March 26, 2010

Week 23 Fantasy Basketball Planner

By Sergio Gonzalez | Fantasy Writer
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Week 23 (March 29-April 4)

Teams playing four games: Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Lakers, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, San Antonio, Toronto, Washington
Teams playing three games: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Golden State, Indiana, Memphis, Miami, Minnesota, Orlando, Philadelphia, Portland, Sacramento, Utah
Teams playing two games: None

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (OKC, HOU, CLE): We don't like Boston's matchups this week. The Thunder and Cavaliers are top-10 defensive teams. We expect at least a couple of games under 100 points for the C's in a three-game week. Don't take a chance on a fringe option like Rasheed Wallace or Kendrick Perkins if you can avoid it. Perkins was scratched Friday night with a back injury, but the injury is not considered serious.
New Jersey Nets (SA, PHO, NO, @WAS): The Nets could be in for some good numbers this week, so we are hoping that Terrence Williams (foot) makes it through the weekend alright. He is expected to play as soon as Friday night, however and makes for a solid low-end start in standard formats with the numbers he has put up in March (13.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists). Courtney Lee has picked up his game the last two games, but that has been as a result of Williams' absence. The Nets should be in for high-scoring games this week against the Suns, Hornets and Wizards. All three teams allow over 100 points per game. The Suns allow the third most points in the league (106.1).
New York Knicks (@UTA, @POR, @GS, @LAC): Wilson Chandler's chances of playing again this season seem to get worse by the day. Unless his situation changes dramatically over the weekend, don't count on activating him for Week 23. Danilo Gallinari benefits most and has been huge offensively the past week with three straight games with 25-plus points. Start him in any league. Toney Douglas has proven he is no fluke and can also be started in any format. Matchups against the Warriors and Clippers in a four-game week bode well for both players.
Philadelphia 76ers (OKC, @CHA, TOR): The Sixers list Lou Williams (back) and Thaddeus Young (thumb) as day-to-day. Williams is dealing with back spasms that have limited his playing time since around March 15. Young has a fractured thumb that could sideline him a while longer. Neither player is recommended, especially considering the tough matchups this week against Oklahoma City and Charlotte. Both are top-10 defensive teams, but the Bobcats are actually ranked first in the NBA in scoring defense. Jrue Holiday and Elton Brand aren't great plays, considering the matchups.
Toronto Raptors (@CHA, LAC, @PHI, GS): We like the matchups for Toronto this week, with three games against teams that allow 100-plus points per game. The Warriors, as everyone is painfully aware of at this stage of the season, allow over 112 points per game. Unfortunately, the Raptors are once again a team looking for a change in their rotation with Jose Calderon floundering. Jarrett Jack could return to the starting lineup, but that's a situation to stay far, far away from at this stage in the season. Hedo Turkoglu (illness) is still too rocky to trust in many formats, so the matchups are really just going to benefit owners of Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani.

Central Division

Chicago Bulls (PHO, @WAS, CHA): Luol Deng (calf) could be done for the season after suffering a setback this week. Don't count on having him back in your Fantasy lineups this season. Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) is back in the lineup, but he is only able to play around 15 minutes per game and has not cut into the Fantasy appeal of Brad Miller much, who remains a viable No. 2 center option going forward. Taj Gibson has also been able to retain much of his Fantasy appeal and has quietly been contributing double-double numbers over the past week. He's a solid start this week with favorable matchups against the Suns and Wizards. Kirk Hinrich is still getting close to 40 minutes per game and makes for a decent play in larger formats. Ronald Murray is a stopgap option for deep, deep leagues. He's capable of double-digit scoring at least.
Cleveland Cavaliers (MIL, ATL, @BOS): J.J. Hickson had a big game in Zydrunas Ilgauskas' return to the Cavaliers' rotation with 20 points in 26 minutes, but he had to go 9 of 11 from the field to do it. Ilgauaskas will make Hickson and Anderson Varejao erratic going forward and matchups against three teams that allow under 100 points per game this week means that scoring will be hard to come by for all three players.
Detroit Pistons (MIA, PHO, @ATL): The Pistons are sticking with Will Bynum over Rodney Stuckey as a starter, but it will be Stuckey seeing the majority of the minutes. That will hurt both players going forward. With tough defensive matchups this week against Miami and Atlanta, consider reserving both for what could be a low-scoring week. For the most part, Jason Maxiell has remained productive and has been averaging around 10 points and eight boards with Ben Wallace (knee) less likely to return by the day. He could maintain that type of production this week, but the matchups don't bode well for any huge games out of him outside of the Phoenix game. Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton, Jonas Jerebko and Charlie Villanueva are all producing along the same lines lately and are underwhelming plays given the circumstances.
Indiana Pacers (SAC, MIA, HOU): Roy Hibbert had an injury scare this week when he hurt his jaw, but he was able to come back for Friday's game and should be a safe play going forward. He'd been playing well just prior to the injury and should benefit from the weak front court defensive matchups against the Kings and Rockets this week. Brandon Rush and Earl Watson are worth taking a flier on in deeper leagues with T.J. Ford (groin) still being a player to avoid.
Milwaukee Bucks (LAC, @CLE, @CHA, PHO): Andrew Bogut (back) was held out of the lineup Friday against Miami due to some soreness. Bogut had been held to single digits in his previous three games in what may be a related issue, so Fantasy owners could have a tough decision to make if Bogut doesn't return for Sunday's game against Memphis. Prepare healthy alternatives, just in case. Matchups against the Clippers and Suns should provide for high-scoring games

