Some caterpillars are considered excellent motivators. Some butterflies surround themselves with great coaches, aren't overtly religious, install a structured offense, and start the best players, regardless of salary or tenure. Some caterpillars are the reason the mute button was invented. Some butterflies help Michael Jordan win championships.

WRIGHT PLACE, WRONG TIME

The Boston Celtics traded Brandan Wright to the Phoenix Suns for a protected 2015 first-round pick.

Wright averaged 10.1 minutes per game since the Celtics acquired him, fewest of all frontcourt players. Safe to say, he wasn't the problem in Boston. In the past nine games, eight players averaged more than 20 minutes per game but no more than 31 minutes per game. Eleven players were getting at least 10 minutes per game since Rajon Rondo's departure. Wright didn't play in the most recent game, allowing Brad Stevens to play Brandon Bass 20 minutes. A three-headed power forward/center combo won't come to fruition until Bass is benched, traded, waived, or bought out. A solidified rotation won't surface until Brad Stevens decides on eight or nine players he can play consistently. It doesn't help that Kelly Olynyk is averaging 5.1 fouls per 36 minutes since Wright joined the team, a slight improvement from his early-season foul woes. The following quote was uttered by coach Stevens just four days ago:

I've got to figure out how to coach this team better. I'm not doing a very good job. We're not playing well and we're playing almost - it's not good basketball. We've got to do a better job of playing good basketball and figure out the rotations. It's on me.

At least he's self-aware. If the goal in Boston is to lose as many games as possible via sabotage, Stevens playing the role of saboteur makes sense. All other explanations are beyond my grasp.

Since Alex Len was introduced into the starting lineup 13 games ago, he averaged 21.8 minutes per game and 5.7 fouls per 36 minutes. Miles Plumlee was playing 18.0 minutes per game with Markieff Morris issued the rest of the center minutes during crunch time. Coach Hornacek enjoys running the three-guard lineup in the fourth quarter, completely ignoring his prototypical centers. Wright presumably absorbs Plumlee's minutes, and that could reverse his production to his Dallas days. Len will receive more minutes as long as he can stay out of foul trouble, but Morris will obstruct the possible center platoon between the incumbent and newcomer.

HOSPITAL WARD

Andre Drummond played just 17 minutes and sat the final 20 minutes due to illness. Greg Monroe collected 15 points and 12 rebounds in his absence. The Pistons play their fourth game in five days tonight against the Nets. If Drummond can't play, expect another three-point barrage from Stan Van Gundy's team.

Shabazz Muhammad reportedly suffered a groin injury that kept him out a majority of the second half. If he can't go tonight against the Spurs, he'll benefit from the Timberwolves playing one game the subsequent five days. Anthony Bennett and Chase Budinger could receive a one-game boost if the injury isn't significant.

Manu Ginobili left the game at halftime due to back spasms. Coach Popovich also rested Tony Parker the final 16 minutes and Tim Duncan the final quarter in their narrow 100-95 win over the Suns. Patty Mills scored 13 of his 15 points in the fourth, and Cory Joseph added nine of his 11 points during the final 12 minutes. An extended Ginobili absence benefits the rest of the teams' fantasy value, not one sole individual. Joseph and Mills would control the second unit playmaking duties.

Tobias Harris sprained his left ankle but stayed in the game. The Magic travel to Portland for tonight's game against the Trail Blazers. Swelling is a possibility, so he's questionable in my eyes, but make sure to check lineups beforehand.

Evan Fournier said he hyperextended his knee at the end of the game, but it isn't considered serious. He'd likely gain if Harris sits, along with Mo Harkless who has been inactive the past few contests. Harkless started and was tasked with guarding LeBron James the last time Harris missed a game.

M.I.A.

• Atlanta
  • Pero Antic (DNP-CD)
• Boston
  • Jameer Nelson (inactive)
• Brooklyn
  • Deron Williams (ribs)
  • Kevin Garnett (rest)
• Chicago
  • Mike Dunleavy (ankle)
  • Doug McDermorr (knee)
• Cleveland
  • LeBron James (back/knee)
  • Shawn Marion (hip)
  • Iman Shumpert (shoulder)
• Denver
  • Wilson Chandler (knee)
  • JaVale McGee (leg)
  • Danilo Gallinari (knee)
  • Randy Foye (quadriceps)
• Golden State
  • Festus Ezeli (ankle)
• Indiana
  • George Hill (groin)
  • Ian Mahinmi (heel)
• Los Angeles
  • Wesley Johnson (hip)
  • Kobe Bryant (rest)
• Milwaukee
  • Larry Sanders (personal)
  • Ersan Ilyasova (concussion)
• Minnesota
  • Ricky Rubio (ankle)
  • Nikola Pekovic (wrist/ankle)
  • Mo Williams (ankle)
  • Kevin Martin (wrist)
• Oklahoma City
  • Mitch McGary (leg)
• Orlando
  • Aaron Gordon (foot)
• Philadelphia
  • Hollis Thompson (illness)
• Sacramento
  • Omri Casspi (knee)
  • Ramon Sessions (back)
• San Antonio
  • Kawhi Leonard (hand)
  • Aron Baynes (neck)
• Utah
  • Rodney Hood (foot)
  • Enes Kanter (ankle)

