NBA Daily Notes: The Raptors keep winning; Top fantasy picks for January 12th

Welcome to another day of the NBA 2018-19 season. Yesterday, we had 9 games to watch and we have a big 10 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.

Friday's recap:

Miwaukee Bucks 106-113 Washington Wizards
Atlanta Hawks 123-121 Philadelphia 76ers
Brooklyn Nets 105-122 Toronto Raptors
Indiana Pacers 121-106 New York Knicks
Cleveland Cavaliers 113-141 Houston Rockets
Dallas Mavericks 119-115 Minnesota Timberwolves
Los Angeles Lakers 95-113 Utah Jazz
Charlotte Hornets 96-127 Portland Trail Blazers
Chicago Bulls 109-146 Golden State Warriors

Highlights:

1. Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards): 32 points, 11-21 FG, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 1 block and 2 TOs.

2. James Harden (Houston Rockets): 43 points, 12-24 FG, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and 4 TOs.

3. Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks): 29 points, 10-23 FG, 8 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 steals and 1 TO.

Lowlights:

1. Wilson Chandler (Philadelphia 76ers): 5 points, 1-8 FG, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block.

2. Jordan Clarkson (Cleveland Cavaliers): 12 points, 5-15 FG, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal.

3. Wesley Matthews (Dallas Mavericks): 4 points, 2-10 FG, 4 assists and 1 TO.

Friday's takeaways:

The Washington Wizards played the opening match of the night, beating the Milwaukee Bucks, who were missing Giannis Antetokounmpo, 113-106. The Atlanta Hawks managed a huge win over the Philadelphia 76ers, with Joel Embiid sitting out, 123-121. The Toronto Raptors continued their winnings streak, beating the Brooklyn Nets easily, 122-105.
The New York Knicks tried their best but could not come close to beating the Indiana Pacers, losing 106-121. The Houston Rockets went up against the Cleveland Cavaliers and absolutely blew them off the court, winning 141-113. The Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves played out a thrilling match, with the Mavericks just about winning the game, 119-115.
The Utah Jazz had a simple win over the Los Angeles Lakers, who are still without LeBron James, 113-95. The Portland Trail Blazers were run away winners against the Charlotte Hornets, who were unable to get a chance to make way back into the game, losing 96-127. In the final game of the night, The Golden State Warriors had a great match against the Chicago Bulls, wining that one 146-109.

Saturday's games:

Detroit Pistons @ Los Angeles Clippers
Memphis Grizzlies @ Miami Heat
Boston Celtics @ Orlando Magic
New Orleans Pelicans @ Minnesota Timberwolves
San Antonio Spurs @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Denver Nuggets @ Phoenix Suns
Chicago Bulls @ Utah Jazz
Charlotte Hornets @ Sacramento Kings

Saturday's watch of the night: The New Orleans Pelicans @ Minnesota Timberwolves

PG 1 - Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder):

Oklahoma City Thunder are doing really well this season

Preview:

The Oklahoma City Thunder are having an amazing season so far and are currently 3rd in the Western Conference. They are sitting on the 3rd spot, with a 25-16 record but are currently in a rough patch, going on a 3 game losing streak.

Last 3 games:

10/1/2019 - L - San Antonio Spurs, 147-154
8/1/2019 - L - Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-119
6/1/2019 - L - Washington Wizards, 98-116

Player performances and review:

Russell Westbrook has been playing some great basketball this season and has been averaging a triple double. He is currently scoring more than 21 points on an average, pulling down over 10 rebounds and dishing out just under 11 assists a game as well.

His shooting has been abysmal from beyond the arc this season, at just 22%, yet he is attempting almost 5 3 pointers per game, which might be exasperating. All his other statistics make up for this torrid number though.

In the double overtime loss against the San Antonio Spurs, he scored 24 points, along with an insane 24 assists and 13 rebounds. He even had 2 steals to go with it, making it a great stat line even though the Thunder ended up losing the match. He is playing really well and should be a strong candidate for your DFS lineup.

Alternate pick: Tomas Satoransky (Washington Wizards)

PG 2 - Kyrie Irving (Boston Celtics):

Boston Celtics are playing well but need to get better

Preview:

The Boston Celtics are a team that were expected to start the season all guns blazing. But they have had an underwhelming start and are at the 5th spot in the Eastern Conference. They have a 25-16 record but have gotten better of late, winning 7 of their last 10 and will look to keep this form going.

Last 3 games:

10/1/2019 - L - Miami Heat, 99-115
9/1/2019 - W - Indiana Pacers, 135-108
7/1/2019 - W - Brooklyn Nets, 116-95

Player performances and review:

Kyrie Irving was having a really rough start to the season, averaging just 16 points per game in October, but has steadily improved, averaging just under 23 points per game this season, along with just under 5 rebounds and more than 6 assists a game.

