A lot going on as we hit Week 4 of the Fantasy Basketball season. Who might be good starts for the upcoming week?
Fantasy Writer Sergio Gonzalez answers your lineup deadline questions and more on Monday, Nov. 16, at 4 p.m. ET.
Feel free to submit a question in advance and stop by Monday afternoon.
 | (11/16 16:00 PM) Hey everybody. Thanks for joining me for my weekly Fantasy Hoops chat. I'll try to get to as many questions as possible. Whatever I can't get to, feel free to send me to DMFantasyBasketball@cbs.com (attn: Chat) or tweet to me @CBSGonzalez.
|
| (11/16 16:00 PM) Let's get this going...
|
(11/16 16:00 PM) Mr. D, Chattanooga, TN - Following your advice has brought me so much success in H2H, thanks! Question: Is Ariza legit? Will he be affected if/when McGrady comes back? Should I sell high?
| (11/16 16:02 PM) Thanks for the kind words. I do think Ariza is legit, we had him pegged as a breakout/sleeper coming into the season and he has not disappointed. His numbers could stand to take a hit once T-Mac gets back, but I don't think he'll fall off completely and we aren't talking about the T-Mac of old coming back. Just an old T-Mac. Hang on to him.
|
(11/16 16:02 PM) charles, los angeles - hey sergio, what do u think of jamall tinsley in memphis?? can he be relevant in h2h leagues this yr??
| (11/16 16:03 PM) I think it could take him a little bit to get going. He hasn't played since February of 2008. But, he has put up excellent numbers throughout his career when he's not been injured or in trouble. He's averaged 7 assists over his career and with Conley struggling, he could be a sleeper for cheap assists down the line. Take a chance on him, stash him and monitor his progress. But don't expect to activate him for a couple of weeks.
|
(11/16 16:03 PM) john, fantasy land - hey sergio whats goin on with gerald wallace?? will he get it goin soon or should i try an trade him before its too late??
| (11/16 16:05 PM) Gerald Wallace has been a letdown early on, but that's been the case with just about everybody in Charlotte. Today's trade that brought Stephen Jackson over from Golden State could be seen as a threat on Wallace's value, but I actually see it as a good thing. Jax will kick start Charlotte's stagnant offense and could get Wallace, Raymond Felton and Boris Diaw going all at once.
|
(11/16 16:05 PM) jonesyfins, upstate,NY - Hey Sergio From my Flex in H2H should I start Al Jefferson with the personal issues or Paul Millsap with the lack of palying time?
Thank you
| (11/16 16:06 PM) Remember if you are in a cumulative league that Jefferson and Minnesota are the only team with just 2 games this week. Utah plays just three, however, and he is too inconsistent to rely upon off the bench. Go with Jefferson, who is expected back from his personal leave this week.
|
(11/16 16:06 PM) Orangemen of Port Orange, Port Orange. FL - My question: I have not won yet. I know it is early, but, My reserves are all injured. I have Josh Howard, who made a short comeback, and Pau Gasol. I started the season knowing that it may be difficult early and I was hoping to weather the storm, is it time to panic, or just hang on a couple of more weeks, hoping to get those two in my line-up. Thanks
| (11/16 16:07 PM) Don't give up. You have talent, but you have had horrible luck with Gasol and Howard. Though I hate to tell you that it could be a while for Howard after he suffered that setback last week. Gasol could go a long way in getting you back on track. Don't give up! And play the waiver wire to your advantage. Play the matchups wisely to get by.
|
(11/16 16:07 PM) jim, ohio - would u trade al harrington rite now?? and if so do u think he's worth someone like salmons?? would u make that swap
| (11/16 16:08 PM) I would rather have Harrington than Salmons right now. Salmons is off to a slow start and Luol Deng looks like he could have an impact on keeping Salmons below last year's numbers.
|
(11/16 16:08 PM) JanetFromAnotherPlanet, Xerxia - Hi-- in light of Outlaw's injury, can you please briefly compare Udrih and Rudy Fernandez, short- and long-term? Thanks so much.
