OK, I suppose it depends on how you look at it. You can say that the Celtics were sluggish in their seven-point home loss to the Magic. Or you can say that the Celtics had a good day since they returned Paul Pierce and Marquis Daniels to the basketball court. It really depends on who you ask. I’m among those who think that Pierce and Daniels returning are better news than the Celtics continued struggles against the Magic.
A little light reading for Celtics fans.
Pierce’s line was so-so (13 points on 5-of-12 shooting, 4 rebounds and 3 steals in 30 minutes), but Daniels’ was a bit more intriguing — 8 points, 3 rebounds and a steal in 13 minutes. He’s someone we might be talking about after the Break in terms of 12-team adds. Right now, though, he’s only worth a waiver add in deep leagues. But I have a feeling that could change in the near future.
Kendrick Perkins is starting to frustrate his owners. Granted Sunday’s contest was against Dwight Howard, but he still only managed to score two points and pull down three rebounds in 23 minutes. Perk’s scoring has dropped off significantly — what little scoring he had. Over his last 10 games he’s only topped the 9-point mark just once. And what concerns you more is that while his scoring has dropped off, so too has his rebounding. He’s only averaging 4.2 rebounds and one block over his last four games. The return of Kevin Garnett and even Glenn Davis has not been kind to Perkins. I don’t think you should drop Perk, but I do think that the option of sitting him is practical.
It’s still not time to forgive Vince Carter for his horrendous season thus far, but we’re getting to the point where we can start looking him in the eye. On Sunday he posted his third straight solid scoring effort, dropping 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting. One day this guy will start to pay dividends for his owners. One day.
Who was that masked man? Oh, right, that was Hedo Turkoglu. What a guy! He scored 16 points and dished 5 dimes against the Kings. Please, keep this going Turk. Maybe the mask will do him some good. I’m sure he doesn’t want to not only look like a bust, but also look like a fool while… busting.
Jose Calderon (*cough*another bust*cough*) returned for the Raptors on Sunday. His 7 points and 2 assists in 22 minutes bored me. I’m not sure he’s ever going to get it going this season. He’s not dropable, but he’s certainly benchable. Make senseable?
Jason Thompson (death in the family) returned after missing his last two games. He did post 10 points, 6 rebounds, a block and a steal in 22 minutes, which is good for the “new” Jason Thompson, but not suitable for November’s version of Jason Thompson. I think he’s hoping for Kevin Martin to get moved. It might do his value some good.
Not much else of importance happened on Sunday (the what Bowl??), but it’s worth noting that Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum are both questionable on Monday night. At least that’s something.
Damn Lies & Statistics 
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