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Week 2 Start 'Em and Sit 'Em

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Plenty of you are catching on, but for the rest of you who haven't yet, listen up before it's too late: Ryan Anderson is really, really good.

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He's one of the most added players in CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues right now, as he has been added in 40 percent of all leagues since the start of Week 1, but he is somehow available in 25 percent of leagues still, and only starting in 40 percent.

I'm making him my Start of the Week for Week 2 after calling him my sleeper at forward last week. I'm just going to keep riding this train until the wheels come off. He's a unique talent, adept at rebounding and three-point shooting, and still young enough (23) to make you think this is real development, and not just small sample size flukiness.

For all of you that added him this week, you'll want to make sure he's in the lineup for Week 2, as he plays four games in the week against Detroit, Chicago, Washington and Sacramento. All have decent players at the power forward spot, but none of them are truly elite or even above average defenders, and he scored at least 10 points-per game last year against three of the four (except Sacramento, who he only played twice).

The Magic desperately need Anderson's floor spacing, and he is currently shooting 44 percent from three-point range on the season after making 39.3 percent last year. This looks like true development and the Magic have clearly found Dwight Howard's tag-team partner in the frontcourt. It might be a little unorthodox, with Howard's physically dominant style of play next to Anderson's perimeter-oriented game. But it has been brutally effective thus far, as the duo has combined for 34.3 points and 21.3 rebounds per game, and should continue to be so moving forward.

Guards

Start 'Em

Gerald Henderson, Bobcats (@CLE, @NYK, ATL, @IND): The Bobcats have been waiting for three years for their 2009 lottery pick to begin living up to expectations, and it finally appears to be happening. In his first two games, coach Paul Silas has leaned heavily on Henderson, giving him 40.5 minutes per game, as the Bobcats avoided back-to-backs in the first week. They'll have two in Week 2, but with a Cleveland/New York trip in the wings, I like Henderson's chances to continue his strong play. He is averaging 19.5 points-per game thus far on 51.5 percent shooting with 6.5 rebounds, and Cleveland and New York were two of the eight-worst defenses in the NBA last year. The Hawks and Pacers were above average, but only slightly so, and not enough to scare you off.

Ramon Sessions, Cavaliers (CHA, @TOR, @MIN, @POR): Sessions leads the Cavs in scoring in the early going, and he already put up 18 points and six assists in just 22 minutes against the Raptors, who he faces again in Week 2. Sessions has added a three-point shot to his game, which has opened up his offense. A career 11.1 points-per game scorer, the fourth-year player upped his scoring to 15.4-per game after the All-Star break last year and is carrying his strong play into the new season. With a four-game stretch and only one particularly tough defensive opponent on the way, Sessions is off to a nice start and should be started in more than 25 percent of leagues.

Sleeper Alert: MarShon Brooks, Nets (IND, @BOS, @TOR, MIA): The kid can play. He's proven it, leading the Nets in scoring off the bench in two of their first three games of the season, putting up 17 in each game against two solid defenses in the Magic and Hawks in Week 1. The 25th pick in last year's draft has entered the NBA red-hot, and it doesn't hurt that the rest of the Nets' shooting guard options are dreary at best. With their offense in a rut to start the season, Brooks is forcing the Nets to give him more playing time, and that should result in more fine performances from the rookie out of Providence.

Sit 'Em

Mike Conley, Grizzlies (SAC, @MIN, @UTH, LAL): Conley rolled his ankle badly in the Grizzlies' loss to the Thunder on Wednesday, and is not expected to return to the lineup until Week 2 at the earliest. However with a back-to-back on the schedule and a couple of long plane trips ahead of him, the chances of him receiving a full-load of playing time seem pretty slim. Even if he plays, he'll likely be limited, and with Jeremy Pargo's strong showing in relief, the Grizzlies may take it slow.

Paul Pierce, Celtics (WAS, NJN, IND): The first game of the scoring period is the second of a back-to-back, so even if Pierce's troublesome heel is feeling better by then, he'll likely be limited in that first contest. The Celtics play just twice more in the scoring period, so I don't like Pierce's chances of contributing much in volume, even if he is healthy and giving good per-game production; a big if as well.

Bust Alert: Jrue Holiday, 76ers (@NOH, DET, TOR): Holiday suffered a knee injury on Wednesday against Phoenix, but he appears fine. So why is he here, after averaging 14 points-per game in the first two games of the season? Well, he only plays three times in the week, and has a back-to-back, so the possibility exists that the Sixers will limit his minutes, especially if they go up big early, something they could do in any of these games. He's generally a fine starting option at guard, but for this week, you can steer clear if you have better options.