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks (LAL, @CLE, DET): The Hawks have perhaps the worst matchups in Fantasy this week against three top defensive teams. Don't expect high-scoring games, which means fringe options like Mike Bibby and Marvin Williams should be avoided in all formats. Temper expectations for Jamal Crawford.
Charlotte Bobcats (TOR, PHI, MIL, @CHI): We like the matchups for the Bobcats this week. The Raptors, Sixers and Bulls all allow over 100 points per game on a regular basis. Expect Raymond Felton and Boris Diaw to put up useful numbers as a result of some inflated scores against those teams. Tyrus Thomas could also enjoy some of that boost, but he's a riskier play considering the fact he's been held to under 10 points in four straight games.
Miami Heat (@DET, @IND, @MIN): Jermaine O'Neal hyperextended his right knee in Friday's game against Milwaukee, which will make him a questionable Fantasy option going into Week 23. O'Neal has dealt with injuries all season, so this is nothing new, but Fantasy owners will want to consider adding Udonis Haslem as insurance. He would see a boost along with Michael Beasley in the absence of O'Neal.
Orlando Magic (@DAL, @SA, MEM): Two of the Magic's matchups in a three-game week are against teams that allow under 100 points per game. Rashard Lewis, who had begun to heat up last week, has totaled just 16 points in his last two games. Considering the matchups, he may be a player to consider reserving in cumulative head-to-head leagues. The consistency just isn't there. Jameer Nelson is not a great play, but could be counted on as a No. 4 guard in most standard leagues this week.
Washington Wizards (@HOU, @NO, CHI, NJ): Al Thornton is dealing with a strained hip flexor that could sideline him for a couple of games. Lately, his production has not been anywhere near the hot streak he enjoyed initially following the trade to Washington and he isn't worth the injury risk. Outside of Andray Blatche, there really is no reliable Fantasy option on the roster. Mike Miller has some appeal in deeper leagues and can provide help in three-point shooting this week thanks to favorable matchups.

Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks (DEN, @MEM, ORL, OKC): The Mavericks get a pair of very Fantasy-friendly matchups to start the week, but wrap up the week against two of the better defensive teams in the league. Shawn Marion is dealing with some back soreness, but he's been able to play through it and has averaged 13.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in his last five games. He is still a good play. Brendan Haywood is seeing the majority of minutes again at center, leading to numbers close to the 10-and-10 production he put up with the Wizards. He's a sleeper for a good week in larger formats as a No. 2 center.
Houston Rockets (WAS, @SA, @BOS, @IND): Kevin Martin has been dealing with a sore shoulder, which isn't his shooting shoulder, but was bad enough to keep him out of Thursday's game. The injury also may have been the reason he scored just eight points in Wedensday's game in Oklahoma City. He has been complaining about the injury for over a week now and could be an injury-risk play for Week 23, so prepare healthy alternatives and monitor his status over the weekend.
Memphis Grizzlies (DAL, NO, @ORL): Marc Gasol (neck) and Zach Randolph (ankle) are both day to day and hopeful that they can return for Sunday's game at Milwaukee. Fantasy owners are going to have to pay close attention to their progress over the weekend with both players being must starts. Hasheem Thabeet has seen a modest spike in Fantasy value due to the added playing time, but we wouldn't recommend starting him in any league at this point. Mike Conley is seeing an increase in playing time and offensive looks, leading to him averaging a 16-7-3 over his last five games. Start him in any format.
New Orleans Hornets (LAL, WAS, @MEM, @NJ): Chris Paul is back, but he's looked very rusty in his first couple of games. Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton have managed to retain their Fantasy appeal in the initial stages of Paul's return, but be aware that as Paul's minutes increase, Collison and Thornton will have to fight each other for minutes. The good news for Week 23 is that the Hornets have three very favorable matchups which should lead to high-scoring games. There could be enough for all three players to put up good numbers, therefore lessening the risk with each of them. Eventually, envision Paul re-emerging as the primary and most productive Fantasy guard with Collison and Thornton taking mild hits to their value.
San Antonio Spurs (@NJ, HOU, ORL, @LAL): Manu Ginobili has become an absolute beast in the absence of Tony Parker and George Hill has emerged as a No. 2 caliber guard, with back-to-back 20-plus point games in Week 22. Meanwhile, Richard Jefferson's short-lived Fantasy boost has gone away. Start the team's new "big three" and stay away from Jefferson despite the four-game week. He's getting minutes, but the production simply is not there.

Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets (@DAL, POR, LAC): The Nuggets don't have a very Fantasy-friendly week ahead of them with just three games and two against teams that allow under 100 points per game. Outside of some re-shuffling at the backup point guard slot between Anthony Carter and Ty Lawson, there really isn't much change here. Start Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups and Nene, use J.R. Smith as a No. 3 or 4 guard and avoid using Chris Andersen where possible.
Minnesota Timberwolves (SAC, MIA, @OKC): The Timberwolves have two very tough defensive matchups ahead of them in Week 23 against the Heat and Thunder. Don't expect a big week out of Jonny Flynn and Corey Brewer as neither player has shown much consistency the last two weeks. Only Kevin Love and Al Jefferson should be active for Week 23.
Portland Trail Blazers (NY, @DEN, @SAC): Among three-game teams, the Blazers have the most favorable matchups in Week 23. All three teams allow over 102 points per game. After struggling for the first 10 games or so with the Blazers, Marcus Camby is back on track. Hopefully, you haven't given up on him because he's capable of being one of the better centers in Fantasy in the final couple of scoring periods.
Oklahoma City Thunder (@PHI, @BOS, @DAL, MIN): James Harden returned from his hamstring injury with a 23-point performance against Houston that may have raised some eyebrows in your league. Yes, the rookie does have this type of upside, but he remains too erratic to trust in most standard leagues and won't be scoring 20-plus points on a regular basis. Instead, he'll play around 25 minutes per night and offer around 10 points and a couple of boards and assists with a steal and a three pointer. If that kind of stat line helps you in your league, go ahead and start him. He's healthy enough anyway.
Utah Jazz (NY, GS, @LAL): Andrei Kirilenko (calf) was able to return to the lineup Friday night in Indiana, but re-aggravated the injury. It's the second time he's returned too soon and could mean another extended absence for him. Consider healthy alternatives. C.J. Miles has seen a nice boost in his absence, but is more of a Head-to-head option for deeper leagues. The matchups against New York and Golden State should help to get him back on track.

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors (@UTA, NY, @TOR): Unless you are playing against him in a Fantasy playoff game, you have to be rooting for Reggie Williams. Just last month, Williams was in the NBDL and now he's dropping 20 points per night and playing big minutes in the NBA. As always, be wary of Don Nelson's fickle rotation, but Williams is producing at such a level he could be starting in any format. The Warriors play just three games this week, but two are very Fantasy-friendly matchups against the Knicks and Raptors. Anthony Tolliver is also a nice play at center and Chris Hunter has emerged as a possible stopgap measure for deeper leagues as he's getting starts and decent playing time. Corey Maggette has taken a small step back to Williams and his Fantasy value has gone from being a No. 1 option to more of a No. 3, but he's still worth starting -- especially in category-based play. A boost in minutes is always possible for him.
Los Angeles Clippers (@MIL, @TOR, @DEN, NY): We love the matchups this week for the Clippers. The Raptors allow the fourth most points in the league (105.8), the Nuggets allow 102.6 points and the Knicks allow 104.5 per game. That is an average of 104.3 points per game, nearly 10 points more per game than the 95.6 they currently average as a team. Drew Gooden is coming off a very strong week and is virtually a must-start this week considering the matchups. Eric Gordon's scoring has been down (around 15 ppg) lately, but these matchups could help him get back to around 17-20 per game. Rasual Butler is a nice sleeper for deep leagues if a stopgap is needed.
Los Angeles Lakers (@NO, @ATL, UTA, SA): Andrew Bynum's status is still up in the air for Week 23. He won't be playing a full week and can't be trusted as a starter in weekly leagues, but coach Phil Jackson has left his situation open-ended and the possibility that he could return mid-week exists. That impacts players who have benefited in his absence, mainly Lamar Odom and Ron Artest. The good news is that the Lakers have decent matchups against New Orleans and Utah in a four-game week, and our gut feeling says Bynum won't be back. It's the time of year to take chances and we think Odom is worth that risk right now. It could be the difference between winning and losing.
Phoenix Suns (@CHI, @NJ, @DET, @MIL): Robin Lopez (back) missed some time in practice this week, but will continue to play on. Lopez and Channing Frye are splitting playing time pretty evenly, with the same caveat: Lopez plays when the team wants to go big and Frye when the team wants to run and play small. Against the Bulls, Nets, Pistons and Bucks, we feel they'll try to go big more often than small. Grant Hill makes for a good play this week thanks to the four-game slate and his recent well-rounded production.
Sacramento Kings (@IND, @MIN, POR): Tyreke Evans (concussion) will be re-evaluated on Monday and there should be a clearer picture as far as his availability for Week 23. His status will determine the viability of Beno Udrih, who has been putting up monster numbers in Evans' absence. If Evans gets ruled out for longer, Beno is a must-start. If not, Beno goes from being a strong No. 2 guard in any league to more of a low-end starter. Matchups against Indiana and Minnesota will help to cushion the blow. Spencer Hawes has gone on a little hot streak. Nothing major, but he is offering around 13 points and decent rebounding. Considering his track record this season, nobody should be overly confident starting him, but he is one of your better fill-in center options this week. He strained his lower back in Friday night's game and will have to be monitored as well. Jason Thompson has fizzled out again and is a player to reserve.

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).