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Sergio Gonzalez

Week 4 Fantasy Basketball Planner

By | Fantasy Writer

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The Fantasy Basketball Weekly Planner is the essential guide to setting your lineup for the upcoming week. Every week, we provide you with top matchups, the latest news and give you the scoop on injured players.

Fantasy Week 4 (Nov. 17-23)

Teams with four games: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Lakers, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, Portland, Sacramento, Toronto, Utah, Washington

Teams with three games: Charlotte, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Golden State, Indiana, Memphis, Miami, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio

*All stats heading into play Friday

Atlanta Hawks
Schedule: Nov. 18 @ IND; Nov. 19 vs. WAS; Nov. 21 vs. CHA; Nov. 22 vs. CLE
Injury Report: Josh Smith (ankle/out until at least November). He is out at least another week.; Zaza Pachulia (shoulder/day-to-day) Even when healthy and starting while Smith is out, Zaza has been useless; Speedy Claxton (hamstring/day-to-day). No need to worry about Speedy right now. He has barely played the last two years.
Slam Dunk: Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, Al Horford
Tough Call: Marvin Williams is solid start as a No. 3 or 4 forward this week. Ronald Murray can be useful as a stopgap in leagues of 12-plus teams. Maurice Evans has been getting around 25 minutes off the bench and has three three-pointers in back-to-back games. He can be considered in cumulative scoring leagues this week if you need a last-minute fill-in at guard.
One Week Boom: Marvin Williams

Boston Celtics
Schedule: Nov. 18 vs. NY; Nov. 20 vs. DET; Nov. 21 @ MIN; Nov. 23 @ TOR
Injury Report: None
Slam Dunk: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen
Tough Call: Rajon Rondo could have good scoring nights against New York and Minnesota, both teams allowing over 100 points per game. He should also have decent assist totals in those games. In leagues of 12-plus teams, he's a decent play as a No. 4 guard this week. Kendrick Perkins is no good in average-scoring leagues this week, but could rack up around 30 boards and a few blocks in cumulative-based category leagues.
One Week Boom: Ray Allen

Charlotte Bobcats
Schedule: Nov. 18 vs. DAL; Nov. 21 @ ATL; Nov. 22 vs. MIL
Injury Report: Jason Richardson (knee) is coming off arthroscopic knee surgery. He was ruled out for a week on Wednesday which would mean he'd play two games on a best-case scenario. He's too much of a risk to play this week. Adam Morrison has played more in his absence, but is a very low-end replacement option in Fantasy.
Slam Dunk: Emeka Okafor
Tough Call: It's a three-game week, so players like Gerald Wallace and Raymond Felton are tough calls in cumulative scoring leagues. Wallace does enough in rebounding, steals and blocks make him a quality start in even cumulative-scoring leagues. He's a safe play in average-scoring leagues and cumulative formats of 12-plus teams. He can be reserved in smaller formats. Raymond Felton has seen D.J. Augustin take away minutes and shot attempts. We recommend sitting both players this week. The Bobcats face two of the top-three defensive teams in the leagues to date (Atlanta and Milwaukee).
One Week Bust: Raymond Felton

Top 10 Players Added
Player % Change
1. Roger Mason Jr., G, SA 41
2. Marquis Daniels, G, IND 40
3. JaVale McGee, C, WAS 30
4. Chris Duhon, G, NY 19
5. Nick Young, G, WAS 19
6. Wilson Chandler, F, NY 18
7. Brandan Wright, F, GS 16
8. Anderson Varejao, C, CLE 16
9. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, F,MIL 16
10. Nene, F, Nuggets 15

Chicago Bulls
Schedule: Nov. 18 @ LAL; Nov. 19 @ POR; Nov. 21 @ GS; Nov. 23 @ DEN
Injury Report: Kirk Hinrich (thumb/out until February), Michael Ruffin (ankle/day-to-day).
Slam Dunk: Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng
Tough Call: The Bulls have favorable matchups this week against Golden State and Denver, two teams that allow over 100 points. The Warriors allow 105.4 points per game. That makes starting Drew Gooden a good play this week, especially in leagues where he is eligible at center. Andres Nocioni has been hit-or-miss this season, but does have 16 or more points in two of his last three games including a 20-point outing against Atlanta. He could be of use in a pinch in larger leagues, but should still be reserved in most standard leagues until his role becomes more consistent.
One Week Boom: Ben Gordon