Forwards

Start 'Em

Marvin Williams, Hawks (@MIA, @CHI, MIA, @CHA, CHI): The Hawks have been hoping for solid, all-around performance from Williams since signing him to a $40 million contract in 2009, and have received just around 10 points-per game and five rebounds for their trouble. However, early returns in 2011-12 suggest he may have found another, level, as he has 8.5 rebounds and 15.5 points-per game thus far. And in Week 2, he has a five-game schedule, which should allow him ample opportunities to continue to give Fantasy owners solid value. While all five represent tough defensive matchups, I like Williams to continue his solid play for the most part, especially with so many opportunities.

Brandon Rush, Warriors (@PHO, @SAS, @LAL, UTH): Rush has been a disappointment in the NBA since the Pacers took him with the 13th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. The Pacers dumped him on the Warriors right before the season, and he is starting to show signs of life in the Warriors wide-open offense. He wouldn't be the first wing to revive his career in Golden State, a team that puts guards like Rush in the best position to succeed. So far, he is averaging 12 points-per game on 48 percent shooting, and with matchups against Phoenix and Utah, who finished in the bottom half of NBA defenses last year and look no better this season, Rush should be able to continue his surge.

Sleeper Alert: Amir Johnson, Raptors (@NYK, CLE, NJN, @PHI): Johnson faced the Cavaliers once this season, finishing with a stat-sheet stuffing 13 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and one steal performance in the season opener. The Nets and Knicks have had plenty of problems with opposing big-men, as Dwight Howard grabbed 24 rebounds against the Nets and Pau Gasol had a double double against the Knicks last Wednesday. While Johnson isn't either of those guys, the matchups bode well for him to get close to at least another couple of double-doubles as he's receiving almost 30 minutes-per game so far this season.

Sit 'Em

Caron Butler, Clippers (HOU, MIL): I like the acquisition of Butler for the Clippers, and think he'll be a very good fit in their offense, however at the pace he's been on in the early going, he's simply not a good enough player to recommend as a starting option in a week when he plays just twice. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, yeah, go ahead and keep them active even with just two games. But a borderline starter like Butler can't be counted on with such few opportunities coming his way.

Serge Ibaka, Thunder (@DAL, POR, HOU, @HOU): Oklahoma City is starting off the season with four sets back-to-backs in a row, two of which come in Week 2. In their first two sets of back-to-backs, Ibaka averaged fewer than 26 minutes per night with just 6.5 points and 6.8 rebounds-per game to his credit. If that is going to be the pattern for the Thunder, then Ibaka is in line for another week in which he is limited. Because of their depth, the Thunder has the ability to spread minutes out, which is great for them, but bad for Ibaka's owners.

Bust Alert: Elton Brand, 76ers (@NOH, DET, TOR): It's been a rough start for Brand, who didn't play more than 28 minutes in either of the 76ers' first two games. Concerns about his conditioning and health are always in the minds of his Fantasy owners, and with the high number of back-to-backs this season, Brand's minutes will likely continue to be limited. Unfortunately for his owners, this week he plays just three times, but has a back-to-back. That's just a killer combination for a guy who isn't likely to play a ton of minutes anyways. Combine that with a seven points-per game average through two games, and you should definitely look to other players fro Week 2.

Centers

My sleepers
Week 2
Player % Started
1. Jon Leuer, F, Bucks 1
2. Vladimir Radmanovic, F, Hawks 3
3. James Anderson, G, Spurs 0
4. Samardo Samuels, F, Cavaliers 1
5. Jordan Hill, F, Rockets 13
6. Ben Gordon, G, Pistons 22
7. Norris Cole, G, Heat 8
8. Mike Dunleavy, F, Bucks 9
9. Chris Duhon, G, Magic 0
10. Tiago Splitter, F, Spurs 3

Start 'Em

Dejuan Blair, Spurs (@MIN, GSW, DAL, DEN, @OKC): Blair has long been known for his defensive and rebounding contributions, and not for his offense. However, he has scored 20 points in back-to-back games on Wednesday and Thursday of last week, and looks to be taking on a bigger part of the offense in the early going. While it may not last, he does play five times in Week 2 with only one matchup against a really tough opposing center (OKC's Kendrick Perkins) so you won't need him to get 20 points per night to contribute. If he just gives you his consistent, solid eight-points-and-seven-rebounds-per night production you've come to expect, he's a fine play. Anything more is just gravy.

Sleeper Alert: Robin Lopez, Suns (GSW, @DAL, POR, MIL): The up-and-down career arc of Lopez continues, and this time he appears to be on the upswing. With Marcin Gortat limited and struggling with a fractured thumb, Lopez stepped up to score 14 points and add 6.5 rebounds-per game in the Suns' first two games. He's completed 11-of-16 attempts from the field, and looks more like the guy who performed so well in 2009-10 than the guy who led the Suns to acquire Gortat last season. With Gortat's injury lingering, I like Lopez to give you solid production at the center position.

