Week 15 Fantasy Basketball Planner

Week 15 (Feb. 1-7)

Teams playing four games: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, L.A. Lakers, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New Orleans, Portland, Sacramento, Washington
Teams playing three games: Charlotte, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Golden State, Houston, Indiana, L.A. Clippers, New York, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, Toronto, Utah
Teams playing two games: Minnesota

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (@WAS, MIA, NJ, ORL): Kevin Garnett is playing through a sore knee that limited him in Thursday night's game in Orlando. Both he and the team expect him to play through it, but it is something to monitor over the weekend. With the Celtics facing a favorable four-game slate in Week 15, Fantasy owners will want to have him active as long as he does not suffer any setbacks this weekend. It is a good week to start Ray Allen and Kendrick Perkins in any league while Rasheed Wallace could be a useful stopgap in deeper leagues with the Celtics likely playing a couple of high-scoring games against the Wizards and Nets.
New Jersey Nets (DET, @TOR, @BOS, @DET): Devin Harris (wrist) could return Sunday against Philadelphia, but is a player Fantasy owners will need to keep a close eye on -- possibly all the way up to lineup deadlines Monday. The Nets play four games in Week 15 and he appears to be close to a return, so odds are high that you will be able to activate him in weekly formats. Courtney Lee is back for the Nets after having a wisdom tooth removed and Fantasy owners can continue to rely on him in deeper leagues for his low-end double figure scoring. Yi Jianlian has hit the skids a little bit over the last week, but should still start in most standard-sized cumulative formats with the four-game slate. Kris Humphries has emerged as a viable stopgap measure off the waiver wire in larger leagues.
New York Knicks (WAS, MIL, @CLE): Al Harrington revealed this week that he has been dealing with a sore left knee for the past six weeks. An MRI revealed general soreness as the issue, but it is something that is bothering Harrington enough that he decided to reveal it now and have it looked at. Despite a couple of good games this week, Harrington's performances have been very spotty in the month of January and perhaps the knee is to blame. One could also blame his erratic playing time off the bench, however. Fantasy owners could choose to rest him in Week 15 for weekly formats with the Knicks slated for three games, two of which come against teams that allow under 100 points per game. Chris Duhon continues to start, but his streak of single-digit offensive performances is now in, well, double digits.
Philadelphia 76ers (CHI, @NO, @HOU): The Sixers are slated to play three games, but two of the three opponents allow 100-plus points per game. So, overall, it is not a bad week for the Sixers, especially with so many teams playing three games in Week 15. Samuel Dalembert has cooled off offensively, but the rebounds and blocks are still there in a big way. He's still a viable No. 2 center option in standard leagues.
Toronto Raptors (@IND, NJ, SAC): Andrea Bargnani is dealing with a foot injury that may have had a lot to do with his 1 of 9 shooting performance Thursday against the Knicks, but the injury is not expected to keep him out of action. It's something to be aware of, but we still count him as a safe play for Week 15. Jose Calderon is still playing only around 25 minutes per game and with the team winning games there seems to be no rush to change that in Toronto. He can still chip in 5-7 assists per game in that span as he has been this past week, but Fantasy owners can't count on him to be consistent with this type of playing time. Hedo Turkoglu continues to struggle and despite three good matchups this week, he remains a very low-end play and just a shell of the player he'd been the last two seasons in Orlando.

