be looking to keep this run going.

Last 3 games:

11/1/2019: W - Cleveland Cavaliers- 141,113
9/1/2019: L - Milwaukee Bucks - 109-116
7/1/2019: W - Denver Nuggets - 125-113

Player performance and review:

James Harden has been playing some absolutely insane basketball of late. Ever since Chris Paul went down with his injury, James Harden has flipped a switch.

He is averaging just under 40 points per game in the month of January and is averaging 34 points per game this season, along with just under 9 assists a game and more than 6 rebounds per game too.

He is also been defending well, getting 2 steals a game too. In the win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Harden got another triple-double, becoming the first player to grab a 40 point triple-double in 30 minutes.

He scored 43 points, along with 12 assists, 10 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks as well, filling up the stat sheet.

Alternate pick: Jimmy Butler (Philadelphia 76ers)

SG 2 - Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards)

Washington Wizards are finally playing better basketball

Preview:

The Washington Wizards are struggling this season, unable to even meet their playoff expectations. They have been better of late but still are 11th in the Eastern Conference. They have an 18-25 record and have won five of their last 10 games. More importantly, they have managed to win 2 games in a row.

Last 3 games:

11/1/2019: W - Milwaukee Bucks, 113-106
9/1/2019: W - Philadelphia 76ers, 123-106
8/1/2019: L - Philadelphia76ers, 115-132

Player performance and review:

Bradley Beal has arguably been the best player on this faltering Wizards roster. Ever since John Wall got injured for the season, Beal has taken on an even bigger role and become a really solid player.

He is averaging over 24 points per game, along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists as well. He is also averaging more than a steal and just under a block this season as well.

In the win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Beal scored 32 points, along with 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals and a block as well. The Wizards will be hoping he keeps this going tomorrow as well against the Toronto Raptors.

Alternate pick: Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors)

SF 1 - Kawhi Leonard (Toronto Raptors)

Toronto Raptors are playing some really amazing basketball this season

Preview:

The Toronto Raptors are the top team in the Eastern Conference this season. They are currently playing some exceptional basketball and seem unstoppable. They are first with a 32-12 record and are 1.5 games ahead of the second-placed Milwaukee Bucks. They have won seven of their last 10 and are on a four-game win streak.

Last 3 games:

11/1/2019 - W - Brooklyn Nets, 122-105
8/1/2019 - W - Atlanta Hawks, 104-101
6/1/2019- W - Indiana Pacers, 121-105

Player performances and review:

Kawhi Leonard has been the talisman this team needed and it has shown in the way they have played this season. He has been averaging 27 points per game, along with 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game as well.

He has always been an elite defender and is averaging more than 2 steals a game as well. The Klaw, in the recent win over the Brooklyn Nets, scored 20 points in just 27 minutes, along with 11 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal to go with it, stuffing up the stat sheet. The Raptors will be hoping to get Kawhi going tomorrow as well against the Washington Wizards.

Alternate pick: Otto Porter Jr. (Washington Wizards)

SF 2 - Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)

Golden State Warriors are playing well recently

Preview:

The Golden State Warriors are not performing up to expectations, even though they are still the best team in the Western Conference. They are currently second, with a 28-14 record. They have won seven out of their last 10 games and are on a three-game win streak as well.

Last 3 games:

11/1/2019: W - Chicago Bulls, 146-109
8/1/2019: W - New York Knicks, 122-95
5/1/2019: W - Sacramento Kings, 127-123

Player performance and review:

Kevin Durant is playing some exceptional basketball this season. He has been the most consistent player for them, even in the absence of their other stars.

He has been averaging more than 28 points per game, along with more than 6 assists and 7 rebounds a game as well.

He is also getting a block and a steal per game too. In the win over the Bulls, Durant scored 22 points in 28 minutes, along with 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and a block too with 64% shooting. He has been away from the limelight recently but is still a consistent performer for the Warriors.

Alternate pick: Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks)

PF 1 - Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks):

Milwaukee Bucks are playing some really well basketball

Preview:

The Milwaukee Bucks are playing really well this season under their new head coach, Mike Budenholzer. They are second in the Eastern Conference with a 29-12 record. They have won 7 of their last 10 games but lost their most recent game.

