by Andrew Hardison
Rajon Rondo (Celtics)-14.0 PTS, 9.9 AST, 2.5 STL
Rondo has helped push the Celtics lead in the Atlantic Division to seven games over the Toronto Raptors, behind four straight double-doubles by one of the Eastern Conferences’ best point guards. Rondo wasn’t as proficient in Boston’s win over the Bobcats Wednesday night, going for only 8 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.
If the season ended today, Boston would take on the Bucks in a 4-5 series, which would showcase two of the more exciting point guards in the NBA in Rondo and Bucks sensation Brandon Jennings. Only a rookie, Jennings has proven that his decision to play overseas for a year has paid tremendous dividends. If you’re looking for another storyline, check out the Celtics/Sixers game Friday night which will feature Rondo and former three-point assassin Jodie Meeks.
Jodie Meeks (Sixers)-3.9 PTS, 0.5 AST
Speaking of Meeks and the Sixers, well, they are currently in the midst of a four game losing streak and continue to further slide into Eastern Conference mediocrity. Ironically, Meeks has had the same role as he did during his days in Milwaukee: no playing time and lots of sitting on the bench. It’s tough to watch because Meeks hasn’t gotten any time in the past three games and only got two minutes during the Sixers loss to the Suns last week.
Meeks currently sits behind teammates Lou Williams, Andre Iguodala, Willie Green and Jrue Holliday. Despite the lack of playing time Meeks is happy to see a familiar face in Williams. They grew up together and now share the same dream of playing in the NBA. It may seem encouraging for Meeks’ case that Allen Iverson is out for the season due to family issues, but don’t hold your breath. The guys ahead of him are in that position for a reason.
Chuck Hayes (Rockets)-4.5 PTS, 5.7 REB, 0.5 BLK
The Rockets are currently holding down the 9th spot in the Western Conference and are four wins behind the San Antonio Spurs who are 8th if the season ended today. Hayes is getting some sporadic minutes as of late, going for 30 minutes one night while getting 17 in another.
Hayes hasn’t been scoring much recently averaging only 2.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in the Rockets last five games. He’s still getting at least 20 minutes a game with teammate and starting small forward Trevor Ariza out, but it is a little surprising Hayes isn’t getting more. Houston seems to be going ‘smaller,’ more athletic lineups with the acquisition of shooting guard Kevin Martin which could affect Hayes’ time down the road.
Keith Bogans (Spurs)-4.4 PTS, 1.2 AST
Still getting 22 minutes a game, Bogans has become the Spurs most recent version of former defensive stopper Bruce Bowen. He’s only averaging 3.2 points and 3 rebounds a game in San Antonio’s last five games, but has done a good job on defense which has kept him on the court more. The Spurs could benefit from better three-point shooting by Bogans who is at 35% for the season, but only 21% during that five game span.
San Antonio owns the 8th spot in the Western Conference playoffs if they were to end today and Bogans could play a bigger role with the recent release of Michael Finley.
Tayshaun Prince (Pistons)-11.9 PTS, 5.1 REB, 2.6 AST
There isn’t much to say about the Pistons this season. The results thus far are quite a contrast from years past when Detroit ruled the Eastern Conference for a good part of the decade. One positive is the return of Prince, who has come back strong from a back injury that kept him out of a good portion of the Piston’s early season games.
Despite a five game losing streak, Prince has had three solid games for Detroit going for 18 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds during a 95-88 loss to Golden State last week. If the season ended today, the Pistons would have the 7th selection in June’s NBA Draft where they could find some help for guys like Prince and point guard Rodney Stuckey.
Nazr Mohammed (Bobcats)-8.2 PTS, 5.3 REB, 0.8 BLK
Tough break for Mohammed who has missed the Bobcats last five games due to a back injury. His absence hasn’t helped Charlotte out any, as they now are on the outside looking in for the Eastern Conference playoffs. Hopefully his return will help push the Bobcats back over the hump and get them to the team’s first playoff appearance in franchise history.
Jamaal Magloire (Heat)-2.1 PTS, 3.5 REB, 0.3 BLK
Magloire, much like Mohammed, hasn’t played much during the Heat’s last five games but that isn’t due to an injury. The Heat tend to play smaller, more athletic lineups that can get up and down the floor and Magloire doesn’t fit in with that style of play. Don’t look for too much to change as the playoff races take shape.
Randolph Morris (Hawks)-2.3 PTS, 1.3 REB
It has been the same story for Morris for much of the Hawks season: zero playing time. Tough for a guy who could have been a potential All-American had he stayed for his senior season at Kentucky.
Kelenna Azubuike (Warriors)-injured
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