What's on the Schedule: Week 11

Fantasy Writer

March 5, 2012 7:44 AM ET

After two straight shortened scoring periods, things return to normal during Fantasy Week 11 (March 5-11). There are 57 games scheduled over the next seven days and 29 of the 30 NBA teams will play at least three times during the period. With only a few weeks left before the start of the playoffs in most Fantasy leagues, it is important for Fantasy owners to set the best lineup possible as they make their final push toward the postseason. To help, we have highlighted the seven teams which have the most intriguing schedules this week.

The Dallas Mavericks are the only team slated to play five times this week after playing four games the week following the All-Star break. Dallas is starting a grueling stretch in which it will play nine games over 12 days, including six of those contests on the road. The Mavericks will start the week in Oklahoma City for a matchup with the Thunder before heading home to face the Knicks Tuesday night. After a day off, Dallas will embark on its lone triple set of the season starting Thursday night at Phoenix. The Mavericks will then be in Sacramento Friday against the Kings before closing out the period Saturday night at Golden State.

With so many games crammed into such a small time frame, fatigue could certainly be a factor, especially near the end of the week. However, Dirk Nowitzki and crew do look to have some favorable matchups on tap. Three of the five teams Dallas will face are ranked in the bottom five in points allowed this season and the Mavericks have scored more than 100 points in two of their three contests against the Thunder. New York has also shown some flaws defensively of late, so we fully anticipate the Mavericks being able to score some points this week. Coach Rick Carlisle could be forced to go to his bench a bit more than usual over this crowded stretch, which makes this a good week to get most of Dallas' main Fantasy options active. While Nowtizki is a must-start option, Fantasy owners should make sure to get Jason Terry, Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd active this week. Even Brendan Haywood and the suddenly emerging Roddy Beaubois deserve some consideration in most leagues.

Southwest: San Antonio Spurs (NY, LAC) We highlighted the Spurs' schedule last week, but with San Antonio the lone team with just two games on the docket we felt it pertinent to mention them again. The Spurs will play their first game of the scoring period on Wednesday against the Knicks before wrapping things up on Friday against the Clippers. While both games are at home, two games don't leave much room for error and one poor performance could really put Fantasy owners in a hole. As a result, we don't recommend using most of the Spurs' Fantasy options this week. Only Tony Paker should be left active in most formats.

Southwest Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Mavericks	@OKC	NY		@PHO	@SAC	@GS
Rockets		@BOS	@TOR		@NJ	@CLE
Grizzlies			@GS		@PHO		@DEN
Hornets	@POR		@SAC		@DEN	@MIN
Spurs			NY		LAC

Northwest: Denver Nuggets (SAC, CLE, NO, MEM) The Nuggets are slated to play four games during Week 11 and are the only team to will play four games without any back-to-back sets. Denver will start the week with a matchup against the Kings Monday night before welcoming the Cavaliers to town Wednesday. The Nuggets will then host New Orleans Friday and wrap up the period Sunday against the Grizzlies. While Denver looks to have some favorable matchups on the docket, the Nuggets are a team going through transition. Nene, Danilo Gallinari and Rudy Fernandez are all expected to return this week, which will likely throw a monkey wrench into coach George Karl's current rotation. Corey Brewer and Kenneth Faried will likely have their minutes affected the most this week. Plus, Timofey Mozgov, Kosta Koufos, Arron Afflalo and even Al Harington could see their playing time take a small hit. Because of all the uncertainty surrounding Denver's rotation at the moment, we would caution Fantasy owners about using some of the team's options. Sure Gallinari and Nene can be plugged back into most lineups as soon as they return, but Ty Lawson looks to be the only other sure bet this week. Owners should consider the rest of Denver's pieces risky plays -- at best -- for the upcoming scoring period.

Northwest Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Nuggets	SAC		CLE		NO		MEM
T'Woves	LAC		POR		LAL	NO
Thunder	DAL		PHO		CLE	CHA
Trail Blazers	NO		@MIN		@BOS	@WAS
Jazz	@CLE		@CHA		@PHI	@CHI