Cleveland Cavaliers
Schedule: Nov. 18 @ NJ; Nov. 19 @ DET; Nov. 22 vs. ATL
Injury Report: Darnell Jackson (wrist/day-to-day). No Fantasy relevance.
Slam Dunk: LeBron James
Tough Call: It's a three-game week for the Cavs, so even Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Mo Williams are up for debate this week in cumulative-scoring leagues. Both are safe plays, but if you have a comparable option with four games in cumulative leagues, that's the way to go. Delonte West is a fringe player that is best used for weeks with favorable matchups for four-game slates. The Cavs have neither in Week 4.
One Week Bust: Delonte West

Dallas Mavericks
Schedule: Nov. 18 @ CHA; Nov. 19 @ HOU; Nov. 21 vs. MEM
Injury Report: Devean George (hand/day-to-day). No Fantasy relevance.
Slam Dunk: Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard
Tough Call: Jason Terry is a safe play in average-scoring leagues, but could be reserved in cumulative-scoring leagues this week for a four-gamer. Something has gotten into Erick Dampier of late offensively and if you need a replacement option off the waiver wire in average-scoring leagues. Look to see if he stays hot Friday night against Memphis. Gerald Green is back to being useless now that Howard is back in the lineup.
One Week Boom: Erick Dampier

Denver Nuggets
Schedule: Nov. 18 vs. MIL; Nov. 19 @ SA; Nov. 21 @ LAL; Nov. 23 vs. CHI
Injury Report: Chucky Atkins (knee/day-to-day), Chris Andersen (ribs/day-to-day), Sonny Weems (hernia/day-to-day). No Fantasy relevance.
Slam Dunk: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Nene
Tough Call: Kenyon Martin should start in most leagues this week as at least a No. 4 forward, especially in cumulative scoring leagues considering the four-game week. J.R. Smith should only be started in deeper cumulative-scoring leagues this week. The Nuggets have tough defensive matchups all week and Smith does not do much outside of scoring, which may be limited this week. In average-scoring leagues, we recommend sitting him this week for more favorable options.
One Week Boom: Nene

Detroit Pistons
Schedule: Nov. 19 vs. CLE; Nov. 20 @ BOS; Nov. 23 vs. MIN
Injury Report: Rodney Stuckey (head/day-today). He should be back this weekend and just had a dizzy spell. Unfortunately, as a backup guard who sees limited playing time he's a tough sell this week in cumulative-scoring leagues.
Slam Dunk: Allen Iverson
Tough Call: Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace and Richard Hamilton have been playing well alongside Iverson since the trade and should be good starts in average-scoring leagues despite tough matchups against Cleveland and Boston this week. In cumulative scoring leagues, Prince can be viewed as a No. 4 guard. Wallace is a decent play as a No. 2 center in leagues of 12-plus teams. Hamilton is a No. 3 or 4 option at guard. Amir Johnson has been moved out of the starting lineup.
One Week Bust: Rodney Stuckey

Best Fantasy schedules
Team Schedule
1. Lakers CHI, @PHO, DEN, SAC
2. Trail Blazers @GS, CHI, @SAC, @PHO
3. Bucks @DEN, @UTA, NY, @CHA
4. Bulls @LAL, @POR, @GS, @DEN
5. 76ers @MIN, LAC, GS

Golden State Warriors
Schedule: Nov. 18 vs. POR; Nov. 21 vs. CHI; Nov. 23 @ PHI
Injury Report: Al Harrington (back/day-to-day). Most people believe the back injury is just a cover with Harrington and the team at ends. The two sides are in agreement that a trade is the best resolution for both sides and he is unlikely to play until that happens.
Slam Dunk: Andris Biedrins
Tough Call: In average-scoring leagues, Stephen Jackson and Corey Maggette are also slam dunks, but not in smaller cumulative leagues where better four-gamers may be available. Biedrins is a slam dunk because there aren't many centers in the league producing like him at the moment and he can do in three games what a lot of centers can't do in four. Kelenna Azubuike is a decent play in average leagues with his move into the starting lineup, but is a No. 4 option at best in cumulative formats. Brandan Wright has seen his playing time cut back again with Stephen Jackson moving to power forward for the time being.
One Week Bust: Kelenna Azubuike

