Week 16 Fantasy Basketball Planner

Week 16 (Feb. 8-14)

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

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (@NO): Paul Pierce (foot) went from possibly being out for the rest of the season with a broken foot to day-to-day and could be back as soon as Sunday. Monitor him over the weekend. The Celtics could choose to sit him out for the last couple of games prior to the break in order to have him fresh and ready to go for the second half. The Hornets allow 101.1 points per game and the Celtics should be able to post solid offensive numbers against them. If Pierce is ruled out, Tony Allen would see the biggest Fantasy boost.
New Jersey Nets (@CLE, MIL): The Nets' offensive struggles should continue against two teams that allow under 100 points per game, including a Cavaliers team tied for the lowest points allowed in the league at 93.8 per game. Devin Harris is back from injury to join Brook Lopez as the only real safe plays on the Nets roster. Kris Humphries is on an upswing and has some appeal as a stopgap. Chris Douglas-Roberts has been replaced by Jarvis Hayes in the starting lineup. As a result Hayes has picked up some appeal as a stopgap for deeper formats. CDR and Yi Jianlian are slumping and should not be starting where it can be avoided.
New York Knicks (SAC): The Knicks shuffled their guard rotation this week, moving Chris Duhon out of the starting point guard spot in favor of Nate Robinson. Coach Mike D'Antoni also decided to return Larry Hughes to the rotation, though his role remains limited off the bench. Duhon, whose Fantasy appeal diminished greatly of late even as he remained in the starting lineup, should be cut in most formats. Robinson will be worthy of use as a No. 3 or 4 guard initially in standard leagues, but he has upside for more when he goes on one of the hot streaks he is notorious for. The Knicks play one game this week, but it should be high-scoring against a Kings team that allows the fourth most points in the league at 105.4 per game. Al Harrington remains a tricky play in Fantasy as he plays through some knee issues. He is not playing at 100 percent, but for the moment he is playing at least.
Philadelphia 76ers (MIN, @TOR): Samuel Dalembert has gone on another hot streak offensively in recent games, but he heads into the weekend day-to-day with a strained back suffered in practice. Keep close tabs on his progress, but he'd be a quality play in most formats if healthy enough to play. The Sixers are in for a pair of high-scoring games in Week 16 against a Timberwolves team that allows the third most points in the NBA (106.7) and a Raptors team that allows the fifth most (105.2). Expect inflated numbers. In a pinch, even erratic Thaddeus Young may be of use this week. It should also be a good week to plug Lou Williams into your lineup as needed.
Toronto Raptors (PHI): Surprise, surprise, Jose Calderon is banged up again. He was considered day-to-day entering the weekend with an ankle injury. Considering his history of taking a while to recover from injuries, don't be surprised to see him sit out through the break. In his absence Jarrett Jack will enjoy a Fantasy boost and makes for a good play in average-based formats this week. Hedo Turkoglu will be trying to adjust to playing with a mask on his face after breaking his orbital bone this week. He has been far too erratic to trust recently to take a gamble on him while he is adjusting to the mask.

Central Division

Chicago Bulls (@IND, ORL): With Joakim Noah getting shut down through the All-Star break to rest his foot due to complications from his platar fasciitis injury, Brad Miller will step into the starting lineup and becomes an interesting sleeper at the center position for Week 16. He will have one favorable matchup in Indiana against inexperienced Roy Hibbert, but may have his hands full against Dwight Howard, though the fact that he can score away from the basket will help his cause. In Noah's absence, also expect players like Tyrus Thomas and Taj Gibson to see a boost.
Cleveland Cavaliers (NJ, ORL): Delonte West could return from a broken finger within the next couple of games and could return prior to the All-Star break, though there is no guarantee either way. His situation makes him someone to avoid for the abbreviated scoring period, but it also makes Daniel Gibson a tenuous play as his appeal is directly related to the minutes boost he is enjoying while West and Mo Williams are out with their injuries. The Cavaliers have a mixed bag facing them in Week 16 with a very favorable matchup against the Nets that should lead to some good offensive numbers and then possibly a low-scoring matchup against the Magic. Shaquille O'Neal has been on a roll lately and makes for a good play anyway.
Detroit Pistons (@MIL, SAC): The Pistons are healthy again, but Ben Gordon does not look to be 100 percent back yet and is a player we recommend stashing away for better days. Charlie Villanueva does not appear to be 100 percent after dealing with back spasms earlier this week and is a tricky play. Meanwhile, Tayshaun Prince has gotten on a roll while Rodney Stuckey and Richard Hamilton are also rolling.
Indiana Pacers (CHI): Earl Watson left the team to tend to a personal matter, but he is expected to be back by Tuesday's game against the Bulls. That means A.J. Price will return to a limited roll off the bench and will not be a good play. Brandon Rush is seeing heavy minutes at the two-guard spot and makes for a good play in average-based play this week with the one game.
Milwaukee Bucks (DET, @NJ): The Bucks will start the week with a tough defensive matchup against a Pistons team that ranks 10th in the NBA defensively, but they'll wrap up the unofficial first half against a Nets team that allows 101.7 points per game in what should be a high-scoring tilt. So this should be a straight-forward week for your Bucks. Andrew Bogut and Brandon Jennings are must-starts, Carlos Delfino is a good (but not great) play as a No. 3 or 4 forward option and Luke Ridnour has some stopgap appeal. That's about it.