Pacific: Los Angeles Lakers (@DET, @WAS, @MIN, BOS) The Lakers are slated to play four times during Week 11, although three of those contests will be on the road. Los Angeles will start the week in Detroit to take on the Pistons Tuesday night. Kobe Bryant and Co. will then face the Wizards Wednesday before wrapping up their three-game road trip against the Timberwolves Friday night. Los Angeles will close out the scoring period against the Celtics Sunday in the Staples Center, concluding a stretch of four games in eight days. While the Lakers have struggled to score points on the road this season, they look to have some favorable matchups this week. The Pistons and Wizards are both ranked in the bottom of the league in opponent field-goal percentage, while Washington is one of the few teams allowing more than 100 points per game this season. Detroit and Minnesota are surrendering 95.9 and 96.5 points per game, respectively. However, Los Angeles was able to put up more than 100 points in both its meetings against the Timberwolves this year. Sure, the Celtics will likely put up a tough defensive effort, but Boston has allowed 100.6 points over its last five contests. With the way the Lakers have been clicking on offense of late, this looks to be a good week to give some of their mid-range options some run. Outside of must-start options, Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, Metta World Peace and Matt Barnes could also be worth a look. Even Steve Blake and Derek Fisher could be worth using in deeper formats.

Pacific Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Warriors	@WAS		MEM			DAL	@LAC
Clippers	@MIN		@NJ		@SA		GS
Lakers		@DET	@WAS		@MIN		BOS
Suns			@OKC	DAL		MEM
Kings	@DEN		NO		DAL		ATL

Atlantic: Toronto Raptors (ORL, HOU, @DET, MIL) The Raptors are slated to play four times during Week 11 and will play three of those contests north of the border. Toronto will take on the Magic Monday night before welcoming the Rockets to town on Wednesday. After a few days off, the Raptors will wrap up the scoring period with a back-to-back set at Detroit Friday before returning home to take on the Bucks Saturday. While Toronto has had a tough time scoring points this season, it looks to have some favorable matchups this week. Houston and Detroit are both ranked near the bottom of the league in opponent field-goal percentage and Toronto was able to put up 96 and 99 points, respectively, in its lone matchups with the Magic and Bucks earlier in the year. The Raptors are also averaging nearly five points more at home this season than on the road, so this could be one of the rare weeks where owners want to think about using some of the club's mid-range options. Other than DeMar DeRozan and Jose Calderon, make sure to get Amir Johnson, James Jones and Linas Kleiza active. For those owners feeling extremely brave, Jerryd Bayless, Ed Davis and Leandro Barbosa could also be worth a look in deeper leagues.

Atlantic Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Celtics		HOU	@PHI		POR		@LAL
Nets		@MIA	LAC		@CHA	HOU
Knicks		@DAL	@SA		@MIL		PHI
76ers	@MIL		BOS		UTA		@NY
Raptors	ORL		HOU			@DET	MIL

Central: Milwaukee Bucks (PHI, CHI, NY, @TOR) The Bucks are one of 23 teams slated to play four times during Week 11. Milwaukee will begin the week with three straight home games, starting Monday night against the 76ers. The Bucks will take on the Bulls Wednesday and then the Knicks Friday before closing the week in Canada against the Raptors Sunday. While Milwaukee appears to have some tough matchups on tap, the Bucks do have the advantage of playing in the Bradley Center. Coach Scott Skiles' club has been more efficient offensively at home this season, averaging 99.1 points compared to just 92.4 points on the road. Despite the defensive prowess of the Bulls, 76ers and even Knicks to a certain degree, Milwaukee's offensive efficiency at home is too hard to ignore. The Bucks have plenty of Fantasy options not named Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova who could help owners earn a win this week. Make sure to get the now-healthy Drew Gooden active this week as well as Carlos Delfino and Mike Dunleavy.

Central Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Bulls	IND		@MIL	ORL		UTA
Cavaliers	UTA		@DEN		@OKC		HOU
Pistons		LAL			ATL	TOR
Pacers	@CHI	ATL				@MIA	ORL
Bucks	PHI		CHI		NY		@TOR

Southeast: Washington Wizards (GS, LAL, POR) The Wizards are slated to play three games -- all at home -- during Week 11. Washington will start the week with a matchup against the Warriors Monday before the Lakers come to town Wednesday. After a few days off, the Wizards will wrap up the scoring period against Portland Saturday night. While Golden State shouldn't provide much of a defensive challenge, the same cannot be said about the Lakers and Trail Blazers. Both teams have been particularly stingy on defense this season -- especially Los Angeles -- which could make points tough to come by for the Wizards. Coach Randy Wittman has been shaking up his rotation of late, which is a trend that could continue this week. He benched Nick Young and JaVale McGee recently and has been giving veterans Maurice Evans and Roger Mason Jr. extra minutes. With no clear-cut rotation and a tough schedule on tap, owners may want to avoid some of Washington's mid-range options. Other than John Wall and maybe McGee, there aren't many risk-free options on the roster. Jordan Crawford's recent play should be reason enough to get him active in deeper formats, but there is still some risk there.