Houston Rockets
Schedule: Nov. 17 @ OKC; Nov. 19 vs. DAL; Nov. 21 @ WAS; Nov. 22 @ ORL
Injury Report: Shane Battier (ankle/day-to-day), Steve Francis (knee/out indefinitely). Battier suffered a setback this week and is unlikely to play for another week or so. Francis is nowhere to be found.
Slam Dunk: Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Ron Artest
Tough Call: Luis Scola is still a safe play in leagues of 12-plus teams as a No. 3 or 4 forward with Shane Battier out likely for another week, especially in a four-game week. Rafer Alston will have served his two-game suspension by Monday's game against Oklahoma City and can be viewed as a No. 4 guard option in cumulative scoring leagues. His production across the board has been low for average-scoring leagues and it's best to reserve him until he gets going. Aaron Brooks may have a good weekend with Alston out of the mix, but he'll return to seeing around 25 minutes per game once Alston is back. He has been playing well, even with Alston around, though, and is a better play than the starting point guard at the moment in larger leagues.
One Week Boom: Luis Scola

Indiana Pacers
Schedule: Nov. 18 vs. ATL; Nov. 21 vs. ORL; Nov. 22 @ MIA
Injury Report: Danny Granger (knee/day-to-day), Troy Murphy (flu/day-to-day). Mike Dunleavy (knee/out indefinitely). Granger and Murphy are expected to be in the lineup this weekend and will be safe starts in the upcoming scoring period. Dunleavy has made little progress and seems unlikely to play at all this week.
Slam Dunk: Danny Granger
Tough Calls T.J. Ford is also a slam dunk in leagues that use averages, but his appeal in cumulative leagues is limited due to the three-game week. Starting Ford depends on your options, but he's not a bad play as a No. 4 guard this week if you need to start him. Troy Murphy has been limited over the last week and is a tough sell this week even in leagues where he is eligible at center. He has been under the weather and does not seem to be 100 percent at the moment.
One Week Bust: Troy Murphy

Los Angeles Clippers
Schedule: Nov. 17 vs. SA; Nov. 19 @ OKC; Nov. 21 @ PHI; Nov. 22 @ NJ
Injury Report: None
Slam Dunk: Baron Davis
Tough Call: In cumulative-scoring leagues, Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman are decent plays as a No. 2 centers due to the four-game week. Camby has been limited coming off his heel injury, but seems to be getting on track. Al Thornton is scoring well of late and is a nice play in any Head-to-Head format. His appeal in Rotisserie is limited until he can do more than just score. Cuttino Mobley can be useful in larger Head-to-Head cumulative leagues as a four-gamer, but his appeal is limited elsewhere.
One Week Boom: Chris Kaman

Los Angeles Lakers
Schedule: Nov. 18 vs. CHI; Nov. 20 @ PHO; Nov. 21 vs. DEN; Nov. 23 vs. SAC
Injury Report: None
Slam Dunk: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum
Tough Call: The Lakers have some favorable matchups this week, the best in the league as far as we are concerned. The Nuggets and Kings are among the most Fantasy-friendly defenses in the league and Phoenix is no defensive juggernaut just yet. It's a good week to take a chance on Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher, especially in cumulative-scoring leagues.
One Week Boom/Bust: Lamar Odom

Memphis Grizzlies
Schedule: Nov. 18 vs. SAC; Nov. 21 @ DAL; Nov. 22 vs. UTA
Injury Report: None
Slam Dunk: Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo
Tough Call: Marc Gasol is getting on a roll offensively and has a very favorable matchup against Sacramento, which is good for owners in average-scoring leagues. In cumulative-scoring leagues, he's a decent option as a No. 2 center, but it will depend on your other options considering he plays just three games. Mike Conley continues to struggle despite starting and is a tough sell in any format right now. Hakim Warrick, Darrell Arthur and Kyle Lowry are fringe options that should be reserved in most cumulative leagues this week.
One Week Boom: Marc Gasol

