What's on the Schedule: Week 17

Fantasy Writer

April 16, 2012 11:27 AM ET

While most Fantasy leagues ended last week, there are still plenty of formats which extend to the end of the season, forcing owners to play out the schedule to its entirety. Fantasy Week 17 (April 16-26) is the longest scoring period of the season, lasting 10 days and featuring 89 games. It is also considered the one of the most difficult weeks for Fantasy owners to play out as most teams -- whether in the playoffs or not -- tend to rest some of their key personnel over the final few days of the regular season. This can make it extremely hard for owners to set their lineups, but luckily we did our homework and went through the schedule with a fine-tooth comb to find which teams have the most-and least-favorable matchups over the final period of the year.

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The team we have chosen to feature this week is the San Antonio Spurs.

San Antonio is slated to play a league-high eight games during Week 17, including their second back-to-back-to-back set of the season. The Spurs will jump right into their triple set with three straight West-Coast road games to start the week. The Spurs will be at Golden State on Monday before making visits to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Tuesday and then Sacramento on Wednesday. San Antonio will then take on the Lakers, Cavaliers and Trail Blazers at home on Friday, Sunday and Monday, before wrapping up its season at Phoenix and Golden State next Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

While the Spurs look to have some favorable matchups and tap this week and still have a chance to catch the Thunder for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, don't expect coach Gregg Popovich to change his ways. The savvy coach has found ways to get his older players rest all season long and he is unlikely not change his philosophy over the final 10 days of the year. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili will almost certainly be held out of at least one of San Antonio's back-to-back-to-backs and Pop could even opt to rest Tony Parker, Stephen Jackson and Boris Diaw, which he has already done at times earlier in the season. Fantasy owners will have to take a hard look at their rosters when deciding whether or not to start some of the Spurs' main options this week. Still, most of San Antonio's mid-and lower-end options have been too inconsistent to trust outside ofdeeper formats this year, so owners may be better off just rolling the dice with Duncan, Parker and Ginobili. However, Jackson and Diaw should still be considered risky plays this week.

Southwest: New Orleans Hornets (@CHA, @MEM, HOU, @LAC, @GS, @HOU): The Hornets are slated to play six times during Week 17 with five of those contests coming on the road. New Orleans will start with a pair of road games against the Bobcats on Monday and Grizzlies on Wednesday before returning home to face the Rockets on Thursday. After two days off, the Hornets will close out the season on the road, starting on Sunday against the Clippers, which will be followed by contests against the Warriors and Rockets on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Despite posting the worst record in the Western Conference, New Orleans has been playing much better of late. The return of Eric Gordon has brought an added dimension of offense to the Hornets and they look to have some favorable matchups on tap this week. Houston, Golden State and Charlotte are all ranked in the bottom tier in points allowed and opposition field-goal percentage so New Orleans should be able to score points this week. While most teams that have been eliminated from the postseason don't seem to be very motivated this time of year, the Hornets are not one of those teams. Coach Monty Williams' squad is trying to build some momentum going into next season and with a new owner at the helm evaluating every aspect of the team, look for the Hornets to play hard until the end. Fantasy owners should make sure to have Gordon, Chris Kaman and the suddenly emerging Jason Smith active for the final scoring period. Even Marco Belinelli, Greivis Vasquez and Carl Landry could be worth using in deeper formats.

Southwest Division schedule (April 16-22)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Mavericks	@UTA		HOU		GS	@CHI
Rockets		DEN	@DAL	@NO		GS	@MIA
Grizzlies		@MIN	NO		@CHA	POR
Hornets	@CHA		@MEM	HOU			@LAC
Spurs	@GS	@LAL	@SAC		LAL		CLE

Southwest Division schedule (April 23-26)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Mavericks				@ATL
Rockets				NO
Grizzlies	CLE			ORL
Hornets		@GS		@HOU
Spurs	POR		@PHO	@GS

