The All-Star break is over and we’re heading into the stretch drive just before the fantasy playoffs start. If it feels like this season is flying by, it’s not your imagination. We’ll be wrapping things up before you know it and you’ll be dialed into your fantasy baseball teams in a few weeks (got your Draft Guide yet?). But until then, there’s still time for you to make moves and force your way into the playoffs in your hoops league. Here are some guys who can help make it happen. And if you haven't done so, check me out on Twitter.
Guards
Jordan Crawford Wizards – Crawford is owned in 84 percent of ESPN leagues, but that also means he’s still available in 16 percent of them. He’s not only starting over Nick Young (at least for the moment), but is averaging 22 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.2 3-pointers and shooting over 50 percent over his last five games.
Devin Harris Jazz – Harris is finally showing signs of life after being a serious first-half bust. He’s owned in 62 percent of leagues, and is averaging 14 points, 5.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 3-pointers over his last five games. He’s also scored in double digits in four straight games and should be fine, despite leaving his last game due to nausea.
Jason Richardson Magic - Richardson is averaging 12 points, four boards, two assists, a steal and two 3-pointers in his three games since returning from a chest virus and is available in about 30 percent of fantasy leagues. If he can stay healthy, he could have a big second half for the Magic.
Anthony Morrow Nets – Morrow, owned in about 45 percent of leagues, is averaging just nine points over his last five games and has been inconsistent coming off the bench. He has big-game potential and has scored 17 and 15 points in two of those five games, but had just two, four and nine points in the other three. He’s at 1.4 steals and 1.2 3-pointers over that stretch. Morrow isn’t a must-own player due to his inconsistency, but if your team needs a boost in 3-point shooting, he should be able to help.
Leandro Barbosa Raptors - Barbosa has hit double digits in scoring in four straight games and is averaging 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, nearly a steal and nearly a 3-pointer per game over his last five. He’s available in about 90 percent of fantasy leagues out there and appears to be heating up.
Others to Consider
Greivis Vasquez Hornets – He’s starting over Jarrett Jack and should continue to do so, although Jack will likely average more minutes per game than Vasquez. He’s available in about half the leagues out there and should be a serviceable starting point guard in deeper leagues. And if Jack is traded or injured, Vasquez becomes a must-own player.
Roddy Beaubois Mavericks – Roddy Buckets has played well over his last couple games and could be poised for a nice second half. Jason Kidd and Vince Carter are the starting guards for Dallas, but Beaubois should see a lot of minutes going forward, and should be considered a second-half sleeper. UPDATE: Roddy started over Vinsanity on Friday and if the move sticks, it will bump Beaubois into must-own territory pretty quickly.
Richard Hamilton Bulls – Hamilton is working his way back from a groin injury and the Bulls are going to baby him along. He’s not worth using in fantasy leagues right now, but if he fully heals and gets rolling, he’ll become a hot pickup.
Gary Neal Spurs – The clock might be ticking on Neal, who had a big game on Wednesday, but until Manu Ginobili is back, he looks like the safest bet of the guards in San Antonio.
Small Forwards
Hedo Turkoglu Magic - Turkoglu isn’t available in many leagues, but could be in yours. I dropped him in a league over the last couple weeks during his slump, which could come back to bite me at some point. He’s scored 11 points in three straight games and is averaging that number over his last five. He’s also at nearly four boards, four assists, a steal, a block and two 3-pointers over that stretch, and has hit 8-of-15 shots over his last two. His shooting is the wild card, but if he gets hot, and he might be doing so as we speak, he could put up some monster numbers.
Carlos Delfino Bucks - Delfino is still available in 30 percent of ESPN leagues and that number could be climbing if he doesn’t break out of the miserable shooting slump he’s in right now. He’s hit just 17-of-57 shots over his last five games, averaging a meager nine points. But he’s also averaging five rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.6 steals, 0.4 blocks and 1.8 3-pointers over that stretch. In other words, if he keeps getting 30-plus minutes from Scott Skiles and ever breaks out of the shooting slump, he could be a real beast.
