Power Forwards
Kenneth Faried Nuggets – The Manimal is a beast, averaging 14 points, 10 boards, a steal and block over his last five games. The Nuggets finish 4-2 and Faried should be owned in all leagues after his big week.
Glen Davis Magic – Davis has been a beast in the absence of Dwight Howard, averaging 19.4 points, 11 boards and 1.6 steals over his last five games. It sounds like Big Dwight is going to be out again on Friday and is even seeking a second opinion on his bad back, which could mean he'll be shut down until the playoffs. And if that happens, Davis will remain a must-own, must-start fantasy player. But once Howard is back, the Big Baby party should end quickly.
Anthony Randolph Timberwolves – Ant-Rand, as I’ve been known to call him, is suddenly hot with Kevin Love sidelined, averaging 22 points, 7.5 rebounds, four blocks and 29 minutes over his last two games. I don’t trust him, at all, but as long as Love is out, it looks like he’s going to get some burn. The Wolves have four games next week and if Love is out, Randolph will be worth a look in most leagues. And while we’re talking about Love, while I wouldn’t call it a trend yet, it is interesting to note that this is the second straight year he’s let his owners down in the stretch. He missed the final six games last season with a groin injury.
Derrick Williams Timberwolves – Williams had 27 points, eight boards, a steal, block and three 3-pointers on Wednesday after Love went down, but had just four points and five fouls on 1-of-7 shooting in 26 minutes on Thursday. Again, if Love remains sidelined, Williams should get all the minutes he can handle, and I actually trust him more than Randolph. And on a side note, Anthony Tolliver has done nothing in his last two games, but if Love is out, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him post a couple nice lines next week.
Marreese Speights Grizzlies – Despite the return of Zach Randolph, Speights has been a solid play during this five-game week, and I wish I would have stuck with him instead of Byron Mullens. Speights is averaging 10 points, six boards and nearly a block per game over his last five and the Grizzlies finish up 4-2.
Brandan Wright Mavs – Wright is settling in nicely with the Mavericks, averaging 13.5 points, six boards, 1.8 blocks and 30 minutes over his last four games. I didn’t see this one coming, but with four games next week, Wright is now a real sneaky add in most leagues.
Ed Davis Raptors – Davis has posted back-to-back double-doubles and looks like a solid option as long as Andrea Bargnani is out with his calf injury. Amir Johnson might mess with Davis’ minutes some, but Davis is the better option right now. And if Bargnani isn’t shut down for the season, I’ll be surprised, making Davis look very attractive in all leagues.
Jason Thompson Kings – Perhaps no player in the league is as tough to read as Thompson, who had 18 points, seven boards, a steal and block on Wednesday, but had a total of 12 points and 11 boards in his previous three games. The Kings only have three games next week, so I’d rather own Brandan Wright at this point. But Thompson is starting for the Kings and is still worth a look despite the inconsistency.
Jason Smith Hornets – Smith is starting for the Hornets and is averaging 14 points, five boards and a steal over his last five games, but has also scored 22 and 26 points in two of his last three. It looks like the Hornets are going to continue to give him heavy minutes and Smith looks like a pretty safe bet with four games next week.
Centers
J.J. Hickson Blazers – The Blazers and Hickson only have three games next week, which is the only bad thing I can say about Hickson at this point. He’s averaging 17.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 blocks in his last two games and LaMarcus Aldridge is done for the season with a hip injury. Three games or not, Hickson is a must-own player.
Kevin Seraphin Wizards – Seraphin is another three-gamer next week, but is averaging 17 points, nine boards and 1.8 blocks over his last five games. Yes, Nene could return to buzzkill him a bit, but if you can handle the three-game schedule, Seraphin is looking good.
Marcus Camby Rockets – Unlike Hickson and Seraphin, Camby’s schedule is money as the Rockets play five games next week. Samuel Dalembert is afterthought for Kevin McHale and Camby is averaging 9.0 points, 12 boards and 1.5 blocks over his last two games, playing 26 minutes in each of them. He could drop at any time with an injury, but for now, looks like a must-own player.
Spencer Hawes Sixers – The Sixers play four games next week and Hawes is flourishing off the bench, averaging 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in his last two games since being benched for Nikola Vucevic. The Sixers also have a strong 3-game week to end the season, meaning Hawes is worth picking up in most leagues.
Tristan Thompson Cavs – The Cavs finish up 4-3 and Thompson comes in at 10 points, nine boards and nearly a block per game over his last five. Anderson Varejao could make an appearance next week, but Thompson should still see a ton of minutes to finish the season.
