Games Played for Week 22
4 Games – ATL, BOS, IND, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIA, MIN, NOH, NYK, ORL, PHI, UTA, WAS
3 Games – BRK, CHA, CHI, CLE, DAL, DEN, DET, GSW, HOU, MIL, OKC, PHO, POR, SAC, SAS, TOR
Guards
Gerald Henderson Bobcats – Hendo should already be owned in all leagues after his strong play over the last couple weeks, and while he’s not hitting many threes, he is scoring, stealing and blocking, while also putting up solid numbers in assists and boards.
Jerryd Bayless Grizzlies – Bayless has been hot off the bench and exploded for 30 points and four 3-pointers on Saturday. He’s hit double figures in six straight games, scoring 20 or more in three of them. And as long as Marc Gasol is out, which is indefinitely, Bayless will be leaned upon for scoring. And when you add in the Grizzlies’ 4-4-3-2 remaining schedule, he looks like a must-add player.
Beno Udrih & E’Twaun Moore Magic – Arron Afflalo is done for the season and Udrih played 36 minutes on Friday, finishing with 13 points, five assists, two steals and a 3-pointer. Moore will also get some run, but for now, Beno looks like the guy who will pick up most of Afflalo’s minutes, as the hapless Magic want to see what they’ve got in Udrih.
Jason Terry & Jordan Crawford Celtics – Courtney Lee missed his last game with a sprained ankle and is hoping to play on Tuesday. But if he misses more time, Terry should see a big boost in minutes and will be worth a look for the points, steals, threes and assists he’ll be able to offer. He had 10 points in 28 minutes in a start on Saturday, when Lee was in street clothes. Crawford exploded off the bench for 21 points, five boards, three assists and two 3-pointers in 27 minutes. In that one, but will be a shaky add given his inconsistency. But if he gets hot and Lee continues to struggle with his ankle injury, Crawford will have more good games, along with some duds, while Terry still looks like the safer option.
Andre Miller Nuggets – Miller got a start on Saturday with Ty Lawson out with a heel injury and he had been playing well off the bench. Miller had 11 points and five assists in 34 minutes on Saturday and is worth a look, even when Lawson is healthy. Despite coming off the bench in four of them, he’s averaging 14 points, 4.0 rebounds and 7.6 assists over his last five.
Garrett Temple Wizards – Temple is the starting shooting guard with Bradley Beal down with a sprained ankle again, and had nine points, six assists, two steals and a 3-pointer on Saturday. Cartier Martin went off for 23 points and six treys on Saturday, but I think that happened because Trevor Ariza was out with the flu. More on Ariza below. Temple wasn’t exactly a must-own player the first time Beal went down, so this is more of a deep-league special.
Forwards
Moe Harkless Magic – Harkless had 25 points, nine boards, four steals, four blocks and two 3-pointers on Friday in another start, and is clearly helped by the fact Arron Afflalo’s season is over. Harkless has hit double digits in scoring in six straight games, is locked into the starting five the rest of the way, and looks like a must-own, must-start player for the remainder of the season. And yes, so is Tobias Harris.
Jeff Green & Brandon Bass Celtics – Green started at center for Kevin Garnett on Saturday, as KG is out with a sprained left ankle. Green had 12 points, five boards, a steal, two blocks and a 3-pointer, but has been playing well enough to be owned in all leagues even when coming off the bench. Bass gets a boost for as long as KG is out, even though he had just six points, six boards, a steal and a block in 30 minutes on Saturday. Bass double-doubled in his previous game and is worth carrying on a roster as long as KG is in street clothes, and also makes for good KG insurance if you own him.
Taj Gibson Bulls – Gibson came off the bench on Saturday when Joakim Noah was out with his lingering plantar fasciitis issue, which will also likely keep him out on Sunday. Gibson had 11 points, five boards and two blocks in 33 minutes on Saturday, but as we’ve seen all year, any time Noah or Carlos Boozer are out, Gibson is a strong fantasy option. Nazr Mohammed started at center and had 11 points, seven boards and a block in 31 minutes, but Gibson still looks like the guy to own in my eyes.