Miami Heat
Schedule: Nov. 18 @ WAS; Nov. 19 vs. TOR; Nov. 22 vs. IND
Injury Report: Shawn Marion (groin/day-to-day), Shaun Livingston (knee/day-to-day), Marcus Banks (groin/day-to-day), Dorrell Wright (Achilles'/day-to-day), Jamaal Magloire (hand/out until January), James Jones (wrist/out until January). The big one here for Fantasy is Marion, who is expected to be in the lineup this weekend and should be a safe play after resting his groin for a couple of games.
Slam Dunk: Dwyane Wade, Michael Beasley
Tough Call: Marion is a tough call in smaller leagues and in cumulative-scoring because he is not 100 percent both physically and in terms of production. He also has just three games this week. In most Rotisserie leagues, Marion should play whenever healthy despite his slow start this season. In Head-to-Head, he's a great start in all average-based leagues, but is someone that can be reserved in smaller leagues for a comparable four-gamer. Udonis Haslem is eligible at center in leagues that allow multiple positions and can be used as a No. 2 center in those formats, mainly in average leagues. But his value as a forward this week is very limited. Mario Chalmers is not a good play this week in any cumulative league.
One Week Bust: Shawn Marion

Milwaukee Bucks
Schedule: Nov. 18 @ DEN; Nov. 19 @ UTA; Nov. 21 vs. NY; Nov. 22 @ CHA
Injury Report: Michael Redd (ankle/day-to-day), Charlie Villanueva (hamstring/day-to-day). Redd's injury seemed pretty harmless at first, but it has lingered for two weeks. Fantasy owners should be prepared to bench him if he does not play this weekend. Villanueva is day-to-day, but he has to fight off surging rookie Luc Richard Mbah a Moute even if he is healthy. He's a shaky start and seems to be headed for the same fate he had last year when he was stifled by Yi Jianlian's presence for long periods of time.
Slam Dunk: Richard Jefferson, Andrew Bogut
Tough Call: Ramon Sessions and Luke Ridnour seem to be able to co-exist in a Michael Redd-less world, but once Redd returns we will see who drops off. Sessions has been the most productive overall, but Ridnour seems to be locked in to the sarting point guard job and would be the most likely to retain his value. Mbah a Moute is worth starting this week in larger leagues as a four-gamer. He's getting around 35 minutes on most nights.
One Week Boom: Luke Ridnour

Minnesota Timberwolves
Schedule: Nov. 19 vs. PHI; Nov. 21 vs. BOS; Nov. 23 @ DET
Injury Report: Jason Collins (elbow/out indefinitely)
Slam Dunk: Al Jefferson
Tough Call: Mike Miller should be viewed as a No. 3 or 4 option this week in cumulative leagues. In average leagues, his value is similar considering the tough matchups all week against good defensive teams. Randy Foye can be viewed as a low-end starter as well now that he's gotten on a bit of an offensive groove. Rashad McCants has gotten going offensively, but matchups against stingy teams don't bode well for a score-only guard like him. Kevin Love is not in a groove and should sit in cumulative leagues this week and most average leagues as well due to the tough matchups.
One Week Bust: Mike Miller

New Jersey Nets
Schedule: Nov. 18 vs. CLE; Nov. 21 @ TOR; Nov. 22 vs. LAC
Injury Report: Josh Boone (ankle/day-to-day), Eduardo Najera (neck, back/day-to-day), Chris Douglas-Roberts (knee/out until December), Stromile Swift (back/out indefinitely). Boone is the only injured Nets player with any Fantasy value, but he continues to split time with rookie Brook Lopez and is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy center even when healthy.
Slam Dunk: Vince Carter
Tough Call: Devin Harris has been dealing with a tender ankle that forced him to miss a few games, but he's back and productive. In average leagues, he is a very solid start this week. In cumulative leagues, his value is that of a low-end starter due to the three-game week. Yi Jianlian continues to be a bit erratic and his appeal as a decent rebounder for Rotisserie is limited by the three-game week.
One Week Bust: Yi Jianlian

New Orleans Hornets
Schedule: Nov. 19 vs. SAC; Nov. 21 @ OKC, Nov. 22 vs. OKC
Injury Report: Melvin Ely (tooth/day-to-day)
Slam Dunk: Chris Paul, David West
Tough Call: Tyson Chandler has gotten off to a slow offensive start this season and his appeal as a No. 2 Fantasy center is limited in cumulative leagues this week due to the three-game schedule. Peja Stojakovic is 20-for-62 from the field in his last five games and is not particularly hot from beyond the arc either. He's a player to be reserved if a good four-gamer is available.
One Week Bust: Tyson Chandler