ROTATION NOTES

James Young was activated after the Brandan Wright trade. He was scoreless in 7 minutes. Jae Crowder started over Jeff Green with rumors swirling of Green's eventual relocation to Memphis. It was Green's first missed game in over three seasons. After the game, Coach Stevens said Green won't join the team over the weekend. We're in limbo until trade consummation. Crowder stepped up for 11 points (5-9 FG, 1-4 3Pt), seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in 27 minutes. He's trendy in the way that Khris Middleton and Jared Dudley held unknown fantasy value before you remembered the coach. I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but if you add a Celtic and pin expectations on that individual, you're going to have a bad time.

How did the power forward/center minutes shakeout post-trade? Kelly Olynyk played 33 minutes, Jared Sullinger played 31 minutes, Brandon Bass played 26 minutes, and Tyler Zeller played 16 minutes. Olynyk played fewer than 21 minutes the previous four games, and Zeller registered at least 25 minutes three of the last four games. Sullinger played at least 30 minutes in six of the last eight games, and Bass continues to chip away. You can just copy and paste the last sentence from the previous paragraph here. Rotation clarity will come in due time, but it'll require Evan Turner, Bass, and Jameer Nelson on other teams.

Rodney Stuckey jumped back into the starting lineup after missing one game with a sore right groin. He was limited to six points, four rebounds, and four assists. C.J. Miles returned to a bench role, contributing 17 points (4-11 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 5-6 FT) and four rebounds in 37 minutes. Over the last six contests, he averaged 4.0 three-pointers per game on 45 percent shooting and attempted a team-high 14.3 shots per game. Consider adding if you seek help in points and threes at the risk of a low field goal percentage and barren secondary stats.

Luc Mbah a Moute returned from a two-game absence, displacing K.J. McDaniels from the starting lineup to guard Joe Johnson. It worked because Johnson shot 4-of-14 from the field. Mbah a Moute played 36 minutes, recorded three steals, and scored 16 points (6-10 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT). McDaniels scored six points in 23 minutes, his fewest minute total since December 21st. The Sixers won their sixth game of the season.

Kevin Garnett received a rest day the first game of a back-to-back set, vaulting Brook Lopez into the starting lineup. Mason Plumlee scored 15 points (5-9 FG, 5-8 FT), corralled a career-high 15 rebounds, added two blocks, and dished out one assist in 32 minutes. Lopez was held to 28 minutes, chipping in a team-high 18 points (9-17 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 0-1 FT), six rebounds, and two blocks. Right now, Plumlee's free-throw woes are the only part of his game holding him back. Otherwise, coach Hollins seems to fancy the younger, athletic center over the high-priced, injury-prone, lazy Lopez.

Dante Cunningham started ahead of Tyreke Evans, providing zero points on 0-of-5 shooting in 32 minutes. The undeterred Evans responded with 21 points (7-15 FG, 7-10 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists, and one block in 33 minutes. The lineup shuffling was orchestrated earlier in the day by coach Williams, Evans, Jrue Holiday, and Eric Gordon. Evans added, "Coach said he thinks that I'm better coming off of the bench because of what I can do with the ball. If that's going to make us balance out better, I'm going to do it. I'm a team-first type of guy, so I just want us to win." It also gives the bench more kick and allows Holiday to set the tempo before the reserves take over. The experiment worked in a 106-95 win over the Grizzlies and should stick while Gordon is healthy.

Zach Randolph, after missing the previous nine games due to a sore right knee, started and provided 11 points (4-9 FG, 3-4 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 31 minutes. His most recent replacement, Jarnell Stokes, settled for a DNP-CD. The not-yet-traded Tayshaun Prince played 25 minutes, leading Grizzlies' reserves.