Kenyon Martin Knicks – Tyson Chandler is still down with his back/neck injury and Martin had 18 points, seven boards, a steal and two blocks in 27 minutes in a start at center on Saturday. He’s hit double figures in scoring with a bunch of steals and rebounds in three straight games, and looks like a much better hold than Chris Copeland as long as Chandler is out, despite his age and balky legs.
Alan Anderson & Terrence Ross Raptors – Anderson should continue to play well for as long as Rudy Gay’s back injury keeps him sidelined. Anderson had 14 points and a 3-pointer in 31 minutes on Saturday, and blew up for 35 points, six boards, a steal, a block and six 3-pointers on Friday when Gay went down. Anderson’s not a must-own player, but could be if Gay continues to miss time. Ross started on Saturday and had 13 points, six boards and three 3-pointers, but I’d still rather own Anderson until Gay is back.
Tyler Hansbrough Pacers – David West’s back injury kept him out all week and he’s doubtful to play on Monday. As long as he’s out, Hansbrough is worth a close look in fantasy. He’s started in four straight and played lights out in three of those, scoring between 14 and 22 points with three straight double-doubles before calming down on Saturday, when he had seven points and six boards. His minutes were solid in that one though, and like I said, as long as West is out, Hansbrough is a safe fantasy start.
Luis Scola Suns – Scola has become the focal point at power forward in Phoenix again, as the Morris brothers have faded quickly. Scola had 17 points and 12 boards on Friday and has scored in double digits in three straight games. The Suns are a dysfunctional mess, but Scola has played well enough in his last three to be picked up in most leagues. Just beware that they play three times in each of the next three weeks.
Trevor Ariza Wizards – Ariza was out on Saturday with the flu but as long as Bradley Beal is out, he’s worth a close look in any fantasy league. He blew up on Friday with 25 points and seven 3-pointers, and had 14 points and three 3-pointers in his previous game. Beal’s injury doesn’t look good and Ariza plays four times in each of the next two weeks, making him a sneaky add in most leagues.
Shawn Marion Mavericks – Marion returned from an eight-game absence on Friday with 11 points and 13 rebounds, and looks like a fine add now that he’s healthy again. The Mavs play just three games this week, but have four for the week that starts on April 1.
Games Played for Week 22
4 Games – ATL, BOS, IND, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIA, MIN, NOH, NYK, ORL, PHI, UTA, WAS
3 Games – BRK, CHA, CHI, CLE, DAL, DEN, DET, GSW, HOU, MIL, OKC, PHO, POR, SAC, SAS, TOR
Guards
Gerald Henderson Bobcats – Hendo should already be owned in all leagues after his strong play over the last couple weeks, and while he’s not hitting many threes, he is scoring, stealing and blocking, while also putting up solid numbers in assists and boards.
Jerryd Bayless Grizzlies – Bayless has been hot off the bench and exploded for 30 points and four 3-pointers on Saturday. He’s hit double figures in six straight games, scoring 20 or more in three of them. And as long as Marc Gasol is out, which is indefinitely, Bayless will be leaned upon for scoring. And when you add in the Grizzlies’ 4-4-3-2 remaining schedule, he looks like a must-add player.
Beno Udrih & E’Twaun Moore Magic – Arron Afflalo is done for the season and Udrih played 36 minutes on Friday, finishing with 13 points, five assists, two steals and a 3-pointer. Moore will also get some run, but for now, Beno looks like the guy who will pick up most of Afflalo’s minutes, as the hapless Magic want to see what they’ve got in Udrih.
Jason Terry & Jordan Crawford Celtics – Courtney Lee missed his last game with a sprained ankle and is hoping to play on Tuesday. But if he misses more time, Terry should see a big boost in minutes and will be worth a look for the points, steals, threes and assists he’ll be able to offer. He had 10 points in 28 minutes in a start on Saturday, when Lee was in street clothes. Crawford exploded off the bench for 21 points, five boards, three assists and two 3-pointers in 27 minutes. In that one, but will be a shaky add given his inconsistency. But if he gets hot and Lee continues to struggle with his ankle injury, Crawford will have more good games, along with some duds, while Terry still looks like the safer option.
