Sunday Pick Em (3/25/12)
Not much has happened since my last blog…other than Peyton Manning landing in Denver, Tim Tebow heading to New York of all places, two 15 seeds knocking off two number 2 seeds in a matter of hours, and oh – baseball spring training is in full swing. Like I said – nothing new to report here.. Yikes! Keeping up with the daily injury news has become a full time job – so anyone involved with the daily game please beware and check your sources.
For anyone looking at today’s DraftStreet pick em’ – here is the squad I’ll be rolling out in some double ups:
Tier One
I’m shocked he’s an option as he has been deemed too good by the DraftStreet powers that be to even be included in the game. Basically they are saying there is no one even close to as dominant as LeBron James- play him, make it a 7 tier matchup, and don’t get cute.
Tier 2
This is an interesting tier with everyone capable of 40 points. Likewise, there is dud potential in almost everyone of these players (think 25 points) so I would suggest going safe with either Kobe Bryant, Russell Westbrook, or Rajon Rondo. I chose Rondo as he offers triple double upside vs the Wizards.
Tier 3
The Crow can’t reasonably judge David Lee value. The guy ALWAYS makes it on to my team. I keep wondering how much value he would carry if he could swat even one shot a game, but it’s just not going to happen. Lee did play 41 minutes last night but head coach Mark Jackson rarely limits his stars (hence Stephen Curry chronic ankle issues). Kyrie Irving at home vs the Suns is intriguing as there is literally no way Steve Nash can stay with someone half his age. Still David Lee offers the safest chance at 30 points.
Tier 4
I’m genuinely excited to watch the Thunder Heat game today. Like David Lee The Crow has an unhealthy love affair with Chris Bosh. What can I say I love big men who can’t block shots – sue me… Normally I would give Rudy Gay a loosky but since the return of Zach Randolph he has been pedestrian at best. Sure it could be concussion related but the smart money says the two need some time to adjust. Pass on Gay and play Bosh in the game of the day.
Tier 5
I like Antwan Jamison to emerge as the class of tier 5. The Suns have always been a fantasy goldmine and Jamo offers a full 3 points more at home vs away. If you played Irving in tier 3 you may want to look elsewhere for tier 5 value…just something to keep in mind.
Tier 6
This tier should be dubbed the point guards and centers tier… I’m going to roll with Javalle McGee and rely on his shot blocking as my cushion. Pekovic will miss his second game in a row leaving Kevin Love – fresh off a franchise high for points – to man the center. Javalle more or less can run like a hybrid SF/PF so I don’t think George Karl will have to worry about matchups too much in what should be a game well into the 200’s combined.
Tier 7
It didn’t take long for Wilson Chandler to get back into the starting lineup huh? I absolutely love his game and he fits the system perfectly. Combine that with The Rooster likely being out through the end of the season and you have a versatile wing man who is a near lock for 30 minutes. Digging this deep you are just looking for 25 points and I believe the former China star offers the best chance at accomplishing this feat.
Tier 8
This will be your money making tier as one of these players will drop 35 points which could be 20 points more than who you selected. I’m going with Nicholas Batum in a matchup tailored to his strengths. Like I mentioned earlier GS played in a back and forth close game last night and I like the energetic Batum to cause them fits. The other player I liked in this tier was Klay Thompson. However, after dropping a career high last night I went with the Frenchman who should propel me into the money in my double ups.
On a side note my last three blogs covering pick em’ have placed in the money with ease. Just something to consider as you begin to explore your Sunday options. Oh – GO JAYHAWKS!
As always happy grinding!