Central Division

Chicago Bulls (LAC, @PHI, @ATL, MIA): The Bulls saw Joakim Noah get right back on track after missing time due to plantar fasciitis last week. We've seen players have their production seriously affected by this ailment in the past, but it does not appear to be an issue for Noah, who remains a quality No. 1 center. The Devin Brown trade threatens to affect Kirk Hinrich's playing time at some point, but that has not been the case yet as the team has not yet been able to plug him into their rotation. Keep an eye out for that in Week 15, but for now Hinrich retains his appeal as a No. 3 or 4 guard.
Cleveland Cavaliers (MEM, MIA, NY): Delonte West's broken finger continues to keep him sidelined, but the team has yet to announce a timetable for his return. Daniel Gibson's minutes and production are up as a result in the meantime.
Detroit Pistons (@NJ, @IND, NJ): Ben Gordon remains sidelined and has now missed nine games and counting heading into the weekend. He is practicing again, which means a return is close, but Fantasy owners should keep him sidelined where possible until he can prove that he can play without any restrictions. It will be tempting to start him considering the team's great matchups against the Nets and Pacers this week, but he is coming off a lengthy absence.
Indiana Pacers (TOR, DET, @MIL): The Pacers are getting increased contributions from Brandon Rush lately and Fantasy owners should be looking to take advantage of it while he continues to see around 35-40 minuets per game. He's an excellent source for threes and is stepping up where Mike Dunleavy has failed to. Roy Hibbert had a big game this week, yes, but beware of the same erratic tendencies he's had all season whenever Troy Murphy has been healthy.
Milwaukee Bucks (@MIA, @ORL, @NY, IND): An ankle injury to Carlos Delfino early in the week didn't keep him out of any action, but it did keep him to just six points against the Sixers. He should bounce back over the weekend and will continue to see around 35-40 minutes on most nights as long as his production warrants it. He remains a strong play.

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks (@OKC, LAC, CHI, @WAS): The Hawks will play four games in Week 15, but only one against a team that allows 100-plus points per game. Don't expect many high-scoring games. It's not a good week to take a chance on Mike Bibby or Marvin Williams.
Charlotte Bobcats (@POR, @LAL, NO): The Bobcats go from having one of the better matchup weeks of the season in Week 14 to having a poor three-game slate in Week 15. They will play just three games and two come against good defensive squads. So expect a lot of the players who have seen quick boosts to take a hit. That means players like Boris Diaw and Raymond Felton could still post useful weeks, just not at the level they were at in Week 15. Tyson Chandler (foot) should return at some point in Week 15, but is not a player we recommend actvating coming off his long absence.
Miami Heat (MIL, @BOS, @CLE, @CHI): Michael Beasley appeared to suffer a serious knee injury this week, but he was diagnosed with just a hyperextension and may have dodged a big bullet. However, in the short term, he will still be a very risky play for Week 15. He may be a game-time decision for Monday's game against Milwaukee and is a player Fantasy owners should monitor up until lineup deadlines.
Orlando Magic (MIL, WAS, @BOS): Vince Carter appears to be to the point where he can play heavy minutes again and Fantasy owners who were waiting to see him healthy again before activating him can go ahead and do so, even off his 2 for 13 shooting performance against the Celtics Thursday night. He's playing big minutes again and that is what is important. As a result, Matt Barnes has begun to see his numbers dip and his run may be at an end in Fantasy leagues.
Washington Wizards (BOS, @NY, @ORL, ATL): The Wizards will play four games, but they don't have any particularly appealing matchups and likely won't be in line for big scoring games against the likes of the Celtics, Magic or Hawks, all teams that allow under 108 points per game. Randy Foye has cooled off considerably in recent games, but while Fantasy owners should adjust expectations he remains a viable starter as a No. 3 guard in most formats. Mike Miller looks like he's close to full strength again coming off his calf and shoulder injuries and is a sleeper for some well-rounded stat lines with the Wizards still looking for scoring out of the back court spots.

Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks (@UTA, GS, MIN): The Mavs have a favorable schedule despite playing just three games, as two of those games come against two of the three worst defensive teams in the NBA. The Warriors give up the most points in the NBA at 111.1 per contest and the Timberwolves give up the third most at 107.2. Expect a couple of high-scoring games this week for Dirk Nowitzki and Co. Erick Dampier's knee may be an issue on and off this season as he once again had to miss time this past week due to fluid build up. But considering the matchups, especially in average-based play this week, both Dampier and Drew Gooden have some appeal as stopgap measure centers. Right now, we'd rank them Gooden then Dampier, based on recent numbers and concerns over Dampier's knee.
Houston Rockets (GS, @MEM, PHI): The Rockets have just three games this week, but all three matchups are against teams that allow 100-plus points per game. The Warriors and Grizzlies each allow over 103 points per game. The Rockets are a team that likes to run and they should be able to do plenty of that this week. Players like Shane Battier and Kyle Lowry could be worth a flier in deeper average-based leagues as a result. Carl Landry should be in for a very solid week for any format.
Memphis Grizzlies (LAL, @CLE, HOU, @MIN): Mike Conley is on a hot streak, by his standards anyway, and has managed four straight games in the 12-14 point range with good totals in assists. In a four-game scoring period that includes a couple of very favorable matchups against the Rockets and Timberwolves, two teams that allow opponents to post high-volume offensive statistics. View Conley as a solid one-week option as a No. 3 or 4 guard as a result.
New Orleans Hornets (PHO, OKC, PHI, @CHA): The Hornets have a new starting shooting guard following the trade that sent Devin Brown to the Bulls and Marcus Thornton is making the most of his chance to contribute. He's posted solid games against the Nuggets, Trail Blazers and Warriors and Fantasy owners can rely on him for three-point shooting and double-digit scoring while he continues to see around 35-40 minutes per game. Darren Collison will also see a boost to his minuets and therfore his Fantasy appeal, but so far it remains minimal and his value is highest in deep formats and long-term keeper leagues.
San Antonio Spurs (@SAC, @POR, @LAC): The Spurs have made it known that they plan on preserving Tim Duncan as much as possible and that means they willl consider sitting him out on the back end of back-to-back sets. They will play back-to-back games this week in Sacramento and Portland, so it is highly possible Duncan plays just two of three games this week. Keep that in mind. This also means that DeJuan Blair could be in line for at least one big game as his numbers have been solid this season in games where Duncan has been out. Also, Tony Parker's injured ankle will keep him sidelined though the weekend and his status for Week 15 is yet to be determined. He will be a player Fantasy owners may have to monitor all the way through lineup deadlines, but with the Spurs not playing in Week 15 until Wednesday, we predict that he will be too risky to play in most formats and Fantasy owners will have to start him at their own peril. George Hill will be a very strong stopgap measure for as long as Parker remains sidelined.

Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets (SAC, PHO, @LAL, @UTA): Carmelo Anthony (ankle) suffered a setback late this week that may keep him out over the weekend and Fantasy owners should be prepared to go without him in Week 15 if the team decides to shut him down a few more games. Keep close tabs on this situation. Joey Graham is starting in his place, but his Fantasy appeal is minimal. Kenyon Martin, meanwhile, is a player who we feel is not starting in enough leagues. Despite averaging a double-double in January, he is active in under 75 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. The absence of Anthony would only make him that much more appealing.
Minnesota Timberwolves (@DAL, MEM): The Timberwolves are the only team in the NBA this week to play just two games. Keep that in mind in cumulative formats. You will have to carefully weigh your options even with guys like Al Jefferson and Kevin Love. Coach Kurt Rambis is trying to shake up his lineup in an effort to snap the team out of his funk, so he will keep Kevin Love coming off the bench with Ryan Gomes and Ryan Hollins starting at the two forward spots. Love will continue to play big minutes, however, and his Fantasy appeal remains high. Ryan Gomes should see around 25-30 minutes per game and could be of value in the future again, but he is not a player who can be trusted in a cumulative format in Week 15 due to the two games. Corey Brewer continues to put up excellent, well-rounded numbers in January, but he won't be useful outside of average-based play this week due to the two-game slate unless you are truly left without viable options on your bench or on the waiver wire.
Portland Trail Blazers (CHA, @UTA, SA, LAL): Brandon Roy (hamstring) is going to be re-evaluated Monday, so hopefully there will be more information on his status prior to lineup deadlines. However, it does not sound like he will be able to play in Monday's game against Charlotte and Fantasy owners will be left with a tough choice to make. In his absence, players like Martell Webster and Andre Miller will continue to take on bigger offensive roles.
Oklahoma City Thunder (ATL, @NO, @GS): Jeff Green is over his recent slump and has put together some solid numbers in the 13-point, 7-rebound range over the last couple of weeks. With matchups against New Orleans and Golden State this week, it's a great week to trust him as your No. 3 forward in most standard formats.
Utah Jazz (DAL, POR, DEN): The Jazz could be without Carlos Boozer (calf) through most, if not all, of Week 15. He was diagnosed with a moderate strain of his right calf and will be re-evaluated Monday. There will likely be more information on him prior to lineup deadlines, but Fantasy owners should be prepared to go without him. Fantasy owners who have been stashing Paul Millsap away will get a significant payout for however long Boozer remains sidelined. We've seen him put up Boozer-like numbers in Boozer's absence each of the last few seasons whenever Boozer has been sidelined due to injuries. Some reports say that Boozer will be out somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-10 days, so he may not be out for long, but Millsap should post a good week in Fantasy Week 15.