Corey Maggette Bobcats – Maggette is still available in about 65 percent of the leagues out there, despite starting for Charlotte and averaging 16 points, three rebounds, an assist and 0.6 3-pointers over his last five games. He’s an injury waiting to happen and is constantly struggling with his legs, but plugging him into your lineup and riding him until he breaks isn’t a bad idea.
Josh Howard Jazz - Howard was only owned in three percent of fantasy leagues on Friday morning, despite starting several games in a row and playing well for the Jazz. It looks like he’s locked and loaded as the starting small forward in Utah and has scored between 12 and 19 points in each of his last four games. He’s also averaging nearly seven rebounds, two assists, more than a steal and 0.5 3-pointers over that stretch. Like Maggette, he’s an injury in waiting to happen, but I kind of like the idea of rolling with Howard right now.
Linas Kleiza Raptors – Kleiza, who is only owned in about seven percent of ESPN leagues, blew up for 21 points, four rebounds and five 3-pointers in his last game and now appears to be over the knee injury that kept him out for three games. He was really heating up prior to the injury and should be ready to pick up where he left off. He’ll be inconsistent coming off the bench, but should be a good source of three and boards going forward.
Steve Novak Knicks - Novak is on fire, hitting 20-of-36 3-pointers over his last five games, good for an average of four per contest, and is averaging nearly 14 points per game over that stretch. He’s a one-trick pony and will have to eventually cool off, but is currently one of the top 3-point shooters in the world. He’s also available in almost all leagues right now.
Wilson Chandler – We still don’t know when or where Chandler is going to show up, although Denver seems like the most probable choice. It’s going to be crowded there with guys like Arron Afflalo, Danilo Gallinari and Andre Miller around, but Chandler has the skill set to produce, even in limited minutes. While I don’t consider him a must-own player, he might be worth stashing in a deep league.
The All-Star break is over and we’re heading into the stretch drive just before the fantasy playoffs start. If it feels like this season is flying by, it’s not your imagination. We’ll be wrapping things up before you know it and you’ll be dialed into your fantasy baseball teams in a few weeks (got your Draft Guide yet?). But until then, there’s still time for you to make moves and force your way into the playoffs in your hoops league. Here are some guys who can help make it happen. And if you haven't done so, check me out on Twitter.
Guards
Jordan Crawford Wizards – Crawford is owned in 84 percent of ESPN leagues, but that also means he’s still available in 16 percent of them. He’s not only starting over Nick Young (at least for the moment), but is averaging 22 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.2 3-pointers and shooting over 50 percent over his last five games.
Devin Harris Jazz – Harris is finally showing signs of life after being a serious first-half bust. He’s owned in 62 percent of leagues, and is averaging 14 points, 5.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 3-pointers over his last five games. He’s also scored in double digits in four straight games and should be fine, despite leaving his last game due to nausea.
Jason Richardson Magic - Richardson is averaging 12 points, four boards, two assists, a steal and two 3-pointers in his three games since returning from a chest virus and is available in about 30 percent of fantasy leagues. If he can stay healthy, he could have a big second half for the Magic.
Anthony Morrow Nets – Morrow, owned in about 45 percent of leagues, is averaging just nine points over his last five games and has been inconsistent coming off the bench. He has big-game potential and has scored 17 and 15 points in two of those five games, but had just two, four and nine points in the other three. He’s at 1.4 steals and 1.2 3-pointers over that stretch. Morrow isn’t a must-own player due to his inconsistency, but if your team needs a boost in 3-point shooting, he should be able to help.
Leandro Barbosa Raptors - Barbosa has hit double digits in scoring in four straight games and is averaging 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, nearly a steal and nearly a 3-pointer per game over his last five. He’s available in about 90 percent of fantasy leagues out there and appears to be heating up.
Others to Consider
Greivis Vasquez Hornets – He’s starting over Jarrett Jack and should continue to do so, although Jack will likely average more minutes per game than Vasquez. He’s available in about half the leagues out there and should be a serviceable starting point guard in deeper leagues. And if Jack is traded or injured, Vasquez becomes a must-own player.