Paul Pierce hopped back into the starting lineup after resting one game. He was the only Wizards' starter stymied against the Bulls in their 102-86 victory. Marcin Gortat picked up where he left off during last season's Eastern Conference semi-final round, leading the team with 21 points (10-16 FG, 1-5 FT), 13 rebounds, two blocks, and one assists in 38 minutes. Bradley Beal contributed an inefficient 17 points (7-16 FG, 3-4 3Pt), so my love-hate relationship with him borders hate at the moment.

Mo Williams (ankle) didn't play, allowing Zach LaVine to start and underperform once again. Coach Saunders thinks Willams can go tonight against the Spurs, a team against which he recorded just four assists earlier this season. I don't have a firm timeline, but after tonight's game, the Timberwolves play one game in five days.

Kenyon Martin made his season debut, played eight minutes and scored six points. The Bucks dominated the Timberwolves, 98-84. Nine different Bucks played at least 20 minutes but no more than 29 minutes. The game was over by the second quarter, so the analysis can be thrown out the window.

Wilson Chandler sat because of a right knee strain. Darrell Arthur started at small forward, chipping in 11 points (4-8 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 28 minutes. The Nuggets have four days off before they face the Mavericks next Wednesday. Chandler is without a timeline, but I've heard his name discussed in trade rumors. Maybe a potential deal kept Chandler in street clothes? Who knows? I'm resigned to the fact that Danilo Gallinari (knee) and JaVale McGee (tibia) could return next week, turning serviceable Brian Shaw to annoying Brian Shaw.

The Nuggets blew out the Kings in the third quarter, throwing all minutes and numbers awry. Jusuf Nurkic picked up three fouls in his first nine minutes of court time, not surprising for the league leader in fouls per 36 minutes (7.5). He finished with 16 points (8-11 FG), eight rebounds, three blocks, and one steal in 22 minutes before fouling out. J.J. Hickson gathered 16 points (8-11 FG), four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in 23 minutes. Somehow Kenneth Faried played 36 minutes and provided 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-5 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. To sum up, Shaw will play all of his front court guys minutes; you can semi-rely on Nurkic and Faried to produce quality stats in a short amount of time.

Timofey Mozgov made his debut for the Cavaliers off the bench. I can't confirm or deny if the move is permanent, but he played 27 minutes and recorded nine points (3-7 FG, 3-5 FT), eight rebounds, one assist, and one block. Tristan Thompson's minutes were scaled back to 30, in which time he compiled 11 points (4-9 FG, 3-6 FT), nine rebounds, two steals, and one assists. He was the beneficiary of 35+ minute games, an unlikely occurrence with the addition of Mozgov. If they keep the platoon, both are difficult to roster. Mozgov will at least provide blocks and quality percentages.

J.R. Smith, or should I call him J.R. Swish, emerged from his slumber to grace us with a team-high 27 points (11-23 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in a season-high 42 minutes. He replaced Matthew Dellavedova in the starting lineup. It's not that he's a bad basketball player; it's that his antics and decision-making overshadow his talent. A game like this had me thinking how great it would be for him to play next to an unselfish player like LeBron James. This type of performance won't be the norm when Iman Shumpert (shoulder) debuts and James returns, but even 50 percent could be worth rostering in standard leagues.

Kobe Bryant decided to rest. Ryan Kelly started with Wesley Johnson (hip) out too. The Lakers play eight more back-to-back sets, including three during the typical fantasy playoffs (Week 21-23). I don't fault Bryant for sitting intermittently and during back-to-backs. As a Bryant owner, you now know he's serious about preserving his body and maintaining it for next season. He hasn't played more than 33 minutes in the last five games, and he's changed up his style of play, preferring to defer and reduce his shot attempts. That is the new reality. That is the Bryant you own.

Ronnie Price returned with a face mask, sending Jeremy Lin to the bench. No biggie. Lin lead the team with 18 points (5-12 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 5-10 FT), six assists, four steals, three rebounds, and two blocks in 29 minutes. With coach Scott confirming he'd like to get rookie Jordan Clarkson minutes, Lin's end-of-season value is in question. Not only is Price hoarding his starting role, but Clarkson would be pilfering his bench minutes too. It feels like a lose-lose at this point. The light at the end of this tunnel is the new Bryant regiment.

FANTASY LINE OF THE NIGHT

DeMarcus Cousins beat out Kevin Durant (32 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal, one block, two three-pointers) with his 32 points (12-25 FG, 8-9 FT), 13 rebounds, four assists, a career-high four blocks, and three steals in 39 minutes. He also turned the ball over seven times and was smack talked by rookie Jusuf Nurkic in the Kings' loss. If you were looking for a sign that Cousins is over his meningitis and selfish ways after Michael Malone was released, this game goes a long way in quelling any concerns.

