The season is winding down and injuries are piling up. Hawks play-by-play man, Bob Rathbun and I had a conversation on Wednesday about the state of the league, and the bottom line is guys are tired and worn down. Many players are dealing with five games in six days situations, and the abbreviated schedule is wearing everyone in the league down. There should be plenty of solid options on your waiver wire, and I’ll break down a few of them below.
WEEKLY SCHEDULES
Here are the games played per week over the next three weeks for each team, ranked in order from best to worst.
Memphis 5-5-4 = 14 Games
Charlotte, Cleveland 4-5-4 = 13
Golden State, Miami, San Antonio 4-4-5 = 13
Sacramento 5-4-3 = 12
Boston 4-5-3 = 12
Dallas, Detroit, Indiana, Clippers, Lakers, Oklahoma City, Phoenix 4-4-4 = 12
Houston 3-4-5 =12
Milwaukee, Portland, Toronto, Utah, Washington 4-4-3 = 11
Philadelphia 4-3-4 = 11
Denver, Minnesota, New Orleans, New York, Orlando 3-4-4 = 11
New Jersey 4-3-3 = 10
Atlanta, Chicago 3-3-4 = 10
GUARDS
Iman Shumpert Knicks – Shumpert is officially hot and with news that Jeremy Lin is out again on Friday, and Amare Stoudemire is out indefinitely, he should stay that way. Shumpert, who is only owned in 10 percent of ESPN leagues currently, is averaging 18 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, a steal, 3.5 3-pointers and 33.5 minutes over his last two games, both starts for the Knicks. I have no idea if Mike Woodson will leave him in the starting lineup the rest of the way, but it’s starting to look that way. And with Carmelo Anthony’s groin appearing to be held together with thread and Elmer’s glue, Shumpert could be a beast the rest of the way. Just keep in mind the Knicks only play three times in the upcoming week, but then go 4-4.
Kemba Walker Bobcats – Paul Silas appears to be about done waiting for D.J. Augustin to get his stuff together and Walker has been playing well. He’s averaging 12.6 points, three boards, 5.6 assists and nearly a 3-pointer over his last five games. He only has one steal over that stretch, but it’s time to turn the kid loose, give him a starting job and let him get ready for next year. Especially since DJA is now also dealing with a knee injury, as well as a horrendous slump. The Cats go 4-5-4 over the next three weeks and Walker is still available in about 40 percent of the leagues out there. The latest news is that Augustin’s knee is feeling better and he’ll continue to start, but even off the bench, the minutes should still be there for Walker.
Gerald Green Nets – Green didn’t turn many heads when it was announced he signed a 10-day contract with the Nets last month, but that led to a full-time gig and he’s suddenly very relevant in fantasy, with injuries to Jordan Farmar and Anthony Morrow. Green is averaging 12 points, four rebounds, 1.6 steals a block and 1.6 3-pointers over his last five games, and those numbers jump up to 17 points, four boards, three steals and three 3-pointers in his last two. I don’t really trust him as much as I’d like to, but I threw him into my 30-Deep lineup this week (over Jeremy Lin) and it’s turned out to be a possible life-saving move, at least in terms of fantasy basketball. The Nets play four times next week, but then go 3-3 over the following two. I’m planning on riding him again next week, and then finding another option when the Nets schedule tails off. He’s only owned in five percent of ESPN leagues.
Tony Allen Grizzlies – The Grizzlies go 5-5 over the next two weeks, making Allen look like a great bet in fantasy leagues. Despite the schedule, he’s still only owned in 44 percent of leagues, and is averaging 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.4 blocks and 0.6 3-pointers over his last five games.
Shannon Brown Suns – Grant Hill will have knee surgery, putting the rest of his season in jeopardy, and Brown has gotten the start for him in the last two games. That trend should continue going forward and Brown should post numbers somewhere in between what he’s done in his last two games. He blew up for a career-high 32 points on Tuesday and backed it up with 10 points on Wednesday. Despite coming off the bench for three of his last five games, he’s still averaging 15 points, three rebounds and 1.6 3-pointers over his last five games, and should pick it up in the steals department if he continues to start. He’s available in almost all leagues, but should start showing up on teams as news of Hill’s surgery makes its way through the web. And with the Suns going 4-4-4 over the next three weeks, Brown is closer to a must-add player than anyone would think.
