NBA Barometer: Thriving in Miami

RISERS

Luol Deng, SF, MIA - Deng has greatly improved his rebounding recently, with 9.8 RPG and six double-doubles in his last 10 games. The Heat's recent acquisition of Joe Johnson has allowed the former Bull to move to, and subsequently thrive at, the power forward position, so he should continue to see ample rebounding opportunities moving forward. While regular power forward Chris Bosh's health situation remains hazy, Deng is thriving thanks to Miami's newfound small-ball approach.

Devin Booker, SG, PHX - What a difference one week makes for Booker, as he finds himself in the risers section just seven days after being listed as a faller. The rookie finally found his shooting stroke after enduring a long slump, averaging 25.0 points and 6.3 assists over this past week. Look for him to continue to rain triples and score at a high rate for a Phoenix team aiming to develop its young talent down the stretch.

Al Jefferson, C, CHA - Jefferson continues to get more comfortable on the court, as his 25 minutes and 20 points Monday both marked highs since his Feb. 19 return from knee surgery. That effort, coupled with a 19-point game less than a week earlier, continued to prove that the veteran's scoring ability is still intact. Charlotte seems to slowly be inching Jefferson's minutes upward, bringing the center ever closer to his pre-injury scoring and rebounding production.

Carmelo Anthony, SF, NYK - While his Knicks are just 2-3 in their last five games, Anthony has been the model of consistency over that span with at least four assists and seven rebounds in every game to go along with 24.2 PPG. Melo continues to play hard for the flailing Knicks, and his inability to garner wins isn't through a lack of personal production. Many picked Anthony to fade after the All-Star break, but he continues to look healthy and is actually playing even more minutes of late.

Jerryd Bayless, SG, MIL - Between Michael Carter-Williams' season-ending injury and his own progress in the recovery from an ankle ailment, Bayless' stock is on the rise. The veteran has already dished out at least four assists on three different occasions in five games since returning, but that number should only go up as he gets accustomed to being tasked with Carter-Williams' former responsibility of spelling O.J. Mayo as the team's primary ball-handler. Bayless' 20 points in 37 minutes Monday bode well for his scoring moving forward, as it seems the coaching staff has finally deemed him healthy enough to take on additional minutes and a bigger role.

INJURIES

Zach Randolph, PF, MEM - Randolph is day-to-day after missing Monday's victory over Cleveland with a knee injury. His ability to log 31 minutes against the Suns just one night earlier suggests the ailment isn't too serious, but JaMychal Green will be asked to carry significant scoring and rebounding loads should Z-Bo be forced to miss extended time. Tony Allen stepped up offensively with a season-high 26 points for the injury-riddled Grizzlies, but it'd be highly surprising to see a repeat from the defensive-minded veteran regardless of who's available.

Mike Conley, PG, MEM - The Grizzlies just can't catch a break on the injury front, as their starting point guard's foot issue will keep him out for at least the next three to five days, at which point he will be reevaluated. Mario Chalmers put up 17 points and seven assists over 40 minutes Monday, and his performances during Conley's earlier absences suggest the backup is capable of carrying the mail offensively in the short term.

Michael Carter-Williams, PG, MIL - Carter-Williams is slated to have season-ending surgery on a torn labrum in his left hip Thursday. The Syracuse product had been coming off the bench prior to getting hurt, but his absence has still opened up around 30 minutes per game in the Milwaukee backcourt. Look for O.J. Mayo to stay in a starting role with Jerryd Bayless getting increased run off the bench for the remainder of the campaign.

FALLERS

Kevin Love, PF, CLE - Love has been horrendous three of 15 from the field in two games since taking a day off Friday, averaging just 12.0 PPG in what has actually been a step down from the uncharacteristically low 13.3 PPG he averaged in four games prior to sitting. The Cleveland offense currently runs through LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, and Love's single double-digit-rebound game over the last seven and perennial inability to accrue steals and blocks are making it hard for him to compensate for his offensive struggles.

Rodney Hood, SF, UTA - While a minor head injury suffered last Wednesday could explain Hood's poor performances Friday and Monday, it doesn't account for the mere 10.0 PPG, 4.7 APG and 3.2 RPG he's averaging over his last six games. The former Duke product is simply struggling to score at the moment, and isn't showing any signs of turning things around yet.

Nerlens Noel, PF, PHI - Noel struggled on the glass prior to suffering a minor knee injury, having been held below seven rebounds five times in his last seven appearances after having that happen to him only once in his previous 12. His owners rely on the low-scoring big man to get boards and hustle stats, but his recent rebounding woes suggest Noel can't be trusted to excel in those categories, even if he does return to action as scheduled Wednesday.

Jamal Crawford, SG, LAC - The return of Austin Rivers has really dug into Crawford's production, as the veteran's averages of 10.7PPG and 2.0APG over the last three games pale in comparison to the 19.4 PPG and 2.2 APG he managed in 10 games with the coach's son sidelined. Crawford's inefficient shooting makes him reliant on volume for success, and he simply isn't getting enough attempts off now that he once again has to share backcourt duties with Rivers.