What's on the Schedule: Week 9

Fantasy Writer

Feb. 19, 2012 9:26 PM ET

Fantasy Week 9 (Feb. 20-26) will be the shortest period of the season, as games only run Monday through Thursday with the NBA's All-Star break starting at the end of the week. There are only 66 games scheduled over the next seven days with most clubs slated to play twice. However, eight teams will play three times, while the Raptors and Bobcats will play just once over during the upcoming scoring period.

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With so few games scheduled this week, Fantasy owners will have little room for error when setting their lineups. One bad game can put teams in an insurmountable hole, which is why it is important to pay a little more attention to matchups this week. Luckily for Fantasy owners, we have gone through this week's schedule with a fine-tooth comb and highlighted the teams with the most intriguing matchups. While we strongly recommend doing your own homework, the information below should give owners some insight on which teams have the best and worst matchups over the next seven days.

The team we feel has the most intriguing schedule this week is the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder is one of eight teams slated to play three times during Week 9, although it is the only team with three home games on the docket. Oklahoma City will open the scoring period on Monday night against the Hornets in its third and final matchup of the season against New Orleans. After a day off, the Thunder will close out the scoring period with a back-to-back set against the Celtics and Lakers on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

While facing the Lakers and Celtics in the same week is never an easy task -- especially with both teams ranked in the top five in points allowed -- the Thunder look more than up to the challenge. Oklahoma City has been one of the highest scoring teams this season, averaging nearly 102 points per game. The Thunder put up roughly 104 points per game at home and is shooting a league-best 51 percent from the field at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Despite the defensive prowess of the Lakers and Celtics, we expect Kevin Durant and Co. to score some points this week, so Fantasy owners should feel free to get most of Oklahoma City's Fantasy options active. Other than the obvious choices of Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, owners should be sure to get Serge Ibaka active in most leagues. Even Kendrick Perkins – if healthy -- and Nick Collison could be worth using in deeper formats.

Northwest: Minnesota Timberwolves (@DEN, UTA): The Timberwolves are one of the many teams slated to play twice during Week 9, although Minnesota looks to have some favorable matchups on the docket. Coach Rick Adelman's squad will begin the week in Denver on Monday night before returning home to take on the Jazz on Wednesday evening. While Minnesota will have played a stretch of five games over eight days when all is said and done, owners couldn't have asked for better matchups. Utah and Denver are ranked in the bottom tier in points allowed this season and both teams are allowing opponents to shoot more than 45 percent from the field. Minnesota has also been clicking on offense over the past week and is averaging 99.7 points over its last five games. All signs point to the Timberwolves playing in some high-scoring affairs over the next few days, so owners should not hesitate to use some of Minnesota's lower-end options. Besides must-start options Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio, owners should make sure Nikola Pekovic and Luke Ridnour are active this week. Even the head-scratching Michael Beasley and Derrick Williams could be worth using in deeper formats.

Northwest Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Nuggets	MIN		@LAC	SA
Timberwolves	@DEN		UTA
Thunder	NO		BOS	LAL
Trail Blazers	@LAL	SA
Jazz	SA		@MIN

Southwest: New Orleans Hornets (@OKC, @IND, @CLE): The Hornets are slated to play three times during Week 9, including in their first and only back-to-back-to-back set of the season. All three of New Orleans contests will be played on the road, starting Monday night against the Thunder. The Hornets will take on the Pacers on Tuesday before wrapping up the first half of the season on Wednesday against Cleveland, which will conclude a grueling five-game road trip that spanned over eight days. While fatigue and depth will likely play a big factor for the Hornets this week, points could also be come to tough by. New Orleans is already averaging a league-worst 86.3 points per game on the road this season and now will have to face two of the better defensive teams. Both Indiana and Oklahoma City rank in the top five in opponent field-goal percentage, while the Hornets have scored more than 90 points just once over their last five games. However, there are still some Fantasy options worth using on the Hornets, despite their gloomy upcoming outlook. Chris Kaman has been playing well and is worth starting this week in most formats as well as Gustavo Ayon. However, owners may want to leave the consistently inconsistent Trevor Ariza reserved in most formats as well as Jarrett Jack since he is still working his way back from a knee injury.