In the loss against the Miami Heat, Irving had a great game, scoring 22 points, along with 5 assists, 5 rebounds, a steal, and a block as well. He was playing really well, and he along with the Celtics will be hoping to keep his form against the Orlando Magic tomorrow.

Alternate pick: Mike Conley Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)

SG 1 - DeMar DeRozan (San Antonio Spurs):

San Antonio Spurs has been enjoying a recent upturn in form

Preview:

The San Antonio Spurs are enjoying a return to form and playoff contention this season. They were struggling at the start of the season but have now have gone on an amazing run and have reached the playoff spots. They are 7th in the Western Conference with a 25-18 record, having won 7 of their last 10 games.

Last 3 games:

10/1/2019 - W - v Oklahoma City Thunder, 154-147
9/1/2019 - L - v Memphis Grizzlies, 86-96
7/1/2019 - W - v Detroit Pistons, 119-107

Player performances and review:

DeMar DeRozan has been playing at an elite level for the San Antonio Spurs ever since he was traded from the Toronto Raptors. He has been averaging 22 points per game, along with a career high 6.5 assists and more than 6 rebounds as well. He even got his first career triple double against the Toronto Raptors last time around and has been continuing his great play.

In the win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, DeRozan did not enjoy a great shooting game, scoring just 16 points off just 32% shooting, but he managed to grab 8 rebounds and get a double double with 11 assists also. He even had 1 block and 1 steal, to stuff up the stat sheet.

The Spurs play the Thunder again tomorrow night and DeRozan is a high reward player who should get in a better game this time around.

Alternate pick: Jrue Holiday (New Orleans Pelicans)

SG 2 - Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz):

Utah Jazz are finally getting a rhythm going

Preview:

Utah Jazz were a team struggling to get a rhythm going at the start of the season. But of late, they have won 6 of their last 10 games and are currently 9th in the Western Conference. They have a 22-21 record and are on a 2 game winning streak.

Last 3 games:

11/1/2019 - W - Los Angeles Lakers, 113-95
9/1/2019 - W - Orlando Magic, 106-93
7/1/2019 - L - Milwaukee Bucks, 102-114

Player performances and review:

Donovan Mitchell has not been able to take a leap this season compared to his rookie season last year. He has been averaging 21 points per game this season, with just under 4 assists and 4 rebounds.

Everyone was expecting Mitchell to build on his game last season but he has unable to meet the lofty expectations. His shooting efficiency has been questioned a lot, along with his lack of playmaking. But he has certainly been improving.

In the win over the Los Angeles Lakers last night, Mitchell scored 33 points of 58% shooting and managed to grab 9 assists, 4 rebounds, a steal and 2 blocks. The Jazz will be hoping he plays in the same rich vein of form he has hit against the Chicago Bulls.

Alternate pick: Buddy Hield (Sacramento Kings)

SF 1 - Paul George (Oklahoma City Thunder):

Oklahoma City Thunder have been in a rut lately

Preview:

The Oklahoma City Thunder are having a superb season so far and are currently 3rd in the Western Conference. They are sitting pretty, with a 25-16 record but are currently in a rough patch, going on a 3 game losing streak and have won just 4 of their last 6 matches.

Past 3 game results:

10/1/2019 - L - San Antonio Spurs, 147-154
8/1/2019 - L - Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-119
6/1/2019 - L - Washington Wizards, 98-116

Player performances and review:

Paul George has been on a tear this season, outperforming almost everyone in the opposition and on his own team as well. He has been averaging 27 points per game, along with 4 assists and 8 rebounds. He is an elite defender and gets more than 2 steals a game as well.

He went on a huge run in December and averaged 31 points per game, only behind James Harden in the scoring charts. The Thunder will be hoping he can come up big again against the Spurs tomorrow.

Alternate pick: TJ Warren (Phoenix Suns)

SF 2 - Danilo Gallinari (Los Angeles Clippers):

Los Angeles Clippers are a surprise in the Western Conference

Preview:

The Los Angeles Clippers have been a fantastic team this season, something nobody expected from them. They are currently in the 5th spot in a really tough Western Conference. They have a 24-17 record and have won 6 of their last 10 games.

Past 3 game results:

10/1/2019 - L - Denver Nuggets, 100-121
8/1/2019 - W - Charlotte Hornets, 128-109
6/1/2019 - W - Orlando Magic, 106-96

Player performances and review:

Gallinari has been playing really well this season, finally avoiding injuries and showing the Clippers what a great asset he is on the court. Gallinari has been averaging more than a healthy 19 points per game, along with 6 rebounds and more than 2 assists a game. He is not much help on the defensive end and is managing a combined steal + block per game.

In the loss to the current leaders Denver Nuggets, Gallinari scored a nice 18 points, along with 3 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. The Clippers will be hoping he plays better tomorrow against the Detroit Pistons and he will be hoping to get a win over his old team.

