Week 22 Fantasy Basketball Planner

Week 22 (March 22-28)

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

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (@UTA, DEN, SAC, SA): The Celtics have a pair of very Fantasy-friendly matchups in a four-game week. They'll face a Nuggets team that allows over 102 points per game and then a Kings team that allows around 105 points. That should provide a nice little spike to players like Ray Allen, but we wouldn't recommend making the stretch for Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace or Nate Robinson where it can be avoided. Perkins is a No. 3 center right now, useful only as a stopgap.
New Jersey Nets (MIA, SAC, DET, @CHI): The Nets are dealing with some understandable frustration with the record for most losses in an NBA season staring them in the face. Brook Lopez stormed out of practice this weekend, but he is not facing any kind of team suspension and remains a must-play. We don't particularly like the matchups for the Nets this week -- three of their opponents allow under 100 points per game -- so players like Courtney Lee and Yi Jianlian are not recommended. Terrence Williams, however, has found a nice and steady role. He is averaging a 14-6-4 line over his last five games and should be able to maintain that. Start him if that appeals to you.
New York Knicks (DEN, @PHO): The Knicks are either in a really good position this week, or a really bad one. It depends what type of league format you are in. They are the only team in the league to play just two games, but both games are favorable matchups against weak defensive teams. The Knicks should be in for some high-volume numbers in both games and that is great news for the surging Toney Douglas, who is averaging a 19-4-4 stat line in his last five games. Obviously, he's a great start in average-based play, but you can't start him in most cumulative formats. Weigh your options carefully in cumulative formats with David Lee, but you'll want to avoid just about everyone else. Wilson Chandler (groin) is a must-sit regardless of format as he won't play in Week 22 and could possibly be shut down for the season. Monitor his status this week.
Philadelphia 76ers (ORL, @MIL, ATL): Lou Williams (back) and Thaddeus Young (thumb) both will be injury-risk plays for Fantasy Week 22. Williams is dealing with back spasms and hasn't been playing particularly well of late anyway, averaging just 8.8 points, 3.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds in his last four games. Young has a fractured thumb that may not allow him to return until late in the week -- if at all. He's too inconsistent to trust in a three-game week that features three teams that hold opponents under 100 points per game anyway. His absence could open things up for Marreese Speights, who had 17 points and 11 rebounds on Saturday against Chicago, but don't put too much of your hopes into him considering the matchups and his erratic production.
Toronto Raptors (@MIN, UTA, DEN, @MIA): Jose Calderon is back in the starting lineup, but he's still annoying the heck out of Fantasy owners. He was actually playing better off the bench before getting moved into the starting lineup early in Week 21. Since the switch, he's been held under 10 points in three games and is averaging 6.7 points, 6.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds. His numbers could spike this week with matchups against Minnesota and Denver, but trusting him as anything more than a No. 4 guard right now is asking for trouble. Jarrett Jack, meanwhile, is too spotty to start in most formats. Hedo Turkoglu is averaging a 10-5-4 line in his last five games and is useful in larger formats.

Central Division

Chicago Bulls (HOU, MIA, NJ, @DET): The Bulls are a mess. They have players coming back into the mix after injuries (Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah) and players who won't be back for a while (Luol Deng). Noah returned from his long absence on Saturday and did not look ready for significant minutes. We don't trust him as a starter even with the four-game week after he played just nine minutes in Philadelphia. You shouldn't either if you are in a playoff situation. His presence makes Brad Miller slightly less of a sure thing as a No. 2 center, but he did put up a 16-6-6-1-0 line in Noah's first game back. We still say he's a good play. Rose was Rose again in his first game back. Start him everywhere. Kirk Hinrich is still a headache, but his 17 points and 11 assists on Saturday in Philadelphia suggest he should be active in most leagues. He has gotten 40-plus minutes in three straight games. Taj Gibson is another tough call. He had seven points and seven boards Saturday, following a game in which he had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Expect similar rocky performances down the stretch.
Cleveland Cavaliers (@NO, @SA, SAC): The Cavaliers could get Zydrunas Ilgauskas back this week and all signs seem to indicate that they will. He is not a player we recommend activating in Fantasy leagues due to the uncertainty, but once he's back with the Cavs he will begin to siphon away minutes from Anderson Varejao and J.J. Hickson.Varejao remains worthy of starting as a No. 2 center, but beware of a potential for a drop in minutes down the stretch. Hickson is too up-and-down to trust right now.
Detroit Pistons (IND, @NJ, CHI): Ben Wallace (knee) suffered a setback when he returned to action Friday night and he was held out of Sunday's game against Cleveland. He had missed eight games with a sore patellar tendon and this seems to indicate that he may be in for another lengthy absence or just shut down for good. That is excellent news for Jason Maxiell, who had averaged a double-double in Big Ben's absence. He's an excellent play with very favorable matchups against Indiana and New Jersey.
Indiana Pacers (@DET, WAS, UTA, @ATL): The Pacers could get T.J. Ford (groin) back mid-week, but he is not a recommended play. His pending return makes Earl Watson a somewhat shaky play this week, though he is at best a stopgap measure anyway for deeper formats. Roy Hibbert continues to be up and down, but lately he's up. He heads into Week 22 coming off a couple of solid performances against Cleveland and Detroit and makes for a viable No. 2 center who can offer around 15 points and six boards one night and then nine points and five boards the next. Make the most of it. Brandon Rush is getting 35-40 minutes per game and double-digit shot attempts, making him a possible stopgap measure in larger formats.
Milwaukee Bucks (ATL, PHI, MIA, MEM): The Bucks have been getting excellent production out of John Salmons, but Fantasy owners have been slow to respond. He is currently active in under 70 percent of CBSSports.com leagues, but is averaging just under 20 points per game in March along with around four assists and three rebounds. What type of league is that not useful in? Carlos Delfino is back on track again and deserves to start as a No. 3 or 4 option in most standard leagues in a four-game week.

