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.