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Jamey Eisenberg

Week 23 Fantasy Stockwatch

By | Senior Fantasy Writer

Each week, we'll survey the Fantasy Basketball landscape and provide you with a list of players whose Fantasy value has increased or decreased over the course of the past week. The arrows indicate which way a player's stock is heading, but you'll have to read what we have to say to know whether you should hold on to a player, or make a move to trade him -- or trade for him.

Al Jefferson, C, Minnesota
Think the Timberwolves have missed Kevin Garnett? Think again. Jefferson filled the role of go-to guy for Minnesota this year by averaging 20.9 points and 11.4 rebounds. Garnett last year averaged 22.4 points and 12.8 rebounds for Minnesota, but he was on the downside of his career. Jefferson is only going to keep getting better and has turned himself into a potential first-round draft pick in Fantasy leagues next season. Now if only Jefferson can get some help around him, he might see his scoring rise because right now opposing defenses can focus solely on him.
Ben Wallace, C, Cleveland
Wallace has become almost non-existent in Fantasy leagues down the stretch, which is a bad precursor for next season. He is only averaging 8.6 rebounds this year, which will be the first time since 1999 that he did not average double figures in rebounds. If Wallace isn't hitting the glass, he has no Fantasy value. Now that he's in Cleveland, Wallace will have to share time with Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and LeBron James is also pretty good at grabbing rebounds. It's time to look at Wallace as a backup center in Fantasy leagues.
Hedo Turkoglu, F, Orlando
Something clicked for Turkoglu this year and hopefully he can keep it up the rest of his career. He went from a marginal Fantasy option to a potential second- or third-round draft choice in most leagues next season. He is on the verge of setting career highs in points (19.5), rebounds (5.9) and assists (4.8). Coach Stan Van Gundy made a smart move by using Turkoglu as a starting power forward and also allowing him to handle the ball. It always helps as a shooter if you have a solid big man to work with, and Turkoglu certainly has that with Dwight Howard.
Marvin Williams, F, Atlanta
Williams has turned things around a little in March, but his scoring average has dipped from 18.1 in December to 11.7 in February. He's back up to 13.2 points in March, but Williams is lost in a talented starting lineup of Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford and potentially Mike Bibby if he stays with the Hawks next year. Williams may eventually live up to his potential, but it might not happen in Atlanta. Go into next season with Williams as a No. 4 Fantasy option, but the safe move is to draft him as a reserve.
Peja Stojakovic, F, New Orleans
If you took a risk on Stojakovic as a starting Fantasy option this year it paid off because he's at 67 games and counting. Stojakovic only played 13 games last year and 84 the past two years because of injuries, but he appears back at 100 percent. His scoring is down this year at 16.3 points, which is his lowest average since 1999, but he is still a solid source of three-pointers (202) and scoring. He also chips in with 4.3 rebounds, but the biggest thing is keeping him on the court. Unless a serious injury occurs between now and next season, go into the year with Stojakovic as a starter once again.
Ben Gordon, G, Chicago
It's unknown if Gordon will return to the Bulls next season, but his Fantasy value won't be the same if he does. Gordon is still averaging 19.1 points for the year, but he's at 17.7 points for March. Since all Gordon really does is score, and since the Bulls now have Larry Hughes on the roster, Gordon's point production will take a hit. Luol Deng's future could also impact Gordon, but he has gone from a must-start Fantasy option to a marginal producer heading into next season. Now, all that could change if Gordon leaves the Bulls, so keep an eye on what happens this offseason.
Devin Harris, G, New Jersey
As Jason Kidd used to know before leaving for Dallas, it helps to play with two talented scorers like Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. Harris is finding out for himself and thriving with the Nets. Since coming to New Jersey, Harris is averaging 16.4 points and 6.8 assists in 17 games, which is an improvement on his season totals with Dallas (14.4 points, 5.3 assists). Next season, Harris will be a definite starting Fantasy option and a solid sleeper. You can probably draft him in Round 5 or later, and he will produce like an elite option if he stays in this offense.
Jason Terry, G, Dallas
Whether it's been the addition of Jason Kidd or just a continual downward spiral this season, Terry has suffered this year. His 14.7 average is his lowest point total since 2004 and the third-lowest mark of his career. Terry suffers coming off the bench, and with Kidd now on board that likely will continue next season. Terry also is just a scorer, so when his points are down, he's not helping your Fantasy team in other ways. Go into next season with Terry as a reserve and hope he can eventually crack your starting lineup with improved play.
Monta Ellis, G, Golden State
Ellis is one of the rising stars of the NBA. In three years, his scoring average has gone from 6.8 as a rookie to 16.5 last year to 19.9 this season. And he could get better next season if Baron Davis leaves as a free agent. That would allow Ellis more freedom in the offense. Aside from scoring, Ellis also rebounds (4.8) and gets assists (3.8). In keeper leagues, Ellis is one of the top players, and next year you will want to draft Ellis in the first two rounds of most scoring formats. He will only continue to get better as his career blossoms.
Ray Allen, G, Boston
Allen is on his way to his lowest scoring average since 1998 with 17.9 points this season, and it will likely only continue to decline next year. Allen might help the Celtics win an NBA title, but his days of being a regular contributor in most Fantasy leagues are near an end. Allen will be 33 to start next season, and his scoring will probably remain below 20 points per game the rest of his career. He is still a solid source of three-pointers (164) and a good scorer. But he averages less than four assists and four rebounds per game. Go into next season with Allen as a Fantasy reserve and hope he can start for you at certain points during the year.

