Barea takes a shot : Timberwolves guard Jose Juan Barea was forced to leave Thursday’s game against the Clippers briefly during the second quarter, after taking an elbow to the face that required him to go to the locker room for eight stitches. Barea missed the final three and a half minutes of the first half, however he was back on the floor when the second half started, finishing the game with his second straight double-double and his fourth on the season, as he put up 10 points and 11 assists in 31 minutes. Barea shot 4 of 9 and also added two rebounds, however he turned the ball over seven times in the Wolves’ 95-82 loss. (Updated 04/12/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/26/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Barea has been the team’s starting point guard over the last five games, and he has been playing very well. The diminutive point is averaging 12.6 points and 9.2 assists per game over that span, both above his season averages, as the team has become incredibly thin at this position. Barea should not miss any time with the lip issue, however Fantasy owners will need to keep an eye on his status just in case the team decides to give him some time off. However, as long as he remains in the lineup as a starter, Barea will be a valuable starting option in all formats. (Updated 04/12/2012).
04/14/2012 22:41 Durant, Westbrook score 78 in win
Kevin Durant scored 43 points and Russell Westbrook had 35 and eight assists to keep the Oklahoma City Thunder atop the Western Conference with a 115-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
04/12/2012 18:01 Timberwolves All-Star Love out vs. Clippers with concussion
Timberwolves All-Star Kevin Love has been cleared to return to Minnesota, but it is uncertain when his concussion will allow him to return to the court. Love was ruled out of the game Thursday night against the Clippers.
04/11/2012 23:51 Love leaves early in Wolves loss
Ty Lawson scored 24 points, including four free throws in the final 17.6 seconds, to help the Denver Nuggets hold on for a 113-107 win Wednesday night over a Minnesota Timberwolves squad that was missing Kevin Love after the All-Star forward went out with a mild concussion in the first quarter.
04/09/2012 09:12 Week 16 Start 'Em and Sit 'Em
J.J. Barea takes his turn at running the Timberwolves, with injuries knocking out Ricky Rubio and now Luke Ridnour. Our Chris Towers touches on that and much more in this week's Start 'Em and Sit 'Em.
04/02/2012 12:34 What's on the Schedule: Week 15
What does Week 15 offer you for a title push? Our Adam Moore has you covered in his latest schedule breakdown.
Is J.J. Barea on the verge of a breakout? Probably not while Jason Kidd and Jason Terry are both on the Mavericks' roster and healthy. However, Barea has carved out enough of a niche to be considered a worthwhile addition in deeper Fantasy leagues despite playing time that will not surpass 20 minutes per game on most nights. A solid outside shooter and an adequate passer, Barea is trusted by the Mavs to run the offense during those instances when the first unit needs a breather. The result last season was a career-best 9.5 points and 3.9 assists with nearly a 3-pointer per game. Consider him adequate insurance for Kidd in deeper formats, but we suspect Barea will be mostly waiver wire fodder again this season. (Updated 8/28/11)
