March 14, 2010

Week 21 Fantasy Basketball Planner

By Sergio Gonzalez | Fantasy Writer
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Week 21 (March 15-21)

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

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (DET, NY, @HOU, @DAL): The Celtics will have a couple of tough matchups against the Pistons and Mavericks and a couple of chances to open things up against the Knicks and Rockets. Kendrick Perkins has cracked double figures just once in his last seven games. He is not an advisable start even in a four-game week right now. Avoid Perkins, Rasheed Wallace and Nate Robinson.
New Jersey Nets (ATL, @PHI, TOR): Yi Jianlian (ankle) is unlikely to return in Week 21, opening things up for Kris Humphries to produce around 10 points and six boards per night. If you are looking for that type of production off the waiver wire, that may be a route to go this week. The matchups against Philadelphia and Toronto are favorable for high-scoring games. Courtney Lee makes for a good low-end start this week.
New York Knicks (@PHI, @BOS, PHI, HOU): The Knicks will twice face a Sixers team that allows over 101 points per game. The Rockets allow 101.1 points as well, so this should be a high-scoring week for the high-flying Knicks. Still, Tracy McGrady is a player to avoid due to his inconsistent outputs and the possibility that he could rule himself out of games here and there down the stretch. He is too unstable for a Fantasy playoff scenario despite the upside he offers.
Philadelphia 76ers (NY, NJ, @NY, CHI): The Sixers have favorable matchups against the Knicks (twice) and Nets. The Knicks allow the fifth most points in the NBA per game at 104.8. Elton Brand and Samuel Dalembert could see some inflated numbers this week. Thaddeus Young could be a decent play in larger leagues thanks to the matchups.
Toronto Raptors (ATL, OKC, @NJ): This is not a particularly favorable week, from a Fantasy perspective, for the Raptors. They will play just three games and two come against tough defensive teams in the Hawks and Thunder. Start Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani, obviously. Jarrett Jack is on a nice hot streak and makes for a good No. 3 guard, but avoid slumping Hedo Turkoglu and Jose Calderon where possible.

Central Division

Chicago Bulls (@MEM, @DAL, CLE, @PHI): The Bulls are banged up heading into Week 21. Derrick Rose (wrist) avoided serious injury when an MRI revealed that he is dealing with just a sprain. He will have had plenty of rest by the time Tuesday's game in Memphis comes around, but will be a player to monitor on lineup day. Luol Deng (calf) should also be available for Week 21 despite missing games in Orlando and Miami this week. Brad Miller is a nice sleeper option at center with Joakim Noah out at least another couple of weeks. Taj Gibson should also benefit. Avoid Kirk Hinrich outside of deeper leagues. He is averaging a 9-5-3-1-0 line in five games going into the weekend.
Cleveland Cavaliers (@DET, IND, @CHI, DET): LeBron James is back from his "rest" and should be in for a full week in Week 21, but don't be surprised if Mike Brown picks a few more spots to rest his franchise player. As for Antawn Jamison (knee) has a cyst that he's been dealing with for a while. He is expected to return Sunday and should be a safe play for Week 21 barring any setbacks. In the absence of Shaquille O'Neal (thumb), J.J. Hickson and Anderson Varejao continue to split the playing time at center. Hickson has better offensive upside, but Varejao is the steadier Fantasy option despite coming off the bench.
Detroit Pistons (@BOS, CLE, @IND, @CLE): Rodney Stuckey entered the weekend without a concrete timetable for a return. He has been able to practice and is just waiting for clearance from doctors. That could come over the weekend. You will want a guarantee he will play before activating him because this is an issue that could easily linger into Week 21. Will Bynum only becomes an option if Stuckey is ruled out. Ben Wallace (knee) continues to deal with an injury that has kept him out since March 2. Unless he gets back on the floor and has a sudden outburst, don't count on using him this week. Ben Gordon remains a player to avoid. He is averaging nine points per contest in his last five games. Jonas Jerebko has quietly averaged 12.0 points and 9.8 rebounds in that span. Consider him a solid addition off the waiver wire and a fine play this week.
Indiana Pacers (CHA, @CLE, DET, OKC): The Pacers play four games, but all four come against good defensive teams. Charlotte and Cleveland rank first and third in team defense and the Thunder rank seventh. None of the Pacers' opponents this week allow as much as 98 points per game. Roy Hibbert is currently on a nice run, averaging 12.4 points and 6.0 rebounds in his last five games, but don't start him over an established option this week if you can avoid it.
Milwaukee Bucks (@LAC, @SAC, @DEN): The Bucks play just three games, but two come against teams that allow over 102 points per game. This should still be a very solid week for Carlos Delfino, who averaged 15.6 points and 8.6 rebounds in five games going into the weekend. In deeper average-based leagues, Luke Ridnour could post a useful week thanks to the matchups, though he should be looked upon only as a replacement option in a pinch.

