NBA Basketball Fantasy, Waiver Wire And Trade Advice: Who Is Trending Up, Down?

Despite what Kevin Garnett thinks this is not a bar fight, it is just a basketball game. The Boston Celtics had an impressive win Thursday over the Orlando Magic led by Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. One of the two above mentioned players are in this week's trending up. Read on to find out which one...

Trending Up

Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce- Pierce is starting to round himself into shape after missing the beginning of the season with a heel injury. In his last five games PP has averaged 19 points, eight assists, five boards and shot almost 44% from the field. Once Rondo returns I expect the dimes to drop and FG% to go up. Could see a little bump in points also.

Utah Jazz power forward Paul Milsap- Milsap has been solid across the boards all year, but his last five games have been even better - 23 PPG, 10 boards, 55% FG and 80% FT. He is up in every single category plus getting extra run averaging 37 MPG compared to the 31 MPG he has averaged on the season.

New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams- Ahhhh, the point guard most drafted last first, early second round has finally decided to show up!!!!! Has ten plus assists in four of his last five games, points per game is up a full two points compared to his season average and he knocking down just under two threes a game.

Trending Down

New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony- The last ten games for Melo have not been pretty. He is averaging 20 PPG and shooting 34% from the field. He isn't hitting as many threes either. He is banged up with injuries seemingly all over his body.

Atlanta Hawks power forward Josh Smith- Smith who had been putting together a fantastic campaign has slowed down a little bit. It's nothing terrible, the boards, blocks and assists are all still there, but the drop in FG% and points hurts. Over his last five games three less PPG and FG% from 48% down to 39%.

Portland Trailblazers point guard Raymond Felton- This is more for a full year distinction than a recent trend. Since leaving Mike D'Anotni's system and George Karl's up tempo offense Felton has seen a significant decrease in his statistics. He's shooting poorly from the field, not hitting threes and not giving you enough points. The dimes are down also.

Honorary Mention Charlotte Bobcats center Byron Mullens

Eye on The Wire

Milwaukee Bucks power forward Drew Gooden- With Andrew Bogut out indefinitely Gooden can be a good source of rebounds and points.

Toronto Raptors wingman Linas Kleiza- Kleiza's minutes have gone up in his last three games and can help you pick up some cheap threes and boards.

One of the biggest early season injuries to date happened with the Atlanta Hawks losing starting center Al Horford. Who does it help most? We take a look along with the rest of your must-need NBA fantasy basketball information.

Trending Up

Atlanta Hawks Power Forward Josh Smith- The Oak Hill product struggled through the first five games of the season. He wasn't putting up the scoring, rebounding, FG%, or block numbers you are accustomed to getting from the stat sheet stuffing Smith. The last seven games that has changed and the scoring is even higher than in the past. In the first game without Al Horford, who is most likely out for the season, Smith scored 30 points on 63% shooting with 13 rebounds. I traded for Smith last week in a league; I would suggest you try to do the same.

Golden State Warriors Power Forward David Lee- Lee has found his offensive groove the last two games against Miami and Orlando averaging 23 points and 12.5 boards. FG% excellent as always and with Stephen Curry out the assist numbers are up at 3.5 per game. He's been in double figure rebounding for the last five games. After a down year Lee is right back to top 20 status.

Denver Nuggets Small Forward Danilo Gallinari- After a slow start to the season that included an embarrassing missed lay up that cost the Nuggets a game against the Lakers Gallo has been lighting it up. He was really struggling with his outside shot early in the season hitting four three pointers in his first seven games. In the last four games Gallinari has made 10. His FG% is trending up, Gallinari helps with assists and rebounds, and to top it off he is averaging just under two steals. Gallo has become a fantasy monster.

Trending Down

Detroit Pistons Power Forward Jonas Jerebko- Jerebko started off the year with an impressive four games averaging just under 14 points, seven boards, and one three pointer per game. In January he has come back down to earth with just under seven points and only five rebounds. He is still getting minutes, but it's possible the best month of Jerebko's season has already passed.

Minnesota Timberwolves Shooting Guard Wesley Johnson- Johnson has been disappointing all season, but now the minutes are starting to drop. He only played nine against the Bulls and hasn't played 30 in the last five games. I thought Johnson was a possible breakout candidate to fill out the bottom of the roster. This hasn't been the case.

Houston Rockets Shooting Guard Kevin Martin- After three straight 20 plus point games to finish the month of December, Martin has taken a step back so far in January. K-Mart is averaging 14 points on 35% shooting with only one three pointer a game. I don't expect him to stay down for long, but he is definitely struggling right now.

Eye On The Wire

Houston Rockets Small Forward Chandler Parsons- Parsons has replaced Chase Budinger in the starting line-up. He's already put up a 20 point game and even when he isn't scoring is throwing up some solid rebound numbers. Parsons has the ability to knock down threes and picks up some steals. In deeper leagues he is a must pick up and in shallower leagues someone to keep an eye on.

Washington Wizards Power Forward Trevor Booker- Booker has replaced Andray Blatche in the starting line-up. Blatche is out with a shoulder injury, but I think Booker ends up keeping the spot even when he returns. Booker is going to get you solid FG%, rebounding, blocks, and steals. The points will be there some nights and others will give you nothing. The FT% is going to hurt you. The good outweighs the bad though.

For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter @SBNArizona and "Like" us on Facebook.