The season is winding down and injuries are piling up. Hawks play-by-play man, Bob Rathbun and I had a conversation on Wednesday about the state of the league, and the bottom line is guys are tired and worn down. Many players are dealing with five games in six days situations, and the abbreviated schedule is wearing everyone in the league down. There should be plenty of solid options on your waiver wire, and I’ll break down a few of them below.
WEEKLY SCHEDULES
Here are the games played per week over the next three weeks for each team, ranked in order from best to worst.
Memphis 5-5-4 = 14 Games
Charlotte, Cleveland 4-5-4 = 13
Golden State, Miami, San Antonio 4-4-5 = 13
Sacramento 5-4-3 = 12
Boston 4-5-3 = 12
Dallas, Detroit, Indiana, Clippers, Lakers, Oklahoma City, Phoenix 4-4-4 = 12
Houston 3-4-5 =12
Milwaukee, Portland, Toronto, Utah, Washington 4-4-3 = 11
Philadelphia 4-3-4 = 11
Denver, Minnesota, New Orleans, New York, Orlando 3-4-4 = 11
New Jersey 4-3-3 = 10
Atlanta, Chicago 3-3-4 = 10
GUARDS
Iman Shumpert Knicks – Shumpert is officially hot and with news that Jeremy Lin is out again on Friday, and Amare Stoudemire is out indefinitely, he should stay that way. Shumpert, who is only owned in 10 percent of ESPN leagues currently, is averaging 18 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, a steal, 3.5 3-pointers and 33.5 minutes over his last two games, both starts for the Knicks. I have no idea if Mike Woodson will leave him in the starting lineup the rest of the way, but it’s starting to look that way. And with Carmelo Anthony’s groin appearing to be held together with thread and Elmer’s glue, Shumpert could be a beast the rest of the way. Just keep in mind the Knicks only play three times in the upcoming week, but then go 4-4.
Kemba Walker Bobcats – Paul Silas appears to be about done waiting for D.J. Augustin to get his stuff together and Walker has been playing well. He’s averaging 12.6 points, three boards, 5.6 assists and nearly a 3-pointer over his last five games. He only has one steal over that stretch, but it’s time to turn the kid loose, give him a starting job and let him get ready for next year. Especially since DJA is now also dealing with a knee injury, as well as a horrendous slump. The Cats go 4-5-4 over the next three weeks and Walker is still available in about 40 percent of the leagues out there. The latest news is that Augustin’s knee is feeling better and he’ll continue to start, but even off the bench, the minutes should still be there for Walker.
Gerald Green Nets – Green didn’t turn many heads when it was announced he signed a 10-day contract with the Nets last month, but that led to a full-time gig and he’s suddenly very relevant in fantasy, with injuries to Jordan Farmar and Anthony Morrow. Green is averaging 12 points, four rebounds, 1.6 steals a block and 1.6 3-pointers over his last five games, and those numbers jump up to 17 points, four boards, three steals and three 3-pointers in his last two. I don’t really trust him as much as I’d like to, but I threw him into my 30-Deep lineup this week (over Jeremy Lin) and it’s turned out to be a possible life-saving move, at least in terms of fantasy basketball. The Nets play four times next week, but then go 3-3 over the following two. I’m planning on riding him again next week, and then finding another option when the Nets schedule tails off. He’s only owned in five percent of ESPN leagues.
Tony Allen Grizzlies – The Grizzlies go 5-5 over the next two weeks, making Allen look like a great bet in fantasy leagues. Despite the schedule, he’s still only owned in 44 percent of leagues, and is averaging 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.4 blocks and 0.6 3-pointers over his last five games.
Shannon Brown Suns – Grant Hill will have knee surgery, putting the rest of his season in jeopardy, and Brown has gotten the start for him in the last two games. That trend should continue going forward and Brown should post numbers somewhere in between what he’s done in his last two games. He blew up for a career-high 32 points on Tuesday and backed it up with 10 points on Wednesday. Despite coming off the bench for three of his last five games, he’s still averaging 15 points, three rebounds and 1.6 3-pointers over his last five games, and should pick it up in the steals department if he continues to start. He’s available in almost all leagues, but should start showing up on teams as news of Hill’s surgery makes its way through the web. And with the Suns going 4-4-4 over the next three weeks, Brown is closer to a must-add player than anyone would think.
GUARDS - THE REST
Baron Davis Knicks – Jeremy Lin is out again Friday and Davis should continue to start for as long as he’s out. Davis is dealing with a gimpy hammy and back, as usual, but is worth a look as long as Lin remains out with his knee injury.
