(BDCi) — The week in the NBA is fun and exciting. Hedo Turkolu is getting another chance to play in the NBA when the Clippers signed him to a contract for the rest of the year. The veteran forward hopefully can help the team stretch the floor and knock down three’s. In other news, the Lakers Nick Young was suspended for one game for throwing a punch at Suns center Alex Len for a hard foul. Young will serve his suspension for Friday’s game against the Boston Celtics. Speaking of the Celtics, Rajon Rondo will make his long awaited return from his ACL injury on Friday against the Lakers. Speaking of knee injuries, Derrick Rose is off crutches which is a good sign for the Bulls guard. Rose can probably start traveling with the team in a few weeks. Rose tore the meniscus in his right knee in November and was ruled out for the rest of the year. The year before he was recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Indiana Pacers (31-7) — winners of three in a row including a blowout win over the Knicks in their last game
2. Miami Heat (27-11) — losers of three in a row including a loss to the Wizards
3. Toronto Raptors (19-18) — lost to Boston in their last game
4. Atlanta Hawks (20-19) — losers of two in a row
5. Washington Wizards (18-19) — winners of two in a row including big win over the Heat
6. Chicago Bulls (18-19) — beat Orlando in their last game
7. Detroit Pistons (16-22) — winners of two in a row including a two point victory over Phoenix in their last game
8. Brooklyn Nets (16-22) — beat the Hawks in London in their last game
WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS
1. San Antonio Spurs (31-8) — winners of six in a row
2. Portland Trailblazers (29-9) — winners of three in a row
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (29-10) — defeated the Houston Rockets in their last game
4. Los Angeles Clippers (27-13) — winners of four in a row
5. Houston Rockets (26-15) — James Harden failed to get revenge on his old team
6. Golden State Warriors (25-15) — lost to Denver in their last game
7. Phoenix Suns (22-16) — beat the Lakers in their last game
8. Dallas Mavericks (23-17) — lost to the Clippers in their last game
NBA Player Stats
Points-the top five scorers are: Kevin Durant-OKC (30.0), Carmelo Anthony-NYK (26.1), LeBron James-MIA (25.9), Kevin Love-MIN (25.6), James Harden-HOU (24.4)
Rebounds-the top five board crashers are:DeAndre Jordan-LAC (13.4), Kevin Love-MIN (13.0), Andre Drummon-LAC (12.7), Dwight Howard-HOU (12.5), DeMarcus Cousins-SAC (11.6)
Assists-Chris Paul-LAC (11.2), Stephen Curry-GSW (9.2), Ty Lawson-DEN (8.7), John Wall-WAS (8.6) and Brandon Jennings-DET (8.5).
BRAZILIAN Player Watch
Anderson Varejao-Center, Cleveland Cavaliers. 8.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. In his last game Varejao scored eight points and grabbed 14 boards, four assists, three steals and two blocks in 38 minutes of play in a losing effort to the Trailblazers. That is a typical night for Varejao when he can do a little bit of everything. On January 14 against the Lakers, he scored 18 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and had six assists in 37 minutes of play. That was a victory for the Cavs. On January 12 against the kings, he scored 10 points, grabbed seven rebounds, six assists and one steal in 26 minutes of play. On January 10 against the Jazz, he scored two points, grabbed 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block in 33 minutes of play. Varejao’s stats have gone up since the Cavs got rid of Andrew Bynum. Varejao is in the starting lineup like he belongs and is filling up the stat sheet, particularly in the assist department which you would not expect from a center but Varejao is an excellent passer and if he continues to fill up the stat sheet, that will help the Cavs.
Nene-Forward-Center, Washington Wizards. 13.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. In his last game against the Heat, he scored 19 points, grabbed four rebounds, nine assists, two steals and three blocks in 34 minutes of play. It was a big win for the Wizards. On January 13 against the Bulls, he scored 19 points, grabbed five rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks in 36 minutes of play. On January 11 against Houston, he scored eight points, grabbed 10 boards, six assists, one steal and one block in 27 minutes of play. On January 10 against Indiana, he scored 12 points, grabbed five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 29 minutes of play. The Wizards are in playoff contention but the only knock for Nene is his injury history. He needs to stay healthy if the Wizards want to make some noise in the playoffs.
Tiago Splitter-Center,San Antonio Spurs. 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Splitter is out four to six weeks with a sprained shoulder. No update has from the Spurs has been given on how he is doing.
Vitor Faverani-Center,Boston Celtics. 4.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. In his last game, Faverani played just five minutes and did not score but had a rebound and an assist. On January 13 against Houston, he played four minutes and did not score but had a steal. He is not playing much because he is a rookie that is still developing his skills and adjusting to the NBA game, having come from the Spanish League. Maybe as the season goes on, head coach Brad Stevens will give him more minutes.
Leandro Barbosa-Guard, Phoenix Suns. 9.3 points and 2.3 assists per game. Leandro
By: arizonasports.com
Barbosa has been a free agent until he signed with his old team the Phoenix Suns to a 10-day contract last week. The Suns lost their starting guard Eric Bledsoe to a knee injury and welcomed back Barbosa. In his last game against the Knicks, Barbosa scored 21 points, grabbed three rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes off the bench. He was unable to play against the Lakers in the Suns last game due to a shoulder injury he suffered towards the end of the game against the Knicks. Hopefully playing for the Suns again will invigorate his career and help the Suns get into the playoffs. His shoulder injury does not appear to be serious and maybe he will play on Friday against Dallas.
Stats: NBA.com