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Sergio Gonzalez

Fantasy Fast Break: How do we rate Nate?

By | Fantasy Writer

Each week, Fantasy Basketball Writer Sergio Gonzalez takes a look at situations that Fantasy owners should monitor over the course of the upcoming week. Have a look at the top storylines in Fantasy hoops and how they might affect your team going forward.

Will the real Nate Robinson please stand up?

Fantasy owners are having a tough time trying to figure out what to expect from Nate Robinson and, after this weekend, so are the Knicks.

Robinson returned from a 14-game absence with 41 points against the Hawks on Friday, sending shockwaves through Fantasy leagues. He followed that up with just 6 points and a poor shooting night against the Pacers in a blowout win Ssunday.

Obviously, Fantasy owners should expect something in the middle, but this week will go a long way in showing exactly where he will fit in. What we already do know is what role he will play.

Coach Mike D'Antoni has come out and announced that Robinson will replace Larry Hughes in the rotation and that means he will come off the bench behind Chris Duhon and Wilson Chandler.

Robinson is able to play both guard positions and gives D'Antoni more flexibility than Hughes and he should continue to get around 30-35 minutes per game.

The Knicks will use Robinson as their energy guy off the bench, something he's been able to do with some success in the past. Last season, Robinson averaged 25 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists over an entire month and while that's far fetched for Fantasy owners to expect that on a regular basis, he could still be a very valuable asset for owners in the near future.

Use the two-game week the Knicks will play in Week 11 to determine if he'll be someone who can help your team.

Is Michael Redd finally ready to roll?

Redd's 27-point outing against the Thunder was a welcomed sight for his Fantasy owners, but this week will determine if that was just a random flash of his past brilliance or a sign that he's ready to get rolling.

Redd added 7 rebounds and 2 assists in 43 minutes against the Thunder in what was a reminder of the type of numbers he can put up when he is at full strength.

The reason we're not ready to completely jump on the Redd bandwagon just yet is because Redd has had a few games like this since returning from his knee injury on Dec. 12. But each time, he was unable to back it up.

Live chats with Sergio Gonzalez!
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Redd scored 25 points against the Lakers on Dec. 16, but totaled just 10 points in his next two games. He scored 32 points against the Wizards on Dec. 23, but followed that up with 14 points over the next three games prior to Sunday's showing.

Coach Scott Skiles had noted in recent games that he felt Redd was still trying to get into a groove following a long absence. We'll see this week if he's finally got his groove back.

Will Andris Biedrins get back to being useful?

Over the last three seasons, Andris Biedrins has been a very reliable Fantasy center. He hasn't yet been able to help Fantasy owners much this season, but that could change very soon.

Biedrins missed nearly two months with a back and abdominal issue before returning on Dec. 28 against the Boston Celtics. But his early returns have not been very inspiring.

In three games since coming back, Biedrins has averaged 2.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists. However, he's averaging just 20.3 minutes per game and is slowly being worked back into the mix.

This being his second full week back from the injury, Fantasy owners could begin to see his minutes increase and should start to see signs of the player who averaged 11.9 points and 11.2 rebounds last season with over a block per game.

The interesting thing to keep an eye on here will be how Biedrins and Anthony Randolph fit in together, as Randolph has established himself as a useful low-post presence in Biedrins' absence.

Is Luther Head for real?

The Indiana Pacers continue to shuffle their back court rotation and their latest move seems to have created a viable Fantasy starter out of nowhere.

Luther Head averaged 17.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists over his last six games entering Week 11 and Fantasy owners have to wonder how long this can continue.

With T.J. Ford pushed out of the rotation for now, the Pacers are going with Earl Watson at the point and Head at shooting guard with Dahntay Jones and Brandon Rush playing behind them.

Mike Dunleavy Jr. is playing the three spot while Danny Granger remains sidelined with his heel injury. This seems to be the rotation the Pacers are going to go with for now, but while Fantasy owners are advised to make the most out of Head's recent surge we should also warn you that this may not last.

With Granger possibly back within the next two weeks, it will likely spell the end of this run for Head. Granger would come back to play his usual small forward role, which will likely push Dunleavy over to the two-guard spot, and that will mean Head will return to the bench where he will have to battle Jones, Rush (and possibly Ford) for minutes and touches.

Do you have a Fantasy hoops question for our staff? You can e-mail us at DMFantasyHoops@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Fantasy Fast Break in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. You can also now follow Sergio on Twitter ( @CBSGonzalez ) where he'll also answer questions.