| (11/16 16:09 PM) Fernandez is a good source of threes, but he's too up-and-down to rely upon consistently. He is more of a category-based player. Udrih can get you decent low-end scoring and assist numbers while Kevin Martin is out.
|
(11/16 16:09 PM) Yoni, Germany - I saw you featuring Varejao in the WW-Column. You sure you're not sleeping on Hickson? Thx Sergio, I appreciate your awesome work!
| (11/16 16:10 PM) Thanks for the kind words, Yoni. I like Hickson and I know he's taken over as the starting power forward for now, but despite his decent run of good scoring performances, he's not much of a rebounder -- or at least he has not been yet
. Varejao has his role on the team and will remain useful in rebounds, blocks and occasional good scoring. I am not sold on Hickson yet. |
(11/16 16:10 PM) tom, sandiago - go chargers.whoooooooo. i have garnet at PF. i also have richirad jefferson and also antwan jamison. i am starting garnett this week for sure but i need to know who should i start on weakly basis. i also starting at PF ariza,carmelo,deng lou. i will always start these three unless they are hurt. h2h avg league.
| (11/16 16:12 PM) Play the matchups. Monitor Jamison's recovery from a shoulder injury. You should be able to mix and match enough based upon matchups that you could be hard to beat if you play it the right way. You are in EXCELLENT shape at forward. Weigh your trade options if you need help elsewhere.
|
(11/16 16:13 PM) GERALD WALLACE OWNER, FANTASY LAND - Do u think the aquistion of stephen jackson will affect gerald wallace in a good or bad way?? thanks
| (11/16 16:14 PM) I mentioned this a little earlier, but I think this could actually be a good thing for Wallace. The Bobcats score the lowest average points per game (under 83 ppg) and need a jump start in their offense. Jackson could be that guy and he'll take some of the pressure off Wallace, who will see more open looks than he had been getting early on this season. I see good things ahead for Felton, Jackson, Diaw and Wallace.
|
(11/16 16:14 PM) tim, WA - to all the chris paul owner don't bother asking i will do it for you. Serg,what is paul's status if out how long should we keep him reserved?
| (11/16 16:15 PM) I was wondering when there would be a CP3 question. Paul will likely be out at least two weeks. Darren Collison will start in his place and is a decent pickup. Bobby Brown is an interesting sleeper in deep leagues. Stay patient with CP3, this could take a few weeks.
|
(11/16 16:15 PM) Mike D'A, NY,NY - Is T-Douglas worth owning with Nate around again?
| (11/16 16:16 PM) Jamey Eisenberg and I have gone back and forth about this on our podcast (check those out if you haven't already). He has been outstanding early on and coach Mike D'Antoni likes him, but the presence of Robinson does lead me to believe that there will be some inconsistency ahead once Robinson inevitably heats up. So, is he worth owning? Yes. But you'll have to treat him on a week-to-week basis.
|
(11/16 16:16 PM) Danny Granger, IND - Durants hype completely overshadows that I am capable of scoring close to 30 ppg as well this season, don't you think Sergio? Please be honest, I can handle the truth!
| (11/16 16:18 PM) I'm a big fan of yours, Danny. I thought coming into the season that Granger and Durant were their own tier after the first tier: LeBron, CP3, Kobe, Wade and think both are excellent options in category-based play thanks to their diversified lines. Keep your head up, Danny. We've got plenty of love for you and I think a lot of Fantasy owners do to.
|
(11/16 16:18 PM) Golden state fan, cali - is anthony morrow worth a pick up with s jax now gone??
| (11/16 16:19 PM) Abso-freaking-lutely. But I think the biggest beneficiary will be Corey Maggette.
|
(11/16 16:19 PM) Tom, Phoenix, AZ - I own M. Camby but am considering dropping him for J. Thompson or A. Bogut. Is this a smart move and if so, who would you pick up?
| (11/16 16:20 PM) Sounds like you are in a pretty shallow league. It depends on your format, because Camby offers so much across the categories that he is very high up the Rotisserie Rater. But in a standard H2H league, I'd go Thompson, Bogut, Camby in that order.
