What's on the Schedule: Week 12

Fantasy Writer

March 12, 2012 10:04 AM ET

Fantasy Week 12 (March 12-18) is one of the busier periods of the season as there are 59 games scheduled over the next seven days. Four teams will play five games this week and there are 33 back-to-back sets, including one back-to-back-to-back. And with the NBA's trade deadline upon us, there could be some players on the move this week, which will add an additional challenge to Fantasy owners and teams as both continue to navigate what has been anything but a normal NBA season.

Follow us, Like us, Join us
Want more? Join the discussion on our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for additional insight while interacting with a community geared toward Fantasy Hoops.

While it is difficult to predict which players will be on the move, we have highlighted the seven teams we feel have the most intriguing matchups this week and who could also be affected by trades, starting with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Clippers only played 30 games prior to the All-Star break but have been one of the busiest teams since play resumed. Los Angeles played four times in each of the last two weeks but will now be one of four teams with five games scheduled this period. However, the Clippers are the only team that will get to play all five of their games at home starting Monday night against the Celtics. Chris Paul and Co. will then face the Hawks Wednesday, followed by a visit from the Suns Thursday night. After a day off, Los Angeles will close out the period with a back-to-back set against the Rockets and Pistons on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, respectively.

While playing seven games over a 10-day stretch will present plenty of challenges, the Clippers should benefit greatly from playing at the Staples Center. Coach Vinny Del Negro's squad is averaging 99.8 points per game at home and is making 47 percent of field goals in their own pad. That should help when facing the defensive-minded Celtics and Hawks during the early portion of the week. Things look to get easier as the week progresses as the Clippers have scored more than 100 points in each of their two matchups against the Rockets this year. Despite Detroit's improved play lately, the Pistons are allowing their opponents to convert 47 percent of their field-goal attempts, which ranks 28th out of the 30 NBA teams. The Suns held Los Angeles to a season-low 78 points during their lone meeting this season, but we don't foresee that happening again.

Despite the obvious challenges of playing so many games over such a small time frame, this looks to be a great week to use most of the Clippers' Fantasy options. In addition to must-start options Blake Griffin and Paul, owners should make sure to get DeAndre Jordan, Mo Williams and Randy Foye active. Even Kenyon Martin could have some run in deeper formats.

Pacific: Sacramento Kings (GS, DET, BOS, MIN) The Kings are scheduled to play four times during Week 12 but will have the luxury of playing all four at home. Sacramento will open the period with its lone back-to-back set against the Warriors and Pistons on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. The Kings will then welcome the Celtics to town Friday before closing out the week Sunday evening against the Timberwolves. Despite the Kings' sub-.500 record, this looks to be a great week to start most of their main Fantasy options. Both the Pistons and Warriors have been spotty at best on defense this season and the Timberwolves have surrendered an average of 99.8 points over their last five games. The Celtics are the lone team on the schedule this week which could present a defensive challenge but the Kings usually find a way to score points at home. In fact, coach Keith Smart's squad is averaging 99 points per game at home this season, which is five points more than their average on the road. DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton and Isaiah Thomas should all be active this week and even Jason Thompson, Jimmer Fredette and John Salmons can be considered viable options in deeper formats.

Pacific Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Warriors		@SAC	BOS		MIL	@UTA
Clippers	BOS		ATL	PHO		HOU	DET
Lakers		@MEM	@NO		MIN		UTA
Suns	MIN		UTA	@LAC	DET		HOU
Kings		GS	DET		BOS		MIN

