NBA Weekly Preview
It’s been a wild ride, but only a few weeks of regular season fantasy basketball remain. Sure, there’s always fantasy basketball playoff games, but there’s nothing quite like the daily grind of the regular season.
Before you get cast into that playoff atmosphere of picking matchups over individual tendencies, we still have a couple more thrilling weeks left to play with.
Here’s your weekly dose of player and team updates, along with some daily fantasy advice:
Injury Report
The milk has gone bad in San Antonio, as Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan are on the shelf with injuries, and Tony Parker just missed Monday’s game with very little warning. Keep away from all three if you can down the stretch, as their combination of injuries and potential to see limited minutes isn’t attractive.
Anyone who has been using Rajon Rondo has been getting exactly what they should have expected: inconsistency with a side of random offensive explosion. He made a surprise start on Monday and played well after his coach said he wouldn’t play, so keep up on his status if you’re going to be using him.
Denver’s Wilson Chandler is dealing with a knee injury and remains questionable for Wednesday’s action. Keep an eye on his status.
Both D.J. Augustin and Shaun Livingston exited the Bobcats’ last game with injuries, and should be questionable for their next slated game. Garrett Temple could grab a start in their place if they miss time, but he shouldn’t be relied on in fantasy leagues.
Andrea Bargnani has been hindered by a calf injury and dealt with a flu, and is questionable for his next game after sitting out his most recent contest.
Orlando’s Jameer Nelson missed Monday’s action and should be monitored, Deron Williams is closing in on a return and could play again as soon as Wednesday, and Kyle Lowry claims he expects to play on Tuesday night, despite still being in a walking boot.
Washington also lost Nick Young yet again after the star wing man re-aggravated his knee injury. He is expected to undergo an MRI, and he and the team will make a decision on a return from there.
Rotation Probation
Not that it appeared Nick Young’s brief return was going to negatively affect them, Washington break-out stars Jordan Crawford and Trevor Booker should continue to make daily fantasy owners happy. With Young possibly looking at being shutdown with more knee woes, their value could stay at a high level the rest of the way.
Coach Byron Scott has let it be known that the starting point guard job is Baron Davis’ as soon as he’s ready for the starting role and minutes. Baron Davis claims to enjoy coming off the bench and has thrived in his new role. A switch could mean increased value for Davis, while Ramon Sessions’ stock would likely drop.
Tyreke Evans returned for the Kings, but his 23 minutes on the floor off the bench had absolutely zero affect on Marcus Thornton’s fantasy performance. That could very well be a trend. Look for Thornton’s value to stay roughly the same, while Evans works himself back in as a decent daily fantasy option.
Risers and Fallers
Chris Kaman – C, Los Angeles Clippers
It sure took some time, but Chris Kaman has suddenly progressed into a very solid daily fantasy option. He’s in the starting lineup and crushing it right now, so be sure to use him when you can.
Jamal Crawford – G/F, Atlanta Hawks (Faller)
Crawford used to be a guy to worry about for the opposing defense, and now he’s a bit of an offensive liability. The minutes are there, but Crawford’s shot sure isn’t. With just one 11+ point scoring effort in his last six games, you can safely stay away.
Lock of the Week
Carl Landry – PF, New Orleans Hornets
Landry is averaging over 20 points and eight rebounds in two starts since David West went down for the season. The minutes and role will be there the rest of the way for him to be a workhorse down the stretch.
Sleeper of the Week
Chase Budinger – G/F, Houston Rockets
Budinger returned from injury and put up 16 points in his first game back, so it’s possible that he’s on his way to helping you in daily fantasy games again. He’s still a side option, but he can be had on the cheap for just over $8,000 over at Draft Street. Considering the highest player is at over $19,000, you’re getting a solid steal.
Matchup Special
Denver Nuggets vs. Sacramento Kings
This may not be the most perfect fantasy matchup on paper, but its a dual-threat matchup, as the two teams face-off twice this week. Neither team is an elite defensive squad, and both can really pour it on offensively when they get going. Marcus Thornton is always a nice play, while Danilo Gallinari and Tyreke Evans could be interesting options this week. Anticipate a lot of scoring, with even role players putting up quality numbers.
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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.