Southeast Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Hawks		@IND	@MIA		@DET		@SAC
Bobcats		ORL	UTA		NJ	@OKC
Heat		NJ	ATL			IND
Magic	@TOR	@CHA		@CHI		IND
Wizards	GS		LAL			POR

West limited in practice
David West, PF, IND
5/20/2013

News: The Pacers official team website reports Monday that forward David West was limited in practice due to a strained right calf. The report said when asked if it would be an issue, West said "Nah." The Pacers play at the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday.

Analysis: West did not miss any action because of the calf in the semifinal series against the Knicks. He should be able to suit up against the Heat, but keep an eye on him prior to Wednesday. When healthy and active, West is a must-start Fantasy option in all leagues.

Anthony to have shoulder checked
Carmelo Anthony, SF, NY
5/20/2013

News: Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony first injured his left shoulder in Game 5 of the first-round series against the Celtics, and after that, repeatedly seemed to have issues with it. On Sunday, a Knicks official told reporters that Anthony is going to have his shoulder examined by a doctor. The club is hopeful that Anthony's injury is not serious and that it will improve with rest and therapy and won't require surgery. After the Game 5 injury, Anthony repeatedly grimaced and grabbed the shoulder on court, and was seen having it treated on the sideline multiple times. The Knicks were eliminated Saturday night 4-2 by the Pacers in Indianapolis.

Analysis: It's good that Anthony's having the shoulder looked at now. If surgery is necessary, he could be back on the floor by the middle of the summer and still be healthy enough to court free agents should the Knicks need him to woo anyone. Keep an eye on what happens with Anthony, and hopefully he's ready for the start of next year without any issues. When healthy and active, Anthony is a first-round pick in the majority of formats.

Wade ready for Pacers
Dwyane Wade, SG, MIA
5/20/2013

News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports good news from Heat practice Sunday for guard Dwyane Wade. His hobbled knee limited him in the first-round series against the Bucks, and he aggravated it in Game 4 vs. the Bulls, but then returned to help close out the Bulls in Games 4 and 5. Going forward, it's not that Wade can or cannot play, it's to what level he can be effective. Facing a physical, bruising defense in Indiana in the Eastern Conference Finals, Wade's going to be even more banged up. Luckily, he still has another two days to see if he can get even a little bit better. But for the most part, this is kind of standard operating procedure for Wade. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers is Wednesday in Miami.

Analysis: It sounds like Wade will be fine for Game 1 against the Pacers, and hopefully he doesn't suffer a setback with his knee moving forward in the playoffs. When healthy and active, Wade is a standout Fantasy option in all leagues, and we hope this knee problem is rectified during the offseason so he's back to 100 percent for the start of next season.

Howard might sign with Rockets
Dwight Howard, C, LAL
5/20/2013

News: With the Lakers hoping for a swift decision from Dwight Howard on his free agency this summer, the All-Star center has given no indication he will rush the process and has privately indicated he plans to give strong consideration to multiple teams, league sources told CBSSports.com NBA Insider Ken Berger. Though Howard is adamant his free agency not be marred by the circus-like environment that surrounded his departure from Orlando last summer, word already has spread to multiple levels of his support staff that Howard re-signing with the Lakers is far from a done deal. With six weeks to go before Howard becomes an unrestricted free agent, the team that is said to intrigue him the most is the Rockets, according to multiple people briefed on internal conversations surrounding Howard's free-agent decision. The Rockets have a young star, James Harden, who has proved himself worthy of playing the leading role for the franchise; a budding 3-point shooting threat in Chandler Parsons; a defensive-minded coach in Kevin McHale; and Omer Asik, the kind of 7-footer Howard is believed to want next to him in the frontcourt.

Analysis: The Mavericks represent another franchise that intrigues Howard, and Dallas is a minor transaction or two away from having enough room to sign Howard outright as an unrestricted free agent. Howard plans to explore all such options, and a person briefed on his plans told CBSSports.com that there are "several" teams the free-agent center is "going to take a hard look at." The Lakers still have a strong chance of signing Howard, especially from a financial standpoint, so keep an eye on what develops. No matter where Howard plays this season he would remain a No. 1 Fantasy center in all leagues and worth at least a pick in Round 2.

Smith likely staying with Knicks
J.R. Smith, SG, NY
5/20/2013

News: Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith should be ready to cash in this offseason. After making a little more than $5 million over his last two years with theKnicks, he has a player option for next season that he will undoubtedly forgo in hopes of signing a more lucrative contract. After winning Sixth Man of the Year he should have plenty of suitors in need of a scorer lining up to pay him for his services. However, he stated within the past week that he wants to retire as a Knick. This could be a ploy to drive up the negotiating price for Smith, or he could be sincere. The New York Post Smith is expected to opt out of his contract and re-sign with the Knicks in a four-year deal starting at about $5 million because the Knicks own his early-Bird rights rules.