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks (@MEM, MIA): The Hawks should be in triple digits against a Memphis team that allows 103.3 points per game, but will have a tough time reaching the mark against Miami. Expect more inconsistency out of Mike Bibby and Marvin Williams while Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford and Jamal Crawford split up most of the production.
Charlotte Bobcats (WAS, @MIN): Gerald Wallace tweaked his hamstring and heads into the weekend day-to-day, but he is expected to return as early as Saturday. He should be a safe play for Week 16. That caps the appeal that Boris Diaw may have had as a result of his absence. The Tyson Chandler (foot) watch continues, but word out of Charlotte is that he could play before the All-Star break. He is not a player who should be relied upon even if he does return for Week 16, but he'll have value in the second half. The Wizards allow 102.1 points per game and the Timberwolves allow 106.7, so this should be a high-scoring week for the 'Cats -- by their standards.
Miami Heat (HOU, ATL): Michael Beasley has played through some discomfort caused by the knee brace he has been wearing since hyperextending his knee last week, but it has not affected his productivity to the point he should be sitting in any league. In fact, he has gotten stronger in each game since returning from the injury. Mario Chalmers is out with a thumb injury, but that has not done much for the value of Rafer Alston. He remains too spotty for Fantasy despite starting.
Orlando Magic (NO, @CHI, @CLE): The Magic are the only team in the NBA this week to play three games in the abbreviated scoring period. Make the most of the extra game in cumulative formats. This is a good week to take chances on players like Matt Barnes or J.J. Redick if a stopgap is needed. Vince Carter, who appears to be over the shoulder injury that limited him in January is just about a must-start in most formats. Jameer Nelson (knee) is day-to-day heading into the weekend. Follow up on his progress, but he too would be a good play if healthy enough to play in all three games for Week 16.
Washington Wizards (@CHA): The Wizards play just one game in Week 16 and it comes against a Bobcats team that entered play this weekend giving up the second fewest points in the NBA at just 94 per game. We don't project a high-scoring affair between the two teams and that means Fantasy owners should temper expectations for players like Randy Foye and Mike Miller. Foye has tailed off after a hot start replacing Gilbert Arenas. Miller has picked up his overall production along with an increase in minutes as he's returned to full strength following shoulder and calf injuries last month. But don't expect huge numbers out of him against Charlotte.

Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks (@GS, @DEN): With the Mavericks facing two very Fantasy-friendly opponents in Week 16, we expect some inflation in their overall numbers. The Warriors allow the most points in the NBA at 111.5 per game and the Nuggets allow 101.8 per contest. Expect Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry to have highly productive weeks, but also look to Shawn Marion to post very useful stat lines coming off some strong performances this week. Josh Howard -- to a lesser extent because of his erratic play this season -- should also be considered a sleeper for a good week. With Erick Dampier dealing with ongoing knee issues, he's a player to avoid, but it makes Drew Gooden that much more appealing as a sleeper this week.
Houston Rockets (@MIA): The Rockets have just one game in Fantasy Week 16. To top it off, it comes against a strong defensive team in Miami. Don't expect big games out of your Rockets this week and we think a low-scoring game could have a trickle-down effect on Carl Landry off the bench. There will be better days ahead for Landry.
Memphis Grizzlies (ATL): The Grizzlies play just one game in Week 16 and it comes against a Hawks team that allows 97.5 points per game, so we aren't expecting a particularly high-scoring game. Regardless, not much has changed in the Memphis rotation all season and Fantasy owners know the drill by now with Memphis: Start Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol and O.J. Mayo in all leagues and consider using Mike Conley when the Grizz face favorable matchups. Week 16 does not fall into that category.
New Orleans Hornets (@ORL, BOS): The Hornets are getting excellent production out of Darren Collison in place of Chris Paul and he's already become a viable play in just about every Fantasy format. Marcus Thornton has become a very solid contributor in points, three-point shooting and with decent contributions in rebounds and assists. But keep in mind that the Hornets will likely be in a couple of low-scoring games this week, so don't expect huge performances out of them. Thornton is day-to-day with a bruised lower back heading into play this weekend, but he should be fine for Week 16. Peja Stojakovic has seen his production increase once again in the absence of Paul as the team leans on him to become more of a scoring option. Expect that to continue going forward.
San Antonio Spurs (@LAL, @DEN): The Spurs got Tony Parker back Thursday night in Portland with good results. He's ready to plug back into any Fantasy lineup barring setbacks over the weekend. His return will knock George Hill back a bit, but he's still going to be relied upon as a heavy contributor off the bench and should still score in double figures on a regular basis. He remains a good play as a low-end starter at guard even with Parker back. Tim Duncan was not reserved in either game of the team's back-to-back set this week, indicating that the team is very comfortable with where he is at health-wise.

Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets (DAL, SA): Carmelo Anthony's ankle injury has lingered a lot longer than anybody expected, but he says he won't play until he gets his explosiveness back and feels 100 percent. He's just taking his sweet time. The problem is if this injury lingers through the weekend, we could see the Nuggets choose to just keep him out through the All-Star break. So Fantasy owners could be headed for their third straight tough decision at lineup deadline time with 'Melo. Pay close attention to this situation and hope that he makes your decision easier by returning to action this weekend. In his absence, J.R. Smith has gotten a chance to pick up his offensive production.
Minnesota Timberwolves (@PHI, CHA): The Timberolves will play their first February game on Friday in Dallas, enjoying a long layoff since their last game Sunday against the Knicks. Late last week we saw the T'Wolves shake up their rotation by moving Ryan Hollins into the starting center spot with relative success (much-needed back-to-back wins ended a long losing streak). Pay attention to whether or not Hollins can back up back-to-back games with at least 16 points this weekend. If he does, view him as a suitable stopgap center for Week 16, especially for those owners in cumulative leagues whose center option plays just one game or faces bad matchups this week.
Portland Trail Blazers (OKC, @PHO): Brandon Roy (hamstring) is likely to return Sunday against the Lakers and we expect him to be a safe play for Week 16, but monitor his updates closely through the weekend. Nicolas Batum has played well in Roy's absence as his scoring presence was required off the bench, but look to see if he maintains that sort of production once Roy returns over the weekend before deciding on whether or not to use him as a stopgap for Week 16.
Oklahoma City Thunder (@POR): The Thunder will have a very tough one-game week with a matchup against a very strong defensive team in Portland. The Blazers allow the fourth fewest points per game in the NBA at 95.3 per game and the Thunder play a slow-paced style themselves, so we expect a very low-scoring game. That makes Jeff Green a somewhat unappealing play this week.
Utah Jazz (@LAC, LAL): Carlos Boozer (calf) is on target to try to return Saturday against Memphis, but how much he can play if he does return remains to be seen. Monitor Saturday's game closely as Boozer's health impacts not only his own Fantasy appeal for Week 16, but also that of Paul Millsap. Millsap could still retain a lot of the Fantasy boost he's gotten over the past few games with Boozer back, but if he's back to 100 percent Millsap would once again become erratic.

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors (DAL, LAC): Corey Maggette only missed one game due to a hip pointer this week, providing Fantasy owners with a sigh of relief after it looked like they could lose one of their studs for at least a few games. Maggette's absence gave Coby Karl a chance for a big stat line, but he returned to being a non-factor upon Maggette's return.
Los Angeles Clippers (UTA, @GS): The Clippers are in a favorable situation in Week 16 from a Fantasy standpoint as one of the two-game teams, including a matchup against the worst defensive team in the league. Al Thornton could enjoy a bit of a boost, but he's best saved as a stopgap measure for deeper leagues coming off three straight single-digit performances. Rasual Butler, meanwhile, is a solid play as a low-end starter this week with a good chance for scoring in the mid-teens over the course of both games. Craig Smith has some sleeper appeal in deeper leagues where he may be eligible at center, but he will be inconsistent given around 20 minuets per game.
Los Angeles Lakers (SA, @UTA): The Fantasy world is on high alert. Kobe Bryant went into the weekend with the possibility of missing a game or, gasp, more with a sprained left ankle. Obviously, we don't need to tell you to keep a close eye on that situation as it develops over the course of the weekend. As with any star player, there is the possibility that any setback could lead the team to shut him down until after the All-Star break. Phil Jackson said this week that he considered the idea when he initially tweaked the ankle. So watch for that. Shannon Brown would have some value as a stopgap in deeper leagues if Kobe misses any time.
Phoenix Suns (POR): The Suns are likely not going to be in for one of their higher scoring games of the season against a Portland team that ranks third in the league defensively. That doesn't bode well for the Fantasy prospects of struggling Jason Richardson or the center-by-committee tandem of Robin Lopez and Channing Frye.
Sacramento Kings (@NY, @DET): Omri Casspi heads into the weekend dealing with a stomach virus, but he should be fine for Week 16. Jason Thompson left the team for a personal matter, but should be back for Sunday's game in Toronto. Thompson has been very erratic lately, however, and is not in the good graces of his Fantasy owners. Spencer Hawes has Fantasy owners on edge after back-to-back strong games against the Nuggets and Spurs. Perhaps he is finally ready for his much-awaited breakout this season, just in time to post a huge second half. See how he fares Sunday before getting too excited, however.

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