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Rotisserie specials for Week 10

by Adam Moore | Fantasy Writer
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Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 31-Jan. 6) is the first scoring period of the new year, which is usually when things start to heat up in the NBA season. With most teams having played a third of their schedule, owners should have a pretty good grasp on their roster's strengths and weaknesses at this point. However, injuries and coaching changes continue to shake up the Fantasy landscape.

Fortunately, we have kept an eye on all the action here at CBSSports.com and compiled our weekly installment of the five players who are worth a look in Roto formats and the five players who should be avoided for the upcoming scoring period. Use our list to help target the right players in your lineup that will ultimately lead to your squad making the postseason. As always, we wish all Fantasy owners good luck in the upcoming scoring period and a very happy 2013.

Find a place for 'em

Isaiah Thomas, G, Kings (@DET, @CLE, @TOR, @BKN): Thomas has been one of the more frustrating players in Fantasy this season as the 23-year-old has struggled with his consistency for much of the year. However, he has been playing very well in recent weeks and has started to see his playing time increase as a result. Coach Keith Smart even inserted him back into the starting lineup over the past two games and Thomas responded by dropping in a season-best 27 points his last time on the court. He is averaging a very productive 14.6 points and 4.2 assists over his last five contests and looks to have a slew of favorable matchups on tap this week. The Nets, Cavaliers and Raptors all rank near the bottom of the pack in opposition field-goal percentage and the Pistons have plenty of their own issues on the defensive side of the ball. With Tyreke Evans still out with a knee injury, Thomas should continue to see starters minutes against some bad defensive teams over the next seven days. Fantasy owners should get him active in Week 10.(owned in 54 percent of leagues)

Thabo Sefolosha, G, Thunder (PHO, BKN, PHI, @TOR): Playing alongside the likes of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and even Kevin Martin usually doesn't leave a ton of scoring opportunities available, but Sefolosha has been good at picking his spots this year. The 28-year-old is best known for his ability to knock down 3s and rack up steals and he has been doing both of late as he is averaging 1.4 made treys and 2.3 thefts over his last seven games. While his inconsistent scoring makes him a tough option to leave active for long stretches, he looks to have some favorable matchups on tap this week. The 76ers and Suns are two of just seven teams to allow teams to shoot at least 37 percent against them from downtown and Sefolosha scored in double figures in each of his previous meetings against the Raptors and Nets this season while going a combined 5 for 8 from downtown with two steals in those matchups. While they don't come around often, this looks to be one of the few weeks owners should get Sefolosha active.(owned in 10 percent of leagues)

Caron Butler, F, Clippers (@DEN, @GS, LAL, GS): The Clippers are the hottest team in the league right now and it appears their starting small forward has finally started to heat up as well. After enduring a prolonged shooting slump, Butler looks to have found his range again. The 32-year-old has scored in double figures in each of his last three contests and is averaging 19 points on 56.8 percent shooting from the field during his run. Now the veteran will get to face a few teams that he has had some success against already this season. Butler dropped in 14 and 20 points in each of his first two games against the Lakers and Warriors this season and he went a combined 6 for 8 from downtown in those two contests. While he didn't fare nearly as well in his lone matchup against the Nuggets, Denver is allowing its opponents to shoot 36.6 percent from 3-point land, which ranks 21st. Butler's main asset to Fantasy owners continues to be his outside shooting but his streaky production makes his a risky play in some periods. However, he has the potential to light up the scoreboard when he is hot, so get him active in the majority of formats this week while that is the case.(owned in 22 percent of leagues)

C.J. Miles, F, Cavaliers (SAC, @CHA, HOU): Miles struggled when he first was moved back to bench once Kyrie Irving returned to the lineup, but he looks to have settled into his new role. The eighth-year-man has been told to look for his offense when on the floor and he has responded by putting up 9.6 field-goal attempts over his last five games. He is averaging 14.4 points on 50 percent shooting from the field over that stretch to go along with 3.2 made 3-pointers. Now Miles looks to have three favorable matchups on tap this week against the defensively challenged Kings, Bobcats and Rockets. All three teams are surrendering more than 100 points per game while allowing their opponents to make at least 45 percent of their shots. With Miles playing well and having the green light to fire away, owners should continue to roll with him this week. (owned in 33 percent of leagues)