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks (@NJ, @TOR, CHA, SA): The Hawks have a split week ahead of them in terms of Fantasy matchups. They'll start the week with two favorable matchups against the Nets and Raptors and will wrap up the week against two tough defensive teams in the Bobcats and Spurs. That should make for a pretty routine week. Start Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford and Jamal Crawford. Avoid Mike Bibby and Marvin Williams.
Charlotte Bobcats (@IND, OKC, @ATL, @MIA): Nazr Mohammed continues to be listed as day-to-day by the Bobcats despite not playing since Feb. 19. Despite having picked up some Fantasy appeal prior to getting hurt, we can't recommend starting him until we see him on the court and productive again. He lost all the Fantasy momentum he developed prior to his injury and will have to earn it again. As for the healthy Bobcats this week, matchups against the Thunder, Hawks and Heat do not suggest high-scoring matchups. Raymond Felton is a candidate to sit based on his recent play.
Miami Heat (SA, ORL, CHA): Michael Beasley (thigh) could return Sunday against Philadelphia, but he is still considered day-to-day. If he suffers a setback, Udonis Haslem would provide Fantasy owners with a decent fill-in as a player capable of 10-and-10 with the minutes boost. Jermaine O'Neal could be in for a tough week against tough defensive front courts all scoring period. Temper expectations. Quentin Richardson has cooled off after his hot streak from a week ago. Sit him in all leagues again.
Orlando Magic (SA, @MIA): The Magic have the worst Fantasy matchups in the NBA this week. Not only do they play just two games, but they will play two very good defensive teams in the Spurs and Heat. Don't expect any high scores this week. Only Dwight Howard should be considered in cumulative formats this week. In average-based play, Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis remain decent plays, but don't expect huge weeks out of any of them.
Washington Wizards (@UTA, @DEN, @POR, @LAL): Andray Blatche remains a must-start. Al Thornton can be used with confidence as a No. 4 forward this week and JaVale McGee has some interesting sleeper appeal for his center eligibility. He is averaging 13 points and seven rebounds in five games heading into the weekend, including his 20-point, nine-rebound effort against the Hawks.

Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks (CHI, BOS): The Mavericks are one of three teams to play just two games this week and both matchups come against good defensive squads. That makes your Mavericks tough options this week if they aren't named Dirk Nowitzki. Jason Kidd and Caron Butler should still be decent plays in cumulative leagues, depending on alternatives available to you. Jason Terry's injury has opened things up for Roddy Beaubois, but it appears his Fantasy appeal will be over following Week 20. Terry should be back by Week 22.
Houston Rockets (DEN, MEM, BOS, @NY): The Rockets have three Fantasy-friendly matchups this week against Denver, Memphis and New York. All three teams allow over 102 points per game. Trevor Ariza, who returned from his hip pointer injury this week, should benefit from those matchups and is safe to activate in weekly formats.
Memphis Grizzlies (CHI, @HOU, GS): The fact the Grizzlies play the Warriors this week helps to make up for the fact they play just three games. Golden State allows a league-most 111.2 points per game and their wide-open style fits right into Memphis' ultra-offensive scheme. It is a typical week for Fantasy owners and their Grizzlies. Start the big four and consider Mike Conley as a replacement option as a No. 4 guard.
New Orleans Hornets (@LAC, @GS, @DEN, @UTA): Chris Paul is ramping up his rehabilitation, but he will not be back in Week 21. That makes Darren Collison a must-start for another week and should also continue to benefit Marcus Thornton. Peja Stojakovic will miss at least a couple of weeks with an abdominal strain and that should help clear up shot attempts for Thornton. Julian Wright also becomes a decent sleeper in deeper leagues with the minutes boost.
San Antonio Spurs (@MIA, @ORL, GS, @ATL): The hand injury that will keep Tony Parker out for the remainder of the regular season has opened the door for a couple of players. Manu Ginobili and George Hill are playing at high levels, but Richard Jefferson has missed yet another chance to step up his weak offensive numbers. Jefferson was held scoreless against the Knicks (the Knicks!) and has scored three or fewer points in three of his last four games entering the weekend.

Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets (@HOU, WAS, NO, MIL): Kenyon Martin's absence due to a knee injury is opening up a bigger role for Chris Andersen, who is becoming a very nice play and is a solid pickup off the waiver wire for the stretch run. In three games entering play this weekend, he managed a pair of double-doubles and is getting a chance to score around 10-13 points on a pretty regular basis. Favorable matchups in the paint this week against Houston and Washington should lead to a productive week.
Minnesota Timberwolves (@PHO, @UTA, @LAL): Kevin Love (foot) is dealing with a sprain. Monitor his progress over the weekend, though the fact he plans to travel with the team on its current road trip is a good sign. Just be ready with an alternative in case of a setback. If he's out for any extended amount of time, Ryan Hollins could benefit once he returns from his two-game suspension.
Portland Trail Blazers (WAS, @PHO): The Blazers are one of three teams this week to play just two games. That makes even their best options (Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge) somewhat questionable plays in cumulative formats. Roy should still be safe to start in most formats. Aldridge should likely be reserved in most cumulative leagues. Everyone else is a must-sit in those formats. In average-based play, Marcus Camby is just too spotty to trust. His 17-rebound effort Thursday night was nice, but it came against a Warriors team that can't rebound with anybody and it is Camby's offense that is scary bad right now -- even for a player who is not known for his offense.
Oklahoma City Thunder (@CHA, @TOR, @IND): James Harden (hamstring) will miss 2-4 weeks with his injury and that puts the remainder of the regular season in doubt for him. Nenad Krstic should make the most of Fantasy-friendly matchups in Toronto and Indiana and makes for a sleeper No. 2 center in a pinch.
Utah Jazz (WAS, MIN, @PHO, NO): We like Utah's Fantasy matchups this week. All four teams allow over 101 points per game. Two allow over 106 points per game. This should be a high-scoring week that will benefit Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko, but could also trickle down to Paul Millsap. He's as good a play as he will be with both Carlos Boozer and Okur healthy.

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors (LAL, NO, @SA, @MEM): The Warriors will be without Andris Biedrins (abominal) for the remainder of the season, adding to an incredible list of injuries the team has had to deal with this season. His absence should open things up for Anthony Tolliver down the stretch, but also for Ronny Turiaf, who has played surprisingly well offensively in recent games. But Turiaf is dealing with a knee injury himself and is day-to-day entering the weekend. The Warriors continue to be a team you can pick from like a Fantasy grapevine, but outside of Monta Ellis and Corey Maggette there are no sure things. Anthony Morrow and C.J. Watson's numbers take a hit with Maggette and Ellis both healthy again, but with favorable matchups against the Hornets and Grizzlies this week, and the fact the team employs such a high-volume offensive scheme, both should remain good No. 3 of 4 options in standard formats. Chris Hunter is an interesting sleeper option, but only if Turiaf is sidelined a while.
Los Angeles Clippers (NO, MIL, SAC): Eric Gordon (leg) could miss a couple more games with an injury that continues to linger. He will likely be a player Fantasy owners will have to make a decision on lineup day. Prepare healthy alternatives. Rasual Butler entered the weekend averaging nearly 17 points in his previous five games as a result of Gordon's absence. His Fantasy appeal hangs in the balance for Week 21, but he should make for a decent play even if Gordon returns -- likely in the 13-15 ppg range.
Los Angeles Lakers (@GS, @SAC, MIN, WAS): Fantasy owners could not ask for much better matchups than what the Lakers will face in Week 21. The Lakers will face the two worst defensive teams in the league (Golden State and Minnesota), and the Wizards pose the "toughest" defensive threat they will face this week. The Wizards allow 101.2 points per game. That Kobe guy should have a good week, but you should also expect inflated numbers from Lamar Odom, Ron Artest and even Derek Fisher. Shannon Brown could be a nice cheap plug in for the deepest of leagues considerng the fact that the Lakers could go to their bench early and often against these teams.
Phoenix Suns (MIN, UTA, POR): Steve Nash is dealing with an abdominal injury that he will be able to play through. His scoring numbers are down a bit, but not to a level to be alarmed about. He remains a must-start. Leandro Barbosa (wrist) is close to a return, which could come during Week 21. He is not a player to activate this week, but could be a sleeper for a nice finish and is worth scooping up where available. He has the upside of a mid-teens scorer if he is indeed over the wrist injury that has hampered him all season. Even if he doesn't get back to that level, he could offer double-digit scoring and good help in three-point shooting -- just don't start him this week. Expect Robin Lopez to be used a lot this week against big lineups. Channing Frye will still see around 20 minutes per game and could offer double-digit scoring against a poor defensive team in the Timberwolves. Both make for No. 3 center options to be used where a replacement is needed.
Sacramento Kings (LAL, MIL, @LAC): Beno Udrih is on a real hot streak. He averaged a 16-5-3-1-0 line in the five games going into the weekend and is playing around 35 minutes per game. Start him as a No. 3 or 4 guard, depending on the size of your league. The Kings have a lot of "spare parts" for Fantasy owners to pick from, but only Tyreke Evans, Carl Landry and Beno Udrih are solid, reliable plays.

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).