 
 
 
Player News
Ersan Ilyasova
Ilyasova dominates the glass
Ersan Ilyasova, SF, MIL
1:28 AM
News: Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova dominated the boards on Saturday night -- out rebounding Orlando center Dwight Howard. Ilyasova grabbed a game-high 16 boards and scored 17 points for the Bucks. He shot 70 percent from the floor, hitting his lone 3-pointer, and nailing both his foul shots. Ilyasova added a block, two assists and a steal in his 33 minutes off teh bench. Despite his efforts, the Bucks would still lose to the Magic, 99-94.
Analysis: Ilyasova has been dealing with a nagging back injury, but continues to play through it. Even coming off the bench for the Bucks, Ilyasova gets plenty of minutes and is a key contributor. Over his last four games he's averaging 12.3 pints and 9.8 rebounds per contest. Fantasy owners should continue to view Ilyasova as a low-end forward option in most formats.

Stephen Jackson
Jackson struggles for Bucks
Stephen Jackson, SF, MIL
1:19 AM
News: Milwaukee guard Stephen Jackson failed to score in double figures on Saturday night after a three-game run of reaching that plateau. He shot 2 for 8 from the field, missing all four of his attempts from downtown in his 20 minutes of action. Jackson finished with four points, five assists and three boards. The Bucks would end up losing to the Magic, 99-94.
Analysis: Jackson put together three nice games in a row after he was benched for four games earlier this season. The veteran isn't happy with his role off the bench and is struggling to produce. He's obviously frustrated and so are Fantasy owners. There is still a good chance that Jackson is traded before the March deadline, which would alter his value. But for now, owners are in a tough position as starting him is risky. While he can put up good numbers when his head is in the game, there is no telling how Jackson will feel on any given day. Until this mess in Milwaukee gets a bit more clear, Fantasy owners should reserve Jackson.

Jason Richardson
J-Rich seeing three
Jason Richardson, SG, ORL
12:55 AM
News: Magic G Jason Richardson literately couldn't miss from 3-point range during Saturday night's contest against the Bucks. Richardson made nine of his 11 attempts from behind the arc in the 99-94 victory, en route to finishing with a season-high 31 points. He made eight of his nine attempts from downtown in the second half and made just two field goals inside 3-point range. Richardson also chipped in with four rebounds, two steals, and one assist, while logging 26 minutes of game action. "People think that once you turn a certain age, you don't have it anymore. You don't have the certain style of play you used to play," Richardson said. "I'm still young, so I had to show the guy I still had energy."
Analysis: Richardson has played very well since returning from his ankle injury and was able to catch fire on Saturday night. The 31-year-old is averaging 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists since his return to the lineup and has made at least three 3-pointers in each of those contests. While his overall production up to this point in the season has been disappointing, it appears Richardson may be starting to heat up a bit. Owners may want to think about getting him active heading into Fantasy Week 8 (Feb. 13-19).

Kyrie Irving
Still no timetable for Irving
Kyrie Irving, PG, CLE
12:23 AM
News: Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott told reporters that rookie G Kyrie Irving rode the stationary bike Saturday in his first physical activity since being diagnosed with a concussion last Wednesday. However, it remains unknown when Irving will be able to get back on the floor. "This is the NBA," Scott said. "Guys get hurt. It provides opportunities for other guys. It (injuries) doesn't take away from the fact we need to compete at a high level like we're capable of doing." Irving is averaging 18.0 points, 5.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds through 23 games this season.
Analysis: Irving has now missed three straight games with his concussion and there is still no official timetable for his return. The 19-year-old was able to do some physical activities on Saturday night, although he has still not been cleared to practice yet. Fantasy owners should keep a close eye on his status leading up to Fantasy Week 8 (Feb. 13-19). However, with Cleveland only slated to play three times during the next scoring period, owners may be best to leave Irving on the bench. Roman Sessions will likely continue to start in his absence.

Kevin Love
Love posts another monster line
Kevin Love, PF, MIN
2/11/2012
News: Minnesota F Kevin Love posted another monster line during Saturday night's contest against the Knicks. Love finished with the 32 points and 21 rebounds in the 100-98 defeat, on 10 of 21 shooting from the field. He went 10 for 10 from the free-throw line and also chipped in with one block and one steal, while logging 43 minutes of game action. Kevin Love passed Kevin Garnett as the franchise's all-time leader with six career 30/20 games.
Analysis: Love continues to be post monster lines for Fantasy owners and has now posted back-to-back 30-point performances. He is averaging 26.1 points and 13 rebounds over his last 10 contests and is shooting over 50 percent from the field over that stretch. As long as he can stay healthy, Love should be left active in every format known to man moving forward.