Roddy Beaubois Mavericks – Roddy Buckets has played well over his last couple games and could be poised for a nice second half. Jason Kidd and Vince Carter are the starting guards for Dallas, but Beaubois should see a lot of minutes going forward, and should be considered a second-half sleeper. UPDATE: Roddy started over Vinsanity on Friday and if the move sticks, it will bump Beaubois into must-own territory pretty quickly.
Richard Hamilton Bulls – Hamilton is working his way back from a groin injury and the Bulls are going to baby him along. He’s not worth using in fantasy leagues right now, but if he fully heals and gets rolling, he’ll become a hot pickup.
Gary Neal Spurs – The clock might be ticking on Neal, who had a big game on Wednesday, but until Manu Ginobili is back, he looks like the safest bet of the guards in San Antonio.
Small Forwards
Hedo Turkoglu Magic - Turkoglu isn’t available in many leagues, but could be in yours. I dropped him in a league over the last couple weeks during his slump, which could come back to bite me at some point. He’s scored 11 points in three straight games and is averaging that number over his last five. He’s also at nearly four boards, four assists, a steal, a block and two 3-pointers over that stretch, and has hit 8-of-15 shots over his last two. His shooting is the wild card, but if he gets hot, and he might be doing so as we speak, he could put up some monster numbers.
Carlos Delfino Bucks - Delfino is still available in 30 percent of ESPN leagues and that number could be climbing if he doesn’t break out of the miserable shooting slump he’s in right now. He’s hit just 17-of-57 shots over his last five games, averaging a meager nine points. But he’s also averaging five rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.6 steals, 0.4 blocks and 1.8 3-pointers over that stretch. In other words, if he keeps getting 30-plus minutes from Scott Skiles and ever breaks out of the shooting slump, he could be a real beast.
Corey Maggette Bobcats – Maggette is still available in about 65 percent of the leagues out there, despite starting for Charlotte and averaging 16 points, three rebounds, an assist and 0.6 3-pointers over his last five games. He’s an injury waiting to happen and is constantly struggling with his legs, but plugging him into your lineup and riding him until he breaks isn’t a bad idea.
Josh Howard Jazz - Howard was only owned in three percent of fantasy leagues on Friday morning, despite starting several games in a row and playing well for the Jazz. It looks like he’s locked and loaded as the starting small forward in Utah and has scored between 12 and 19 points in each of his last four games. He’s also averaging nearly seven rebounds, two assists, more than a steal and 0.5 3-pointers over that stretch. Like Maggette, he’s an injury in waiting to happen, but I kind of like the idea of rolling with Howard right now.
Linas Kleiza Raptors – Kleiza, who is only owned in about seven percent of ESPN leagues, blew up for 21 points, four rebounds and five 3-pointers in his last game and now appears to be over the knee injury that kept him out for three games. He was really heating up prior to the injury and should be ready to pick up where he left off. He’ll be inconsistent coming off the bench, but should be a good source of three and boards going forward.
Steve Novak Knicks - Novak is on fire, hitting 20-of-36 3-pointers over his last five games, good for an average of four per contest, and is averaging nearly 14 points per game over that stretch. He’s a one-trick pony and will have to eventually cool off, but is currently one of the top 3-point shooters in the world. He’s also available in almost all leagues right now.
Wilson Chandler – We still don’t know when or where Chandler is going to show up, although Denver seems like the most probable choice. It’s going to be crowded there with guys like Arron Afflalo, Danilo Gallinari and Andre Miller around, but Chandler has the skill set to produce, even in limited minutes. While I don’t consider him a must-own player, he might be worth stashing in a deep league.
Power Forwards
Brandon Bass Hornets - Bass is starting for the Celtics at power forward now that his back injury is behind him and is averaging 14 points, seven boards, a steal and a block in his two starts. Jermaine O’Neal’s season is in the balance as he contemplates wrist surgery, meaning Kevin Garnett should start at center, and Bass at power forward, until further notice. I like the idea of grabbing him right now.