|
(11/16 16:20 PM) Tom, Phoenix, AZ - Who is the more valuable fantasy player...Boris Diaw or Tyreke Evans?
| (11/16 16:21 PM) Evans is the flashier option, but Diaw actually does a lot across the board as a category-based player as well. And I do think he's in line for a boost with the Charlotte offense figuring to get better soon. I like Diaw a tad ahead of Evans, who will have to deal with the return of Kevin Martin at some point. I love Evans, don't get me wrong. I just like Diaw a hair more.
|
(11/16 16:21 PM) illt, CA - Who would you start in week 4: Mario Chalmers (4 games), TJ Ford (4) or CDR (3)
| (11/16 16:22 PM) Chalmers is a little banged up, but I like Miami's matchups the best. If you are in a cumulative league, go Chalmers.
|
(11/16 16:22 PM) OB, NY - Hi Sergio, thanks for taking the questions. I'm in a 12 team standard 8 cat roto league. Here are my questions:
1) Troy Murphy: I can either go with murph (4 games and injury risk) or Gomes (2 games) this week. Thoughts?
2) I have several FG% killers on my team: Westbrook, Granger, G. Wallace and B. Davis. Who should I be most willing to trade? Have a tentative offer for Davis involving Okafor and D. Rose (i'd have to throw in some boards). Thoughts?
3) I love Greg Oden. How long until he starts playing like my other favorite center Mr. Bynum?
Thanks again.
| (11/16 16:25 PM) Murphy and his back scare me. There has to be another 4-game option you can go to off the wire. Think about going with a guy like Carl Landry or Hakim Warrick if available off your waiver wire. I would consider trading Davis out of that group of FG killers and that offer that you have on the table seems very attractive. I'd pull the trigger actually. Oden is getting better with each game, but has to stay out of foul trouble. I think Oden averages 12 points and 9.5 rebounds with 2 blocks this season.
|
(11/16 16:25 PM) Ari B, New York - Dalembert or Landry for the short term and rest of the season.
Thanks
| (11/16 16:25 PM) Landry.
|
(11/16 16:25 PM) Ben, Milwaukee - Hey Sergio. What's the deal with Barbosa's low minutes? Is that what we can expect for the rest of the season?
| (11/16 16:25 PM) He has been dealing with a bum wrist. Once that gets better, his minutes will go up.
|
(11/16 16:26 PM) Mark, Nebraska - I enjoy these chats and really appreciate it. I have been offered Mike Bibby for Michael Beasley? Would you take this trade? I have Michael Beasley.
| (11/16 16:26 PM) Thanks, Mark. I'd hang on to Beasley. Bibby has the possibility of losing value this season with Jamal Crawford in town while Beasley is a young player with a high ceiling. Beaz for sure.
|
(11/16 16:26 PM) Brett C, boston Ma - Segio, i have Rondo and Jameer Nelson, With recent news that Pierce is a risky start for week 4 dose that mean rondo could have a bigger week than though, or should i still start nelson because he has the 4 games compared to rondos 3?
| (11/16 16:27 PM) For those that don't know. Pierce is dealing with a knee problem that could sideline him for one or two games of a three-game week. That makes him risky for Week 4. I do think that Rondo could have a bigger week as a result, but I'd still go with Nelson's extra game. What a problem to have, no?
|
(11/16 16:28 PM) jeremy risto, windsor,on - I have CP3 and have heard different replacements for him..who will be the player to get the most fantasy points..d. collison, b.brown or m. thornton?
| (11/16 16:28 PM) I think Collison has the biggest ceiling of the three, though the veteran Brown could have a nice short-term impact. I'd go for Collison, who is going to get the chance to grow over the next couple of weeks and has the upside of a 13-and-6 type player.
|
(11/16 16:29 PM) Mike, New York, New York - what's up Serg!...every week ur help gives me the W !!....Who is going to pick up the slack in New orleans with Chris Paul being out? I picked up Collison...what do you think?
| (11/16 16:29 PM) Thanks, Mike. I think I just answered that :)
|
(11/16 16:29 PM) steve, PA - Out of B. Lopes, M. Gasol, and J.Noah, which two would you start this week? Thanks.
