Fantasy Basketball Daily News and Notes (1/16/11)
Jan 16, 2011 Blog
Kevin Martin (HOU) – The backcourt for Houston has evolved into a bit of a fantasy mess right now. Kevin Martin got the start, but only played 20 minutes because Houston wanted to ride the hot hand of Aaron Brooks while also playing Lowery. Not sure how Kevin Martin can be the odd man out in that situation, but that’s how it worked out last night. The only reasoning that I can figure is that maybe the wrist isn’t 100% yet. Keep an eye on this situation.
Chuck Hayes (HOU) – He’s back from injury and starting at center for the Rockets. He’s a useful pickup if you need help at center, 12pts/8reb.
Jordan Hill (HOU) – Hill still got 3o minutes with Hayes available, 16pts/8reb. Hill is the better pickup at center for the Rockets if you are in a keeper league.
Al Horford (ATL) – Made a run at a triple-double, 24pts/10reb/8ast. Horford is averaging nearly 5 assists over his last 5 games, which is a huge bonus for fantasy owners.
Jose Calderon (TOR) – Also got close to a triple double against the Wizards, 21pts/9reb/15ast. 9 rebounds is a pretty good night for a guy with a 2.4 rebound per game career average.
Ed Davis (TOR) – Davis is looking like a pretty good gamble for keeper league owners, 15pts/8reb. Amir Johnson is no sure thing at PF for next season.
Andray Blatche (WAS) – Blatche was able to return from his shoulder injury and had a 17pts/13reb line in 40 minutes. Get him active.
JaVale McGee (WAS) – 6 blocks, 10pts/11reb.
John Wall (WAS) – Bad shooting night, 4-14, and his season FG percentage now stands at 39.5%. That has to improve.
Trevor Ariza (NOR) – 6 steals.
Marcus Thornton (NOR) – Limited to 14 minutes. Give him another couple of games and then drop him if you are in a single season league. If you are in a keeper league, be aware that the only way Thornton is going to be wothwhile is with a trade.
Tyreke Evans (SAC) – The Kings decided to run their chronically injured franchise player for 42 minutes last night. We’ll see if he again pulls up lame in his next one. The Kings are 9-29 and I just don’t see the need to run Evans like this. Just let him get healthy, you aren’t going anywhere this season, so why risk his long term health?
Tracy McGrady (DET) – It was fun while it lasted, but McGrady got hurt again last night after only 10 minutes of action. I knew he was going to burn me in daily cash games, and he did.
Greg Monroe (DET) – Keeps rolling, 11pts/7reb/2stl. Monroe is averaging 2.4 steals over his last 5 games. For comparison, Rajon Rondo is second in the league with 2.4 steals per game this season. We’ll see if Monroe has the ability to keep this going over the long run.
Rip Hamilton (DET) – Another DNP-CD. This has to be trade related. No way would the Pistons just bench him for three games for no reason. If you see an owner dump Hamilton out of frustration, be ready to swipe him off the wire.
LeBron James (MIA) – Missed again with the ankle sprain.
Chris Bosh (MIA) – Tweaked an ankle, check his next gametime status.
Carlos Boozer (CHI) – Suffered an ankle injury and it could be severe. Check it later for further results. Taj Gibson could get some extra run if Boozer is out.
Dwight Howard (ORL) – Subpar game, 16pts/9reb.
Kevin Love (MIN) – Was limited by Dwight Howard, 11pts/15reb.
Corey Brewer (MIN) – Nice game, 8-15 for 23 points. He’s getting some starts and could be a nice short term pickup.
Dirk Nowitzki (DAL) – Returned to the court but got ejected after 15 minutes. A very cruel trick on fantasy owners who felt smart for researching his return and playing him.
Zach Randolph (MEM) – 23pts/20reb.
O.J. Mayo (MEM) – 1 for 10 shooting for 2 points. He really needs a trade to get his head right again. The Grizzlies have really destroyed his confidence by benching him and altering his minutes nightly.
Mo Williams (CLE) – He was looking for a reason to shut it down and he found one last night, hip flexor injury. No word on how long Williams is going to sit out pouting. Ramon Sessions should be a good play with Williams out.
Manny Harris (CLE) – Only 5-14 shooting for 14 points, but he does have the ability to contribute in other categories, 7reb/4ast/1stl/1blk. He’s in the right situation to gain some fantasy value and might be worth a gamble for the second half of the season.
Brook Lopez (NJN) – He’s slowly morphing into Andrea Bargnani, 32pts/3reb.
Nicolas Batum (POR) – Emerging as a solid fantasy value after a month long slump, 23pts/6reb.
Tags: fantasy basketball