Tyreke Evan is Emerging for the Kings

Kings rookie Tyreke Evans started at shooting guard and hit 7-of-15 shots and 16-of-19 free throws on his way to a career-high 32 points in Saturday’s upset win over the Jazz. He added three boards, seven assists and a steal, despite leaving the game briefly after taking a Deron Williams elbow to the mouth. Evans, who started at SG for the injured Kevin Martin, is a good fit at the SG position due to his ability to get to the free-throw line. The future certainly looks bright for this emerging star.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Memphis

Memphis Grizzlies PG Mike Conley’s job as the starting point guard got a little safer on Saturday Allen Iverson has left the team for personal reasons. Who didn’t see this one coming? Iverson’s career might be coming to an end.

Cleveland

Cavaliers SF LeBron James scored 33 points to go along with eight rebounds, nine assists, three steals and two 3-pointers and one negative X-ray taken on his shooting hand after the win in New York Friday. Even with a sore hand, Jaes was able to hit 12-of-17 shots against the lonely Knicks. We don’t expect the injury to cause further problems for the king.

Chicago

Bulls C Joakim Noah had a career-high 21 points to go along with 16 rebounds and four blocks as the Bulls pulled off a comeback win over the Bobcats on Saturday. Noah, who played 41 minutes, could end up being the beneficiary from Tyrus Thomas’ broken arm. Fantasy owners should have Noah in the lineup full time at this point.

Atlanta

Hawks PF Josh Smith hit 8-of-10 shots and 6-of-8 free throws on his way to 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and six blocks as the Atlanta Hawks crushed the Nuggets in Atlanta on Saturday. Smith, who is off to the best start of his career, seems to have grown as a play which is evident by the fact that he hasn’t attempted a single 3-pointer this season.

Los Angelas

Lakers C Andrew Bynum and PF Pau Gasol are not likely to play for the Lakers on Sunday due to their lingering injuries, although they are technically listed as game-time decisions. Phil Jackson indicated that he is hopeful that three days of rest the team will have after Sunday’s game will make both of them available for Thursday’s game against Phoenix Suns.

New Jersey

Nets Guard-Forward Chris Douglas-Roberts has tested positive for Swine Flu, but the worst has passed and he is reportedly feeling better. No word on how long he’ll be out, but we’re guessing this means he won’t play on Saturday against Boston.