Northwest: Utah Jazz (DAL, @POR, ORL, PHO, POR): The Jazz are one of nine teams slated to play five times during Week 17. Utah will play four of those contests at home starting on Monday night against the Mavericks. The Jazz will then be in Portland to take on the Trail Blazers on Wednesday -- the team's lone road contest -- before returning home to face the Magic. After a few days off, Utah will close out the season against the Suns next Tuesday and the Trail Blazers the following Thursday. The Jazz are still in the mix for the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference, so expect them to come out guns blazing this week. Being at home will also be an advantage for Utah as it is one of nine teams averaging more than 100 points on their own court this season. Combine that with the fact that four of those contests will come against the Suns, the defensively-challenged Trail Blazers and the Dwight Howard-less Magic, and this looks to be a good week to use most of the Jazz's main Fantasy options. Sure, Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson could be shut down if Utah is eliminated from the postseason, but that is a risk we strongly recommend taking. Fantasy owners should also make sure to get Gordon Haywood, Devin Harris and Derrick Favors active this week. Despite Enes Kantar's increased role over the past few games, his production is too inconsistent to trust outside of anything other than deeper formats.

Northwest Division schedule (April 16-22)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Nuggets		@HOU	LAC			@PHO	ORL
T'Wolves	@IND	MEM		@DET			GS
Thunder	@LAC		@PHO		@SAC		@LAL
Trail Blazers	@PHO		UTA			@MEM
Jazz	@DAL		@POR			ORL

Northwest Division schedule (April 23-26)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Nuggets			@OKC	@MIN
T'Wolves				DEN
Thunder		SAC		DEN
Trail Blazers	@SA			@UTA
Jazz		PHO		POR

Phoenix Suns (POR, OKC, LAC, DEN, @UTA, SA): The Suns are scheduled to take the court six times during Week 17 as they make their last run to make the playoffs. Five of Phoenix's games this week will be at home starting on Monday night against the Trail Blazers. The Suns will then take on the Thunder, Clippers and Nuggets at US Airways Center on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, respectively. The Suns' lone road contest will be at Utah next Tuesday before closing out the season next Wednesday against the Spurs. The Clippers are the only team Phoenix will face this week that is not allowing at least 95 points per game this season, so regardless of the outcomes, the Suns should be able to score. Obviously, Steve Nash and Marcin Gortat should always remain active, but owners should make sure Channing Frye and Jared Dudley are also active in the majority of formats. Even Michael Redd, Shannon Brown and Grant Hill should garner some consideration in deeper leagues. Sebastian Telfair has been seeing more run of late as well, but his inconsistent production makes him way too risky to consider in most leagues.

Pacific Division schedule (April 16-22)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Warriors	SA		LAL		@DAL	@HOU	@MIN
Clippers	OKC		@DEN	@PHO			LAC
Lakers		SA	@GS		@SA		OKC
Suns	POR		OKC	LAC		DEN
Kings			SA		OKC		@CHA

Pacific Division schedule (April 23-26)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Warriors		NO		SA
Clippers		@ATL	@NY
Lakers				@SAC
Suns		@UTA	SA
Kings		@OKC		LAL

Central: Cleveland Cavaliers (@DET, PHI, NY, @SA, @MEM, WAS, @CHI): The Cavaliers are one of six teams slated to play seven games during Week 17 with three of those contests coming at home. Cleveland will face the Pistons in Detroit to start the period before returning home to face the 76ers on Wednesday night. The Knicks will be in town on Friday night before the Cavaliers hit the road to face the Spurs and Grizzlies in a back-to-back set on Sunday and Monday, respectively. Cleveland will be back at home to face the Wizards next Wednesday before closing out the period (and season) next Thursday night against the Bulls. Unfortunately for Fantasy owners the Cavaliers seem to be one of the few teams which has already cashed in this season. Decimated by injuries, the Cavaliers had seven players from the D-League on their roster last Saturday and most of them have seen meaningful minutes of late. Most owners aren't even sure who is on their current roster anymore, making it extremely difficult to use most of their Fantasy options, which will be the case again this week. Kyrie Irving's status remains in question and it is starting to look like Anderson Varejao will not make it back this season. That leaves Alonso Gee and Antawn Jamison as the primary scorers for Cleveland and both players have been slumping big time over the past few weeks. Still, Jamison and Gee look to be the only options on the Cavaliers worth rolling with this week as Irving's injury status makes him an extremely risky play for the scoring period. Owners should consider leaving him reserved if you have another option to turn to.