Northwest: Minnesota Timberwolves (@PHO, @UTA, @LAL, @SAC) The Timberwolves are slated to play four games during Week 12 as they get ready to begin life without Ricky Rubio. Minnesota will be on the road for the duration of the scoring period, starting Monday night in Phoenix. The T'wolves will then take on the Jazz and Lakers in a back-to-back set Thursday and Friday night, respectively, before closing out the week at Sacramento on Sunday. While Minnesota looks to have some favorable matchups on the docket, the Timberwolves will have to find a way to replace the 10.6 points and 8.2 assists Rubio gave them on a nightly basis. Kevin Love's production should remain unchanged, but many are wondering how Fantasy sensation Nikola Pekovic will fare without some of Rubio's precise passes to him in the post. That doesn't mean Pekovic's production will be non-existstent without Rubio, but it could take a hit. Luke Ridnour and Jose Juan Barea -- if healthy – should see a boost in production this week and even Martell Webster's minutes will likely increase. However, because no one knows for sure how Minnesota will look moving forward, some of its options could be considered a bit risky this week. Other than Love, Pekovic and Ridnour, we would recommend leaving most of the T'Wolves' other options reserved.

Northwest Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Nuggets		ATL		OKC		BOS
T'Wolves	@PHO			@UTA	@LAL		@SAC
Thunder		HOU		@DEN	SA		POR
Trail Blazers		@IND	@NY		@CHI		@OKC
Jazz	DET		@PHO	MIN		GS	@LAL

Southwest: Houston Rockets (@OKC, CHA, @LAC, @PHO) The Rockets are one of the 20 teams scheduled to play four times this week. Houston will start the scoring period on the road for a matchup against the Thunder Tuesday night. The Rockets will take on the Bobcats back in Houston Wednesday before closing out the scoring period with a pair of road games against the Clippers Saturday and Suns on Sunday. While Houston will have to play three of its four contests away from home, the Rockets are actually one of the more efficient road teams in the league, averaging 95.7 points in other arenas. Combine that with the fact that Luis Scola and Co. have already put up more than 100 points on the Clippers and Thunder this season and this looks to be a good week to use most of Houston's Fantasy options. Fantasy owners should make sure Scola, Kevin Martin and Samuel Dalembet are all active this week. With Kyle Lowry sidelined for a few weeks, Goran Dragic should be activated heading into the scoring period.

Southwest Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Mavericks		WAS		CHA		SA
Rockets		@OKC	CHA			@LAC	@PHO
Grizzlies		LAL			TOR		WAS
Hornets	CHA		LAL	WAS		@NJ
Spurs	WAS		ORL		@OKC	@DAL

Central: Detroit Pistons (@UTA, @SAC, @PHO, @LAC) The Pistons enter Week 12 playing some of their best basketball of the season and are scheduled for four games over the next seven days. All four contests will be on the road, starting Monday at Utah. Detroit will then take on the Kings Wednesday night before wrapping up the period against the Suns Friday and Clippers Sunday in a matinee. While the Pistons have not fared well on the road this season, they look to have some favorable matchups on tap. The Jazz and Suns both rank in the bottom tier in points allowed this season and the Suns have been anything but a defensive juggernaut. The Clippers could present a challenge but not enough to worry about sitting most of Detroit's main Fantasy options. Make sure to leave Greg Monroe, Rodney Stuckey, Brandon Knight and Tayshaun Price active this week. Even the emerging Jason Maxiell could be worth starting in some deeper formats.

Central Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Bulls	NY		MIA		POR	PHI
Cavaliers		TOR	@MIL				ATL
Pistons	@UTA		@SAC		@PHO		@LAC
Pacers		POR	PHI		@NY	NY
Bucks	@NJ		CLE		@GS

Southeast: Washington Wizards (@SA, @DAL, @NO, @ATL, @MEM) The Wizards will play five times during Week 12, with all five contests coming on the road. Washington will start the week in Texas with a back-to-back set against the Spurs and Mavericks on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The Wizards then take on the Hornets Thursday and Hawks Friday before wrapping up the scoring period against Memphis Sunday evening. If playing five road games over seven days wasn't challenging enough, Washington's roster could look completely different by the week's end. General manager Ernie Grunfeld has made it clear everyone not named John Wall is on the trading block, making most of the Wizards' Fantasy options risky plays this week. While it won't be feasible for some owners, we recommend trying to avoid using Jordan Crawford, Nick Young and Andray Blatche if possible. The center position is too thin to sit JaVale McGee, but Trevor Booker is another player who could be dealt. Wall appears to be the only sure bet this week, which is why he is the only player we feel comfortable fully endorsing for the scoring period.