Sit 'Em

Mehmet Okur, Nets (IND, @BOS, @TOR, MIA): Admittedly, I blew this one. A week ago, I said Okur could be a good starting option at center as he was brought in to replace the injured Brook Lopez. He has responded by missing 13 of his first 18 shots and grabbing just 4.3 rebounds-per game. I though reuniting with Deron Williams would serve him well and the five-game schedule would give him ample opportunity to produce. So you have my first apology of the season. For those of you who started him last week on my recommendation, I suggest you rectify the situation immediately by benching him, if you don't outright cut him. He's been that bad.

Bust Alert: DeAndre Jordan, Clippers (HOU, MIL): Everything I said for Butler up there goes for his teammate Jordan, as the Clippers play just two games. Normally, Jordan is a fine starting option at center for Fantasy owners, but with just two opportunities to play, you have to keep him on the bench. The only things he does positively in bulk is block shots and you can't keep him in the lineup solely for his blocks because he's just as likely to kill you with missed free throws if you do. Get him back in the lineup in Week 3, but for now steer clear.

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Player News
David West
West guts one out
David West, PF, IND
5/25/2012
News: Pacers forward David West played through his sprained left knee on Thursday in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Heat, leading the Pacers with 24 points on 10 of 16 shots. West took advantage of the often significant height advantages he was working with against Miami’s undersized front-line, however he was able to pick up just five rebounds in 41 minutes, as the Pacers fell, 105-93, ending their season.
Analysis: West’s production took a tumble this season, however given the fact that he was coming off a major knee injury and playing in a contracted season due to the lockout, the fact that he was able to play in all 66 games this season as a full-time player says a lot about his toughness. His scoring fell from 18.9 points per game to 12.8 this season, however given that he was going from Chris Paul to Darren Collison at the point, that drop off was to be expected. At 31 years of age, West’s best days are probably behind him, however he should still be targeted in the middle rounds on Draft Day as a solid option at the forward position.

Danny Granger
Granger plays through ankle injury
Danny Granger, SF, IND
5/25/2012
News: As expected, Pacers forward Danny Granger played through his ankle injury on Thursday for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Miami. Granger gutted out 38 minutes in the game, scoring 15 points on 6 of 14 shooting, while grabbing four rebounds and dishing out four assists, as the Pacers’ season ended, 105-93. He finished the postseason averaging 17.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in 11 games.
Analysis: While the Pacers enjoyed their finest season as a team in some time, Granger had one of his toughest as professional. While he still scored 18.7 points per game on the season, that came on a career-low 41.6 percent shooting, while he posted his lowest rebounding and assist averages since his second season in the league. Granger remained a dead-eye three-point shooter, hitting 38.1 percent of his attempts, so most of the fall off came from inside the arc. Still, he is capable of filling up the boxscore on any given night, and given his career averages, should be able to shoot the ball better next season, so target him with an early-round pick on Draft Day as your No. 2 Fantasy forward.

Udonis Haslem
Haslem earns suspension
Udonis Haslem, PF, MIA
5/24/2012
News: Heat forward Udonis Haslem earned a one-game suspension for his Flagrant foul on Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough on Tuesday, meaning he will be unavailable for the team's matchup on Thursday in a potentially-decisive Game 6.
Analysis: Haslem insists that the hit on Hansbrough was not intentional, and he plans on appealing the suspension, however that won't change his status for the game. He is averaging just 6.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in the series and should not be missed much in Fantasy postseason formats.

Greg Stiemsma
Foot injury limiting Stiemsma
Greg Stiemsma, C, BOS
5/24/2012
News: Celtics center Greg Stiemsma has been playing on an injured left foot for the last month, and on Wednesday it became to much of an issue for him to deal with, as he was only able to play five minutes in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal in Philadelphia. He recorded no stats in the game, afterward telling WEEI.com in Boston, "This is as bad as it's been. I'll stay off it for the next few days. I'll be ready for Saturday."
Analysis: He has managed to play through the injury with very few exceptions since the final few weeks of the regular season, so we have no reason to doubt thathe will be able to go for Game 7, especially with two nights off. Still, he sounds like he is in a ton of pain and might be limited for the game, so avoid him in all Fantasy postseason formats.