New York Knicks
Schedule: Nov. 18 @ BOS; Nov. 21 @ MIL; Nov. 22 vs. WAS
Injury Report: Danilo Gallinari (back/out indefinitely), Eddy Curry (knee/out indefinitely)
Slam Dunk: Zach Randolph, Jamal Crawford
Tough Call: The Knicks are limited to just three games, which limits their appeal in cumulative leagues. Nate Robinson has been useful as a low-end starter on four-game weeks, but should be reserved outside of average-based formats this week if possible. The same goes for Chris Duhon, Wilson Chandler, David Lee and Quentin Richardson.
One Week Bust: Nate Robinson

Oklahoma City Thunder
Schedule: Nov. 17 vs. HOU; Nov. 19 vs. L.A. Clippers; Nov. 21 vs. NO; Nov. 22 @ NO
Injury Report: Chris Wilcox (knee/day-to-day). D.J. White (jaw/out until February). Wilcox has been diagnosed with a patella subluxation and could miss a few more games. He's too risky to play this week if he does not return Sunday.
Slam Dunk: Kevin Durant
Tough Call: Second-year forward Kevin Green is enjoying a breakout season it would appear early on this fall and he is quickly emerging into a must-start. In four-game weeks, he's a definite should-start in cumulative leagues. His matchups against Houston and New Orleans (twice) don't bode well for huge numbers in average leagues, but he should be around 15 points, six rebounds and two assists. Rookie Russell Westbrook is starting to become a factor in the offense is worth considering in larger formats as a sleeper this week in cumulative formats.
One Week Boom: Jeff Green

Orlando Magic
Schedule: Nov. 18 vs. TOR; Nov. 21 @ IND; Nov. 22 vs. HOU
Injury Report: Mike Wilks (knee/out for the season)
Slam Dunk: Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu
Tough Call: Jameer Nelson is heating up, but a three-game week makes him a risky play in cumulative scoring leagues. In average leagues, he's playing well enough to use as a No. 3 guard. The same goes for Mickael Pietrus this week. Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams should be considered mainly just in average-based leagues this week.
One Week Boom: Jameer Nelson

Philadelphia 76ers
Schedule: Nov. 19 @ MIN; Nov. 21 vs. LAC; Nov. 23 vs. GS
Injury Report: Jason Smith (knee/out for the season)
Slam Dunk: Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller
Tough Call: Samuel Dalembert could be in for a slow week. He faces Al Jefferson and the Chris Kaman/Marcus Camby duo in L.A. He does have one very favorable matchup against Golden State, but his value in cumulative leagues is limited to being a No. 2 Fantasy center this week.
One Week Bust: Samuel Dalembert

Phoenix Suns
Schedule: Nov. 17 @ UTA, Nov. 20 vs. LAL, Nov. 22 vs. POR
Injury Report: Leandro Barbosa (personal/out indefinitely). He flew back to Brazil to be with his family after his mother passed away. A return date has not been determined yet, making him a risky play for the upcoming week.
Slam Dunk: Amar'e Stoudemire, Steve Nash
Tough Call: The Suns have just three games this week and Shaq is just about due for one of his planned days off. That makes him a very risky play in cumulative scoring leagues as it could be possible that he plays just two games. Keep that in mind if it is a toss up.
One Week Bust: Shaquille O'Neal

Worst Fantasy schedules
Team Schedule
1. Pacers ATL, ORL, @MIA
2. Timberwolves PHI, BOS, @DET
3. Mavericks @CHA, @HOU, MEM
4. Bobcats DAL, @ATL, MIL
5. Pistons CLE, @BOS, MIN

Portland Trail Blazers
Schedule: Nov. 18 @ GS; Nov. 19 vs. CHI; Nov. 21 @ SAC; Nov. 22 @ PHO
Injury Report: Martell Webster (foot/out until December), Raef LaFrentz (Shoulder/may miss entire season)
Slam Dunk: Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge
Tough Call: Rudy Fernandez continues to see ample playing time and is a good start as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy guard this week in any format. Travis Outlaw has been playing well and can be of use as a No. 4 forward or 'flex' option in larger leagues this week. Matchups against the Warriors and Kings should bode well for Fernandez and Outlaw. Greg Oden is back, but he is clearly not up to NBA speed yet. Until that happens, leave him reserved.
One Week Boom: Rudy Fernandez