Last 3 games:

11/1/2019: L - Washington Wizards, 106-113
9/1/2019: W - Houston Rockets, 116-109
7/1/2019: W - Utah Jazz, 114-102

Player performance and review:

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the leading MVP candidate this season for his exceptional performances. He is scoring just under 27 points per game this season, along with just under 13 rebounds and 6 assists per game as well.

He is an exceptional defender due to massive length, averaging more than a steal and a block per game.

In the loss to the Wizards, Giannis did not play due to a nagging hip injury but in the win over the Rockets, Giannis scored a huge 27 points and pulled down 21 rebounds. He also had 5 assists along with a steal. The Bucks will be hoping Giannis is back for the game against the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow.

Alternate pick: Pascal Siakam (Toronto Raptors)

PF 2 - John Collins (Atlanta Hawks)

Atlanta Hawks are playing better of late

Preview:

The Atlanta Hawks have been struggling this season. They are 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 13-29 record. They have won just four of their last 10 games, including their last one, which was a surprise win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Last 3 games:

11/1/2019: W - Philadelphia 76ers, 123-121
9/1/2019: L - Brooklyn Nets, 100-116
8/1/2019: L - Toronto Raptors, 101-104

Player performances and review:

John Collins has been playing some exceptional basketball for the Atlanta Hawks, ever since returning from injury. He was drafted 19th in the 2017 draft and was probably one of the best picks for the Hawks in their recent history.

He is adept at almost all aspects a big man should be in the modern NBA and is basically a younger Chris Bosh, less polished as well. He is averaging almost 19 points per game this season, along with more than 10 rebounds and 2 assists a game.

His shot blocking and defense requires a bit more retooling as he is not very good at defending the rim but that will develop with time. The Hawks will be hoping he only continues to become better each season and can stay away from injury troubles.

Alternate pick: Aaron Gordon (Orlando Magic)

C 1 - Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

Denver Nuggets are being propped up by some amazing plays from Jokic

Preview:

The Denver Nuggets are one of the surprises in the hotly contested Western Conference. They are currently at the top, with a 28-13 record. They have won seven of their last 10 games but lost in a surprising game to the Phoenix Suns.

Last 3 games:

12/1/2019: L - Phoenix Suns, 93-102
10/1/2019: W - Los Angeles Clippers, 121-100
8/1/2019: W - Miami Heat, 103-99

Player performances and review:

Nikola Jokic has been playing some really great basketball for the Denver Nuggets this season, so much so that it has vaulted him into dark horse considerations for the MVP. He is averaging 19 points per game, along with 10 rebounds and 7 assists per game too.

He is improving his defense and is just under a block a game and averaging more than a steal a game too. In the loss against the Suns, Jokic played well enough, scoring 23 points, along with 10 rebounds, 4 assists and a big block, but it was not enough to get them the win.

Alternate pick: Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)

C 2 - Clint Capela (Houston Rockets)

Houston Rockets are playing some superb basketball of late

Preview:

The Houston Rockets are playing some amazing basketball recently, surging up the Western Conference after a torrid start to their season.

They are currently fifth in the West, with a 24-17 record. They have won eight of their last 10 matches and will be looking to keep this run going.

Last 3 games:

11/1/2019: W - Cleveland Cavaliers- 141,113
9/1/2019: L - Milwaukee Bucks - 109-116
7/1/2019: W - Denver Nuggets - 125-113

Player performance and review:

Clint Capela has been the second best player on this Rockets team even when Chris Paul is on the floor. He has been superb, averaging just under 18 points per game, along with under 13 rebounds and over an assist a game.

He is an excellent shot blocker and rim protector, averaging 2 blocks a game and under a steal a game too.

In the win over the Cavaliers, Capela played only 30 minutes but managed to shoot at 87.5%, scoring 19 points, along with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and 2 huge blocks. The Rockets will be hoping he continues playing this well tomorrow as well.

Alternate pick: Serge Ibaka (Toronto Raptors)