The Daily NBA Fix 11-4-13: Lots of Love, Lakers Hold on and Westbrook Returns

Welcome to the newly formatted “The Daily NBA Fix” for November 4th, 2013. We’re here Monday through Friday, providing you with all you need to satisfy your NBA needs. We’ve got results, a look around the league, stars of the day, biggest disappointments, fantasy basketball and even something for you gambling buffs.

Sunday’s Results (home team in CAPS)

DETROIT PISTONS 87, Boston Celtics 77

Formidable Frontcourt – The Pistons frontcourt of Josh Smith, Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe handled the Celtics well, combining for 45 points, 29 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks and 5 steals (and 3-for-11 from the FT line). It had to feel like a win that Smith only attempted 4 3-point attempts…making none of them. The Celtics were paced by Kelly Olynyk, who had 15 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals in just 26 minutes.

Minnesota Timberwolves 109, NEW YORK KNICKS 100

Love Feeling Healthy – Kevin Love has officially entered his name into the MVP discussion for the year, with another terrific performance. He led the Wolves with 34 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists as Minnesota proved they can win on the road. Carmelo Anthony was a no-show until late, finishing with 22 points and 17 rebounds on 8-for-21 shooting.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 105, Atlanta Hawks 103

Finding Fresh Bodies – Mike D’Antoni got creative with his lineup, as Steve Blake led the team with 32 minutes played. 11 players went over 13 minutes and everyone scored. Pau Gasol did his thing, making the winning free-throws to go with his 16 points and 13 rebounds. Steve Nash looks his age and shot just 5-for-13. The Hawks got 22 from Kyle Korver but shot just 14-for-26 from the FT line as a team.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 103, Phoenix Suns 96

Return of Westbrook – It’s almost as if he never left. Russell Westbrook looked good in his debut, scoring 21 points and dishing out 7 assists. Kevin Durant scored 33 with 10 rebounds and will definitely benefit from having Westbrook back. The duo went 22-of-27 from the free-throw line and made a late comeback to shut down the Suns. Phoenix was led by Eric Bledsoe, who racked up 26 points, 7 rebounds, 14 assists and 3 steals.

MIAMI HEAT 103, Washington Wizards 93

Big Three In Cruise Control – Nobody is in panic mode down on South Beach, as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh showed the world why they are the champs. The trio combined for 69 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals and 4 blocks to keep the Wizards winless. Bradley Beal led Washington with 19 points as John Wall struggled with back spasms.

ORLANDO MAGIC 107, Brooklyn Nets 86

Magic Scorch Nets (and the Nets) – Jason Kidd’s coaching debut was one to forget. The Magic outscored Brooklyn 66-48 in the second half to pull away for the lopsided victory. Six players scored in double-digits, with Victor Oladipo putting up 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Nikola Vucevic added 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Nets were paced by Brook Lopez, who scored 21 points and blocked 5 shots.

Sunday’s Stud

Healthy and happy means Love is in for a huge season. (NBA.com photo)

Kevin Love, MIN – 34 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 10-19 FG, 2-8 3P, 12-15 FT

Sunday’s Dud

Good game, good effort. Except the complete opposite. (NBA.com photo)

Joe Johnson, BKN – 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1-5 FG, 0-2 3P 0-0 FT

Fantasy Basketball Tidbits

Arron Afflalo is second in the league in minutes played (147) and fourth in total points (83)…If you didn’t know already, Anthony Davis has enacted beast mode and is averaging 23.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 4.0 blocks, 2.7 steals and is shooting 95 percent from the free-throw line…Eric Bledsoe is going to pack the statsheet all season long…Beware of Kevin Martin and his inconsistency, unless you want 30 points one night and 5 the next…

Monday’s Schedule and Lines (courtesy of Bovada Sportsbook)

Golden State Warriors (-7) at Philadelphia 76ers (o/u 212)

Minnesota Timberwolves at Cleveland Cavaliers (-2 o/u 196)

Boston Celtics at Memphis Grizzlies (-11.5 o/u 187)

Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers (-5 o/u 208)

Your Best Bets*

Warriors vs. 76ers UNDER 212

Cavaliers +2

Season Record: 0-0

*you know, if gambling were legal where you are and you’re of age and you do it responsibly.