Sacramento Kings
Schedule: Nov. 18 @ MEM; Nov. 19 @ NO; Nov. 21 vs. POR; Nov. 23 @ LAL
Injury Report: Kevin Martin (ankle/day-to-day), Quincy Douby (ankle/day-today), Francisco Garcia (calf/out until late November). Martin could the first couple of games in the scoring period and could miss the whole week, making him too risky to start in Fantasy. Reserve him unless the Kings announce plans to activate him.
Slam Dunk: John Salmons, Brad Miller
Tough Call: With Martin out, Beno Udrih has snapped out of his early season funk. He's ready to be activated again in most formats, especially during a four-game week. In average leagues, though, consider that the Kings have some tough matchups against the Hornets and Lakers. Spencer Hawes has seen his production slip, as expected, with Brad Miller back.
One Week Boom: Brad Miller

San Antonio Spurs
Schedule: Nov. 17 @ LAC; Nov. 19 vs. DEN; Nov. 21 vs. UTA
Injury Report: Tony Parker (ankle/out until December), Manu Ginobili (ankle/out until December), Ian Mahinmi (ankle/day-to-day).
Slam Dunk: Tim Duncan
Tough Call: Roger Mason Jr. is a decent option as a No. 4 guard in average-based leagues thanks to some good matchups against the Clippers and Nuggets, who give up a ton of points. But in cumulative leagues, his value is low-end with just three games. Michael Finley and George are in a similar situation.
One Week Boom: Roger Mason Jr.

Toronto Raptors
Schedule: Nov. 18 @ ORL; Nov. 19 @ MIA; Nov. 21 vs. NJ; Nov. 23 vs. BOS
Injury Report: Jose Calderon (hamstring/day-to-day), Nathan Jawai (heart/out indefinitely). Calderon is considered questionable for Sunday against Miami, making him an injury risk for Week 4. Obviously, if he plays he should be a safe start. But hamstring injuries are tricky and can linger, meaning Fantasy owners should be prepared to be without him for a week or so. Jawai is not a player to worry about in Fantasy leagues yet.
Slam Dunk: Chris Bosh
Tough Call: Jermain O'Neal is rebounding from his slow offensive start to the season and is eligible at center in leagues that allow multiple eligibility. In cumulative leagues, the four-gamer is a great play this week. Matchups against undersized Miami and young centers in New Jersey and Boston make him a good play in average-based leagues also. Lesser options like Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon have some appeal in larger cumulative leagues, but it is minimal.
One Week Boom/Bust: Jermaine O'Neal

Utah Jazz
Schedule: Nov. 17 vs. PHO; Nov. 19 vs. MIL; Nov. 21 @ SA; Nov. 22 @ MEM
Injury Report: Deron Williams (ankle/day-to-day), Mehmet Okur (personal/out indefinitely), Andrei Kirilenko (finger/day-to-day), Jarron Collins (elbow/day-to-day). Head coach Jerry Sloan admitted Friday that the team brought Williams back too early from his ankle injury. It seems like he may be headed for another extended stint on the inactive list. Fantasy owners should not count on Williams in Week 4, but should continue to monitor news on him over the weekend. Kirlenko sounds like he should be a safe play for a four-game week. Okur is with his ailing father in Turkey and it is not known when he will return. Fantasy owners should not count on having him this week. Jarron Collins has no Fantasy value.
Slam Dunk: Carlos Boozer
Tough Call: With all the injuries the Jazz are facing, a few players enter the mix of viable Fantasy options this week. Paul Millsap should replace Okur while he is out and he is a qualtiy play in leagues where he is eligible at center as a No. 2 option in a pinch. The only problem is, Okur could return at any point. Ronnie Brewer will be looked upon to fill some of the void left by Williams in the back court. Ronnie Price will get the starts at point guard, but his production is minimal.
One Week Boom: Paul Millsap

Washington Wizards
Schedule: Nov. 18 vs. MIA; Nov. 19 @ ATL; Nov. 21 vs. HOU; Nov. 22 @ NY
Injury Report: Gilbert Arenas (Knee/Out until January), Brendan Haywood (Wrist/Out until February)
Slam Dunk: Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler
Tough Call: The Wizards have a four-game week, making less options like Nick Young, DeShawn Stevenson and JaVale McGee possible candidates as fill ins in larger cumulative scoring leagues. But in average-based leagues, consider they have two bad matchups against Atlanta and Houston and one really good one against New York. Antonio Daniels is not doing much of anything and should be reserved.
One Week Boom: JaVale McGee

Do you have a lineup question for our staff? You can e-mail us at DMFantasyHoops@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Hoops Planner in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state.