ROOKIE OF THE NIGHT

Andrew Wiggins must feel like he's on Nickelodeon in the late-'90s because he's figured it out. Against the length of the Bucks, he scored 20 points, reaching that mark for the sixth straight game. This time he required nine trips to the free-throw line because the 6-of-17 shooting from the field wasn't getting it done. The Bucks managed to contest all but four of his shots, a likely side effect of Zach LaVine running the show instead of Mo Williams (ankle).

TRIPLE-DOUBLE WATCH

Evan Turner shot 3-of-15. I tell you this as a gesture of good faith. He concluded with nine points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in 38 minutes against his former team, the Pacers. Over the last month, Brad Stevens' de facto point guard leads the team with 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. His value increases slightly upon the Jeff Green trade, but I say that cautiously given the coach and possibility Turner follows him out the door next.

With Michael Carter-Williams, you take the good and the bad. Eight points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one three-pointer coincided with 2-of-9 from the field and 3-of-6 from the free-throw line. His backcourt mate, Tony Wroten, boast a 30.1 percent usage rate, top-10 in the NBA. Even though I don't think a team would actually want him, his name has been floated out in trade rumors. If that happens, Carter-Williams can regain his statistical form from earlier this season then Wroten sat out with a knee issue.

Draymond Green is shooting 40 percent from the field and 61 percent from the free-throw line over the past month. I literally found his only two flaws in fantasy basketball. Against the Cavaliers, Green whipped up 10 points (5-13 FG, 0-6 3Pt), 11 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks, and one steal in 31 minutes. It's his fifth double-double in the last seven games. Draymond and Danny Green are the only two players averaging at least one steal, block, and three-pointer per game. He's in a class of his own if we add at least eight rebounds and three assists as criteria. As Sinead O'Connor once sang, nothing compares to you.

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHT AND ODDITIES

After an ankle scare, Roy Hibbert, like many before him, asserted his will over the Celtics' frontcourt. He scored a team-high 19 points (7-19 FG, 5-6 FT), grabbed 11 rebounds, blocked five shots, and recorded four assists in 36 minutes. The five blocks matches his total from the previous eight games combined, an indictment against his opponent combined with his own skill.

Sir Robert Covington, a.k.a Mr. Steal Your Ball, recorded six steals and bounced back nicely from a putrid shooting display, scoring a team-high 20 points (8-12 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT) in a team-high 40 minutes. Over the past month, he leads the Sixers at 34.8 minutes per game. His spot in the rotation is cemented simply because he's the only capable three-pointer shooter on a team that's shooting a league-low 29 percent from downtown.

Jarrett Jack continues to light up the box score without Deron Williams (ribs), providing 14 points (4-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-8 FT), 10 assists, five rebounds, and two steals in 37 minutes. He's the only legitimate playmaker outside of Joe Johnson, so the assists will continue to pile up until Williams returns.

Al Horford benefitted from Andre Drummond's illness, supplying 19 points (9-21 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-3 FT), a season-high 16 rebounds, and four assists in 36 minutes. He's averaging a career-low 6.5 rebounds in a career-low 30.3 minutes per game, labeling performances like this unexpected and unlikely moving forward.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope attempted a career-high 23 shots, converting just eight and shooting 4-of-16 from downtown. The 16 three-point attempts are the most by any player this season. It wasn't until the fourth quarter when Caldwell-Pope found his groove, scoring 16 of his 20 points, matching the Hawks' point total in the final period. As a team, the Pistons attempted a franchise-record 43 three-pointers. If you need help in that category and Andre Drummond can't go tonight, Pope, Jodie Meeks, Kyle Singler, Anthony Tolliver, and Kyle Singler are all viable options given your league's waiver wire.

Rudy Gobert blocked a career-high seven shots in a career-high 38 minutes. The elephant in the room, Enes Kanter (ankle), looms heavy on the mind of fantasy managers and coach Quin Snyder. The Jazz is 2-2 in Kanter's absence, missing his offense in those two losses. He's a proven scorer who won't mesh well defensively with Trevor Booker in the second unit. While a minute bump seems inevitable for Gobert, it may not exceed 25 minutes per game on a healthy roster if he's unable to retain his starting gig.

Trey Burke, Derrick Favors, and Gordon Hayward combined to score 69 of the team's 94 points, each eclipsing the 20-point plateau. The increased offensive load comes without Alec Burks (shoulder), Rodney Hood (heel), and Kanter, dispersing an extra 27 shots to the key cogs.

