Rajon Rondo (Celtics)-13.7 PTS, 9.6 AST, 2.4 STL
Rondo has been a little more inconsistent as of late, compared to the way he was playing at the beginning of the season. His scoring average has taken a dip (-.4) but he’s still getting it done in other departments. Rondo notched two double-digit assist totals in the Celtics last five games and Boston is 4-1 in that same span.
His most impressive game of the week came against the Mavericks last Saturday when he notched a 20/10 effort while the Celtics defeated Dallas 102-93. There is still room for improvement for the C’s however, despite being 20 games over .500. Much of that hinges on the play of Rondo, who is a potential triple-double threat, each and every game.
Tayshaun Prince (Pistons)-12.4 PTS, 5.1 REB, 3.0 AST
Since his return to the Pistons, Prince has been doing it all while increasing his season average in all the major statistical categories. Prince has a well-rounded game—more so than his earlier years—focusing on rebounding and getting other teammates involved on a more consistent basis. The only problem is that Detroit is awful and continues to lose.
Currently riding a five game losing streak, Prince and the Pistons will be looking ‘lottery’ this year rather than postseason. Princes’ best game came during a losing effort to the Pacers of all teams, when he had 14 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. This Detroit team is in stark contrast to those of yesteryear, as the Pistons will not be going to the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
Keith Bogans (Spurs)-4.6 PTS, 1.3 AST, 35.7% 3P
Bogans is still getting quality minutes, but his production has taken a slight hit during the Spurs last five games. He was thrown into the starting lineup in favor of newly acquired Richard Jefferson and has shown flashes of his old self once again. His best game in the last five came against the Heat when Bogans had eight points, six rebounds, and three assists during an 88-76 victory. The Spurs continue to push towards the playoffs and are now holding down the sixth spot in the Western Conference ahead the likes of the Thunder and Trail Blazers.
The former SEC Player of the Year has always been a mainstay in the NBA and will usually give you the same kind of game every year. Bogans won’t blow you away with blinding speed and incredible dunks, but will contribute in all areas of the game. Look for solid production from the veteran as he helps the Spurs climb the standings.
Jodie Meeks (Sixers)-3.7 PTS, 0.5 AST, 26.9% 3P
Meeks’ minutes have been pretty consistent on the season, in that he’s not getting a lot. Sometimes it’s five minutes in one game and then 14 in another. Win or lose, Meeks doesn’t know if he’s going to play. The Sixers are pretty terrible, but do have some young talent ahead of Meeks. The rookie from Kentucky should be able to get some extra minutes because of the fact that Philly is out of the Eastern Conference race and have absolutely no chance of going anywhere. He did have four points and two rebounds on 2-of-8 shooting from the floor during a 98-84 loss to the Bulls. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Meeks and whether he is in the Sixers plans going forward.
Chuck Hayes (Rockets)-4.3 PTS, 5.5 REB, 0.5 BLK
Hayes’ production and minutes have increased since earlier in the month and starting to get back to his old self. He’s averaging 4.2 points and 4.6 rebounds during the Rockets last five games, around what he usually puts up on a monthly basis. Houston is 3-2 in that span as Hayes and company try to push the Rockets back into the playoff picture. His best outing came during a 94-87 loss to the Celtics where he put up 7 points and 7 rebounds. Much like Bogans—a former teammate of Hayes at Kentucky—Hayes will usually give you the same kind of production night in and night out.
Nazr Mohammed (Bobcats)-8.2 PTS, 5.3 REB, 0.8 BLK
Mohammed has missed the Bobcats last 16 games because of a back injury and Charlotte could certainly use his help in making a push towards the end of the season. The Bobcats are 7-5 during the teams last 12 games and even boasted a six game winning streak earlier this month. It’s unclear whether he’ll be able to return for the remainder of the season and could be dealing with an injury similar to the Pistons Tayshaun Prince. As well all know, Prince missed 20+ games earlier this year due to his own back injury.
Jamaal Magloire (Heat)-2.3 PTS, 3.5 REB, 0.3 BLK
Magloire hasn’t gotten much time since his 23 minute outburst last week against Sixers in which he scored four points and grabbed eight rebounds. The Heat are making their way to the Eastern Conference playoffs, but the former Wildcat doesn’t appear to be in their full-time plans. We’ll see if he can produce down the stretch to earn some extra minutes going into the playoffs.
Randolph Morris (Hawks)-2.3 PTS, 1.3 REB, 0.1 BLK
Morris really only gets time when the Hawks are blowing their opponents out by 15 or more. He’s only gotten four minutes in the past five games, all coming during a 108-84 romp over the New Jersey Nets earlier last week. Don’t look for much to change
Kelenna Azuibuike (Warriros)-injured
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