Do you have a trade you'd like reviewed by our experts, or feel that we're missing someone from our Stockwatch? You can e-mail us at DMFantasyBasketball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Stockwatch in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware we do not guarantee personal responses to all questions.

 
 
 
Player News
Amar'e Stoudemire
Stoudemire shifts focus to hoop
Amar'e Stoudemire, PF, NY
12:09 PM
News: New York F Amar'e Stoudemire returned to practice Monday after spending the past week in Florida to mourn the death of his brother, according to Newsday. Stoudemire is expected to play in Tuesday's game at Toronto. "I can't wait to get him back," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. "We should go to another level, no doubt about it." Stoudemire is averaging 18.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game this season.
Analysis: Stoudemire returns to the team at an interesting time as G Jeremy Lin has created tremendous buzz with his sterling production while Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony have been sidelined. But Stoudemire could benefit from Lin's pick-and-roll ability and improve on his average of 7.0 field goals a game -- his lowest total since his rookie season (minimum 10 games). Consider Stoudemire a must-start in all Fantasy formats.

Brook Lopez
Lopez wants to get rolling
Brook Lopez, C, NJ
1:13 PM
News: New Jersey C Brook Lopez said he is prepared to return to practice after being sidelined all season because of a broken foot. Lopez has been kept to minimal participation after having surgery in December to repair a stress fracture in his foot. There is no timetable for his return. "I don’t really think there’s anything (left to do)," Lopez told The Star-Ledger. "We just have to keep putting it together and keep trying to get into shape and the next opportunity at practice, hopefully I’ll be able to participate."
Analysis: That opportunity to practice could come as early as this week after Nets general manager Billy King said Lopez has been "on schedule" with his recovery. Still, New Jersey will continue to be cautious with Lopez, who is approaching the two-month mark on the bench since having surgery on Dec. 23. "Patience is the key when you’re talking about a small bone in a 7-foot guy’s foot," Nets coach Avery Johnson said. "We’d like to not have any setbacks." Fantasy owners should monitor Lopez's status, but keep him benched for Week 8 (Feb. 13-19).

Spencer Hawes
Hawes hopeful for Friday
Spencer Hawes, C, PHI
1:06 PM
News: Philadelphia coach Doug Collins said Monday he is "hoping" 76ers C Spencer Hawes (back) will be able to return for Friday's game against Dallas, according to the team. Hawes did not accompany the team on its three-game road trip that concludes Wednesday at Orlando.
Analysis: Hawes has become an increasingly frustrating Fantasy player recently and has missed 13 of the past 15 games because of persistent injuries. He started the season with three double-doubles in his first four outings, but his season averages have dipped to 10.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. With the possibility of only playing two games, Fantasy owners should consider sitting Hawes again for Week 8 (Feb. 13-19).

Kemba Walker
Walker slated for bench?
Kemba Walker, PG, CHA
12:37 PM
News: Bobcats G Kemba Walker is expected to serve as the backup point guard once G D.J. Augustin returns from a toe injury, according to the Charlotte Observer. Walker has been the starting point guard since Augustin went down with the injury in mid-January and topped double figures in scoring during eight of the 11 games. He also recorded the third triple-double in franchise history against Washington on Jan. 28.
Analysis: There was the possibility Walker could shift back to the two-guard once Augustin returned, but Bobcats coach Paul Silas apparently likes his recent production at the point. Walker has remained steady with his passing and is averaging 3.6 assists per game this season. Augustin could return to action as early as Wednesday so Fantasy owners should be aware of a possible dip in playing time for Walker in Week 8 (Feb. 13-19).