Andre Miller Nuggets – Miller got a start on Saturday with Ty Lawson out with a heel injury and he had been playing well off the bench. Miller had 11 points and five assists in 34 minutes on Saturday and is worth a look, even when Lawson is healthy. Despite coming off the bench in four of them, he’s averaging 14 points, 4.0 rebounds and 7.6 assists over his last five.
Garrett Temple Wizards – Temple is the starting shooting guard with Bradley Beal down with a sprained ankle again, and had nine points, six assists, two steals and a 3-pointer on Saturday. Cartier Martin went off for 23 points and six treys on Saturday, but I think that happened because Trevor Ariza was out with the flu. More on Ariza below. Temple wasn’t exactly a must-own player the first time Beal went down, so this is more of a deep-league special.
Forwards
Moe Harkless Magic – Harkless had 25 points, nine boards, four steals, four blocks and two 3-pointers on Friday in another start, and is clearly helped by the fact Arron Afflalo’s season is over. Harkless has hit double digits in scoring in six straight games, is locked into the starting five the rest of the way, and looks like a must-own, must-start player for the remainder of the season. And yes, so is Tobias Harris.
Jeff Green & Brandon Bass Celtics – Green started at center for Kevin Garnett on Saturday, as KG is out with a sprained left ankle. Green had 12 points, five boards, a steal, two blocks and a 3-pointer, but has been playing well enough to be owned in all leagues even when coming off the bench. Bass gets a boost for as long as KG is out, even though he had just six points, six boards, a steal and a block in 30 minutes on Saturday. Bass double-doubled in his previous game and is worth carrying on a roster as long as KG is in street clothes, and also makes for good KG insurance if you own him.
Taj Gibson Bulls – Gibson came off the bench on Saturday when Joakim Noah was out with his lingering plantar fasciitis issue, which will also likely keep him out on Sunday. Gibson had 11 points, five boards and two blocks in 33 minutes on Saturday, but as we’ve seen all year, any time Noah or Carlos Boozer are out, Gibson is a strong fantasy option. Nazr Mohammed started at center and had 11 points, seven boards and a block in 31 minutes, but Gibson still looks like the guy to own in my eyes.
Kenyon Martin Knicks – Tyson Chandler is still down with his back/neck injury and Martin had 18 points, seven boards, a steal and two blocks in 27 minutes in a start at center on Saturday. He’s hit double figures in scoring with a bunch of steals and rebounds in three straight games, and looks like a much better hold than Chris Copeland as long as Chandler is out, despite his age and balky legs.
Alan Anderson & Terrence Ross Raptors – Anderson should continue to play well for as long as Rudy Gay’s back injury keeps him sidelined. Anderson had 14 points and a 3-pointer in 31 minutes on Saturday, and blew up for 35 points, six boards, a steal, a block and six 3-pointers on Friday when Gay went down. Anderson’s not a must-own player, but could be if Gay continues to miss time. Ross started on Saturday and had 13 points, six boards and three 3-pointers, but I’d still rather own Anderson until Gay is back.
Tyler Hansbrough Pacers – David West’s back injury kept him out all week and he’s doubtful to play on Monday. As long as he’s out, Hansbrough is worth a close look in fantasy. He’s started in four straight and played lights out in three of those, scoring between 14 and 22 points with three straight double-doubles before calming down on Saturday, when he had seven points and six boards. His minutes were solid in that one though, and like I said, as long as West is out, Hansbrough is a safe fantasy start.
Luis Scola Suns – Scola has become the focal point at power forward in Phoenix again, as the Morris brothers have faded quickly. Scola had 17 points and 12 boards on Friday and has scored in double digits in three straight games. The Suns are a dysfunctional mess, but Scola has played well enough in his last three to be picked up in most leagues. Just beware that they play three times in each of the next three weeks.
