By Daniel Dobish on April 14, 2012
The slate is so-so Saturday in the National Basketball Association. A lot of the teams are just playing out the string, and there aren’t a whole slew of fantasy studs going. But there are solid fantasy options, and this could be a very productive night if you make the right choice. Again, just beware of some of the injury pitfalls, and always make sure to hit Twitter before finalizing your roster.
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers 3:30pm ET
Warriors PF/C David Lee ($160K) is out indefinitely due to a groin injury, and SF Richard Jefferson (knee) won’t play in this one either. You might be able to find some value in C Jeremy Tyler ($59K) and PF/C Mickell Gladness ($55K), who could start together while Lee is sidelined. Clippers PG Mo Williams ($73K) was back from a toe injury Thursday, and he connected on six of his 11 field goal attempts for 14 points in 20 minutes. He ended up with a solid 19 fantasy points, making him one to watch. SG/PG Randy Foye ($91K) saw his minutes decrease to 26 with the return of Williams, and he has had decreasing fantasy points totals in each of the the past three games.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards 7pm ET
Cavaliers PF Samardo Samuels ($81K) is enjoying a solid stretch, as he tries to assert himself down the stretch. He has 45 fantasy points over his past two games, and is worth a look if you want to spend heavily elsewhere. Cavs SG/PG Donald Sloan ($72K) continues to rack up minutes, and he has 14 or more fantasy points in six straight games. Not bad production at this price level. Wizards PF/C Nene Hilario (foot) is rounding the corner, but still won’t play until some time next week. PF Trevor Booker (foot) also remains out, so PF/C Kevin Seraphin ($136K) continues to see a huge role. Seraphin has 18 or more fantasy points in each of his past 10 games, and is averaging a robust 29.2 fantasy points per game over the past six.
Boston Celtics at New Jersey Nets 7:30pm ET
Celtics PG Rajon Rondo ($140K) has managed 10 or more assists in 20 straight games. He has at least 24 fantasy points in nine consecutive contests. Nets F Gerald Wallace ($127K) is a question mark for this one due to a hamstring injury. He has already missed two games due to the injury, so you might want to go another way. Celtics C Greg Stiemsma ($76K) has been fairly effective lately, averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game over the past five. However, he was limited to just nine fantasy points in his outing Friday.
Utah Jazz at Memphis Grizzlies 8pm ET
Jazz PF Paul Millsap (wrist) played through a wrist injury and excelled against the Hornets Friday, hitting 11 of his 21 shots to go along with eight rebounds, three streals and a blocked shot in 39 minutes. He finished with 44 fantasy points, and has 32 or more fantasy points in each of his past three. That’s outstanding production at just $138K in salary. Grizzlies swingman Tony Allen ($90K) is expected to return to the lineup after missing time due to a facial injury which required stitches near his mouth. Thus ends the usefulness of SG Quincy Pondexter ($55K).
Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves 8pm ET
Timberwolves head coach Rick Adelman told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune Friday that he “didn’t know” when PG Luke Ridnour (ankle) will return. That’s great news for PG J.J. Barea ($99K), who is averaging 21.8 fantasy points per game over his past five since returning from a thigh injury. The word out of Minnesota is that C/PF Kevin Love ($186K) is out indefinitely due to his concussion. That means PF/C Anthony Randolph ($95K) remains a must-start option at this price level. He has an amazing 74 fantasy points over his past two games. OKC SG James Harden (knee) missed Friday’s game due to a tender knee, and his status for this one is up in the air. Don’t gamble on him at $104K.
Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks 8:30pm ET
Pacers PG Darren Collison (groin) is battling a groin injury, and unlikely to play in this one. G George Hill ($93K) made another start in his absence Friday against the Cavaliers, and posted 25 fantasy points. He is averaging 28.0 fantasy points per game over his past three outings, making him a nice buy at this price level. Bucks PF Ekpe Udoh ($88K) has been effective lately, but he rolled his left ankle Friday. It doesn’t sound too serious, but it could very well limit his production. PF/C Drew Gooden ($118K) exploded for 42 fnatasy points Friday after going scoreless and playing just five minutes Wednesday due to more back issues. He is the definition of high-risk, high-reward right now.
Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs 9pm ET
Spurs PF/C Tim Duncan ($152K) picked up 43 fantasy points Thursday against Memphis, which was the first time he hit the 40-point mark since March 27 in a game against Phoenix. Suns swingman Michael Redd ($74K) bounced back with 17 fantasy points Friday against Houston after a disappearing act Wednesday. He has been fairly useful, posting 16 or more fantasy points in six of his past seven games. At this price level, and with his positional versatility, he can be very helpful if you want to spend more money elsewhere. F Grant Hill ($97K) was back Friday after a lengthy absence, and he posted just 10 fantasy points. He isn’t worth using just yet. The return of Hill did have an effect on SG Shannon Brown ($117K), who posted just 16 fantasy points while taking just nine field goal attempts. His fantasy point total was the lowest in his past 10 games.
Posted in Fantasy NBA Basketball |
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