By Daniel Dobish on March 25, 2012
There are a total of eight games in the NBA Sunday, but we’ll preview just six of them since there are early tips in the Suns-Cavaliers and Nuggets-Timberwolves games. However, there are still plenty of tremendous fantasy options and superstars playing in the afternoon and evening games, including a head-to-head battle between some of the biggest NBA stars when Miami and Oklahoma City square off.
Washington Wizards at Boston Celtics 6pm ET
It’s been up and down for Wizards PF/C Nene Hilario ($138K) in his first three games with the team, posting 35 or more fantasy points in two games, and just 14 fantasy points in the other. He has gotten 31 or more minutes in each game, so he will be a tremendous start more often than not. Wizards SG/PG Jordan Crawford ($112K) has managed 22 or more fantasy points in four straight games, and seven of his past eight. At this price level, he is a tremendous option. Celtics SG Ray Allen (ankle) missed Friday’s game with a sore right ankle, and there is no word if he’ll play in this one. Avoid him at $98K. Swingman Michael Pietrus (head) ($55K) and SG Avery Bradley (ankle) ($55K) are also dealing with ailments.
Utah Jazz at Atlanta Hawks 6pm ET
Hawks SG/PG Kirk Hinrich ($82K) has managed 18 or more fantasy points in each of his past three games, and he is working on a streak of six games with at least 13 fantasy points. Hawks G Tracy McGrady ($55K) is expected to sit during one game of back-to-back situations for the remainder of the season. He rested Saturday, so he is expected to play in this one. However, even when he has been on the court, he isn’t a great fantasy option. Avoid him, even at the low price of $55K. Look how much better you can do just for a little more salary with Hinrich, for example. Jazz SG Raja Bell (abductor) felt he was healthy enough to play Friday, but he remains sidelined. At $55K, he isn’t a great fantasy option when he is on the floor. Swingman Josh Howard (knee) is out indefinitely after surgery, so avoid him at $64K.
Philadelphia 76ers at San Antonio Spurs 7pm ET
Spurs C Tiago Splitter (back) has missed a pair of games due to back spasms, and he is a question mark for this one. Avoid him at $86K. 76ers PF/C Elton Brand ($126K) has been hot lately, posting 72 fantasy points over his past two outings, and averaging 26.4 fantasy points per game over his past 10 games. Spurs PF/C DeJuan Blair exploded for 33 fantasy points in 25 minutes, taking advantage of the absence of Splitter Saturday against NOLA. At $91K, Blair might be a solid play, although expect Philly’s defense to provide a lot more resistance.
Miami Heat at Oklahoma City Thunder 8pm ET
Heat PF/SF LeBron James ($219K) and Thunder SF Kevin Durant ($218K) will go head-to-head. Both are obviously solid fantasy options, but sidekicks G Dwyane Wade ($194K) and PG Russell Westbrook ($189K) make a lot more sense for salary reasons. OKC PF/C Serge Ibaka ($135K) has managed three or more blocked shots in nine of his past 10 games. Ibaka is working on a string of three games with at least 29 fantasy points. Heat PF Udonis Haslem ($67K) has managed 10 or more fantasy points in four straight. Heat PF/C Joel Anthony has 10 or more fantasy points in seven straight outings, making him a decent low-end buy at $61K.
Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers 9pm ET
Trail Blazers swingman Wesley Matthews ($125K) has really come alive lately, posting 25 or more fantasy points in four consecutive games. Warriors rookie SG Klay Thompson was outstanding against the Kings Saturday, erupting for 40 fantasy points in 42 minutes. Look for him to take a small step backwards against the Blazers, who are slightly better on defense than the tremendously lax Kings. Blazers SF Nicolas Batum ($101K) is averaging 21 fantasy points per game over his past five, making him a solid addition at this price level.
Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers 10:30pm ET
It’s time for another installment of the Brothers Gasol battle. Lakers PF/C Pau Gasol ($159K) has 27 or more fantasy points in each of his past 10 games, including a 30-point fantasy effort March 13 when these teams faced each other last. Grizzlies C Marc Gasol ($172K) struggled with his shot Saturday against the Clippers, hitting just three of his 12 field goal attempts. He managed 36 fantasy points in his last head-to-head meeting against brother Pau. Lakers SF Matt Barnes ($108K) has totaled 50 fantasy points over his past two games, and he had 24 or more fantasy points in four of his past five games.
Posted in Fantasy NBA Basketball |
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