Derrick Favors Jazz – DeMarre Carroll is the only small forward available in Utah and deserves a look in deeper leagues. But he’s still DeMarre Carroll, and Favors is suddenly seeing time at small forward for the depleted Jazz. He’s averaging 10 points, nine boards and 1.7 blocks over his last three games, but keep in mind the Jazz only have three games next week.
Jeremy Tyler Warriors – With five games next week, Tyler, who has scored a total of 11 points over his last three games, might be worth a look if scoring isn’t an issue for your fantasy team. Over his last five games, Tyler comes in at 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. He’s probably a stretch to start in most leagues, but is worth a look if you’re in a deep one.
I was trapped in Sirius Radio hell last week while traveling across the South with my kids for Spring Break, as my 13-year-old daughter controlled the radio. The Top 20, or whatever that station is called, is filled with auto-tuned trash and most of it is plastic that would melt under even a small amount of heat, but I did discover one thing I found worthwhile. This band called Fun has a catchy song and pretty cool video (with 30 million or so views) for We Are Young, and it’s been stuck in my head for about a week now. It’s not often you’ll hear me talk about anything that’s not indie rock, but since I wrote part of this column while listening to it, I figured I’d get it stuck in your head, too. Sorry.
The season is wrapping up quickly and this is likely the last time you’ll make meaningful pickups in your run to a championship, so I tried to go rather deep again this week.
Remaining Weekly Schedules
5-3 Spurs
5-2 Warriors, Heat
5-1 Rockets
4-3 – Cavaliers, Bobcats, Sixers
4-2 - Hawks, Bulls, Nuggets, Pistons, Pacers, Clippers, Grizzlies, Hornets, Knicks, Thunder, Magic, Suns
4-1 – Mavericks, Lakers, Timberwolves
3-3 – Bucks, Wizards
3-2 – Celtics, Nets, Blazers, Kings, Raptors, Jazz
Point Guards
Jason Kidd Mavs – Kidd is back from his groin injury and has racked up an average of eight points, eight rebounds, 8.5 assists, two steals, two blocks and two 3-pointers over his two games since returning. There’s no telling if he’ll keep it going, but the numbers don’t lie. The Mavs finish up with a 4-1 schedule, meaning Kidd is a must-start player in the upcoming week.
Greivis Vasquez Hornets – Vasquez is the only point guard available for the Hornets now that Jarrett Jack is done for the season, and is averaging 13.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.4 assists, a steal and 1.6 3-pointers over his last five games. He’s hit double digits in points in each of his last five games and looks like a must-start player with four games this week, and two in the finale.
Lester Hudson Cavs – Via Twitter, Blair Fink says we should be calling Hudson “Lestermania” instead of “Hudsanity” in tribute to the band Phoenix, and I’m not gonna argue with him. Lestermania is averaging 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal, 0.6 blocks and 1.8 3-pointers in 32 minutes per game over his last five. I have no idea if he’ll keep it going, but with the Cavs going 4-3 over the next two weeks, Hudson’s a must-own player. Maybe Kyrie Irving comes back next week to rain on the parade, but Byron Scott is going to be very careful with his young superstar and the fans of Cleveland are going to demand more Hudson going forward.
Nate Robinson Warriors – Robinson is prone to disappear at times, but is still averaging 13 points, six dimes, 0.8 steals and 1.8 3-pointers over his last five games. The Warriors have five games in the upcoming week and two in the finale, making him a smart play next week. Charles Jenkins is starting, but isn’t doing enough to be used in most leagues.
George Hill Pacers – Darren Collison’s groin injury has been good for Hill and we still don’t know when Collison will play again. Hill’s averaging 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.5 steals, a block and 1.5 3-pointers over his last two games and remains a must-start player for as long as Collison is sidelined. The problem is that Collison could return at any time, and is currently very iffy for Friday against the Cavs.
Mario Chalmers Heat – The Heat play five times in the upcoming week and Chalmers is averaging nine points, three boards, 2.4 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.2 3-pointers over his last five games. Weigh your options carefully, but with five games next week and two the following, he’s an intriguing add, especially in ESPN weekly leagues with seven total games in the final scoring period.
Jose Juan Barea Timberwolves – Barea had a double-double by halftime on Thursday but took eight stitches to his mouth at the break and didn’t look right the rest of the night. He finished with 10 points and 11 dimes in 31 minutes. I have to give the guy credit for fighting through it (unlike Tony Allen), but it’s hard to say how good he’ll be next week – especially if Luke Ridnour returns from his severely sprained ankle. JJB is worth owning in all leagues, but will take a hit when Ridnour is back. The Wolves finish up with a 4-1 schedule, and I’d rather own Vasquez.
