NBA: Second Round Preview
It seemed like we had just finished the first round and the, bam! We’re right into the mix of the second. We’ve already had the chance to get a taste of each matchup. The Bulls and Lakers blew it at home. Zach Randolph and the Memphis Grizzlies let their voices be heard in a Game One win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Miami Heat displayed their team unity by holding ground at home with an opening win against the Boston Celtics.
But that’s just the facts. What does that tell us in regards to your daily fantasy basketball lineup? For info and advice on everything second round for this week, read on:
Injury Report
Atlanta Hawks point guard Kirk Hinrich has a severe hamstring injury and could miss the entire series against the Chicago Bulls. Look for Jeff Teague to step up as a solid value fantasy option while he’s out.
Kobe Bryant missed practice on Saturday in order to rest his injured ankle, but played on Monday and did well. He was a touch inconsistent with the injury, so keep that in mind that it is clearly affecting him – or maybe the missed game winner will be.
Chicago’s Carlos Boozer was nursing a turf toe injury, and was questionable for Monday night’s action. He made it back to play and looked fine, but I wouldn’t recommend using him.
Shaquille O’Neal could be ready to make his playoff debut in Game Two, although it wouldn’t be wise to bank on any production in a 38-year old’s first game back. Stay away from the Celts centers for now.
Playoff Risers and Fallers
Serge Ibaka, F/C – Oklahoma City Thunder (Riser)
Ibaka was a decent regular season flier option, but in these playoffs, he’s a guy you may want on your roster every night. Averaging over 11 points, 11 rebounds, and nearly five blocks (4.8) per game. He was always solid, but he’s turned into a defensive stopper for the Thunder, while he does a great job at filling it up in other categories. Use him at reasonable prices while you can.
Pau Gasol, F/C – Los Angeles Lakers (Faller)
I know he’s technically rising back up from a horrible start to these playoffs, but he’s still not the same Pau Gasol for me right now. It just seems like he’ll get you 16 and 8, and that’s about as good as it gets right now. Plus, he had a turnover at the end of the game that potentially cost the Lakers the victory. If you want decent, Gasol can still help you, but look elsewhere for the elite production at the moment. And facing a tough Dallas Mavericks interior defense won’t make the soft-labeled Gasol’s job any easier.
Lock of the Week
Derrick Rose, PG – Chicago Bulls
I know this is that “duh” moment, but with the pesky Kirk Hinrich out for possibly the entire series, Rose gets a minimum of four games to run circles around Jeff Teague. Darren Collison and Indiana’s defense gave Rose fits at times, but now with a clear advantage, Rose could deliver huge performances even more than usual.
And if you don’t think Rose counts as a lock, then here’s one that could be helpful:
Al Horford – C, Atlanta Hawks
Horford a sleeper? Really? You better believe it. After a first round series that had Horford a fogotten man because Dwight Howard supposedly ate him up inside, he now could be ready to bust-out with a better matchup against the Chicago Bulls. Horford is already averaging a solid 12 points and 10 rebounds in the playoffs, but matchups with the under-sized Carlos Boozer and former Florida teammate Joakim Noah bode well for his fantasy success.
Sleeper of the Week
Marc Gasol – C, Memphis Grizzlies
At least one Gasol brother is playing up to his potential in the playoffs. Gasol was solid all season, but he’s really brough tit in almost every game so far, and once again has a favorable matchup inside, as defensive-stopper Kendrick Perkins has his hands tied with the versatile game of lefty Zach Randolph. With Perkins distracted, Gasol should knock down open jumpers and get easy inside looks all day. Expect his 15 points and 12 rebounds per game to keep coming, and on the cheap. Gasol can deliver stud numbers on occasion at just $7,200 at Fan Duel and under $13k at Draft Street.
Matchup Special
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Grizzlies got things started off right with a win in Game One, but the Grizzlies and Thunder also combined for 215 points, suggesting the possibility for an explosive series on the offensive end. Keep counting on it. Zach Randolph, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook are the usual suspects, but Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka have quietly been solid fantasy options lately.
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About the Writer: Kevin Roberts is a Concordia University graduate with over five years of experience in covering the NFL, NBA, Fantasy Basketball and Fantasy Football. He has had several articles featured on FOXSports.com and CBSSports.com, owns and operates NFLSoup.com and NBASoup.com, and currently resides in Florida with his wife.