Southwest Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Mavericks	BOS		LAL
Rockets	MEM		PHI
Grizzlies	@HOU	PHI	DAL
Hornets	@OKC	@IND	@CLE
Spurs	@UTA	@POR		@DEN

Pacific: Los Angeles Clippers (@GS, DEN): The Clippers are slated to play twice during Week 9 and look to have some favorable matchups on tap. Los Angeles will start the week on the road at Golden State on Monday night before returning home for a matchup against the Nuggets on Wednesday. While two games don't leave Fantasy owners much room for error in case of a down performance, the Clippers should be able to score some points this week. Both Denver and Golden State are allowing more than 100 points per contest and Los Angeles has put up over 100 points against each team once already this season. Despite the light schedule, Fantasy owners should have no qualms about using most of the Clippers' main Fantasy options this week. Make sure Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Caron Butler and DeAndre Jordan are all active for the scoring period. Even Randy Foye could be worth a look in deeper leagues.

Pacific Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Warriors	LAC		@PHO
Clippers	@GS		DEN
Lakers	POR		@DAL	@OKC
Suns	WAS		GS
Kings		@MIA	@WAS

Central: Milwaukee Bucks (ORL, @CHI): The Bucks have two games scheduled this week, although both are against two of the league's better defensive teams. Milwaukee will begin the week with its third matchup of the year against the Magic on Monday night before wrapping up the scoring period on the road at Chicago on Wednesday night. Both Orlando and Chicago are ranked in the top 10 in points allowed and opponent field-goal percentage, plus the Bucks are winless against both clubs this season. Milwaukee has also been struggling to light up the scoreboard over the past week, as the Bucks have averaged just 91 points per game over their last four contests. Playing the Magic and Bulls this week likely won't help coach Scott Skiles' club solve their offensive issues, so owners may want to try and avoid using some of Milwaukee's Fantasy options during the upcoming scoring period. Brandon Jennings' recent shooting woes make him a candidate to sit this week and Drew Gooden is dealing with wrist and knee issues, making him an injury risk. Surprisingly, Ersan Ilyasova and Carlos Delfino have been Milwaukee's two most consistent producers of late, so owners may want to consider rolling with those two this week.

Central Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Bulls	ATL		MIL
Cavaliers		DET	NO
Pistons		@CLE	@TOR
Pacers		NO	@CHA
Bucks	ORL		@CHI	@SAC

Southeast: Charlotte Bobcats (IND): The Bobcats are one of two teams slated to play only once during Week 9, but at least their lone game is at home. However, it will be against the Pacers on Wednesday night, one of the better defensive teams in the league. Indiana is surrendering an average of 92.8 points per game and is allowing opponents to shoot just 43 percent from the field. Charlotte was held to just 77 points in its lone matchup against the Pacers this season and there is little reason to think that Charlotte won't have trouble scoring when these two clubs meet again. While the Bobcats are finally starting to get some key pieces healthy, they are still nowhere near full strength, which makes players like D.J. Augustin and Corey Maggette risky plays with only one game on the docket. Fantasy owners should try and avoid using any of the Bobcats' Fantasy options this week -- if possible. If you have no choice, Austin, Maggette and Kemba Walker are the only players we recommend for the week.

Southeast Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Hawks	@CHI		@NY	ORL
Bobcats			IND
Heat		SAC		NY
Magic	@MIL		@NJ	@ATL
Wizards	@PHO		SAC

Atlantic: Toronto Raptors (DET): The Raptors are the other team with just one game on the docket for Week 9 and just like the Bobcats, it will also be at home. Toronto will play host to the Pistons on Wednesday night in the first of three meetings between the two teams. While Detroit is not known as one of the stingier teams in the league, Fantasy owners should still try and avoid using most of the Raptors' Fantasy options where possible. Toronto has really had problems scoring points since Andrea Bargnani went down with a calf injury and receives sporadic production from most of its main options. DeMar DeRozan continues to struggle shooting the ball, while Amir Johnson and Ed Davis have been non-existent at times this season. The Raptors' most consistent producer this season has been Jose Calderon, who is the only player we feel comfortable endorsing this week. Fantasy owners should consider starting any of Toronto's other options at their own peril.

Atlantic Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Celtics	@DAL		@OKC
Nets	@NY		@ORL
Knicks	NJ		ATL	@MIA
76ers		@MEM	@HOU
Raptors			DET

Gray to remain in Toronto
Aaron Gray, C, TOR
5/23/2013

News: TSN.ca reported last week that Raptors forward Linas Kleiza and center Aaron Gray picked up their player options for the 2013-14 season. Kleiza's option will pay him $4.6 million, while Gray will make $2.6 million, in the final years of both of their deals.

Analysis: Gray averaged just 2.8 points per game over the course of 42 games, and he saw his role dramatically reduced as the team leaned on younger options. He will likely assume a similar role for Toronto this season, and should be ignored in most Fantasy formats on Draft Day.