Avery Bradley
Report: Bradley likely done for postseason
Avery Bradley, PG, BOS
5/23/2012
News: The Boston Herald reported Wednesday that Celtics guard Avery Bradley "definitely" needs surgery on his injured left shoulder soon, and is not expected to play during the remainder of the postseason.
Analysis: Bradley has been dealing with this injury for a while, and he was trying to play through it until the end of the postseason, however now it looks like he is done for the season. Bradley became a much larger part of the Celtics’ plans this season, logging career highs across the board in his second season in the league. If the Celtics can advance in the postseason, he may try to get on the floor again, however at this point that is not looking likely, so don’t rely on him in postseason Fantasy formats.

Lance Stephenson
Stephenson takes hard foul
Lance Stephenson, SG, IND
5/23/2012
News: Little-used Pacers’ reserve guard Lance Stephenson was forced to get X-rays on his collarbone after Tuesday’s Game 5 in Miami, as the result of an elbow from Heat center Dexter Pittman in the waning moments of a 115-83 Heat victory. Stephenson, who drew criticism from Heat players after making a choke sign during Game 3 towards LeBron, appears to have escaped relatively unscathed, as the X-rays showed no fractures. Pittman received a Flagrant 1 foul for the play and may be looking at a suspension.
Analysis: Stephenson had played just six minutes in the postseason prior to Game 5, as he has been used only in blowouts. The injury looked serious at the time, however it appears there was no long-term damage done. Having said that, this may be the last we have seen of Stephenson in the postseason, so he is not worth owning in any Fantasy postseason leagues.

Dwyane Wade
Report: Wade gets fluid drained from knee
Dwyane Wade, SG, MIA
5/21/2012
News: Heat guard Dwyane Wade struggled in a major way during the first three games of the Eastern Conference Semifinal against Indiana, with the worst of it coming during a 2 for 13 shooting night in Game 3 when he scored just five points. According to ESPN.com, there is an explanation for that, as he reportedly needed fluid drained from his left knee prior to the game. That seemed to do the trick, as he bounced back in a major way on Sunday, scoring 30 points on 13 for 23 shooting to lead the Heat to a 101-93 victory in Game 4.
Analysis: Wade shot just 31 percent from the field in the first three games of the series, and there had been rumblings that he was dealing with a lower-leg injury that had been limiting him, so this reported certainly seems believable. Wade bounded back in a major way on Sunday, looking very much like a new man. Hopefully he can sustain this production moving forward, as he is a must-start Fantasy option for all postseason formats.

Rudy Fernandez
Fernandez mulls over options
Rudy Fernandez, SG, DEN
5/21/2012
News: Nuggets guard Rudy Fernandez is spending the summer in Spain recovering from back surgery and, as he told TuBasket.com, a Spanish-language website that covers basketball in Spain, he may decide to stay there even when he heals up. Fernandez turned down a contract offer from Real Madrid last summer that would have made him the highest-paid player in Spain, however as a restricted free-agent this year, he plans on weighting all of his options.
Analysis: The contract Fernandez reportedly turned down last summer would have been for six years and $26 million, so it will be interesting to see if any teams are willing to offer him something comparable. Fernandez was unable to emerge as a full-time player in Denver’s deep rotation, averaging 8.6 points in 22.9 minutes per game. He seems to have hit a plateau in his NBA development from his 10.4 point per game campaign as a rookie, so even if he does keep on playing in the NBA, he will likely be just a Fantasy reserve, so don’t plan on targeting him on Draft Day.

Daniel Gibson
Cavs expected to keep Gibson
Daniel Gibson, PG, CLE
5/20/2012
News: Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson, who missed the final month of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left ankle, is expected to return to the team for the 2012-13 season, as the Cleveland Plain Dealer speculates that the team will pick up the $4.8 million team option on him.
Analysis: Gibson is expected to be recovered well before the beginning of the season, so the only question heading into next season will be that team option. Gibson struggled with his shot last season, hitting just 35.1 percent of his attempts from the field, however at that price the team should find a place for hm. He missed 31 games last season, however as a backup point guard with range, he gives the team decent production. However as long as Kyrie Irving is around, Gibson won't have anything close to starter's minutes and should be avoided in all leagues on Draft Day.

Jarrett Jack
Jack resting stress fracture
Jarrett Jack, PG, NO
5/20/2012
News: Hornets guard Jarrett Jack, who missed the final three weeks of the season with a stress fracture in his right foot, has been resting the injury and is expected to get back on the floor in preparation for next season by the middle of June. Jack, who is entering the final season of a four-year contract with the Hornets, was expected to rest for six to eight weeks after being shut down for the season.
Analysis: Jack was quite good in replacing Chris Paul this season, average 15.6 points, 6.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game – career highs across the board. The 28-year-old dealt with injuries throughout, missing 11 games, however he was solid whenever he played and should return to that same level of effectiveness in the coming season. He should be considered a solid Fantasy option at the guard position, one worth selecting with an early middle round pick on Draft Day.

 
 
 
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