O.J. Mayo Grizzlies – He plays five games in each of the next two weeks, and while his scoring and minutes have been a bit inconsistent, he’s worth a roll of the dice due to his schedule.
Nate Robinson Warriors – Robinson failed to score in his last game, but played solid minutes and is over his hamstring injury. He’ll be inconsistent, but should see plenty of minutes as long as Stephen Curry remains on the shelf – which should be for the remainder of the season.
MarShon Brooks Nets – Brooks is starting to come on again and scored 17 in his last game. The Nets have nothing to play for and would be wise to turn Brooks loose and let him finish on a high note.
Jose Juan Barea Timberwolves – Barea had a monster triple-double on Friday with 25-10-14, but hasn’t played since due to a thigh injury. Luke Ridnour is hot again, but is also banged up, and the two could share time once JJB is healthy again.
George Hill Pacers – After a pair of terrible games to start the week, Hill had 14 points, a steal, a block and a 3-pointer on Thursday. He’s going to be inconsistent while coming off the bench, but could still get hot and finish up strong for the Pacers.
Eric Gordon Hornets – The Hornets keep hinting that Gordon is close to a return, but I’m pretty much ignoring him. He just wants to prove to NBA teams that he can still play, but has appeared in just two games this season. And with three games next week, he doesn’t look like an option to me. However, the Hornets then go 4-4 and if he can stay healthy and get more minutes than Marco Belinelli, he could help owners out over the final few weeks. But I’m prepared to let someone else deal with the headaches he could bring with a setback.
Gary Forbes Raptors – Forbes double-doubled on Wednesday despite playing just 19 minutes, and was hot before that one, averaging about 16 points, eight boards and two 3-pointers over his last four. With Jerryd Bayless done for the year, Forbes should be the primary backup for Jose Calderon, but can also play SG and SF.
FORWARDS
Jason Thompson Kings – JT is back from his sprained ankle and had a great line on Wednesday when he had 15 points, seven boards, three steals and three blocks. Prior to the injury, he’d racked up five straight double-doubles, and is averaging 16 points, 12 boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks over his last three. He looks to be locked and loaded as a starter for the Kings and gets a boost with five games in the upcoming week. In other words, he’s a must-own player going forward, at least for the next two weeks, and is only owned in 66 percent of ESPN leagues.
Chandler Parsons Rockets – Parsons is still available in about 40 percent of leagues and is hot for the Rockets, averaging 15 points, nine rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals and two 3-pointers over his last five games. And with Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin still out indefinitely, Parsons appears locked and loaded for heavy minutes the rest of the way.
Gordon Hayward Jazz – Hayward has really turned it on recently, averaging 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.6 blocks and 0.8 3-pointers over his last five games, and appears to be ready to finish the season on a high note. The Jazz have four games in each of the next two weeks, and he looks like a must-own player to me, but is now available in less than 20 percent of the leagues out there.
Kawhi Leonard Spurs – Leonard has been a model of efficiency lately, easily hitting over 50 percent of his shots and averaging 13 points, eight boards, one assist, 1.2 steals, 0.4 blocks and a 3-pointer per game in 30 minutes a night. The Spurs play six sets of back-to-backs in April and Leonard’s young legs are going to win the favor of Gregg Popovich, while guys like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker aren’t going to be so lucky. The Spurs go 4-4-5 over the next three weeks and Leonard is still available in about 75 percent of leagues out there.
Alonzo Gee Cavaliers – Gee is still available in 60 percent of fantasy leagues and is averaging nine points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, a steal, 0.2 blocks and 0.8 3-pointers over his last five games. The scoring has been inconsistent, but the rebounds, steals and threes have remained constant for several weeks now. The Cavs finish up 4-5-4 over the next three weeks, making him look like a solid option in most leagues.
FORWARDS - THE REST
Tayshaun Prince Pistons – With Rodney Stuckey and Ben Gordon hurting, someone has to score for the Pistons and Prince is a good bet to pick up the scraps. He’s averaging 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, 0.8 blocks and 1.6 3-pointers over his last five games, and looks like a nice pickup right now.
Corey Maggette Bobcats – Maggette appears to be getting healthy again, had 22 points on Wednesday, and has hit double digits in three of his last four games. I don’t trust him – at all – but he could get hot and go on a tear. Or he could go down with another injury and ruin your week. Maggette is a true risk vs. reward player.