Southeast Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Hawks		@DEN	@LAC		WAS		@CLE
Bobcats	@NO		@HOU	@DAL		TOR
Heat		@ORL	@CHI		@PHI		ORL
Magic		MIA	@SA		NJ		@MIA
Wizards	@SA	@DAL		@NO	@ATL		@MEM

Atlantic: Philadelphia 76ers (@IND, MIA, @CHI) The 76ers are one of the few teams slated to play only three games during Week 12. Philadelphia will start the week at Indiana on Wednesday before taking on the Heat at home Friday night. The 76ers will then face the Bulls in Chicago Saturday night, wrapping up a very tough three-game stretch. Indiana, Miami and Chicago all rank in the top 10 in points allowed and opposition field-goal percentage this season, making this a brutal stretch for Philadelphia. Points will likely come at a premium this week and Philadelphia's balanced scoring attack makes this a tough week to endorse most of its Fantasy options. Only Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams and the emerging Evan Turner look like safe plays. Start the slumping Jrue Holiday and inconsistent Elton Brand at your own risk.

Atalntic Division schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Celtics	@LAC		@GS		@SAC	@DEN
Nets	MIL		TOR		@ORL	NO
Knicks	@CHI		POR		IND	@IND
76ers			@IND		MIA	@CHI
Raptors		@CLE	@NJ		@MEM	@CHA

Hill dealing with concussion
George Hill, PG, IND
5/17/2013

News: ESPN reports that Pacers point guard George Hill missed Game 5 against the Knicks because of a concussion. There's no definite timetable for his return. Under the guidelines of the NBA's concussion protocol, it seems highly unlikely Hill returns in time for Game 6 on Saturday against the Knicks. He may not be back for Game 7 on Monday, either, if it is necessary. Hill was diagnosed with a concussion on Thursday afternoon -- about three hours before tipoff of Game 5. He will need to go through a lengthy series of tests before he returns to the floor. Per the NBA's concussion policy, which was implemented at the beginning of the 2011-12 season, Hill first needs to show that he is symptom-free.

Analysis: Keep an eye on Hill's status, and hopefully he can return for Game 6 and doesn't have any concussion issues moving forward. When healthy and active, Hill is a quality Fantasy option in the majority of leagues.

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.

Bulls hope Noah avoids surgery
Joakim Noah, C, CHI
5/17/2013

News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said that the plantar fasciitis in center Joakim Noah’s right foot could require surgery, but that Noah would try rehabilitation first. “That hasn’t been determined,’’ Thibodeau said of Noah undergoing surgery. “Obviously, we’d like to avoid the surgery. He has responded a lot better. He has found something that has worked. "We want him to get completely healthy That will be the focus, getting him back to 100 percent. He needs some rest, as most of the guys do."

Analysis: We hope whatever Noah decides to do with his foot will get him back to being 100 percent for the start of next season. When healthy and active, Noah is an elite Fantasy center in the majority of leagues. He is worth drafting as early as Round 3 or 4 in most formats.

Redick likely leaving Bucks
J.J. Redick, SG, MIL
5/17/2013

News: The Racine Journal-Times reports that Bucks guard J.J. Redick could be departing this summer. Redick loved Orlando, and was very upset when he was traded. It's not likely that he would return to the Magic, considering their rebuilding condition, but he'll finally be in a position to make his own choices for his career. Redick could want to sign with a contender for less money, or an up-and-coming team for more. Redick averaged 12 points and three assists on just 40 percent shooting in Milwaukee after averaging 15 points and four assists per game with Orlando before the trade deadline.

Analysis: Keep an eye on where Redick ends up, and hopefully he lands with a team where he can get playing time and post quality stats. He is worth drafting with a late-round pick in the majority of leagues depending on where he signs.

