A huge update this time, considering there hasn’t been a Horns in the League report since the UCLA trip…

T.J. Ford averaged 12.3 points per game over the last six Toronto contests, including 26 points against the Hawks prior to his injury in the final minutes. T.J. also had 29 assists over the last two weeks, although Jose Calderon still saw a solid chunk of time at the point following Ford’s neck stinger. The Raptors went 3-3 over Ford’s six games, putting them solidly in second place in the Atlantic division. And with Boston playing out of their minds, that’s about all the Raps can ask for at this point.

Kevin Durant and the Sonics have really put things together since our last update, going 5-3 over the last two weeks and passing Minnesota as they vacated the Northwest Division cellar. KD averaged 21.8 PPG over that stretch, including three games of 30 points or more. He is currently the leading rookie scorer in the league and 27th-best overall, checking in with 20.2 points per contest.

Plantar fascitis has knocked LaMarcus Aldridge out of commission for at least a week, but the former Horn was playing solid ball prior to the injury. L.A. had two dub-dubs in the five games since our last update and averaged 18.2 PPG and 7.6 RPG. The Trail Blazers moved slightly closer to .500 over these last two weeks, winning their last four games after dropping the first two. Portland’s 11-12 record has them only 3.5 games back of the Nuggets.

Daniel Gibson also missed a game this week, but it was a sore wisdom tooth that sidelined D-Gib. He returned last night, however, and scored twelve points while shooting 3-of-4 from behind the arc. Gibson averaged 14.8 points over his last six games, although the Cavs lost every one as they struggled without LeBron James in five of them.

Royal Ivey has seen a lot more playing time in December, averaging 18 minutes per game this month. Royale With Cheese is putting up modest numbers with his increased playing time, chipping in 4.5 points, two rebounds, and two assists per game. The Bucks are on a skid, though, having lost nine of their last eleven games.

The Lakers are sitting at second in the Pacific Division, having won four straight until last night’s close loss to Golden State. Chris Mihm hasn’t played for the Lake Show since December 5th, however, and there is no injury news that explains his absence. Mihm was struggling prior to his disappearance, averaging only 4.8 points in 19 minutes over his last four games.

Maurice Evans is seeing more playing time with the Magic than he ever did with the Lakers, averaging 21 minutes per game this month. Mo has logged 6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in December and has helped defensively with seven steals and four blocks. Orlando is still the second-best team in the Eastern Conference at 17-7, sitting a half-game ahead of the Pistons.

Tonight

D-Gib and the Cavs look to break out of their funk when they host the 76ers. (6:30 PM CST)

It’s a battle in the frozen north when the Timberwolves visit Royal Ivey and the Bucks. (7:30 PM)

The Sonics and Kevin Durant hope to keep their momentum going as they travel to Utah. (8 PM)