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks (@MIL, ORL, @PHI, IND): There isn't much mystery here. Josh Smith, Jamal Crawford, Al Horford and Joe Johnson deserve to start in all leagues. The inconsistent Marvin Williams and Mike Bibby should start only in deeper leagues. Williams and Bibby are favored by the four-game week and matchups against Philadelphia and Indiana.
Charlotte Bobcats (@WAS, MIN, WAS): Nazr Mohammed (back) looks less likely to make an impact for the remainder of the Fantasy season with each passing day. Despite playing just three games this week, we love Charlotte's matchups against the Wizards (twice) and a Timberwolves team that allows 107.6 points per game. Boris Diaw is a solid start as a No. 3 or 4 forward while Tyrus Thomas is worth activating in larger formats this week -- especially in average-based leagues where he could average double figures in scoring to go with decent rebounding and blocks. Raymond Felton also gets a boost.
Miami Heat (@NJ, @CHI, @MIL, TOR): Jermaine O'Neal (ankle) will possibly be a game-time decision for Monday's game in New Jersey, but is not looking at a long-term absence and should be a good play considering the four-game week. Matchups against New Jersey and Toronto are particularly attractive. Michael Beasley appears to be back on track after his thigh injury, but remains at best a No. 3 option. Udonis Haslem is averaging 8.2 points and 10.6 rebounds over his last five games and is a viable play.
Orlando Magic (PHI, @ATL, MIN, DEN): The Magic have three matchups against teams that allow 100-plus points per game in Week 22. Jameer Nelson should benefit from those matchups and has gotten going again after slumping last week. Start him as a No. 3 or 4 guard in most formats. Rashard Lewis is what he is at this point, a No. 3 or 4 option at forward. The matchups should help this week, but he won't be in for huge weeks in his current role in the Orlando rotation.
Washington Wizards (CHA, @IND, @CHA, UTA): Andray Blatche avoided a serious injury this week and Fantasy owners who have been riding his hot streak can take a collective sigh of relief. Al Thornton, Mike Miller, Randy Foye and JaVale McGee are loose parts who can't be trusted to be consistent, but that can provide decent stat lines here and there. Matchups against Charlotte (twice) and Utah don't inspire a lot of confidence in them this week, however.

Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks (@NO, LAC, @POR, @GS): The Mavericks have some of the best matchups in the league in Week 22. The Hornets, Clippers and Warriors all allow over 100 points per game and that means Shawn Marion should be able to sustain his current hot streak. He is, very quietly, averaging 17.0 points and 9.2 rebounds in his last five games. Get Jason Terry back in your lineup now that he is back, healthy and facing these favorable matchups. However, be careful with Brendan Haywood, who has become highly unproductive since the return of Erick Dampier. Neither is a good play.
Houston Rockets (@CHI, @OKC, LAC, LAL): Kevin Martin is dealing with a sore left shoulder, which fortunately is not his shooting side. He should be a safe start in a four-game week. The only real question mark in Fantasy for the Rockets is Trevor Ariza. He is averaging 11 points, five rebounds and three assists in the last two weeks and we expect him to be along those lines this week. Start him in leagues where those numbers are helpful.
Memphis Grizzlies (@SAC, @GS, @MIL): Marc Gasol (neck) is considered day-to-day entering Week 22 and will likely be a game-time decision Monday night at Sacramento. Unfortunately, that is a late game on the West Coast and news may not break until after lineup deadlines. Prepare healthy alternatives as Gasol is playing just three games in Week 22 and is very questionable for at least one of them.
New Orleans Hornets (DAL, CLE, POR): The moment of truth is finally here. When will Chris Paul return? We should know Monday. He holds the value of Fantasy hero Darren Collison in his hands and makes both players somewhat questionable plays in a must-win Fantasy playoff scenario. Paul could be rusty considering his lengthy absence, but is likely going to be activated in all leagues. Collison should still play significant minuets, but won't be putting up the high-end numbers he was without Paul and should be viewed as more of a No. 3 or 4 guard -- especially considering the tough matchups against three good defensive teams.
San Antonio Spurs (@OKC, LAL, CLE, @BOS): Tony Parker's absence has allowed Richard Jefferson to finally pick up his statistical production. He is averaging 18.6 points and 6.8 rebounds over his last five games and makes for an excellent play in just about any format going forward. Manu Ginobili is also on a hot streak and George Hill is averaging a very respectable 12.2 points, 6.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds in his last five games.

Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets (@NY, @BOS, @TOR, @ORL): The Nuggets have two very Fantasy-friendly matchups and two not-so-friendly matchups in Week 22. So this should be a straight-forward week. J.R. Smith is averaging 18.4 points over his last five games and makes for a solid play. Chris Andersen is not providing much scoring, but he is getting heavy minutes with Kenyon Martin sidelined and that is leading to high-end rebound production to go with his usual blocks.
Minnesota Timberwolves (TOR, @CHA, @ORL, PHO): We love the matchups against Toronto and Phoenix, but hate the matchups against Charlotte and Orlando. Jonny Flynn is worth a low-end start this week. Ryan Gomes has cooled off, but he can be started in a pinch as a No. 4 forward option thanks to the four-game slate. The same goes for Corey Brewer.
Portland Trail Blazers (DAL, @NO, @OKC): Marcus Camby is getting back to some semblance of his old self, but he still is killing Fantasy owners with his lack of offensive production. If you can afford to carry his weak offensive totals, the 11.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.4 steals per game he is averaging in his last five games should still be of use in most formats. Rudy Fernandez (quadricep) is not a safe play for Week 22, but his absence makes Nicolas Batum an interesting stopgap sleeper in deep leagues.
Oklahoma City Thunder (SA, HOU, LAL, POR): James Harden (hamstring) could be returning at some point in Week 22, but won't be ready to be activated in weekly Fantasy leagues. In his absence, Nick Collison has gotten a minor boost and has become more active off the bench, but it isn't anything Fantasy owners outside of deeper leagues could use. Nenad Krstic has minor appeal as a stopgap center in deep leagues.
Utah Jazz (BOS, @TOR, @IND, @WAS): We like the matchups this week for Utah, who will be facing three teams with poor defensive tendencies. Andrei Kirilenko (calf) and Mehmet Okur (stomach virus) head into Week 22 as question marks. Okur should be fine, which makes Paul Millsap less appealing, though the matchups due make him worthy of a start in leagues where his inconsistency won't kill you. Kirilenko's situation is trickier and he's a player you should wait to make a decision on until lineup deadlines.

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors (PHO, MEM, DAL, @LAC): We love the matchups this week for Golden State as they'll face three teams that allow over 100 points per game. Anthony Tolliver makes for a nice play as a No. 2 center this week as a result. He is averaging 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds over his last five games and could easily better those averages in Week 22 -- especially if Ronny Turiaf (knee) remains banged up. C.J. Watson makes for a decent play in larger formats if a stopgap is needed. Anthony Morrow is more of a stretch considering his recent performances.
Los Angeles Clippers (@DAL, @HOU, GS): DeAndre Jordan was unable to back up a double-double effort in Week 21 against the Hornets with anything significant. He remains too inconsistent to trust despite the inference that he may be in line for more minutes down the stretch. He went from 23 minutes to 11 minutes after the double-double. Eric Gordon hasn't been overly impressive in his first two games back from a leg injury, but he is going to get better. View him as a No. 3/4 guard option this week. Rasual Butler makes for a decent play as a No. 3 option. The Golden State game should provide a boost.
Los Angeles Lakers (@SA, @OKC, @HOU): Here we go again. Andrew Bynum is hurt and will miss "at least" six games. That rules him out for Week 22. In his absence, Lamar Odom will once again get a chance to shine and while we aren't in love with the Lakers' matchups this week Odom has proven to be a must-start whenever either Bynum or Pau Gasol are out. Ron Artest could also see some of the trickle-down impact, but is still not someone we suggest starting outside of deeper leagues and some category-based formats. That Kobe Bryant guy? He's still a good play.
Phoenix Suns (@GS, NY, @MIN): Among the three-game teams in Week 22, the Suns may have the best overall matchups. Keep that in mind if you are in an average-based league. The Warriors, Knicks and Timberwolves each rank among the six worst defensive teams in the league. The Warriors and Timberwolves are the two worst. Robin Lopez is worth taking a gamble as a No. 2 center this week despite his inconsistency and Channing Frye is worth taking a chance on in deeper leagues if you are in a bind. Grant Hill is also a good start. He's been excellent over the last month and should bounce back thanks to the matchups after hitting the skids a bit in Week 21. Leandro Barbosa? He didn't prove to be ready this past week after a return from a long absence.
Sacramento Kings (MEM, @NJ, @BOS, @CLE): Tyreke Evans (concussion) will be a tough decision for Fantasy owners after suffering a concussion Friday night. He was held out on Sunday and will be re-evaluated on Monday. There should be a clearer indication as to how much time he may or may not miss prior to lineup deadlines. Plan on having alternatives available. Beno Udrih would likely see a significant boost in his absence. But players like Carl Landry, Jason Thompson and Omri Casspi could all see a boost.

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).