Tyler Zeller, C, Cavaliers (SAC, @CHA, HOU): Zeller is the second Cavalier to make our start list this week as the rookie continues to turn in productive stat lines for owners. The 22-year-old is averaging 12.2 points and 6.8 rebounds over his last six contests as he continues to take advantage of his increased playing time with Anderson Varejao still nursing a knee injury. Zeller has registered one double-double over his six-game run and also giving owners a block and assist per game. He is only shooting 37 percent from the field over that stretch, but has made over 45 percent of his shots in each of his last two contests and should continue to see some solid run with Varejao not expected to return until sometime later in the scoring period. While Zeller's numbers aren't going to blow most owners away, he has been productive enough to leave active in deeper Rotisserie formats for at least one more week.(owned in 27 percent of leagues)

Put 'em on your bench

Will Bynum, G, Pistons (SAC, ATL, CHA): After spending much of the season playing in mostly mop-up duty, an injury to Rodney Stuckey has finally allowed Bynum to see some quality run for the Pistons. The 29-year-old has responded by dropping in a combined 64 points over his last three games on 50 percent shooting from the field. However, Bynum's run will most likely be short lived as Stuckey is expected to be back in the lineup for Detroit's three matchups this week. While Bynum's recent three-game stretch could earn him some extra playing time, we would wait until coach Lawrence Frank commits to giving him minutes alongside Stuckey before getting him active. Bynum had only seen more than 20 minutes three times this season before his recent hot stretch so Fantasy owners should take a wait-and-see approach and leave him reserved this week.(owned in 18 percent of leagues)

Richard Hamilton, G, Bulls (CHA, @ORL, @MIA): Hamilton was finally able to get back on the floor after missing the past 12 games a torn plantar fascia tissue in his left foot but only saw 15 minutes in his first game back. That was by design as the Bulls are going to be very careful with the veteran and attempt to ease him back into action. Hamilton averaged 13.8 points on 45 percent shooting prior to his injury, but was seeing more than 27 minutes per game back then. He likely will be limited to around the 15-20 minutes range during most of Week 10 until he proves he is healthy and gets his conditioning back up. While Hamilton can be considered a viable low-end option when at 100 percent, owners should are best to wait until Fantasy Week 11 (Jan. 7-13) before getting him active.(owned in 22 percent of leagues)

Patrick Patterson, F, Rockets (ATL, NO, @MIL, @CLE): Patterson has developed into one of more pleasant surprises during the early part of the season as he was averaging 13.2 points and 4.8 rebounds on 49 percent shooting during his 21 starts. However, a foot injury cost him seven games earlier in the month and he is now being brought off the bench while he tries to get his conditioning back. While Patterson should be able to unseat Marcus Morris and earn his starting gig back, that likely won't happen until later in the scoring period. Houston wants to make sure the 23-year-old is completely healthy and in shape before asking him to log major minutes again. Fantasy owners should give the promising third-year forward out of Kentucky at least one more week before getting him active again.(owned in 52 percent of leagues)

Jeff Green, F, Celtics, (MEM, IND, @ATL): Green has once again struggled to find his footing with the Celtics this season and has been extremely inconsistent for much of the year. The 26-year-old is shooting just 41 percent from the field, which has translated into a mediocre 9.8 points and 3.2 rebounds over his 30 games. Still, Green has turned in one of his more productive stretches of late as he is averaging 11.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.0 block over his last five games. However, he shot just 35 percent from the field over that stretch and logged major minutes in garbage time with Boston losing four of its last five games, including the last three by an average of 23.6 points. The Celtics will be home this week to face the Grizzlies, Pacers and Hawks, which are three of the more stout defensive teams in the league. We aren't buying into Green's recent hot stretch and believe his recent productive streak was the result of favorable circumstances rather than an improvement in play. Fantasy owners should not consider Green a viable start this week.(owned in 32 percent of leagues)

Zaza Pachulia, C, Hawks, (@HOU, @NO, @DET, BOS): Pachulia is coming off one of his better performances of the season his last time on the court as he posted his second double-double of the year against the Pacers. However, productive performances have been few and far in-between for the 28-year-old as he has only scored in double figures on three other occasions. Pachulia saw a season-high 38 minutes during his big performance against Indiana as the result of Josh Smith missing the game with a hip injury. With Smith now healthy, Pachulia will be moved back to his reserve role in which he has averaged just 5.4 points and 6.5 rebounds. While the veteran has proved he can be a decent low-end option when he sees starters minutes, his value as a reserve remains extremely limited. Fantasy owners should continue to leave Pachulia on the bench in the majority of formats this week.(owned in 15 percent of leagues)

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Player News
David West
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.

Carmelo Anthony
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.

Dwyane Wade
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.

Dwight Howard
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.

J.R. Smith
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.

Kawhi Leonard
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.

Tyson Chandler
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.

George Hill
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.

Kevin Garnett
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.

Paul Pierce
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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