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors (@HOU, @DAL, OKC): The Warriors could get Anthony Morrow (knee) back in the mix in Week 15, but he is a player we'd like to see prove healthy and productive before we recommend activating him. His presence could eat into the minutes of players like C.J. Watson. Anthony Tolliver's center eligibility will allow for him to linger around many Fantasy rosters for another week or so, but his Fantasy appeal is quickly diminishing as players like Vladimir Radmanovic and Ronny Turiaf have re-entered the rotation.
Los Angeles Clippers (@CHI, @ATL, SA): The Clippers dealt with injuries to three of their prominent players like Baron Davis (knee), Marcus Camby (ribs) and Chris Kaman (ankle) going into the weekend. Camby and Davis were able to play through, but Kaman was forced to sit out Friday night and will be day-to-day leading up to Sunday's game in Cleveland. Monitor his status in that game before making a decision on him for Week 15, but he should be available by Tuesday's game with just an ankle sprain. Follow up on his status leading up to lineup deadlines.
Los Angeles Lakers (@MEM, CHA, DEN, @POR): The Lakers are healthy and, for a change, that is not affecting Lamar Odom's production all that much. He is averaging around a double-double over the last five games heading into play this weekend and will be a strong play in Week 15 for a four-game week that includes matchups against Fantasy-friendly Memphis and Denver. Despite Ron Artest's big game against Philly Friday night, he remains too erratic to trust under the circumstances he's in with the Lakers to trust as anything more than a low-end starter.
Phoenix Suns (@NO, @DEN, @SAC): Channing Frye lost his job to Robin Lopez last week, but he found a new role off the bench that led to a productive week for him anyway. He is getting good minutes off the bench thanks to his offensive presence and outside shooting that spreads the floor, so we are going to see a situation where Frye and Lopez split minutes pretty evenly going forward. Both are viable, but we think Lopez has more offensive upside.
Sacramento Kings (@DEN, SA, PHO, @TOR): Kevin Martin's wrist still appears to be an issue for him. He has shot just 3 of 23 from the field in the three games leading into this weekend and has not hit a three-pointer in any of those contests. So while he's back on the floor and has had some typical K-Mart lines mixed in there since returning, he's a player we recommend reserving until he can shake this funk -- whether it is due to his wrist or not. Jason Thompson's funk has also continued and despite his upside as a potential No. 2 Fantasy forward, he is a player who should be reserved in most formats right now. Spencer Hawes is showing some signs of getting on a roll and if that continues through the weekend, he'd be a solid start for Week 15 considering excellent matchups against Fantasy-friendly Denver, Phoenix and Toronto.

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