| (11/16 16:30 PM) Lopez and Gasol. Wow. Some of you guys have some stacked teams.
|
(11/16 16:30 PM) Edd Gilroy, Washington DC - Hey Sergio, I am really happy Jamison is coming back this week. My thinking is that Haywood and Jamison will have good fantasy weeks because they will work together. Haywood will protect Jamison on the boards to help him in his first few games and they will work together so that Jamison can get some nice shots and points and Haywood could pick up assists also. is that just wishful thinking?
| (11/16 16:31 PM) I think that the Wizards may bring Jamison along slowly as Blatche and Haywood will afford them the ability to do so. But Jamison will absolutely begin to cut down on their early season production -- more so with Blatche than Haywood, but still think Haywood will be more of a No. 3 center with Jamison back.
|
(11/16 16:31 PM) fantasyking, atlanta ga - i have p gasol, j howard and d. williams.....what should i do with these guys?
| (11/16 16:33 PM) Wow, what horrible luck. Williams is tending to personal issues with his daughter, we are all hoping for the best there. He could be back real soon. Gasol could be back within the next couple of weeks (though we've heard that one already) and Howard suffered a setback with his ankle injury that could keep him out a while. You have no choice but to wait. You'll be stacked once your team is at full strength, but in the meantime play the waiver wire and the matchups to the best of your ability. It just means you'll have to work a little harder. That's all.
|
(11/16 16:33 PM) jonesyfins, upstate NY - In H2H play this week should i play Al Jefferson or P Millsap? Also Rip or Stuckey? I think i need help this week lol
(11/16 16:33 PM) jonesyfins, upstate NY - In H2H play this week should i play Al Jefferson or P Millsap? Also Rip or Stuckey? I think i need help this week lol
| (11/16 16:34 PM) Jefferson and Stuckey. But be careful. Jefferson has just two games and both Rip and Stuckey are banged up. Consider waiver wire options to get you by.
|
(11/16 16:35 PM) RC, College Park, MD - Any word on Troy Murphy's playing status for this week?
| (11/16 16:35 PM) That back problem is taking a long time to heal. Too risky in my opinion.
|
(11/16 16:35 PM) SeattleHornets?, Seattle - If a 5 cat, H2H league would you rather have SammyD or EB with Speights out...
| (11/16 16:36 PM) Elton Brand. If he doesn't step up now. He never will. The upside is FAR greater with Elton Brand over SammyD (Samuel Dalembert)
|
(11/16 16:36 PM) Big Al, Charlotte, NC - Sergio - you are the man!! Please pick 2 for this week - Jamison, Gallinari, AK47 (average based).
| (11/16 16:36 PM) Gallinari and AK47. Let Jamison get his playing legs back under him first.
|
(11/16 16:36 PM) bigjim, michigan - is now the time to trade Brandon Jennings
| (11/16 16:37 PM) It depends. It's always time to consider trading players. Obviously now is probably when his value will be highest, so if you can get somebody to give you a first-round caliber guy because Jennings is performing like a first-round caliber guy. It's worth considering.
|
(11/16 16:38 PM) Paul, Lansing, MI - Will the bottom fall out on Kaman? Every week I think of trading him away fearing that he'll get worn down or injured, but he's been putting up good numbers. Should I wait until Griffin comes back or dump him as soon as I can?
| (11/16 16:39 PM) He's my favorite "sell high" candidate. I don't think the bottom is going to fall out, but his numbers will drop eventually once Blake Griffin gets involved. Wait until we're a little closer to Griffin's return, but start testing the waters now.
|
(11/16 16:39 PM) Luke, DC - Will Corey Maggette see the biggest boost in value from S-Jax departure? What about Randolph, Morrow, etc.?
| (11/16 16:40 PM) Yes. I think Maggette will have the biggest direct impact. You also have to consider the loss of Kelenna Azubuike for a long period of time (maybe for the season). I think we'll see the usual mixing and matching with Don Nelson where players like Randolph and Morrow will continue to be up-and-down. Maggette I think will be the steadier option.