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Player News
Blake Griffin
Griffin rolls ankle in loss
Blake Griffin, PF, LAC
2:02 AM
News: Clippers forward Blake Griffin rolled his left ankle during the first quarter of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Tuesday night. Griffin, who is also dealing with a sprained left knee, was able to remain in the game, but struggled with his shot in the 108-92 defeat. He made seven of his 17 field-goal attempts, finishing with 15 points to go along with nine rebounds, two rebounds and one block. After the game, Griffin sounded optimistic about his chances of playing in Game 2. "But I'll get back in the training room, get treatment and hope to be better the next game," Griffin said.
Analysis: Griffin estimated that his sprained left knee had him feeling at about 80 percent prior to Game 1, so one can only imagine how he feels now. However, the 23-year-old seemed fairly confident he would be able to play in the next game and the Clippers will need him if they are going to pull off the upset. Griffin actually saw a slight dip in production during his sophomore campaign, but still averaged an impressive 20.7 points and 10.9 rebounds. While his game does need some polishing, Griffin's still has an extremely high ceiling and should continue to develop over the next few seasons. Fantasy owners should plan on spending an early-round pick on him next season.

Kendrick Perkins
Perkins plays through hip issue
Kendrick Perkins, C, OKC
5/15/2012
News: Thunder center Kendrick Perkins was able to play through a hip injury during Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Monday night. Perkins finished with four points and one rebound, making both of his field-goal attempts. He also added two blocks, while logging 17 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Perkins seemed to re-aggravate his hip injury late in the first half, but he was back on the bench for the second half. While he did not re-enter the game, the Thunder were able by 20-plus points at that point, so he wasn't needed. Perkins will be counted on the try and help slow down the Lakers' pair of 7-footers in this series, which will be key for the Thunder to advance. He can be considered a very low-end Fantasy option moving forward.

Thaddeus Young
Young plays on
Thaddeus Young, SF, PHI
5/15/2012
News: Sixers forward Thaddeus Young was able to play through ankle injury during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Tuesday night. Young finished with four points and four rebounds in the 82-81 win, despite missing on all three of his field-goal attempts.
Analysis: Young was able to play on Tuesday night, but looked limited on the court. However, he will now get a few days to rest until the teams meet for Game 3, which should allow him to remain on the floor. The 76ers need him on the floor if they have any chance to pull off the upset, so we would be shocked if he did not play moving forward. Young can be considered a viable option in deeper mixed formats when healthy.

Chris Bosh
Bosh out indefinitely after MRI
Chris Bosh, PF, MIA
5/14/2012
News: Miami forward Chris Bosh will be sidelined indefinitely because of a strained abdominal muscle, the team announced. An MRI exam performed Monday confirmed the diagnosis. Bosh suffered the injury late in the first half of the Heat's victory over Indiana on Sunday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Game 2 is Tuesday. Bosh's minutes will likely be filled by Joel Anthony and Ronny Turiaf, both of whom played extended stretches Sunday after Bosh departed. "This season has to be extended for me to play," Bosh told The Miami Herald.
Analysis: Heat coach Erik Spoelstra attempted to downplay the severity of the injury, but did not provide a timeline for Bosh's return. "We thought it could be a lot worse," he told reporters after the team's practice Monday. "We're not even going to speculate." Bosh, 28, averaged 18.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game for Miami this season. He appeared in 57 of Miami's 66 regular-season games after dealing with minor issues. Fantasy owners should monitor his status during the rest of the playoffs as he is considered an early round option in 2012 drafts.

Tyson Chandler
Chandler’s stout D rewarded
Tyson Chandler, C, NY
5/14/2012
News: Knicks center Tyson Chandler was named the league’s top defensive player during the postseason, after a season in which he raised the Knicks from 22nd in points per possession to 5th. Chandler averaged 1.4 blocks and .9 steals per game, however it was the other countless shots and passes that he impacted along the way that earned him the award as the Defensive Player of the Year. Often paired with two or more weak defenders at a time, Chandler raised the level of play of all around him consistently in his first year in New York.
Analysis: Chandler also had arguably the finest offensive season of his career, scoring 11.3 points, his second best number, while shooting a career best 67.9 percent from the field. He averaged a career high 5.1 free throw attempts per game, as he managed to draw contact and create offense while often working as an afterthought in the offense when not involved in pick and rolls. Chandler was a nightly double-double threat, averaging 9.9 rebounds per game, and should be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy center and an early-middle round selection on Draft Day.