Gustavo Ayon Hornets - Ayon is averaging nearly eight points, seven rebounds, two assists, 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks over his last five games as the starting power forward for the Hornets. The problem is that Carl Landry is eventually going to return, but Jason Smith is now iffy to return this season from a concussion. Either way, in my opinion, Ayon needs to keep his starting job and continue to develop for the future. But whether the Stern-led Hornets agree or not is another matter. He's not a must-own player just yet, but is edging his way into that territory.
Amir Johnson Raptors – Johnson is owned in less than 40 percent of leagues and is starting (for now) for the Raptors. He’s averaging nearly nine points, eight rebounds, two assists, 0.6 steals and two blocks over his last five games, but will likely take a hit when Andrea Bargnani returns, which should happen next week.
Andray Blatche Wizards – Blatche is available in about 70 percent of fantasy leagues and is due back from a calf injury on Saturday. He’s averaging 10 points, seven boards, a steal and 0.7 blocks in 17 games this season, but it remains to be seen what his role will be for Randy Wittman when he returns. You can expect him be worked back into the mix slowly, as well as come off the bench, but the talent level is too good to sleep on. I’m not rushing out to pick Blatche up, but do have him on my radar.
Kenneth Faried Nuggets - Faried is still not owned in most leagues despite averaging nearly eight points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block over his last five games. Nene will be back in the near future, but there’s still an outside chance the Nuggets could play him at center and allow Faried to keep his starting job. However, that scenario is probably unlikely. But until you see Nene play again, Faried is a decent add.
Jason Thompson Kings - Thompson is averaging eight points, eight boards and nearly a block per game over his last five, but has been very inconsistent. His up and down play is frustrating in fantasy, but a recent injury to J.J. Hickson could give him a few more minutes per game.
Centers
Drew Gooden Bucks - In two games since returning from a wrist injury, Gooden is at 19 points, nine rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and a block per game. He’s available in roughly 20 percent of fantasy leagues and has been a beast nearly every time Andrew Bogut has been out. Consider him a must-own player when healthy.
Bismack Biyombo Bobcats - Biyombo is averaging five points, seven rebounds, 0.6 steals and 3.6 blocks per game over his last five, but will miss Friday’s game with a strained left shoulder. He left Wednesday’s game after just nine minutes with the injury, or his recent numbers would look better. He’s entering must-own territory, although the injury is a buzzkill. Once he’s fully healthy, the Bobcats should give him all the minutes he can handle.
Ekpe Udoh Warriors – With Biyombo hurting, Udoh now takes the lead as the hot, unknown pickup. He’s averaging nine points, five rebounds, a steal and 1.6 blocks over his last five games, despite some inconsistent run. He saw more than 30 minutes in two of those, but was limited in the other three. The Warriors have no reason to hold him back any longer, and even though he might not start, they simply have to give him 30 minutes per game going forward.
Zaza Pachulia Hawks - Pachulia has been filling in admirably for Al Horford and is surprisingly averaging seven points, 10 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals and a block per game over his last five. Horford’s not coming back anytime soon and Erick Dampier is not the answer. If you need a reliable, serviceable center, Zaza should fit the bill.
Tristan Thompson Cavaliers - Thompson is another young guy available in nearly every league and is averaging 9.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 1.2 blocks over his last five games. He’s scored double figures in four of those, but the biggest concern is what happens to his minutes when Anderson Varejao is back. Like some of the other players I’ve mentioned, the Cavs aren’t going anywhere this season and holding Thompson back would be a disservice to him and the organization. My guess is he’ll see between 25-30 minutes the rest of the way, one way or another.
Tiago Splitter/DeJuan Blair Spurs – Blair has been a hot pick-and-play over the last 10 days with Splitter out with a calf injury, but Splitter was back in action on Wednesday, when he had five points, four boards and a block in 18 minutes. Blair is at 14 points, 6.6 rebounds, a steal and 0.4 blocks over his last five, but in the end, these two are likely to cancel out each other’s potential. If I had to pick one of them to play going forward, Splitter would be the one – simply because he was the guy Gregg Popovich was rolling with prior to the injury.