|
(11/16 16:40 PM) danny, chicago - having some real big issues my team is stacked with joe johnson vince jennings jeff green butler amare al jeff kaman as starters my bench has okafor jason richardson jason kidd and tyrek evans. I have started 0-3 although its early what would you suggest.
| (11/16 16:40 PM) Don't panic. You have a very strong foundation. As always, play the right matchups and don't get too attached to names.
|
(11/16 16:41 PM) Jeff, boston - i drafted Caron Butler fairly early this year hoping his rebound and assists would increas with Gilbert back his numbers have been very bad so far, you sense improvement or much the same all year? IM looking to deal him or jeff green which would you suggest to hold on to?
| (11/16 16:42 PM) I think Caron will be fine. I think the return of Jamison could actually help his value some as the Big 3 are re-united in Washington for the first time in a long time. Don't be so quick to want to trade Butler away. When he's right, he's a No. 1 forward in any type of format.
|
(11/16 16:42 PM) roger, Toronto, Canada - i have been offered a trade for brand wondering if you can help - marion or brand rest of the season - im lacking in REB and PTS and its a roto league
| (11/16 16:43 PM) I'm really down on Brand -- as are most Fantasy owners. This next week could be very telling, though, if you can hold off. If Brand doesn't get going with Speights out, he never will. With that said, I'd prefer to have Marion the rest of the way.
|
(11/16 16:43 PM) Slippery Pete, New York - First I lose Kevin Martin, then Eric Gordon. What do you think of Mike Miller as a waiver wire replacement? Or can I do better?
| (11/16 16:44 PM) That's a tough one for this week. The Timberwolves play just two games this week. Even if you are in an average-based league. Consider looking for other options. May I suggest Dahntay Jones if he's available?
|
(11/16 16:44 PM) josh, new york - Would you take Will Bynum or Dahntay Jones from WW?
| (11/16 16:44 PM) Jones. Bynum could fall once Stuckey, Hamilton and Gordon are all healthy. Jones has been surprisingly steady.
|
(11/16 16:44 PM) Jimmy Smith, NYC - Do you think Stephen Curry is a decent play this week in place of Nate Robinson?
| (11/16 16:45 PM) Golden State has some really tough matchups this week and Curry has struggled. Keep him reserved and look to see how the shake up in Golden State impacts his value.
|
(11/16 16:45 PM) Pacman, Songsville, Phillipines - When can I expect Troy Murphy and Erick Dampier back? I'm in a two center league and want to write a ballad about them. Please help!
| (11/16 16:46 PM) I wouldn't start Murphy until I see him back on the floor, I consider him too risky. Dampier had to be hospitalized and could be out another game or two. Go to the waiver wire, my friend.
|
(11/16 16:47 PM) Ms. Palin, Alaska, near Asia - Is Roy Hibbert or Channing Frye a better option at C this week?
| (11/16 16:47 PM) Frye has horrible road splits and will play 2 of 3 games on the road. I'd go Hibbert.
|
(11/16 16:47 PM) Migs, Toronto, ON, Canada - Hey Sergio, what's going on with D.J. Augustin? He was looking like a player last year. Will the acquisition of SJax make his stock plummet further?
| (11/16 16:48 PM) Augustin could still emerge as a sixth man. The team needs scoring options off the bench and I still think Augustin could be that guy.
|
(11/16 16:48 PM) FantasyKing, Atlanta, Ga - Who should i start at center, okur or camby?
| (11/16 16:49 PM) I like Okur a hair more unless you are in a category league and need help in rebounds and blocks.
|
(11/16 16:49 PM) AJ, Wilmington NC - What is the deal with Iverson. Where do you see him going if not Memphis?
| (11/16 16:50 PM) The addition of Tinsley makes it highly unlikely he plays for Memphis again, but it would be tricky to move him for all parties involved. This could be the last of A.I., unfortunately.
|
(11/16 16:50 PM) sacmusicfan, Sacramento. - Sergio, first of all, God bless you, your family and loved ones. You give great advice.