Kyle Lowry Rockets – Lowry is working his way back into the mix, slowly but surely. He’s averaging 14 points, four boards, four assists, a steal and a 3-pointer over his last two games, and should only get better the rest of the way. Goran Dragic is the starting point guard in Houston and should still be owned in all leagues, while Lowry is going to hurt Courtney Lee’s minutes while also spending time at shooting guard for the Rockets.
Donald Sloan Cavs – Sloan is the starting point guard for the Cavs right now, but is clearly being overshadowed by Mr. Hudson (Lestermania). Sloan is averaging seven points, 2.4 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 0.8 steals over his last five games and the Cavs finish up with a sweet 4-3 schedule. But the offense just isn’t there for Sloan, thanks to Lester, and the return of Kyrie Irving would finish him off.
Gary Neal Spurs – Neal is a real crapshoot, as are most of the Spurs, but in a real deep weekly league, the 5-3 schedule the Spurs have should mean good things. He’s averaging 9.5 points, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals and a 3-pointer per game, but could see heavy minutes the rest of the way as Tony Parker plays limited minutes in preparation of a playoff run.
Justin Dentmon Raptors – Jose Calderon left his last game with an eye injury and if he were to miss time, the kid you’ve never heard of (Dentmon) would see big minutes for the Raptors. He’s clearly not a must-own player, but had five points, three boards, two assists and a three in his last game, when he played 21 minutes while filling in for Calderon. Ignore him for now, but if JC is going to miss a game or two, Dentmon could be worth a look. Calderon is probable for Friday’s game, so this is simply a heads up.
Shooting Guards
Klay Thompson Warriors – Thompson has been as hit and miss as any player, but went off on Thursday for 24 points, seven boards, eight assists, two steals, a block and three 3-pointers. He’s averaging 18 points, four boards, 2.4 assists, a steal, 0.8 blocks and three 3-pointers over his last five games and is now a must-start with five games in the upcoming week.
O.J. Mayo Grizzlies – Mayo has been playing well, helped by the fact that Tony Allen has been out with a mouth injury, and is averaging 12 points, four dimes, a steal and 1.8 3-pointers over his last five games. The Grizzlies finish up with a 4-2 schedule, and Mayo should be nice, with or without Allen in the mix.
Iman Shumpert Knicks – People are generally down on Shumpert after his disappointing performance a week or so ago, but he’s getting a ton of minutes from Mike Woodson, and is averaging 11 points, four boards, three assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 3-pointers over his last five games. And those numbers are much better over his last three games – 14 points, 5 boards, 4.5 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.3 blocks. The Knicks go 4-2 to finish the season and Shumpert is averaging a whopping 39 minutes over his last five games. I’m doubling down on him.
J.J. Redick Magic – With Hedo Turkoglu out indefinitely, Redick is now a starter for the Magic, averaging 14 points, two boards, two assists, a steal and 1.6 3-pointers over his last five games. He’s hit double digits in scoring in four straight and has looked particularly good in his last three games. He’s also coming in at 35 minutes per game over his last five and the Magic play four games next week, and twice in the finale, making Redick look like a must-own player.
Danny Green Spurs – Green posted a monster line for the Spurs on Wednesday when he had 22 points, three boards, two assists, two steals, two blocks and five 3-pointers, then cooled off on Thursday with 10 points, four boards and two 3-pointers. He clocks in at 11.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.2 3-pointers over his last five games. The Spurs have five games next week and three the following, and it’s hard to imagine Gregg Popovich not riding Green as he continues to rest his old dogs, making him a very sneaky pickup in all formats. Believe it or not, he could win you a fantasy championship if Popovich plays him five times next week.
Marco Belinelli Hornets – Eric Gordon’s back and knee issues have rendered him useless, and Belinelli doesn’t seem to mind. He’s averaging 20.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and FIVE 3-pointers over his last two games. Sure, Gordon could come back at any time, but as long as he’s being Eric Gordon and missing games, Bello’s worth a look in all leagues.
Jamal Crawford Blazers – Crawford came out of nowhere on Wednesday for a season-high 32 points, but somehow hit just one 3-pointer in that one. It’s hard to say if he’ll keep it going from here on out, but with LaMarcus Aldridge done for the season, someone besides J.J. Hickson has to score for the Blazers, right? Crawford has actually hit double digits in scoring in four straight and looks like a must-own player, but keep in mind the Blazers finish up with a bum 3-2 schedule.