Anderson Varejao
Varejao has broken wrist
Anderson Varejao, C, CLE
2/11/2012
News: Cleveland PF Anderson Varejao got some bad news on Saturday as it was found out he has a broken wrist. Injured when Bucks F Drew Gooden attemtped to slap the ball and missed, Varejao will now be considered out indefinitely. Varejao underwent an MRI which revealed the non-displaced fracture. C Semih Erden will start in Varejao's place for Saturday's game against Philadelphia.
Analysis: This is a tough blow for Fantasy owners as Varejao was playing extremely well for the Cavaliers lately. He was averaging a double-double on the season with 10.8 points and 11.5 rebounds and added some assists and steals to go with it. Varejao owners will have to bench him in all leagues and formats now. Varejao is likely to miss a decent chunk of time.

Steve Nash
Nash plays through busted lip
Steve Nash, PG, PHO
1:31 AM
News: Suns G Steve Nash was able to play through a busted lip during Saturday night's contest against the Kings. Nash took a shot in mouth near the end of the first quarter in the 98-84 victory, but was able to return in the second after getting stitched up. He finished with just four points in the win, on 2 of 7 shooting from field, but did add 15 assists and four rebounds to his stat line, while logging 29 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Nash should be fine moving forward, but it might not be a bad idea to keep an eye on his status moving forward. The 38-year-old continues to defy the odds and play at an extremely high level despite his age. He is averaging 15.0 points and 10.1 assists thus far and is shooting 57 percent from the field. Fantasy owners should leave Nash active in all formats heading into Week 8 (Feb. 13-19).

Derrick Rose
Rose may miss Sunday's game
Derrick Rose, PG, CHI
2/11/2012
News: Bulls PG Derrick Rose may not be able to suit up on Sunday in Boston, reports the Chicago Sun-Times on Saturday. Rose usually always says he's going to play, but would not give the OK on Saturday, meaning he could miss his second straight due to his back injury. Rose said his back remains stiff and sore after he missed Friday's game against the Bobcats. "When I wake up I can usually tell so I'll probably know by the time I wake up," Rose said Saturday of waking up on Sunday before the game against the Celtics.
Analysis: Rose has already missed six games this season due to toe and back injuries. He was thought to have entered the season in the best shape of his career, but has continued to come up with nagging bumps and bruises. "This is the most I've ever been injured," he said. "It's frustrating knowing I worked so hard. I hate missing games, especially when we're playing against great teams. I hate missing any game." The good news is that Rose truly does hate missing games. Owners can feel good knowing that he'll be out there if he can play at all. Rose remains a must-start Fantasy option through these injury issues.

Spencer Hawes
Hawes not on road trip
Spencer Hawes, C, PHI
2/11/2012
News: Philadelphia C Spencer Hawes did not accompany the 76ers on the current three-game road trip they are on, reports the team's PR representative. Hawes' Achilles' injury continues to give him trouble. He's likely to miss all three games on the road trip beginning with Saturday at Cleveland. The Sixers play at Charlotte on Monday and at Orlando on Wednesday. They don't return home until next Friday against Dallas.
Analysis: Hawes can return to action next Friday against Dallas when the 76ers return home from the road trip. Nikola Vucevic, Lavoy Allen and Tony Battie will continue to play more in Hawes' absence. Hawes, when healthy, is worth starting in most Fantasy formats. Unfortunately, he should be kept grounded for the next week or so.

Jared Dudley
Dudley keeps streaking
Jared Dudley, SF, PHO
1:41 AM
News: Suns G Jared Dudley made it eight straight games in double figures on Saturday, as he led the team with 20 points in a 98-85 win over the Kings. The 20 matched a season high, as he made 8 of 13 shots including three three-pointers, and he added a season high with 10 rebounds for good measure. Dudley added an assist two blocks and two steals in 37 minutes in what was likely his best all-around performance of the season.
Analysis: Dudley missed a game in the middle of his streak, but has been on fire otherwise, shooting 51.9 percent from the field while making more than two three-pointers per game. He remains a steady shooter from downtown, upping his average to 40 percent from beyond the arc on the season. Consider him a viable option in most Fantasy formats while he's red-hot.

 
 
 
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