Fantasy Basketball Daily News and Notes (12/31/11)
Dec 31, 2011 Blog
First, I have to apologize for not getting you guys daily articles this week, it’s been crazy here at my house over the holidays and writing time has been in short supply. Things should get back to a normal routine starting Tuesday and you can look for new daily postings between 4:00 and 5:00 PM EST each day.
Congratulations to ClevelandSmokers, GaussUnit and Lmeas11 for taking the top three spots in the Fanduel $500 Fantasy Basketball Freeroll Tournament last night. Nice job guys. Luis Scola decided to lay a 5 fantasy point egg for me, so my team only managed 257 points, leaving me in the middle of the tournament pack. The great thing with daily fantasy games though is I get to pick a totally new team today! No Scola.
Also, next week I’ll be focusing articles more geared toward daily fantasy action now that most everyone has already drafted. I’m going to put together a preview of each night’s action with a review of all the daily fantasy basketball tournaments, starting rosters for each team, injury news, game previews and some player picks. There will still be plenty of stuff included for season long leaguers too, like waiver wire pickups. I’ll be posting each day between 4:00 and 5:00 PM EST, so look for it then.
Player News:
Monta Ellis (GSW) – He’s out today for a funeral, so make sure to replace him with someone active in your daily leagues.
Al Jefferson (UTA) – Missed last night’s game with an ankle injury. Derrick Favors and Paul Millsap with both see some extra minutes and will be good daily plays. Favors really took advantage of the extra minutes last night putting up 20pt/11reb.
Stephen Curry (GSW) – He’ll be back in action today, but it might be wise to keep him benched for a game just to see what kind of condition he’s in. You can also park Brandon Rush back on the bench, although I do like Rush as a pickup if you can use a sixth man, offense off the bench type of guy who will get 25-30 minutes a night.
Andrew Bynum (LAL) – Bynum is done serving his four game suspension, so don’t forget to plug him back into your roster. Get Josh McRoberts back on your bench.
Spencer Hawes (PHI) – Not sure what’s gotten into Hawes, but he’s a must add off the waiver wire. 15pt/13reb with 3 blocks Friday.
Kyrie Irving (CLE) – It looks like Irving has outright claimed the point guard spot for the Cavs. His competition, Ramon Sessions, only saw the court for 19 minutes compared to 34 for Irving.
Byron Mullens (CHA) – I didn’t figure I’d be posting anything about Mullens this year, but he’s actually getting a look with the centerless Bobcats. He could help in very deep leagues.
MarShon Brooks (NJN) – Brooks is making a strong case to claim the starting SG spot in New Jersey. He’s gone for 17, 17 and 20 points over his last three. Check your wire to see if he’s still out there.
Greg Monroe (DET) – Monroe is finally snapping out of his early season slump. 22pt/9reb with 2 steals. He picks up great steals numbers for a big man.
Marcin Gortat (PHO) – Gortat was also a little slow getting started this season, but seems to be waking up, 12pt/7reb/4blk. He’s going to be a great fantasy player this year.
Dwyane Wade (MIA) – There was some talk of Wade being a gametime decision last night, but he looked fine. Keep him in your roster.
Ricky Rubio (MIN) – Rubio looks like a triple double threat every time he steps on the court. He’s a much better rebounder than I expected. 12pt/6reb/12ast Friday. Luke Ridnour should not be seeing more than 15 minutes a night, but these are the same Timberwolves who started last season limiting Kevin Love in the same way they are Rubio. Another week or two and I think Rubio is seeing 33-35 MPG consistently.
Leandro Barbosa (TOR) – I have no idea why the Raptors don’t trade this guy. He would be a huge fantasy asset if he could just get out of Toronto.
Ian Mahimni (DAL) – It’s looking more obvious that Brendan Haywood isn’t the answer in Dallas. Mahinmi picked up 29 minutes at center Friday and is definitely worth a look if you need center help in a deep league.
Andrei Kirilenko (FA) – He’s staying in Russia, so drop him and find a replacement.
Tags: fantasy basketball