Marco Belinelli
Belinelli shooting to improve
Marco Belinelli, SG, NO
1:53 PM
News: Hornets G Marco Belinelli currently leads the team with 37 3-pointers made this season. He also has fired twice as many attempts as anyone else with a whopping 107 shots for a career-low 34.6 percent clip from beyond the arc this season. "I know that’s not really good for me because I knew this year I needed to score more," Belinelli told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "I think the last couple of games were pretty good, but I need to be more aggressive every game." Belinelli is averaging 9.7 points per game overall this season.
Analysis: Belinelli netted 41 percent of his attempts from long range last season, but has been unable to duplicate the steady production. However, he has drained two treys in two of his past three outings to improve his accuracy to 40.9 this month. "We have to keep him confident and don’t let him go through a shell or get bashed for it," Hornets G Jarrett Jack said. "He’s a gunslinger, and he’s got to come out with that kind of mentality every night." Fantasy owners should continue to track Belinelli's progress and consider him a low-end option in deeper formats for now.

Carmelo Anthony
Anthony still missing practice
Carmelo Anthony, SF, NY
12:19 PM
News: New York F Carmelo Anthony was unable to return to practice Monday as he continues to be bothered by a strained right groin, according to Newsday. Anthony has missed the past three games with the issue and is unlikely to play against Toronto on Tuesday.
Analysis: Anthony was originally expected to miss one to two weeks with the injury and it appears he will be sidelined for the longer side of the timetable. The Knicks play four times during Fantasy Week 8 (Feb. 13-19), including a back-to-back set Tuesday and Wednesday, but Anthony seems to be a risky option for the scoring period. He is averaging a team-high 22.3 points per game this season and should be viewed as a must-start when active.

Evan Turner
Turner remaining patient
Evan Turner, SG, PHI
1:40 PM
News: Despite a decrease in minutes recently, 76ers G Evan Turner said Monday he does not have a concern over his playing time. Turner has been held to less than 20 minutes in two of his past three games while netting just 16 points over that span. "It's just one of those situations and we have to do what's best for the team and certain situations coach tries to do what's best out there and that's it." Turner told the Philadelphia Daily News.
Analysis: Turner saw a rise in playing time last Saturday when he logged 23 minutes at Cleveland, but that total is still below his average of 24.7 for the year. "You just have to move on with each game," said Turner, who is posting 9.2 points per game. "We have so many games coming up. ... You have to just be prepared." With no reports of the 23-year-old being in trouble, Fantasy owners should view Turner as a low-end Fantasy option for now.

JaVale McGee
Clearing the air helps McGee
JaVale McGee, C, WAS
1:30 PM
News: Washington C JaVale McGee has credited an unlikely source for his recent strong play: a new asthma medicine. McGee visited a doctor last week and has make a solid impact since, combining for 46 points and 24 rebounds in his past two games. "They said I was breathing at like 75 percent," McGee told the Washington Post. "I feel a lot better. I feel I can stay out there longer now. I got to just take my medicine."
Analysis: McGee has overcome a sluggish start to open February when he scored just 34 points combined in the first five games of the month. But he has now posted back-to-back double-doubles for just the second time this season and is also contributing on the defensive side for the Wizards (2.9 blocks per game). With Portland, Clippers and Utah on tap in Fantasy Week 8 (Feb. 13-19), consider utilizing McGee in most formats.

Emeka Okafor
Okafor battling knee issue
Emeka Okafor, C, NO
11:39 AM
News: New Orleans C Emeka Okafor is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Utah with a sore left knee, according to the team's official website. Okafor has played in all 27 games for the Hornets this season and is averaging 9.9 points and 7.9 rebounds a night.
Analysis: It's unclear when Okafor started experiencing soreness and it could sideline him for the first time this season. The 29-year-old has improved his scoring recently and posted double figures during four of his six games this month. However, he has not recorded a double-double since Jan. 21, but has just missed hitting the mark recently. Fantasy owners should monitor his status as he could be a risky play in Week 8 (Feb. 13-19).

Luke Ridnour
Ridnour on personal leave
Luke Ridnour, PG, MIN
12:49 PM
News: Timberwolves G Luke Ridnour did not travel with the team for Monday's game at Orlando because of personal reasons, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. It is unclear when Ridnour will return to the team as the Timberwolves play next on Wednesday at home.
Analysis: Ridnour has turned in a quality season, but has struggled recently. He has scored in double figures only once over his past six games to drop his season average to 11.2 points per game. Ridnour is averaging 9.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists over his last five games and will now miss some playing time. Despite starting for Minnesota, Ridnour is considered a low-end Fantasy G in deeper formats for now.

 
 
 
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