Fantasy Basketball Daily News and Notes (2/15/11)
Feb 15, 2011 Blog
George Hill/Gary Neal (SAS) – These two guys have become interchangeable lately, but Hill is probably the better player to own for keeper leagues. Both should be good bench plays in the second half since the Spurs will likely start cutting minutes for Ginobili and Parker as the season winds down toward the playoffs.
DeJuan Blair (SAS) – Another double-double, 10pts/11reb. He’s averaging 15.4 points and 12.0 rebounds over his last 5 games.
Brook Lopez (NJN) – Was the high scorer for the Nets with 11 points on 16 shot attempts. He did add 10 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks to salvage a decent fantasy night.
Pau Gasol (LAL) – Gasol was the only bright spot in the Laker loss to the Bobcats, 17pts/10reb/5ast/2stl.
Kobe Bryant (LAL) – Played through the flu Monday and put up a very mediocre line, 8 of 20 for 20 points and 5 turnovers. Shannon Brown wasn’t much better backing him up going 2 of 9 for 4 points.
D.J. Augustin (CHA) – Paul Silas decided to stick it to daily fantasy cash game players last night by declaring Augustin as likely out and then starting him. I saw Shaun Livingston on a lot of rosters last night. He also pulled the same trick with Boris Diaw saying that he wouldn’t start as a penalty for missing shootaround and then running him out there to start the game. Keep this in mind when daily fantasy decisions involve Bobcat players.
Stephen Jackson (CHA) – As if the Silas lies weren’t bad enough, many owners started Jackson expecting him to be the focal point of the offense with Augustin out, however he decided to stink it up shooting 3 of 10 for 9 points, 3reb/5ast. Double Bobcat whammy.
Josh Smith (ATL) – Great line for JSmoove, 27pts/14reb/3stl and 11 0f 17 from the floor.
Mike Bibby (ATL) – Bibby almost messed around and put up a triple-double, 17pts/6reb/7ast.
Joe Johnson (ATL) – Suffered a minor ankle injury. Check it before his next start.
Rip Hamilton (DET) – Spent his Valentine’s day with a groin injury. Bad luck.
Greg Monroe (DET) – Monroe is slumping badly, but it’s the perfect opportunity if someone in your keeper league gives up and drops him. He’s a great add in keeper leagues, so keep an eye out.
Blake Griffin (LAC) – Solid line, 19pts/12reb/6ast. I’ve also noticed that Griffin has improved his free throw shooting lately. He’s still only around 62% for the year, but it’s a lot better than the low 50 range where he spent the first couple of months of the season. It would be a huge help to fantasy owners if he could just get it in the high 60’s/low 70’s.
Randy Foye (LAC) – He’s done a great job filling in for Eric Gordon, but his run may come to an end with Gordon expected back just after the all-star break.
Carlos Delfino (MIL) – Becoming a great possible second half fantasy play, 26pts/9reb/3stl. He also went 7 of 10 from three. Grab him off the wire for a nice stretch run.
John Salmons (MIL) – A surprise 12 assists Monday.
Ersan Ilyasova (MIL) – Left Monday’s game in the first quarter with an eye injury and didn’t return.
Dante Cunningham (POR) – Getting a chance to shine with Camby out, 18pts/13ast. This is probably just a one time deal and I still wouldn’t pick him up.
DeMarcus Cousins (SAC) – He should be back tonight for the Kings. Sacramento is just going to have to suck it up and keep running him out there. This is exactly the risk they knew they were taking when they drafted him, so they can’t change course now.
Martell Webster (MIN) – Returned from injury and had a pretty good game, 17pts/6reb. He’s worth a short term add with Michael Beasley hurting.
Luke Ridnour/Jonny Flynn (MIN) – This is an aggravating timeshare. Flynn looks great on some days and completely lost on others. Avoid them both for now.
Carmelo Anthony (DEN) – Bad shooting night for Melo going 4 of 14 for 16 points. He also suffered a minor shoulder injury. Hopefully he gets his head right for the second half, especially once the trade deadline passes.
Kevin Martin (HOU) – Just 3 of 11 for 13 points.
Kyle Lowery/Aaron Brooks (HOU) – Much like the Ridnour/Flynn situation, this is just a horribly unpredictable timeshare. Houston really needs to pick one guy and roll with him as the starter. Probably avoid them both for now.
Courtney Lee (HOU) – Keep an eye on Lee, he could be headed out of Houston. He could be worth a waiver wire gamble if you have a spot.
O.J. Mayo (MEM) – Returns from his 10 game suspension tonight. Give him a look if you have an open spot. If he doesn’t crank it up soon, he’s probably going to be fantasy irrelevant for the rest of the season and you can safely drop him.
Tags: fantasy basketball