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In this season’s most dramatic battle yet, The Land came up victorious.

CLEVELAND! THIS IS FOR YOU… AGAIN!

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday to Santi Aldama, Isaiah Jackson, and Enjoyers Will, Bennett, and Christian! 🎉

Game Recaps

Cavaliers win heavyweight battle with Thunder 129-122

It can be hard to live up to expectations sometimes, but this matchup was everything we hoped it was and more.

The Thunder came out and grabbed a lead in the first half, stretching it to nine in the early goings of the second quarter behind 13 first-half points from Jalen Williams and Lu Dort’s usual defensive lunacy. But when the second half rolled around, this game got TIGHT—30 lead changes, anyone?

And at the end of the day, Cleveland’s two big men—Evan Mobley (21 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST) and Jarrett Allen (25 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST)—did just enough for the Cavs to pull away in the fourth quarter, even despite a down night from Donovan Mitchell (11 PTS, 4 AST). This Cleveland team is officially scary.

Young guards on both sides shine in Mavs’ 117-111 comeback win over Portland

Shaedon Sharpe (22 PTS, 8 REB), Anfernee Simons (22 PTS), and Scoot Henderson (20 PTS, 4 AST)—Portland’s young backcourt showed up and showed out in this one. But even after leading the Mavericks for virtually the entire game yesterday, the Blazer Boys had to bow down to another young gun.

In Luka and Kyrie’s absence, Jaden Hardy (25 PTS) wined, dined, and led Dallas in their fourth quarter comeback effort last night. PJ Washington (23 PTS, 14 REB) and Dereck Lively (21 PTS, 15 REB) also contributed for the Mavs, but all the focus was on Dallas’ third-year guard at the American Airlines Center.

Elsewhere around the NBA…

• The Pistons beat the Nets 113-98 on Wednesday to secure their first above-.500 record in January since 2018… but came back down to Earth with a 107-104 loss to Golden State last night.

• A big game from Alperen Sengun (32 PTS, 14 REB, 5 AST) and a great night on the perimeter from Jalen Green (27 PTS, 4-8 3PT) led Houston over Memphis 119-115 last night.

• Giannis (25 PTS, 16 REB, 8 AST) put on an absolute clinic against San Antonio, helping the Bucks to a 121-105 home win over Keldon Johnson (24 PTS, 11 REB) and the Spurs.

• The Jokic-less Nuggets used Jamal Murray (21 PTS, 9 AST) and the power of friendship to take down Norman Powell (30 PTS, 4 REB) and the Clippers 126-103.

• A team effort from Indiana (six Pacers in double figures) led by Pascal Siakam (26 PTS) pushed the Pacers over Chicago 129-113, despite a high-octane night from Zach LaVine (31 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST).

• The 76ers survived a late Washington comeback and grabbed a 109-103 win over the Wiz, thanks to a big night from Tyrese Maxey (29 PTS, 6 AST) and Guerschon Yabusele (21 PTS, 8 REB) coming one point short from tying his career high.

Top Five Fantasy Friday

On this week’s edition of Top Five Friday, we’re here to help you make your fantasy team just a little bit better around the edges. Here are five players you should pick up on the waiver wire to win your next matchup:

1. Alex Sarr (rostered in 28.7% of ESPN leagues)

Jonas Valanciunas is a great post scorer and rebounder that could contribute to a playoff contender’s bench, or even slide into their starling lineup from time to time. With Washington sitting at last in the Eastern Conference, though, it might be time for the Wizards to find JV a new home.

If they do that, there’s no better contender for the Wizards’ starting center spot than rookie Alex Sarr. Consider picking Sarr up in case Washington makes a change…

2. Herb Jones (rostered in 22.2% of ESPN leagues)

This is another one where a team’s situation at large with regards to the trade deadline might impact a player’s fantasy outlook. Big names in New Orleans like Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram have been linked to trade rumors for what seems like months at this point, and if one (or more) of those players does get moved, that only means more playing time for guys like Herb Jones.

3. Quentin Grimes (rostered in 15.3% of ESPN leagues)

Luka’s earliest possible return date from his Christmas Day calf injury would be some time in late January, and it looks like he might not return for some time. Dallas’ role-players have already started to pick up the slack stemming from Luka’s absence, and a lot of that help is coming right from Quentin Grimes. Pick up the fourth-year guard for a little insurance over the next month or so.

4. Bub Carrington (rostered in 8.3% of ESPN leagues)

Malcolm Brogdon, the Wizards’ starting point guard at the beginning of this season, has only been able to play in 18 of Washington’s games so far this year. And with Bub Carrington getting more and more comfortable as his rookie campaign continues, now could be the right time to pick him up.

5. Ryan Dunn (rostered in 2.6% of ESPN leagues)

We’re excited to see what rookie Ryan Dunn will be able to accomplish as a member of Phoenix’s starting lineup in the place of veteran Bradley Beal, but we’re even MORE excited for what this could mean for Dunn as a fantasy option. With his role on the Suns only getting bigger, the rookie’s numbers should see a similar pattern.

Three in the Key

Signing Off

Thanks for being here with us this week, Enjoyers. Keep your chin up this weekend. You’ve got this! See you Monday. 👌

Austin Zeglis