Kleiza picks up option
Linas Kleiza, SF, TOR
5/23/2013

Analysis: Kleiza did not play after Dec. 28, thanks in part to lingering issues with his surgically-repaired knee. He averaged just 7.4 points on 33.3 percent shooting in the 20 games he appeared in, and is unlikely to be worth targeting in any Fantasy formats on Draft Day.

Landry torn on opt-out decision
Carl Landry, PF, GS
5/23/2013

News: Warriors forward Carl Landry would like to return to Golden State, but he has an opt-out clause for next season's $4 million contract. He has yet to choose whether to do so, and he told the Contra Costa Times Wednesday that it is the hardest decision he has faced in his career. “The Warriors are home whether I opt in or out," he said. "Hopefully, I can spend the rest of my career here because this is a very special place. Everything here is what you want: the city, the fans, the front office, the coach, the teammates. You can’t ask for anything more.”

Analysis: Landry would probably be underpaid at $4 million next season, so he would likely be turning down millions of dollars to remain on what is essentially a one-year deal. Landry averaged 10.8 point and 6.0 rebounds per game for the Warriors in just 23.2 minutes per game, and he could get a much bigger role on another roster. We will keep an eye on his free agency as it moves forward, but Landry is likely to be more of a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day no matter where he ends up.

Villanueva picks up fifth-year option
Charlie Villanueva, PF, DET
5/23/2013

News: Predictably, Pistons forward Charlie Villanueva picked up his option for the 2013-14 season, a deal that will pay him $8.5 million. Villanueva is entering the final year of a five-year, $37.7 million contract.

Analysis: Villanueva appeared in 69 games this season, averaging a career-low 6.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. With the Pistons continuing to rebuild, it is unlikely that he sees a larger role than that this season, so Fantasy owners should ignore him in most Fantasy formats on Draft Day.

Varejao doing better
Anderson Varejao, C, CLE
5/23/2013

News: Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao has been taken off blood thinners, a sign that he has recovered from the blood clot issue that ended his season. According to The Plain Dealer, Varejao is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

Analysis: Varejao was in the midst of the best season of his career, before quad surgery and the ensuing developments with a blood clot. He averaged 14.1 points and 14.4 rebounds per game prior to the injury, both of which are by far career highs. Varejao has emerged as a very solid Fantasy option over the last few years, however he has also missed 149 games over the last three seasons. He is a major injury risk heading into the season, but he should still be gone by the middle rounds in most Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.

Prigioni wants to stay in NBA
Pablo Prigioni, PG, NY
5/23/2013

News: Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni becomes a free agent after his rookie season, and he reportedly wants to stay in the NBA rather than return to the Spanish League. It might just depend on what his wife says, according to the New York Post. Prigioni is set to become a free agent July 1, and is expected to look for a one-year contract worth around $2 million.

Analysis: Prigioni ended up moving into the starting lineup for the Knicks, but he did not have much of an impact this season. He averaged 3.5 points and 3.0 assists per game in 16.2 minutes. After showing what he can do, he might be able to get a bigger role next season, but he should probably still be ignored until the very end of most Fantasy formats.

Beal waiting to be cleared
Bradley Beal, SG, WAS
5/23/2013

News: Wizards guard Bradley Beal has yet to be cleared for basketball activities, nearly two months after being shut down due to an ankle and right leg injury. According to the Washington Post, Beal is still a week or so away from getting back on the court. “It’s always frustration,” Beal said Thursday. “But at the same time, I have to stay positive, make sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. Making sure I’m able to take care of myself and just stay on top of it. Basically just being patient and when I get out there, I’ll get out there.” Beal is lifting weights, riding a bike and swimming, but it mostly limited to free throws on the court for now. He is expected to be ready to go by the time the team opens training camp.

Analysis: Beal became just the seventh player to make the all-rookie first team as a teenager, a pretty good indication of the kind of upside he has when healthy. He missed 26 games due to a variety of ailments, mostly related to his ankles. He finished the season averaging 13.9 points per game on 41.0 percent shooting, however he improved dramatically as the season went on. Beal shot 47.1 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from three-point range after the All-Star break, with 16.5 points per game. If that is any sign of what Beal can do when healthy, Fantasy owners should be very excited to see him in his second season. Plan on targeting Beal in the middle rounds on Draft Day, with plenty of upside.