Alternate pick: Josh Richardson (Miami Heat)

PF 1 - LaMarcus Aldridge (San Antonio Spurs):

San Antonio Spurs have been playing well of late

Preview:

The San Antonio Spurs are enjoying a return to form and are in playoff contention this season. They were struggling at the start of the season but have now have gone on an amazing run and have reached the playoffs. They are 7th in the Western Conference with a 25-18 record, having won 7 of their last 10 games.

Last 3 games:

10/1/2019 - W - v Oklahoma City Thunder, 154-147
9/1/2019 - L - v Memphis Grizzlies, 86-96
7/1/2019 - W - v Detroit Pistons, 119-107

Player performances and review:

LaMarcus Aldridge has been playing some solid basketball of late. He is averaging a huge 21 points per game, along with just under 9 rebounds per game and just over 2 assists a game as well. He is a great rim protector as well, averaging more than a block per game. He has fallen off compared to his game last season, but he did not have to share the ball with anyone last season.

In the win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, he absolutely crushed them, scoring a massive 56 points, along with 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 superb blocks. He shot at 61% from the field and the Spurs will be hoping he brings a similar game tomorrow against the Thunder as well.

Alternate pick: Tobias Harris (Los Angeles Clippers)

PF 2 - Blake Griffin (Detroit Pistons):

Detroit Pistons are struggling to keep it going this season

Preview:

The Detroit Pistons had started off the season really well but then a spate of injuries and then a lack of rhythm has seemingly pushed them out of playoff contention for a bit. They are 9th in the Eastern Conference and have a 17-23 record. They are on a 4 game losing streak and have won 2 of their last 10 games.

Last 3 games:

10/1/2019 - L - Sacramento Kings, 102-112
9/1/2019 - L - Los Angeles Lakers, 100-113
7/1/2019 - L - San Antonio Spurs, 107-119

Player performances and review:

Blake Griffin has been putting up some amazing performances this season, averaging a career high 25 points per game, along with more than 8 rebounds per game and more than 5 assists per match as well. He is well and truly playing like a superstar again and has been able to keep away from injuries as well, which has elevated his status as a superstar.

He missed the last game for rest purposes against the Sacramento Kings, but he played in the loss against the Lakers, having a sub par game, scoring just 16 points, dishing out 6 assists and getting a steal too.

The Pistons will be hoping he returns with some hunger against the Los Angeles Clippers in his return tomorrow.

Alternate pick: Julius Randle (New Orleans Pelicans)

C 1 - Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans):

New Orleans Pelicans are finally getting into a groove

Preview:

The New Orleans Pelicans had started the season really well, but injuries to a lot of their starters exposed their frail bench. They started going down and are currently 11th in the Western Conference, with a 20-22 record. They have won only 5 of last 10 matches but are on a 3 game win streak.

Last 3 games:

9/1/2019 - W - Cleveland Cavaliers, 140-124
7/1/2019 - W - Memphis Grizzlies, 114-95
5/1/2019 - W - Cleveland Cavaliers, 133-98

Player performances and review:

Anthony Davis has been one of the leading contenders for the MVP title this season. He has been averaging just under 29 points per game, along with 13 rebounds and more than 4 assists per game as well. He is always a contender for the DPOY as well, averaging just under 2 steals and 3 blocks a game.

He has always had a cap on his potential every season due to injuries, but he has largely stayed on the court this season.

In the win over the Cavaliers, Davis exploded for 38 points on 65% shooting, along with 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 4 gigantic blocks. He is certainly playing like the MVP and if the Pelicans manage to get into the playoffs, it will certainly be a great race to watch.

The Pelicans face the Minnesota Timberwolves next, which will be an exciting game tomorrow.

Alternate pick: N/A

C 2 - Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets):

Denver Nuggets are at the top of the Western Conference

Preview:

The Denver Nuggets have been exceeding expectations this season and are at the top of the Western Conference with a 28-12 record. They have won 7 of the last 10 matches and are on a 2 game win streak. They play the Phoenix Suns tomorrow in an interesting game between the top team in the Western Conference against the bottom team.

Last 3 games:

10/1/2019 - W - Los Angeles Clippers, 121-100
8/1/2019 - W - Miami Heat, 103-99
7/1/2019 - L - Houston Rockets, 113-125

Player performances and review:

Nikola Jokic has been outperforming expectations just like the Nuggets. His performances of late has catapulted him into MVP discussion. He is a one of a kind big man in the league right now, averaging more than 19 points, along with 10 rebounds and just under 8 assists.

He is also a great rim protector and is now averaging just under a block a game. In the win over the Los Angeles Clippers, Jokic scored 18 points, with 10 assists, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks. The Nuggets will be hoping Jokic can guide them to another big win tomorrow against the Phoenix Suns.

Alternate pick: Karl Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)