In leagues with weekly changes one of the best ways to rack up stats is to squeeze extra games out of your roster. While superstars should be started every week, scheduling will factor in when deciding whom to round out your roster with. This is an in-depth look at the schedule for each week, identifying teams with extra games and favorable matchups to help you take advantage.
Two Games: San Antonio
Three Games: Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Golden State, Houson, Indiana, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Portland, Toronto
Four Games: Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, Sacramento, Utah, Washington
There’s not much to be gleaned from this, as only San Antonio plays two games next week. PG Tony Parker and PF/C Tim Duncan are the only definite plays on this team, though PF Dejuan Blair and SG Manu Ginobili could be useful options if you’re in trouble. Hopefully, though, there are better options available.
Good Schedules
Atlanta (@POR, @SAC, @CHA, DEN)—Atlanta gets four games this week, including two against Sacramento and Denver. Those two figure to be high-possession affairs, meaning guy like PG Jeff Teague and SG Jamal Crawford could see a nice uptick in value this week. I like Crawford more of the two, but either could be used in deeper leagues. Of course the usual suspects (Bibby, Johnson, Smith, Horford) should all be started as usual. SF Marvin Williams might also be worth a thought, but I’m passing on him until he shows any consistency.
Orlando (@DET, PHO, DET, OKC)—While the two games against the Pistons aren’t anything to get excited about, Orlando can score with anyone. It’s in the other games that they’ll get the chance to do just that. Look for C Dwight Howard to have big games all week, as none the teams Orlando plays this week have a center that can even consider matching up with him. Beyond the usual suspects, this week JJ Redick, PF Ryan Anderson, and maybe even PF Brandon Bass deserve your attention. I like Anderson as a source for efficient three point shooting and some boards even after Rashard Lewis’ return.
Boston (@PHI, @MIN, PHO, @NJ)—Boston has a particularly favorable schedule, including two games against Phoenix, and a Minnesota team that had ten blocked shots against the Nets. This makes C Kendrick Perkins a particularly attractive play, and he’s available in 63% of ESPN leagues. He could be a difference maker in the block category.
Golden State (MEM, LAC, @SAC)—Most every week there are a plethora of Warriors that have fantasy value, but this week their opponents all happen to take the same “defense optional” approach that Nelly does. Beyond Ellis, Jackson, and Biedrins I’d suggest looking at PG Stephen Curry, PF Anthony Randolph, SG Anthony Morrow. Morrow in particular could be a great source of threes, as the Warriors have made it a point to get Morrow more open looks. SG Kelenna Azubuike could be a nice all-around sleeper for this week as well.
Pickup Picks
PG—Brandon Jennings—After nearly putting up a triple double in his first game and leading the team in scoring in each of the first two games, it’s time to recognize the potential of Mr. Jennings. Though continuing the pace of his first two games is unreasonable, he will clearly contribute in points and assists, and may even throw in a steal or two. Doubts about his efficiency remain, but he looks to be a much better shooter than advertised, particularly when he can set his feet.
SG—Rasual Butler—Butler is very much the anti-Al Thornton, and on a team full of offensive options should get more of a look at SF this week. He needs to hit his threes to have value, but he finished 7-10 from behind the line against the Hornets this week.
SF—Danilo Gallinari—If Mike D’Antoni thinks he’s a good shooter, he’ll play. If he plays, he’ll score. Herego, he’ll score a bunch of points, particularly from behind the three point line. The Knicks have four games this week, three of which come against teams that struggled to defend the three last year. He should continue to post good numbers.
PF—Marreese Speights—Simply put, Marreese is a beast. The beneficiary of Elton Brand struggling a bit with Eddie Jordan’s Princeton-style offense, Speights has averaged 17-7 in almost 23 mpg this season. He has also thrown in a block and a .7 steals per game, making him a decent contributor in multiple categories. He should not be available in over 80% of Yahoo leagues, especially with center eligibility.
C—Marc Gasol—The man I picked up in my own leagues (ahead of Speights, if you’re curious) to solve my own center woes, Gasol looks like he’s poised to emerge from his brother’s floppy haired shadow. In only two full games (and the third, tonight against Denver, is sure to be another good one for Marc) he is averaging 20ppg, 11rpg, 2 blocks and 1.5 steals. With his only interior competition being the consistently lethargic Zach Randolph, Gasol makes an even better long term prospect than Speights.
Injury Watch
Vince Carter (SG—ORL)—Carter missed Sunday’s game in Toronto after suffering a sprained ankle in New Jersey Friday night. It’s not expected to be a long-term injury, but this is Vince Carter we’re talking about, so who knows. I’m inclined to think he’ll play in at least three of the Magic’s four games this week, making him a good play.
Pau Gasol (C—LAL)—Gasol will make the road trip with the Lakers this week, but that’s no guarantee he’ll play. It’s unclear when he’ll return, and all indications are that given Gasol’s heavy international duty, the Lakers will play it safe with him this in the short-term.
Richard Hamilton (SG—DET)—Rip missed the Pistons games on Friday and Saturday, and his status for practice on Monday is uncertain. Regardless of whether or not he returns, I’d sit him this week. His game is dependant on movement through screens to be effective, and turning on a bad ankle doesn’t bode well.
Devin Harris (PG—NJN)—Harris injured his groin and will miss this week at the very least. It’s safe to remove him from your lineups.
Josh Howard (SG—DAL)—Howard is close to returning, but it won’t be for all of this week. He’s a safe sit.
Allen Iverson (PG—MEM)—After missing the Grizzlies first few games, the Answer appears ready to return Monday night against the Kings in Sacramento.
Antawn Jamison (PF—WAS)—Jamison injured his shoulder this week and will be out for about a month. Remove him from your lineup.
Mehmet Okur (C-UTA)—Okur returned to practice after missing Utah’s game Friday
against the Clippers. Look for him to return Monday.
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