Landry Fields Knicks – Fields is quietly playing well for the Knicks, averaging 11 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals and nearly a 3-pointer per game over his last five. I’d rather own upside guys like Shumpert and J.R. Smith, but Fields is worth a look in most leagues. The Knicks finish up 4-2.
Roddy Beaubois Mavs – Roddy Buckets is quietly averaging 10.6 points and 4.2 assists over his last five games, and has scored in double figures in three of his last four. Now that Jason Kidd is back, Delonte West is starting, and Jason Terry and Vince Carter are coming off the bench, Beaubois is going to be hit or miss in the minutes department. But he’s effective when he plays, and might be worth a deep-league look.
Cartier Martin Wizards – Speaking of deep-league looks, Martin is now averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, three 3-pointers and 30 minutes per game over his last two for the Wizards. He’s definitely a wild card, but could be a sneaky add in deep leagues as the Wizards finish up 3-3.
Small Forwards
Jason Richardson Magic – J-Rich shouldn’t be available in any leagues, but check your wire just in case.
Brandon Rush Warriors – Rush’s scoring has really dipped recently, as he’s scored 9, 13 and 5 points in each of his last three games. But over his last five, he’s averaging 11 points, three boards and two 3-pointers, and is usually good for a steal and block per game, as well. With five games this week, he looks like a much better option than Byron Mullens and several other players.
Metta World Peace Lakers – MWP is enjoying life without Kobe, averaging 16.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.0 3-pointers per game over his last five. I don’t trust him at all, but he could be a sneaky play next week with four games – especially if Kobe continues to sit with his shin injury.
Nicolas Batum Blazers – Batum’s knee injury makes him very tough to rely on right now, but he played through it on Wednesday and went off for 14 points, five boards, two steals, two blocks and four 3-pointers after sitting out Monday’s game with the sore knee. I don’t have the guts to throw him in a weekly lineup and the Blazers play just three times next week, but if you’re a daily streamer, Batum clearly still has value.
Al-Farouq Aminu Hornets – Trevor Ariza is dead to coach Monty Williams and Aminu is now the man at small forward in New Orleans. He’s not lighting it up, but is getting minutes and could be worth a look with four games next week. He’s averaging six points, four boards, a steal and block over his last five, and clocks in at 31 minutes over his last three games.
Michael Beasley Timberwolves – Beasley might finally be getting healthy again after a toe injury slowed him down, and is only helped by the fact Kevin Love could miss some time with a concussion. Beasley had 14 points and 10 rebounds on Thursday after playing just 10 minutes in his previous game, and scored 12 & 20 points in his previous two games. I don’t trust him, but if Love remains sidelined, Beasley is worth a look in most leagues, as the Wolves play four times next week.
J.R. Smith Knicks – Smith has scored 14 points in three straight games and is averaging 14 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.0 3-pointers over his last five. I still think one of those 40-point explosions might be coming soon and the Knicks play four times next week. You do the math.
James Singleton Wizards – Singleton, like teammate Cartier Martin, is suddenly getting minutes and playing well for the Wizards. He’s averaging 14 points, nine rebounds, a steal and 0.6 blocks in 29 minutes over his last three games, and while he’s not a great option with just three games next week, he’s worth a deep-league look.
Derrick Brown/Reggie Williams Bobcats – Brown had 13 points, five boards, three assists and a 3-pointer on Thursday, while Williams returned from his knee injury and had seven points on Thursday night. Corey Maggette has been shut down for the season (shocker) with an Achilles injury, so both of these guys are going to get some nice run for the Bobcats. They play four times next week and three in the finale, making both of them worth a look in some leagues. Just beware that Paul Silas, who refuses to play Kemba Walker heavy minutes, and hosed a lot of owners with Byron Mullens this week, is nearly as unpredictable as Popovich.
Power Forwards
Kenneth Faried Nuggets – The Manimal is a beast, averaging 14 points, 10 boards, a steal and block over his last five games. The Nuggets finish 4-2 and Faried should be owned in all leagues after his big week.
Glen Davis Magic – Davis has been a beast in the absence of Dwight Howard, averaging 19.4 points, 11 boards and 1.6 steals over his last five games. It sounds like Big Dwight is going to be out again on Friday and is even seeking a second opinion on his bad back, which could mean he'll be shut down until the playoffs. And if that happens, Davis will remain a must-own, must-start fantasy player. But once Howard is back, the Big Baby party should end quickly.