I am in a 12 team roto league 9 cat. My centers are Jermaine O Neal, Amare Stoudemire, Al Horford, Lamarcus Aldridge, and Samuel Dalembert.
Someone dropped Blake Griffin. Should I drop Dalembert and get Griffin? I'm concerned about the blocked shots cat, and thats why I havent done it yet? what do you think Sergio?
| (11/16 16:51 PM) Thanks so much. YES. Go get him immediately. Griffin's upside far supersedes what Dalembert can do for you in one particular category.
|
(11/16 16:51 PM) Jose, Miami - Dropped TJ Ford for Beasley. Good move?
| (11/16 16:52 PM) Yes. But you might not want to let Ford get too far away.
|
(11/16 16:52 PM) brady, windsor,on - Hi I am in a 14 team avg based H2H league. I have CP3 and eric gordon...have to start 2 of these..please help me..darren.collison, marcus thornton, marquis daniels..
| (11/16 16:52 PM) Ouch. Sorry for your bad luck. I'd go Collison and Daniels.
|
(11/16 16:53 PM) jen, london, on - is there any truth to the rumor of okafor going to sac? should I be worried about owning hawes?
| (11/16 16:53 PM) That's a rumor that is gaining some steam. Often, those are the deals that don't happen. It's the deals you don't hear about (Stephen Jackson to Charlotte) that get done. I wouldn't be too worried just yet.
|
(11/16 16:54 PM) Jason, Cleveland - Who would you rather have Morrow or Barbosa? Thanks so much!
| (11/16 16:54 PM) Fringe players for Don Nelson are hard to own. Once Barbosa gets over his wrist injury, I think he'll get back to being a solid No. 3 guard.
|
(11/16 16:54 PM) STACKZILLA, SALEM, MA - WHat do you make of Andris Biedrin's poor start? Yes, he's dealing with the back injury now, but he was off to a brutal start before he got hurt. I thought he was a cinch to average a dbl dbl and be a solid #1 center.
| (11/16 16:55 PM) I think he can still get back to around 10-and-10 per game, but he has to get healthy. That's easier said than done.
|
(11/16 16:55 PM) mikey, denver - which 2 would you start in an average points leage okafor kaman and al jefferson
| (11/16 16:55 PM) Jefferson and Kaman -- remember if you aren't in an average-based league that Jefferson has just two games, though.
|
(11/16 16:55 PM) Jim, Cadillac, Mi - 12 team roto, who to start with my last flex position, T Chandler(4), R Brewer(3), N Robinson(3)
| (11/16 16:56 PM) Ronnie Brewer.
|
(11/16 16:56 PM) migs, Toronto, Canada - Is there any point in owning Sheed at the moment?
| (11/16 16:56 PM) Yes. He can be a good source of three-point shooting in a category-based league.
|
(11/16 16:57 PM) James Naismith, Massachusetts - In your esteemed opinion, would Rajon Rondo be better off shooting his FT's underhanded? His percentage is killing my fantasy team!
| (11/16 16:57 PM) That's funny. He does so much else for you, though. Stay patient.
|
(11/16 16:57 PM) Tim, NYC - Waiver Wire has CDR, Udrih, and Haslem. I've got Battier on my bench. Which of the 4 has the most value moving forward?
| (11/16 16:58 PM) Chris Douglas-Roberts is needed big time by the Nets to step up. He began to do so before his bout with H1N1. I think he has the best upside of the three, but you know what you get with Haslem and he's the safe play. Depends how much of a gambler you are.
|
| (11/16 17:00 PM) Thanks for all your questions, guys. That's all we have time for today. If you've still got questions, send them to DMFantasyBasketball@CBSSports.com and we'll try to get more.
|
| (11/16 17:00 PM) Also, check out the Fantasy Planner and Start 'Em and Sit 'Em for Week 4 before setting your lineups as well as tracking updates as they come in leading to lineup deadlines.
|
| (11/16 17:01 PM) You can also follow me @CBSGonzalez on Twitter ... I need some followers, people!
|
| (11/16 17:01 PM) Good luck this week to all!
|