Analysis: Smith averaged a career-high 18.1 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 42.2 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from 3-point range. He beat out Jamal Crawford and Jarrett Jack for the 2012-13 Sixth Man of the Year award, the first of his career. Keep an eye on what he does this offseason, but no matter where he signs he would be worth at least a mid-round pick, with his best value staying with the Knicks based on the way he played this past season.

Leonard drops 18 in Game 1
Kawhi Leonard, SF, SA
5/19/2013

News: Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) returned to the starting lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Grizzlies. Leonard logged 30 minutes as he scored 18 points on 7 of 10 shooting from the field, including 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. He also chipped in with two rebounds, two steals, one assist and a blocked shot in a 105-83 victory.

Analysis: Leonard's knee problems were a "mild cause of concern" for the Spurs heading into the conference finals. Leonard averaged 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game on the season, while shooting 49.6 percent from the field. His role will only continue to grow, so Fantasy owners have to like Leonard's development patter. He will be a big-time breakout candidate heading into next season, worth a mid-round pick on Draft Day.

Chandler scores two in elimination game
Tyson Chandler, C, NY
5/19/2013

News: Knicks center Tyson Chandler worked his way around a back issue as he returned to action in Game 6 against the Pacers Saturday night. Chandler was held to just two points on 1 of 4 shooting. He also chipped in with six rebounds in a 106-99 defeat.

Analysis: Chandler will have the entire offseason to recover from his back issue. The 7-footer averaged 10.4 points and 10.7 rebounds over 66 games -- marking the second time he has averaged a double-double. He also shot 63.8 percent from the field, but only averaged 20.1 Fantasy points per week as injuries really hampered his production down the stretch. Fantasy owners should plan on scooping him up in the earlier rounds in draft formats next fall.

Hill returns to action
George Hill, PG, IND
5/19/2013

News: Pacers point guard George Hill, who missed Game 5 with a concussion, returned to the starting lineup Game 6 against the Knicks. Hill scored 12 points on 2 for 10 shooting. He grabbed five boards and dished out four assists in a 106-99 win.

Analysis: Hill seems to be healthy enough to play and will now earn a three days of rest before the Eastern Conference Finals. Hill posted career highs in points (14.2), assists (4.7), rebounds (3.7) and steals (1.1) during his first full year as a starter and finish as the 27th highest scoring guard, in terms of Fantasy points, in all standard formats. Fantasy owners should plan on targeting him in the middle rounds of most draft formats next fall.

Ainge has no answers for Garnett
Kevin Garnett, PF, BOS
5/17/2013

News: The Boston Globe reports that Celtics forward Kevin Garnett has two years left on his contract but is considering retirement. He turns 37 Sunday. “I don’t think I have the answers that Kevin will want,” Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said. “So I’ve got to figure there’s a lot to do [before we talk], and I think there’s a lot of questions in Kevin’s mind, as there is every year, to determine whether he’s coming back.I’m not ready to answer everything that he will want to know.”

Analysis: Garnett had another productive year, averaging 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 78.6 percent from the foul line. He will likely return if the Celtics keep Paul Pierce, but that's just speculation. Keep an eye on what happens with the Celtics, and if Garnett is back consider him a solid No. 2 Fantasy center worth a mid-round pick.

Pierce, Celtics could part ways
Paul Pierce, SF, BOS
5/17/2013

News: The Boston Globe reports the Celtics have to decide by June 30 whether to buy out Paul Pierce’s contract at $5 million. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said the sides have not had discussions, but an NBA source said Pierce’s family is already beginning to prepare for relocation from Boston, assuming the Celtics will execute the buyout or trade his expiring contract in the offseason.Pierce struggled mightily during the playoffs, and Ainge was asked whether the longtime Celtic was injured. “Paul’s always battling little things,” said Ainge. “I think Paul’s healthy, but he played so hard and carried such a heavy load. Paul had a terrific year this year, but in the playoffs, New York did a good job of taking away his strengths and taking advantage of some of our weaknesses. But I thought Paul had a terrific year.”

Analysis: This report makes it seems as though Pierce could be gone, but we'd be surprised if that happens. That said, the Celtics do need to start rebuilding at some point. Keep an eye on what happens with Pierce and where he ends up. He would remain a quality starting option in all leagues no matter where he plays, but we'd like him best if he returned to Boston.

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