Central Division schedule (April 16-22)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Bulls	WAS		@CHA	@MIA		DAL
Cavaliers		@DET	PHI		NY		@SA
Pistons		CLE	@ATL	MIN			TOR
Pacers	MIN	@PHI		MIL		PHI
Bucks			@WAS	@IND		NJ

Central Division schedule (April 23-26)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Bulls			@IND	CLE
Cavaliers	@MEM		WAS	@CHI
Pistons	@IND			PHI
Pacers	DET		CHI
Bucks	TOR		PHI	@BOS

Atlantic: Philadelphia 76ers (@ORL, IND, @CLE, @IND, @NJ, @Mil, @DET) The 76ers will take the floor seven times during Week 17 with five of those contests coming on the road. Philadelphia will partake in a back-to-back-to-back set to start the week, beginning Monday night in Orlando. The 76ers will then face the Pacers at home on Tuesday before heading to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Wednesday. Coach Doug Collins' squad will play their final four games on the road starting on Sunday against the Pacers. Philadelphia will be in New Jersey on Monday before closing out the season against the Bucks and Pistons next Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Despite the 76ers recent tailspin from atop the standings, Philadelphia still controls its own destiny as far as the postseason in concerned. Andre Iguodala and Co. will need to win as many games as possible over the next 10 days and look to have some favorable matchups on the docket. Orlando is not the same defensive team without Dwight Howard on the court, while the Cavaliers, Nets and Pistons are all ranked near the bottom of the league in opposition field-goal percentage. That, combined with the 76ers' desperate position they put themselves in, makes this a great week to use most of their Fantasy options. Despite all the recent struggles and lineup changes Philadelphia has gone through, Fantasy owners should make sure to get Iguodala, Jrue Holliday, Elton Brand, Lou Williams, Spencer Hawes and Thaddeus Young active in the majority of formats this week. Even Jodee Meeks and the now starting Nikola Vucevic deserve some consideration in deeper formats.

Atlantic Division schedule (April 16-22)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Celtics		@NY	ORL		@ATL
Nets	MIA		NY			@MIL
Knicks		BOS	@NJ		@CLE		ATL
76ers	ORL	IND	@CLE			@IND
Raptors	ATL		@MIA				@DET

Atlantic Division schedule (April 23-26)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Celtics		MIA		MIL
Nets	PHI			@TOR
Knicks			@LAC	CHA
76ers	@NJ		@MIL	@DET
Raptors	@MIL			NJ

Southeast: Atlanta Hawks (@TOR, DET, BOS, NY, LAC, DAL) The Hawks have been quietly playing pretty well over the last few weeks and will take the court six times during Week 17. After taking on the Raptors on Monday, Atlanta will be at home for its final five games of the season starting on Wednesday when the Pistons come to town. The Hawks will then take on the Celtics and Knicks on Friday and Sunday, respectively, before facing the Clippers next Tuesday and Mavericks the following Thursday. Despite the Hawks already being locked into a playoff spot, there is still a chance Atlanta could improve its seeding. However, Fantasy owners will have to be careful when using some of its main Fantasy options as coach Larry Drew could opt to rest some of his players this week. The Hawks also have some tough matchups on tap as the Celtics, Knicks and Mavericks all rank in the top 10 in opposition field-goal percentage, while the Clippers are not too far behind. Still, Josh Smith and Joe Johnson are too valuable to consider benching, although Zaza Pachulia's foot injury makes him a major injury risk. Pachulia is expected to be sidelined until at least the Pistons game and we wouldn't be surprised if he is sits out even longer. Ivan Johnson has seen increased minutes in his absence so Fantasy owners should make sure to get him active this week along with Johnson, Smith and Jeff Teague. Even Willie Green deserves some consideration in deeper formats. However, Fantasy owners in daily formats should also keep an eye on Al Horfod's status moving forward. The Hawks are still holding out hope that he could return prior to the end of the regular season, which would be huge boost to most lineups, if he is able to return.

Southeast Division schedule (April 16-22)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Hawks	@TOR		DET		BOS		NY
Bobcats	NO		CHI		MEM		SAC
Heat	@NJ		TOR	CHI		WAS	HOU
Magic	PHI		@BOS			@UTA	@DEN
Wizards	@CHI		MIL			@MIA

Southeast Division schedule (April 23-26)
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Hawks		LAC		DAL
Bobcats	@WAS		@ORL	NY
Heat		@BOS		@WAS
Magic			CHA	@MEM
Wizards			@CLE	MIA

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.

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