Anthony Randolph Timberwolves – Ant-Rand, as I’ve been known to call him, is suddenly hot with Kevin Love sidelined, averaging 22 points, 7.5 rebounds, four blocks and 29 minutes over his last two games. I don’t trust him, at all, but as long as Love is out, it looks like he’s going to get some burn. The Wolves have four games next week and if Love is out, Randolph will be worth a look in most leagues. And while we’re talking about Love, while I wouldn’t call it a trend yet, it is interesting to note that this is the second straight year he’s let his owners down in the stretch. He missed the final six games last season with a groin injury.
Derrick Williams Timberwolves – Williams had 27 points, eight boards, a steal, block and three 3-pointers on Wednesday after Love went down, but had just four points and five fouls on 1-of-7 shooting in 26 minutes on Thursday. Again, if Love remains sidelined, Williams should get all the minutes he can handle, and I actually trust him more than Randolph. And on a side note, Anthony Tolliver has done nothing in his last two games, but if Love is out, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him post a couple nice lines next week.
Marreese Speights Grizzlies – Despite the return of Zach Randolph, Speights has been a solid play during this five-game week, and I wish I would have stuck with him instead of Byron Mullens. Speights is averaging 10 points, six boards and nearly a block per game over his last five and the Grizzlies finish up 4-2.
Brandan Wright Mavs – Wright is settling in nicely with the Mavericks, averaging 13.5 points, six boards, 1.8 blocks and 30 minutes over his last four games. I didn’t see this one coming, but with four games next week, Wright is now a real sneaky add in most leagues.
Ed Davis Raptors – Davis has posted back-to-back double-doubles and looks like a solid option as long as Andrea Bargnani is out with his calf injury. Amir Johnson might mess with Davis’ minutes some, but Davis is the better option right now. And if Bargnani isn’t shut down for the season, I’ll be surprised, making Davis look very attractive in all leagues.
Jason Thompson Kings – Perhaps no player in the league is as tough to read as Thompson, who had 18 points, seven boards, a steal and block on Wednesday, but had a total of 12 points and 11 boards in his previous three games. The Kings only have three games next week, so I’d rather own Brandan Wright at this point. But Thompson is starting for the Kings and is still worth a look despite the inconsistency.
Jason Smith Hornets – Smith is starting for the Hornets and is averaging 14 points, five boards and a steal over his last five games, but has also scored 22 and 26 points in two of his last three. It looks like the Hornets are going to continue to give him heavy minutes and Smith looks like a pretty safe bet with four games next week.
Centers
J.J. Hickson Blazers – The Blazers and Hickson only have three games next week, which is the only bad thing I can say about Hickson at this point. He’s averaging 17.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 blocks in his last two games and LaMarcus Aldridge is done for the season with a hip injury. Three games or not, Hickson is a must-own player.
Kevin Seraphin Wizards – Seraphin is another three-gamer next week, but is averaging 17 points, nine boards and 1.8 blocks over his last five games. Yes, Nene could return to buzzkill him a bit, but if you can handle the three-game schedule, Seraphin is looking good.
Marcus Camby Rockets – Unlike Hickson and Seraphin, Camby’s schedule is money as the Rockets play five games next week. Samuel Dalembert is afterthought for Kevin McHale and Camby is averaging 9.0 points, 12 boards and 1.5 blocks over his last two games, playing 26 minutes in each of them. He could drop at any time with an injury, but for now, looks like a must-own player.
Spencer Hawes Sixers – The Sixers play four games next week and Hawes is flourishing off the bench, averaging 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in his last two games since being benched for Nikola Vucevic. The Sixers also have a strong 3-game week to end the season, meaning Hawes is worth picking up in most leagues.
Tristan Thompson Cavs – The Cavs finish up 4-3 and Thompson comes in at 10 points, nine boards and nearly a block per game over his last five. Anderson Varejao could make an appearance next week, but Thompson should still see a ton of minutes to finish the season.
Derrick Favors Jazz – DeMarre Carroll is the only small forward available in Utah and deserves a look in deeper leagues. But he’s still DeMarre Carroll, and Favors is suddenly seeing time at small forward for the depleted Jazz. He’s averaging 10 points, nine boards and 1.7 blocks over his last three games, but keep in mind the Jazz only have three games next week.
Jeremy Tyler Warriors – With five games next week, Tyler, who has scored a total of 11 points over his last three games, might be worth a look if scoring isn’t an issue for your fantasy team. Over his last five games, Tyler comes in at 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. He’s probably a stretch to start in most leagues, but is worth a look if you’re in a deep one.