Chandler hurt in Game 5
Tyson Chandler, C, NY
5/17/2013

News: The New York Post reports that Knicks center Tyson Chandler hurt his back and knee with a late tumble Thursday night against the Pacers and left the court in the final minute for the locker room. He said he’s sore, but will play Saturday in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Indiana. “I probably won’t get the best night’s sleep," Chandler said.

Analysis: We hope Chandler can play against the Pacers and that he doesn't have any issues going forward with his back or knee. When healthy and active, Chandler is a solid Fantasy center in the majority of leagues.

Leonard's knee something to watch
Kawhi Leonard, SF, SA
5/17/2013

News: The San Antonio Express-News reports that Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard's knee is a "storyline for the next round" after San Antonio beat Golden State in the Western Conference semifinals. The Spurs will next face Memphis in the conference finals. The report says the knee is bothering him and "mild cause for concern."

Analysis: We expect Leonard to play against the Grizzlies in the next round, but keep an eye on what develops with his knee. When healthy and active, Leonard is a developing Fantasy option in the majority of leagues.

Jack open to Warriors return
Jarrett Jack, PG, GS
5/17/2013

News: The Contra Costa Times reports that guard Jarrett Jack would like to return to the Warriors next season. Golden State was eliminated from the playoffs by San Antonio in the Western Conference semifinals. “Usually before I would do any media, I would make sure I was dressed a certain way," he said. "I brought one of my best suits. But looking down at this jersey, it’s just a sense of pride I don’t think I’ve ever felt as a professional. … Nothing in my closet is better than what I have on now.” His future with the Warriors is uncertain. Jack, who made $5 million this season, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ success as the backup point guard and the late-game ball-handler. So much so, Golden State reached out for extension talks back in January, but Jack declined before talks could get going so he could focus on the season.

Analysis: Based on his performance with the Warriors, Jack is expected to get several opportunities and lots of money on the free agent market. Whether he takes the more lucrative offer elsewhere, or whether the Warriors make a competitive offer to keep him, that will all be figured out this summer. But Jack was never more clear about for whom he wants to play: Golden State. Keep an eye on where he ends up next season. He should remain a late-round flier no matter where he signs.

Thomas open to keep playing
Kurt Thomas, C, NY
5/17/2013

News: The New York Daily News reports that Kurt Thomas is undecided about whether to regain his title as the NBA’s oldest player next season. “Honestly, I haven’t thought much about it,” the former Knick said. “I’m just concentrating on getting healthy.” Thomas is recovering from right foot surgery and is two weeks from being off crutches. The 40-year-old is a free agent after the Knicks released him last month in order to add a player to the postseason roster. “I definitely miss being around the guys,” Thomas said over the telephone from his home in Dallas. “I miss being a part of the playoffs. And I just miss being around basketball. I love the game.”

Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Thomas heading into next season, but even if he plays somewhere he would have minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day.

Robinson closes postseason strong
Nate Robinson, PG, CHI
5/16/2013

News: After being held scoreless in Game 4, Bulls guard Nate Robinson bounced back in Wednesday's elimination game against the Heat. Unfortunately, despite scoring 21 points on 6 of 15 shooting, Robinson's season came to a close in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Robinson added six rebounds and five rebounds, while turning the ball over four times in 47 minutes, in a 94-91 loss. He finished the postseason averaging 16.3 points per game in 12 contests.

Analysis: Robinson had his finest regular season since 2008-09, averaging 13.1 points and 4.4 assists in just 25.4 minutes per game. Robinson has clearly grown as a player, and he enters free agency at a good time. Coming off a successful year in the Bulls' elite defense will help his value on the market as well. Robinson is unlikely to get a starting role, but an increase in minutes would not be terribly surprising coming off his postseason successes. Robinson should be worth targeting in the mid-to-late rounds on Draft Day in most Fantasy formats.

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