Dion Waiters used his teammates' trust to score 15 points (7-14 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 0-1 FT) while providing four steals, three rebounds, and one assists in 27 minutes. His shine came at the expense of Reggie Jackson, who played 15 minutes and shot 2-of-6 from the field. I've held on to Jackson in my 12-team rotisserie league this long and can stomach a few more weeks before a possible trade increases his fantasy value. Many of you in shallower head-to-head leagues need to keep your ear to the ground in case this game was the straw the broke the camel's back for Sam Presti. The Thunder has five days off, giving the general manager plenty of time to work the phones. With all the time off, adding Waiters works only if you plan on using him the rest of the season since production must wait until next Thursday. I'll just keep him on my watch list and see how he performs against the Rockets and Warriors next week.

Derrick Rose kind of snapped a four-game shooting slump, scoring a team-high 19 points on 8-of-19 shooting, derailed by a 1-of-7 effort from downtown. Jimmy Butler struggled for the second time against the Wizards this season, shooting 2-of-12 from the field for 10 points. I'm not concerned about a Paul George-esque collapse, choosing instead to ignore the recent dip in percentages against teams with quality rim deterrents.

Markieff Morris picked up his ninth technical foul, tied with Russell Westbrook for most in the NBA. He also decided it was a good idea to shoot 1-of-13 from the field in 29 minutes, attempted just two shots inside the paint. It's easy and lazy to just say he'll bounce back, especially with Brandan Wright joining the team. He'll possess the speed advantage against Zach Randolph and the Grizzlies on Monday and torched him for 20 points in their last meeting.

P.J. Tucker exploded for 15 of his 19 (8-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) points in the third quarter. He hasn't scored 15 points in a game since December 23rd. Don't expect a Gerald Green-type scoring spree anytime soon.

Luke Ridnour played 25 minutes to Elfrid Payton's 21 minutes. As far I can tell, the starters were benched at some point early in the fourth quarter once the floodgates opened. Also, Ridnour was outperforming Payton in the first half, probably why Ridnour played his most minutes since November 11th. A minute distribution like this doesn't happen often enough to panic. Payton has been a low-end option and wasn't able to produce against the Lakers, a story within itself.

Nick Young shot 2-of-13 from the field and is 13-of-53 in his last four games. He's never as good as his peak, and he's never as bad as his trough. It's simply a shooting slump assuaged by him making his last 25 shots at the free-throw line.

Rookie Tarik Black scored a career-high 14 points (4-4 FG, 6-7 FT), grabbed nine rebounds, and blocked a shot in his second game as a Laker. Just more competition for Robert Sacre. If you're in a league where that statement affects you, I'm sorry.

NIGHTLY LEADERS

Points

1. DeMarcus Cousins, C, SAC: 32 points (12-25 FG, 8-9 FT)
2. Kevin Durant, F, OKC: 32 points (14-21 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT)
3. Gordon Hayward, F, UTA: 27 points (11-18 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-6 FT)
4. J.R. Smith, G, CLE: 27 points (11-23 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT)

Rebounds

1. Al Horford, C, ATL: 16 rebounds (2 offensive)
2. Mason Plumlee, C, BKN: 15 rebounds (5 offensive)
3. Evan Turner, G, BOS: 15 rebounds (2 offensive)

Assists

1. Russell Westbrook, G, OKC: 12 assists (3 turnovers)
2. John Wall, G, WAS: 12 assists (3 turnovers)
3. Jeff Teague, G, ATL: 11 assists (3 turnovers)

Steals

1. Robert Covington, F, PHI: 6 steals
2. Thaddeus Young, F, MIN: 5 steals
3. Jeremy Lin, G, LAL: 4 steals
4. Dion Waiters, G, OKC: 4 steals
5. Tony Snell, F, CHI: 4 steals

Blocks

1. Rudy Gobert, C, UTA: 7 blocks
2. Roy Hibbert, C, IND: 5 blocks
3. DeMarcus Cousins, C, SAC: 4 blocks

Three-Pointers

1. Klay Thompson, G, GSW: 4-9 3Pt
2. Danny Green, G, SAS: 4-7 3Pt
3. Ryan Anderson, F, NOP: 4-8 3Pt
4. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G, DET: 4-16 3Pt
5. Aaron Brooks, G, CHI: 4-7 3Pt
6. O.J. Mayo, G, MIL: 4-4 3Pt
7. C.J. Miles, G, IND: 4-8 3Pt

Minutes

1. J.R. Smith, G, CLE: 42 minutes
2. Kyrie Irving, G, CLE: 41 minutes
3. Robert Covington, F, PHI: 40 minutes
4. Avery Bradley, G, BOS: 40 minutes