Matt Barnes Lakers – Barnes is quietly hot, averaging 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.6 3-pointers over his last five games, and the Lakers finish up 4-4-4 over the next three weeks.
Linas Kleiza Raptors – Kleiza has benefitted lately by injuries/illness to DeMar DeRozan and James Johnson, and has hit six treys over his last two games. It sounds like DeRozan and Johnson will play on Friday, but Kleiza could still have value going forward off the bench. Keep an eye on him.
Marreese Speights Grizzlies – Zach Randolph continues to struggle off the bench in his return from a knee injury and Speights had 18 points and seven boards in a start at center on Tuesday, when Marc Gasol was out with a sprained ankle. Gasol’s still not a sure bet for tonight, and with five games in each of the next two weeks, Speights could have some decent value if you need a big man.
Marvin Williams Hawks – Marvin is heating up, averaging around 12 points, six rebounds and two 3-pointers, as he looks comfortable with his new role off the bench. But the Hawks play just three games in each of the next two weeks, so you can probably find better four-game options off your wire.
Austin Daye Pistons – Daye started the second half on Wednesday due to Rodney Stuckey’s hamstring injury, and with both Stuckey and Ben Gordon (groin) unlikely to play on Friday, Daye could be ready to go on a run. Consider him a deep-league special.
CENTERS
Spencer Hawes Sixers – Hawes is still on a bit of a minutes count, but is good to go in back-to-backs and looks to be pretty healthy. He’s averaging 8.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.2 blocks over his last five games, and those assist numbers go up to 4.5 per game over his last two. If you need a center, Hawes looks like a solid grab right now. The Sixers have four games this week, three the following and then four more the week after, and he’s available in about 40 percent of fantasy leagues.
Tristan Thompson Cavaliers – Thompson’s inconsistency has been tough to deal with, but he’s coming off a nice line of nine points, 11 boards, a steal and three blocks on Wednesday. He’s also averaging 11 points, eight boards and 1.4 blocks over his last three, making him worth adding in most leagues. Add to it that the Cavs go 4-5-4 over the next three, and Thompson could really help owners over the next three weeks. And he’s still available in nearly 70 percent of ESPN leagues. Anderson Varejao could be back in the near future from his wrist injury, but I still think Thompson should get plenty of minutes going forward.
Anthony Tolliver Timberwolves - Tolliver mysteriously played just 13 minutes on Tuesday when he scored two points, but despite that dud, he’ s still averaging 12.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.4 steals, a block and a 3-pointer over his last five games. Take out the two-point disappearance, and he’s scored in double figures in four straight, including his 11-point, 11-rebound, one block and one 3-pointer performance on Wednesday. Nikola Pekovic’s return could hurt Tolliver going forward, but there’s no guarantee Pekovic isn’t shut down for the season. And given that Rick Adelman is done messing around with Darko Milicic (the artist formerly known as Manna from Heaven), and Tolliver looks like a very sneaky add right now. The Wolves go 3-4-4 over the next three weeks and Tolliver is available in most fantasy leagues.
J.J. Hickson Blazers – Hickson is still coming off the bench, but is averaging 16.5 points, five boards, 2.5 steals and a block over his last two in 27.5 minutes. He’s healthy and Joel Przybilla isn’t the greatest option at center for the Blazers, so Hickson should continue to get plenty of run. He’s available everywhere and the Blazers play four times in each of the next two weeks. If you need a center, you could do worse.
Johan Petro Nets – Shelden Williams, Jordan Williams and Brook Lopez are all hurt, meaning Petro is about the last big man standing in New Jersey, outside of Kris Humphries. Petro had four points, five boards and a block on Wednesday, and four points and seven boards on Tuesday, playing just 14 minutes in each of them. He didn’t start in either of those games, so look for his numbers and minutes to increase if he sticks in the starting five going forward. Consider him a deep-league special, as the Nets go 4-3-3 over the next three weeks.
Byron Mullens – Mullens was hot for a minute recently, averaging 17.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in his two games on Saturday and Monday, but he played just 12 minutes on Wednesday, when he and Bismack Biyombo were run over by a train called Kevin Love. Mullens isn’t trustworthy, but with Tyrus Thomas hurting and Biyombo struggling, Mullens could end up starting at power forward in the near future. Just keep a close eye on him, as the Cats finish up 4-5-4.