Trevor Ariza Wizards – Ariza was out on Saturday with the flu but as long as Bradley Beal is out, he’s worth a close look in any fantasy league. He blew up on Friday with 25 points and seven 3-pointers, and had 14 points and three 3-pointers in his previous game. Beal’s injury doesn’t look good and Ariza plays four times in each of the next two weeks, making him a sneaky add in most leagues.
Shawn Marion Mavericks – Marion returned from an eight-game absence on Friday with 11 points and 13 rebounds, and looks like a fine add now that he’s healthy again. The Mavs play just three games this week, but have four for the week that starts on April 1.
Centers
Most of these guys qualify at F/C, so forgive me in advance for putting so many forwards here.
Spencer Hawes Sixers – Hawes has been on a tear and has become a must-own center over the past two weeks. He’s averaging 17 points, 12 boards and four blocks over his last four games and the Sixers play four times this week. He should be starting in all formats until further notice.
Ed Davis & Darrell Arthur Grizzlies – Davis looked like the big winner when it was announced on Saturday that Marc Gasol would be out indefinitely with an abdominal tear and answered the call with 11 points, eight boards and five blocks. But the picture on this TV became fuzzy after Darrell Arthur’s performance off the bench, when he had 18 points and seven boards in 29 minutes. Arthur is just coming back from a back injury and hadn’t done anything this month until Saturday’s explosion, so I’m still thinking Davis is the guy to own. But if he’s already gone and your wire is thin, Arthur looks like a decent alternative right now.
Josh McRoberts & Byron Mullens Bobcats – McBob suffered a shoulder injury on Saturday but played through it, finishing with four points and nine rebounds in just 25 minutes. He had been cooking prior to that one though, flirting with nightly double-doubles and scoring in double digits in four of his previous five games. Mullens has been coming on, but disappeared on Saturday, failing to score on 0-of-5 shooting in 22 minutes. Prior to that, he dropped 25 points on the Raptors and 12 on the Wizards, and it looked like he might be ready to get it going again. But Saturday’s disaster against the Pistons is a big red flag, and the simple fact is that Mullens can’t be trusted. And while McRoberts is far from a sure bet at success every time he plays, as long as he’s starting for Charlotte, I’m comfortable using him in fantasy.
Brandan Wright Mavericks – Wright, Chris Kaman and Elton Brand are all sharing time at center, and while Kaman gets the start on most nights, Wright has been the most consistent of the three. He’s scored in double figures in eight of his last 11 games, racked up seven or more boards in six of those, and blew up for a season-high 23 points, eight boards, a steal and a block on Friday night.
Kyle O’Quinn Magic – Nikola Vucevic has a mild concussion and it’s unknown if he’ll play in his next game, or by next week. O’Quinn has started two straight games and missed double-doubling in both of them by one rebound, averaging 11.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in them. Once Vucevic is back O’Quinn will be useless, but if Vucevic will miss more time, O’Quinn’s worth a look, especially in deeper leagues.
Weekly Games Played Schedule (Weeks 22-25)
ATL 4-4-2-2
BOS 4-4-3-2
BRK 3-3-4-2
CHA 3-4-3-2
CHI 3-4-4-2
CLE 3-4-4-2
DAL 3-4-3-2
DEN 3-3-3-2
DET 3-4-2-2
GSW 3-3-3-2
HOU 3-4-3-2
IND 4-3-3-2
LAC 4-3-3-2
LAL 4-3-4-1
MEM 4-4-3-2
MIA 4-3-4-2
MIL 3-4-4-2
MIN 4-4-4-2
NOH 4-3-4-1
NYK 4-4-4-2
OKC 3-3-3-2
ORL 4-4-2-2
PHI 4-3-4-2
PHX 3-3-3-2
POR 3-4-3-2
SAC 3-3-3-2
SAS 3-4-3-2
TOR 3-4-3-2
UTA 4-4-2-2
WAS 4-4-3-2