Stoudemire might not start next year
Amar'e Stoudemire, PF, NY
5/23/2013

News: According to his agent, Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire was not happy with how the season ended, as he was barely able to contribute in the team's six-game loss to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. “You know Amar’e, he’s going to work as hard as he can during the offseason,” Happy Walters, Stoudemire’s agent, told the New York Daily News. “It was a tough year, but Amar’e is already looking forward to next season. He’ll be ready.” Knicks coach Mike Woodson would not comment on whether he thinks Stoudemire will return to the starting lineup next season, after the Knicks enjoyed great success with Carmelo Anthony at power forward. Stoudemire came off the bench in all 29 of his regular season games this season, after doing so just 17 times in his previous 10 seasons.

Analysis: Despite eventually needing two knee surgeries, Stoudemire was actually quite productive for the Knicks, when he played. He averaged 14.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in just 23.5 minutes, while shooting 57.7 percent from the field, his best mark since 2007-08. Stoudemire may be best suited coming off the bench on the Knicks' current roster, but that probably limits how much playing time he can get on a nightly basis. Given injury concerns and questions about his role on the Knicks, Stoudemire is a risky Fantasy option heading into next season. He should be left for the middle rounds at the earliest on Draft Day.

Smith dealt with knee injury in postseason
J.R. Smith, SG, NY
5/23/2013

News: Knicks guard J.R. Smith endured plenty of criticism for his play in the postseason, but now we might have an explanation. According to the New York Post Thursday, Smith spent much of the postseason playing with fluid built up in his left knee. “[Smith’s] been playing hurt,” a source said. “He probably should’ve sat out a couple of games. It’s what Melo had. That’s why he wasn’t driving the ball like he was. That’s why his jump shot wasn’t right, not having the lift.’’ Smith's knee started swelling up in March, but it became a bigger deal in the playoffs, when he shot just 33.1 percent from the field in 11 games.

Analysis: Smith likely cost himself a ton of money as an impending free agent thanks to his poor performance in the postseason, though that might actually help him end up staying with the Knicks long term. The Knicks can only offer Smith around $5 million this offseason due to their salary cap issues, but he might fall into their price range now. Smith's postseason struggles were especially disappointing after the best regular season of his career, as he scored a career-high 18.1 points per game. Assuming Smith returns to the Knicks, he should be able to put up comparable numbers next season, so plan to target him in the middle rounds on Draft Day.

Sullinger expects to be 100 percent by training camp
Jared Sullinger, PF, BOS
5/23/2013

News: Celtics forward Jared Sullinger had a promising rookie season cut short by back surgery, but he expects to be fully healed by the time the team begins prepping for his sophomore season. He told the Boston Herald he is not rushing through recovery from his February surgery, to avoid any potential setbacks. "Everyone says (the word) back with a question mark, but you might as well put an X through that," he said. "I had surgery, I’m taking my time so there won’t be any recurring injuries." Sullinger detailed his rehabilitation process as well, noting he expects to be healed by the start of training camp. "It’s a 10-week process," he said. "Every two weeks we bump it up 10 percent. September, October I’ll be 100 percent to go. I met with the doctor about 10 weeks ago and he said it’s a full go."

Analysis: Sullinger averaged just 6.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in 45 games before the injury, but that was in just 19.8 minutes per game. The team's first-round pick from last season is expected to be a big part of their plans moving forward, but the team's roster is up in the air with a number of veterans possibly on the way out this offseason. If Sullinger proves healthy and snags a role that gives him 30-plus minutes, he could emerge as a useful Fantasy option in his second season. However, with the injury risk hanging over him, Fantasy owners should avoid looking his way until the later rounds on Draft Day.

More Updates

1	LaMarcus Aldridge, POR, PF
2	David Lee, GS, C
3	Al Horford, ATL, C
4	Dwight Howard, LAL, C
5	Marc Gasol, MEM, C
6	Al Jefferson, UTA, C
7	Greg Monroe, DET, C
8	DeMarcus Cousins, SAC, C
9	Joakim Noah, CHI, C
10	Nikola Vucevic, ORL, C
All Rankings

1	LeBron James, MIA, SF
2	Kevin Durant, OKC, SF
3	Kobe Bryant, LAL, SG
4	David Lee, GS, C
5	Blake Griffin, LAC, PF
6	Carmelo Anthony, NY, SF
7	LaMarcus Aldridge, POR, PF
8	Josh Smith, ATL, SF
9	Paul George, IND, SF
10	Greg Monroe, DET, C
All Rankings

1	Russell Westbrook, OKC, PG
2	Kobe Bryant, LAL, SG
3	James Harden, HOU, SG
4	Stephen Curry, GS, PG
5	Monta Ellis, MIL, PG
6	Jrue Holiday, PHI, PG
7	Chris Paul, LAC, PG
8	Deron Williams, BKN, PG
9	Damian Lillard, POR, PG
10	Kemba Walker, CHA, PG
All Rankings