James Harden
Harden league's top reserve
James Harden, SG, OKC
5/14/2012
News: Oklahoma City’s season continues as they keep their eye on the NBA title in the postseason, however guard James Harden has already earned himself one piece of hardware, as he was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year last week. Harden lead the league in scoring off the bench, as he averaged 16.8 points per game in 31.4 minutes per game.
Analysis: Harden has emerged as one of the most efficient scorers in the league, as he scored his 16.8 points per game on just 10.1 field goal attempts. He is hardly the ideal of a reserve, as he finished third on the Thunder in minutes per game, however he often plays with the second unit and came off the bench in 60 of his 62 games. He remains a high-end Fantasy option for postseason formats as the Thunder continue to advance.

Ryan Anderson
Anderson awarded as Most Improved
Ryan Anderson, PF, ORL
5/14/2012
News: Last week, Magic forward Ryan Anderson was rewarded for his breakout season by being named the league’s Most Improved Player, in his fourth season in the league. Anderson upped his scoring from 10.6 points per game last season to 16.1, while also adding a couple of rebounds to get to 7.7 per game. He managed to increase his scoring load without a drop in efficiency, as he posted almost identical shooting lines to the season before, hitting 43.9 percent of his shots from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range.
Analysis: Anderson’s jump in production can be explained almost exclusively by pointing to the fact that his minutes played jumped from 22.3 per game to 32.2, however there is something to be said for a player who can take on a larger role while maintaining his shooting percentage. Unfortunately for the Magic, Anderson’s season ended rather unceremoniously after he was given the award, as he averaged just 9.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in the Magic’s 5-game series loss to the Pacers. He moves forward next season hoping to show that his regular season production was not a fluke; we bet it isn’t. Anderson should be considered an early-middle round selection on Draft Day.

LeBron James
James named MVP for third time
LeBron James, SF, MIA
5/13/2012
News: Prior to Sunday’s Game 1 win over the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Heat forward LeBron James was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, his third time in four years winning the award. James was given the award after average 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in the regular season, and then he went out and dropped 32 points, 15 rebounds and five assists on the Pacers to lead the Heat to a 95-86 victory.
Analysis: There was not much suspense in the unveiling of the award, as James had arguably the best overall season of his career. He shot a career-high 53.1 percent from the field, and lead the Heat to the second best record in the Eastern Conference. The Heat has a 1-0 series lead in the Second Round, as they attempt to get back to the NBA finals for the second year in a row. James has continued his strong play into the postseason and should be considered a must-start Fantasy option in all playoff formats.

Metta World Peace
Peace makes world of impact in return
Metta World Peace, SF, LAL
5/13/2012
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace was back from his seven game suspension for Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday against the Nuggets, and he made a big difference in the Lakers holding on to a 96-87 win to move on to the second round. World Peace shot 5 of 15 from the field, with four three pointers, to get 15 points, and he added five rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocked shots in 44 minutes.
Analysis: World Peace and the Lakers go on to face the Thunder, the team he earned the suspension against back during the second to last game of the regular season. He was playing his best ball of the season before the suspension, and he continued that despite the lengthy layoff. World Peace was averaging 14.1 points per game in April before the suspension, and while most of that came without Kobe Bryant, he should be able to continue to play well, so consider him a usable option in postseason Fantasy formats.

Chris Paul
Paul battles through sore groin
Chris Paul, PG, LAC
5/12/2012
News: Clippers guard Chris Paul suffered a re-aggravation of his lingering groin injury during Game 5 vs. the Grizzlies, however unsurprisingly, he played through it on Friday as the Clippers tried to close the series out in Game 6. While Paul was able to play, he seemed limited by the injury, finishing with a personal series-low of 11 points on 4 of 9 shooting. He did grab five rebounds and dish out seven assists, with three steals as well, however he clearly did not seem 100 percent comfortable as he fouled out after 35 minutes and the Clippers fell, 90-88.
Analysis: The best possible thing for Paul’s health would have been for the Clippers to close the series out and hopefully get some extra time off before the next series begins, but now he will have to fight through the pain again on Sunday for Game 7. He will try to push the Clippers to the second round of the playoffs on Sunday, and remains a must-start Fantasy option despite the lingering soreness.

 
 
 
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